29 Binge-worthy Time Travel Kdramas
Looking for time travel kdramas you’ve come to the right place.
Time travel Korean dramas have become increasingly popular in Korean television, as viewers are drawn to the unique storylines and characters that come with this genre.
The use of time-traveling plots has allowed producers to explore different eras, cultures, and perspectives while also creating amazing stories that keep viewers hooked.
With a wide range of genres from fantasy, mystery, romance, and even horror available for exploration through time travel Kdramas, it’s no wonder why they’ve become so beloved by fans all over the world.
From classic hits like Queen In Hyun’s Man to recent fan favorites such as When I Was Most Beautiful , these shows have captivated audiences with their intriguing plotlines and captivating visuals.
Whether you’re looking for a thrilling adventure or an emotional journey through time, you’ll find something binge-worthy with these fascinating Korean dramas!
Let’s jump in!
Many time travel kdramas are easily accessible from anywhere in the world. But there may be certain platforms that will only work with a VPN (i.e. US Netflix or Singapore VIU).
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Time travel kdramas, 1. again my life (2022).
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Mystery, Drama, Law, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on Viu
Kim Hee Woo is a public prosecutor who has worked hard to get where he is. During the course of his investigations, he must conduct a probe into a politician suspected of corruption.
Suddenly, Kim Hee Woo finds himself killed by an unknown man. However, he soon comes back to life and discovers that he must return to university and complete his academic journey again in order to find out what happened to him.
With the help of Kim Hee Ah, an exceptionally intelligent young woman from a wealthy family, he embarks on his investigation. Will they be able to uncover the truth about what happened? Find out by watching Again My Life now!
2. Reborn Rich (2022)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Business, Drama, Political, Time Travel | Watch on Viki
Reborn Rich is a Korean drama that follows the story of Yoon Hyun Woo, a devoted and hard-working secretary to the Soonyang chaebol family.
When he is betrayed by an unknown member of the family and killed under their orders, he miraculously wakes up in the body of Jin Do Jun, the youngest member of the family.
Hyun Woo plots to use his new identity to take control of Soonyang Group from Jin Yang Cheol’s children, who are vying for power within it.
He must face off against Seo Min Young, nicknamed “Soonyang Group Grim Reaper,” as well as overcome other obstacles along his journey. Will he be able to wrest control from Jin Yang Cheol’s children or will his mission fail miserably?
3. Hello Me! (2021)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Life, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix , Watch on MyAsianTV
Hello Me! is a Korean drama that follows the story of Ban Ha Ni, a 37-year-old single woman who feels miserable and unsuccessful.
After her spunky 17-year-old self travels from the past to meet her current self, she realizes that she needs to make drastic changes to find happiness and security.
Through this journey, she must navigate through an unfamiliar world while uncovering clues about herself and getting her spark back.
4. Blue Birthday (2021)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Romance, Drama, Sports, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on KissKh
Blue Birthday is a Korean drama that follows the story of Oh Ha Rin, a woman who has been struggling with the pain and grief of her first love’s death for 10 years.
On the 10th anniversary of his death, she discovers mysterious photos left behind by him which take her back in time to moments before his sudden passing.
She must use these 8 chances to go back in time wisely as she tries to change their fate and save Ji Seo Jun from taking his own life while also finding out what he wanted to tell her all those years ago.
It is an emotional journey full of mystery and romance as Ha Rin attempts to rewrite history!
5. Sisyphus: The Myth (2021)
Quick facts: 20 episodes | Action, Thriller, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix
Sisyphus: The Myth is a Korean drama that follows the story of Han Tae Sul, a genius engineer and co-founder of Quantum and Time who has outstanding coding skills.
After his brother’s death ten years ago, he starts to cause fluctuations in the company’s stocks. One day, he witnesses something unbelievable and sets off on a dangerous journey to uncover the truth.
Along his way, he meets Kang Seo Hae ( Park Shin Hye ), a survivor from a future dystopian world who travels back in time to save him. Together they must navigate through this unfamiliar world while uncovering clues about their time period.
6. Mr. Queen (2020)
Quick facts: 20 episodes | Historical, Romance, Comedy, Fantasy, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix , Watch on Viki
Mr. Queen is a time travel Kdrama focused on the life of Jang Bong Hwan, a South Korean chef living in the present day. Jang Bong Hwan is a rising chef for top politicians in the Blue House’s presidential residences.
Jang Bong Hwan finds himself in an alternate past, inhabiting the body of Queen Kim So Yong after a serious accident.
This Kdrama takes viewers on a journey with Jang Bong Hwan as he navigates the dangerous political landscape of ancient Korea and discovers that his “husband” harbors secrets.
With comedy, romance, fantasy, and time travel all rolled into one, Mr. Queen is sure to have viewers hooked from start to finish!
7. Alice (2020)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Mystery, Melodrama, Sci-Fi, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on Viu , Watch on MyAsianTV
In the year 2050, a revolutionary organization called Alice was born to enable humans to traverse different periods in history and explore alternate universes.
Upon discovering a “Book of Prophecy” that predicts the fate of all travelers, Alice entrusts Yoo Min Hyuk and Yoon Tae Yi with an important mission: to venture back in time to 1992 and reclaim it from its last known keeper.
During their mission, Tae Yi discovers she is pregnant with Yoo Min Hyuk’s child and decides to stay in 1992 while hiding from him by changing her name.
Fast forward to 2020 when Park Jin Gyeom, son of Park Sun Young (formerly known as Yoon Tae Yi) is now a successful detective who crosses paths with his mother’s lookalike, another version of Yoon Tae Yi, who is now a physics professor specializing in quantum and temporal mechanics.
Together they embark on an adventure filled with mystery, melodrama, sci-fi elements, and time travel as they search for answers about the Book of Prophecy which could determine the fate of all travelers through time.
8. The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Mystery, Romance, Drama, Sci-Fi, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix
The King follows the story of Lee Gon ( Lee Min Ho ), a king of the Korean Empire who would rather attend conferences than fulfill his duties.
While playing hooky one day, Lee Gon discovers a door that opens to a parallel world and the modern day. He meets Jeong Tae Eul, a police inspector who he teams up with to take out criminals. But they both also work towards closing the door between their 2 worlds.
This Kdrama is filled with mystery, romance, drama, sci-fi, and time travel elements that will keep you glued to your screen.
9. The Light in Your Eyes (2019)
Quick facts: 12 episodes | Romance, Life, Melodrama, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix , Watch on Viki
The Light in Your Eyes is a Korean drama that follows the story of Kim Hye Ja, a 26-year-old woman who uses a mysterious watch to rewind time in an attempt to save her father from an accident. However, she fails and ends up aging into a 70-year-old.
Lost and seeking answers, she embarks on a quest to restore order in her life. She encounters people from her past who don’t recognize her, including Lee Joon Ha, the man she loves, who remains devoted to her while confronting his demons.
When 70-year-old Kim Hye Ja and young Lee Joon Ha form an unlikely bond together, they discover the truth behind all of the time Kim has lost over the years as well as uncover secrets about their pasts that will change their lives forever.
10. Longing Heart / My First Love (2018)
Quick facts: 10 episodes | Romance, Mystery, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on KissAsian
Longing Heart is a Korean drama that follows the story of Shin Woo, a man who regrets letting his first love, Han Ji Soo, go ten years ago.
He gets a second chance when he travels back in time and finds out that she liked him too. With this knowledge, he tries to help his younger self win her heart.
However, things become complicated as Han Ji Soo starts to develop feelings for the older version of himself and he discovers the reason why they were separated in the first place.
Will he be able to win her heart or will it be an impossible mission for Shin Woo?
11. Familiar Wife (2018)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Comedy, Romance, Drama, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix , Watch on Viki
Familiar Wife is a Korean drama that follows the story of Cha Joo Hyuk, a banker who has been married to Seo Woo Jin for five years. When an unexpected incident occurs one day, Joo Hyuk makes a decision that changes his life and those around him in ways he never expected.
Suddenly, his relationship with Woo Jin and his best friend Yoon Joong Hoo is gone and he finds himself living an entirely different life.
As he adjusts to this new reality, Joo Hyuk must also contend with the reappearance of his first love Lee Hee Won as they all seek to find out if he can get back the life he once had.
With its mix of comedy, romance, drama, and time travel elements, Familiar Wife will make you think about the decisions we make every day and the “what ifs.”
12. Life on Mars (2018)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Action, Mystery, Psychological, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on KissAsian
Life on Mars is a Korean drama that follows the story of Han Tae Joo, a leader of a crime investigation team in the present day.
While investigating a serial murder case, he has an accident and wakes up to find himself in the winter of 1988.
In this unfamiliar time period, he is appointed as a detective at a police station in a small city and must solve the case to get back to his own time. Along his journey, he discovers new clues about his current situation while navigating through an unfamiliar world with its own set of rules.
13. Hit the Top / The Best Hit (2017)
Quick facts: 32 episodes | Comedy, Romance, Drama, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on AppleTV
Uncover the captivating story of Lee Ji Hoon and Choi Woo Seung in Hit The Top, a Korean drama that follows their journey as they strive to pass the civil service exam while Ji Hoon pursues his dreams of becoming a singer-songwriter.
Their lives change when they meet Yoo Hyun Jae, an idol from the ’90s who accidentally time-traveled to 2017. Together, they embark on an adventure filled with passion, love, and friendship as they explore their dreams in the entertainment industry.
With comedy, romance, drama, and time travel elements all rolled into one show, Hit The Top is sure to keep viewers hooked until the end!
14. Tomorrow With You (2017)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Romance, Drama, Life, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on AppleTV , Watch on KissAsian
Yoo So Joon, a prosperous CEO of an enterprise in the real estate sector, embarks on an unforgettable journey as he discovers his ability to time travel in Tomorrow With You. During his trips on the subway, he often glimpses a bleak future of himself living an unfulfilled life.
In a desperate attempt to resolve this dilemma, he decides to marry Song Ma Rin, an optimistic photographer whom he doesn’t love.
Can Ma Rin help So Joon change his unhappy future or will they be doomed by fate as well as time travel itself? Follow their journey of love, drama, and mystery as they attempt to rewrite their destiny together!
15. Live Up to Your Name (2017)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Historical, Romance, Medical, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix
Live Up to Your Name is a Korean drama following the story of Heo Im, a brilliant doctor born in a concubine family during the Joseon era. Despite his remarkable medical skills, his background prevents him from climbing up the ladder of success.
One day, he travels through time to present-day Seoul and meets Yeon Gyung, a modern-day doctor who doesn’t believe his claims.
When they travel back together to Joseon again, they embark on an adventure filled with romance and medical drama as Heo Im strives to live up to his name by proving himself despite all odds.
With its thrilling mix of historical elements and time travel themes, Live Up To Your Name is sure to keep viewers hooked!
16. Manhole (2017)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Thriller, Romance, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on KissAsian
Manhole is a Korean drama that tells the story of Bong Pil, an unemployed man who time travels into the past through a manhole to stop the wedding of his lifelong crush Soo Jin.
Every time he goes back in time, he becomes someone else and must find ways to get closer to Soo Jin while avoiding getting caught up in various situations. With an element of thrill, Manhole is different from other time travel Kdramas.
17. Tunnel (2017)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Thriller, Sci-Fi, Mystery Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on MyAsianTV
Tunnel is a thrilling Korean drama that follows the story of Park Gwang Ho, an excellent and enthusiastic detective in 1986 who gets transported to present-day Seoul after pursuing leads in a serial homicide case.
He meets Kim Sun Jae, an elite detective with eccentric tendencies but highly skilled investigating skills.
With help from psychology professor Shin Jae Yi, they embark on an adventure filled with mystery and suspense as they work together to solve cases while navigating through time portals.
18. Go Back Couple (2017)
Quick facts: 12 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on KissAsian
Choi Ban Do and Ma Jin Joo have been married for 38 years, but their romance hasn’t been the same in a long time.
When they said “I do,” Choi Ban Do and Ma Jin Joo were deeply in love; yet, now the couple are full of resentment for one another. While he has been bearing the weight of supporting his household, she is stuck in a housewife role with a waning sense of self-confidence.
Unhappily married at such an early age, both regret their impulsive decision to wed.
Through time travel, they find themselves as 20-year-old university students when they first met and must rekindle their relationship all over again if they want to stay together forever.
19. My Only Love Song (2017)
Quick facts: 20 episodes | Historical, Romance, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on Netflix
My Only Love Song is a Korean drama that follows the story of Song Soo Jung, a top star who is incredibly arrogant and classifies people by how much money they have.
Suddenly, she finds herself transported back in time to the Goguryeo era where she meets On Dal, an ambitious man who will do anything for money.
Song Soo Jung soon realizes that On Dal has a generous heart towards those less fortunate than him.
20. Moon Lovers: Scarlett Heart Ryeo (2016)
Quick facts: 20 episodes | Historical, Romance, Melodrama, Time Travel | Watch on KissAsian , Order on Amazon
Moon Lovers: Scarlett Heart Ryeo is a Korean drama that follows the story of Go Ha Jin, who finds herself transported back to the Goryeo Dynasty of Korea during King Taejo’s rule.
In this alternate past, she inhabits the body of Hae Soo and lives in the house of 8th Prince Wang Wook.
Along the way, she befriends the princes and the people during this time and experiences a passionate love story with the ostracized 4th Prince Wang So.
This drama has plenty of romance, melodrama, and time-travel elements that will keep you hooked until the end!
21. Splash Splash Love (2015)
Quick facts: 2 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Historical, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on KissAsian , Watch on Kocowa
In the romantic Korean drama, Splash Splash Love, we follow Dan Bi’s story, a high school senior who is determined to overcome her disappointment in math.
On the morning of her college entrance exam, a sudden rainstorm whisks her away to the ancient Joseon Kingdom. She is now at the height of its existence and must navigate how she will return home!
But she meets King Lee Do who yearns to learn advanced mathematics and she falls in love with him. As they come to know each other better, their romance transcends space and time as they face various obstacles together.
Will Dan Bi be able to help King Lee Do achieve his goals or will their mission fail miserably in this heart-warming drama full of adventure and romance?
22. God’s Gift: 14 Days (2014)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Thriller, Drama, Mystery, Time Travel | Watch on MyAsianTV , Watch on Kocowa ,
In the harrowing thriller, God’s Gift: 14 Days, Kim Soo Hyun plays a mother devastated when her beloved daughter Han Saet Byul is violently abducted and murdered.
A miraculous event sends time back 14 days, giving Soo Hyun a second chance to uncover the kidnapping conspiracy and rescue her daughter before it is too late.
Ki Dong Chan, a former police officer who has become a private investigator, is joining her on this task. It appears that he has his interest in the whole matter.
As time rapidly dwindles, the crimes become clearer, and far more treacherous secrets than Soo Hyun could ever have predicted are discovered.
Will they be able to save Saet Byul or will history repeat itself once more in God’s Gift: 14 Days?
23. Nine: Nine Times Time Travel (2013)
Quick facts: 20 episodes | Mystery, Romance, Time Travel | Watch on KissAsian
Nine: Nine Times Time Travel tells the captivating story of Park Sun Woo, a devoted anchorman at a TV broadcasting station, and his love for Joo Min Young, another news reporter.
He manages to earn 9 scented items that transport him 20 years back in time, granting him the capability to protect his family and alter the current world he inhabits.
Yet, his actions have consequences that ripple through time, affecting the lives of those around him in the future, including his crush.
Along this journey, Park Sun Woo must navigate through unfamiliar situations while uncovering clues about his own life and those around him.
24. Marry Him if You Dare (2013)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Romance, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on MyAsianTV
Set within the world of TV broadcasting, Marry Him if You Dare features Na Mi Rae who embarks on a journey to the past to save her 32-year-old self from marrying news anchor Kim Shin.
This sends her past self down a different path and enables her to pursue the things she wanted in life. Along this journey, she discovers more about herself and those around her while striving to make a better future for herself and those close to her.
Will Na Mi Rae be able to find true happiness or will fate keep getting in the way of what she wants most in Marry Him if You Dare?
25. Faith (2012)
Quick facts: 24 episodes | Historical, Romance, Medical, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on MyAsianTV
Faith is a Korean drama that follows the story of 21st-century plastic surgeon Eun Soo, who gets kidnapped and brought 700 years into the past for her healing powers.
There she meets General Choi Yeong, bodyguard to the king in the Goryeo era. Despite their initial conflicts and his struggle with a female doctor, they soon feel attracted to each other as they face various obstacles together.
26. Queen In Hyun’s Man (2012)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Historical, Romance, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on Youtube , Watch on KissAsian , Order on Amazon
Queen In Hyun’s Man is a time travel Korean drama following Kim Boong Do, a scholar from the Joseon era who travels 300 years into the future.
He meets Choi Hee Jin, a no-name actress who is trying her best to get a role in a Queen In Hyun TV drama.
27. Rooftop Prince (2012)
Quick facts: 20 episodes | Historical, Romance, Comedy, Time Travel | Watch on Viki , Watch on MyAsianTV
Crown Prince Yi Gak finds himself transported from the Joseon Dynasty to modern-day Seoul.
After meeting Hong Se Na, who bears a striking resemblance to his dead wife, he assumes the identity of her company’s CEO’s grandson to stay close and investigate her mysterious 300-year death.
Along his journey, he must navigate through the unfamiliar world of a modern corporation while uncovering clues about his period.
28. Time Slip Dr. Jin (2012)
Quick facts: 22 episodes | Romance, Historical, Medical, Time Travel | Watch on Amazon Prime , Watch on KissAsian
Jin Hyuk is a talented neurosurgeon with an aloof and austere personality, driven by his longing for perfection. Unexpectedly he finds himself swept away to the Joseon Dynasty of 1860 through some mysterious power.
With no access to modern medical technology and knowledge, Jin Hyuk must find new ways of treating the sick while navigating through unfamiliar situations.
Along this journey, he discovers more about himself and those around him while striving to become an actual doctor in Time Slip Dr. Jin!
29. Operation Proposal (2012)
Quick facts: 16 episodes | Romance, Drama, Sports, Time Travel | Watch on MyAsianTV , Order on Amazon
Kang Baek Ho and Ham Yi Seul have been best friends since elementary school, but Baek Ho has never acknowledged his attraction to her. On the day of Yi Seul’s wedding to another man (Jin Won), Baek Ho regrets not confessing his love for her.
Suddenly, a mysterious conductor appears and gives him a second chance by allowing him to travel back in time to various events of their lives.
He hopes that he can use this opportunity to win over Yi Seul’s heart and change the outcome of their relationship. However, changing the future is not as easy as it seems.
Will Kang Baek Ho be able to convince Yi Seul that they are meant for each other or will his mission fail miserably in Operation Proposal?
Final Thoughts: Time Travel Kdramas
Korean dramas have been able to captivate viewers in many different genres, including time travel. The stories of these characters are unique and the journey that they embark on is often filled with love, comedy, suspense, and sometimes even tragedy.
These time travel Kdramas provide us with an escape from our own lives and allow us to experience the joys, sorrows, and excitement of different periods.
If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, then these time travel Kdram might be just what you need!
Looking for something different? Check out more Korean dramas !
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Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World. Pafoua writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. When she’s not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book. You can find her on Instagram @herwanderfulworld.
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The best time travel K-dramas — and why there are so many of them
When you think of shows about time travel, what pops up in your mind? Maybe “Doctor Who,” “Outlander,” or “Quantum Leap”? But what about “Reborn Rich,” “A Time Called You,” and “Lovely Runner”?
If you haven’t heard of the latter three, you are not caught up on your K-dramas .
Many shows out of South Korea incorporate time travel elements, but they tend to do so in a way that prioritizes relationships and plot over science fiction elements. Even the offerings that are heavy on sci-fi and fantasy stress the relationships not just between the leads, but between their core group of friends and family.
This does beg the question: why is the time travel trope so popular in Korean series? Besides adding a relatively unique element that differentiates the storylines from other shows, there is also a very visceral component. K-drama story arcs excel at telling tales of love and revenge. And what better way is there to get these points across than depicting how love and revenge transcend all boundaries, including time?
Below, find 12 of the best K-dramas about time travel to watch next.
'Lovely Runner' (2024)
The sleeper hit of this year is “Lovely Runner,” which stars Kim Hye-yoon (“SKY Castle,” “Extraordinary You”) and Byeon Woo-seok (“Record of Youth,” “Strong Girl Nam-soon”) in his breakthrough starring role.
“Lovely Runner” is full of action and intrigue, but at its core, it’s a story of undying love and sacrifice. Sun-jae (played by Byeon) is an isolated superstar, and Im-sol (Kim) is an uber fan who would do anything to support him. Both are 34 and wishing their lives had played out differently. The plot reveals that the unlikely pair has a history together that is centered on doing whatever it takes to protect each other. This includes traveling through time, knowing they may not be able to return home, or even see each other again.
Unlike many K-pop idols who also act (IU, Bae Suzy, Rowoon, Yoona, Cha Eun-woo, D.O.), the male lead here is not a trained singer. But Byeon portrays the leader of the fictional boy band Eclipse well enough that “Sudden Shower ,” the drama’s recurring OST song that he sings, charted on Billboard in real life.
Where to watch: Viki
‘Signal’ (2016)
In this time-traveling crime series, two police officers (played by Lee Je-Hoon and Choi Jin-woong) communicate with each other while living decades apart. With one in the past and the other in the future, they are able to prevent tragedies and close cold cases that had seemed unsolvable. Kudos to Kim Hye-soo (“Hyena”) for her portrayal of the first female police officer in the squad. Initially viewed as little more than the department’s coffee maker, she grows to become a fierce and effective leader.
Where to watch: Netflix, Paramount+
‘Reborn Rich’ (2022)
This was the most-watched K-drama of 2022 in South Korea, and with good reason. Song Joong-ki’s time travel and reincarnation series explores the world of chaebols, the family-owned businesses that dominate the country's economy, from the point of view of a diligent employee who tries to do the right thing, but gets whacked for his troubles. Though he should be dead, he awakens in the past. He has the awareness of his former self, but is in the prepubescent body of the youngest member of a privileged chaebol family. As he grows into his role, he uses his knowledge of the future (investing in “Titanic” before it opens) to reinvent himself in the past. Each day he spends with his new “family,” he plots out revenge against them for orchestrating his previous self’s death. All of this is complicated by his relationship with his difficult “grandfather,” who he has grown to respect.
‘Go Back Couple’ (2017)
After 14 years of marriage, college sweethearts Jin-joo (Jang Na-ra) and Ban-do (Son Ho-jun) bicker more than they talk. Through a series of misunderstandings, they wonder why they ever wed and decide to divorce. After tossing their rings aside, they wake up in their respective childhood bedrooms. At first, they are ecstatic being young and carefree again, seeing parents who haven’t yet died. But by reliving their youth, they realize that their college years weren’t as idyllic as they had remembered.
Where to watch: Viki, Kocowa, Prime Video
‘A Time Called You’ (2023)
This remake of the Taiwanese show “Someday or One Day” has it all — time travel, body jumping, doppelgangers! Jeon Yeo-been and Ahn Hyo-seop each portray two sets of characters whose past and future are controlled by an old cassette player with a pop song on it, which allows them to have an input on what their lives are meant to be. There’s a lot going on, including a serial killer subplot. The ending was selfless and beautifully poetic. But be forewarned: viewers of happily-ever-after finales may be frustrated by the lack of finite closure.
Where to watch: Netflix
‘The King: Eternal Monarch’ (2020)
Set in parallel universes, this K-drama was Lee Min-ho’s comeback after completing his mandatory military duty in 2019. He stars as the monarch of the Kingdom of Corea, a unified country whose capitol is in Busan. The other universe is set in Seoul, where Tae-eul (Kim Go-eun) works as a detective. After discovering a portal that allows him to travel between the two cosmos, the king sets out to discover who saved him from being killed by a traitor. Was it Tae-eul who traveled back in time? Or someone else who isn’t who they seem to be?
‘Tomorrow With You’ (2017)
After almost dying in an accident, So-joon (Le Je-hoon) finds that he has the ability to go back to the future (and return home in the past) via a subway ride. This means that he can invest in sure-thing stocks and real estate deals that will ensure that he becomes a very wealthy man. When he meets and falls in love with Ma-rin (Shin Min-a) — whose claim to fame as a childhood star hasn’t served her well — he foresees her impending death. He uses his time-traveling abilities to protect her, but with a life saved comes death for one of the show’s characters.
Where to watch: Tubi, Roku
‘Again My Life’ (2022
Lee Joon-gi excels in this action thriller playing Hee-woo, a fearless prosecutor who is murdered early on in this K-drama. When an omnipotent being brings him back to life as a college student, he patiently bides his time. Of course, he is the smartest student thanks to time he has already spent as a skilled attorney. His memory also serves him well in making decisions based on what he already knows about the future. Hee-woo has years to go before he can put all of his knowledge into practice. But when he lands a position of power, he uses his newfound connections to take down the man who orchestrated his destruction. A bonus for martial arts fans is that Lee, who has a black belt in taekwondo, does most of his own fighting
‘Sisyphus’ (2021)
Tae-sul (Cho Seung-woo) is a brilliant inventor and Park Shin-hye is a warrior from the future whose mission it is to stop him from creating a time machine that will ultimately destroy South Korea. The characters go back and forth to find allies (and enemies). But there’s a catch. Each character exists in all eras and they can’t exist in the same proximity. If they get too close to their past or present selves, they can be erased from reality.
‘Twinkling Watermelon’ (2023)
This delightful series tackles the question every teenager wonders: were my parents always this annoying? For Eun-gyeol (Ryeoun), the answer is yes and no. After fighting with his father Yi-chan (played as an adult by Choi Won-young and as a teen by Choi Hyun-wook), who does not want the boy to pursue a career in music, Eun-gyeol (Ryeo Un) finds himself taken back to an era when his hearing-impaired dad was a high school student. Eun-gyeol cringes at how desperate his dad is to date another girl (who isn’t his mom!) and comes up with a scheme to push him towards the right girl. Just as importantly, he makes it his mission to prevent his father from getting into the accident that will leave him hearing impaired.
‘Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938’ (2023)
This sequel to 2020’s “Tale of the Nine Tailed” finds our charismatic gumiho — a mythological nine-tailed fox with superpowers — transported to 1938, an era when Imperial Japan occupied Korea. While he’s impatient to return home, our hero joins the freedom fighters trying desperately to liberate their country. All the action, backstabbing and swashbuckling make for an intriguing K-drama. But the softening relationship between alpha guimho Lee Yeon (Lee Dong-wook) and his half human brother Lee Rang (Kim Bum) makes this K-drama stand out.
Where to watch: Prime Video
‘Marry My Husband’ (2024)
The K-drama queen Park Min-young plays a mousy woman who’s bullied by her cheating husband (Lee Yi-kyung) and gaslit by her best friend (Song Ha-yoon). She dies, but mysteriously wakes up a decade earlier. She figures out soon enough that she can change her destiny by transferring her misery to someone else. In this case, she needs to get another woman to marry the man she married. There is a subplot involving a wealthy and handsome man (Na In-woo), who has secrets of his own. But the best part of the series is watching our heroine use what she knows from the future to rectify her past and, by doing so, creating a life worth living.
Jae-Ha Kim is a columnist for the Chicago Tribune news syndicate. Born in Seoul, Kim specializes in covering Korean entertainment for outlets such as TODAY.com , Rolling Stone, K-Culture with Jae-Ha Kim , NPR, Teen Vogue, and many more. An in-demand voice on Korean culture, Kim has been featured in publications like the New York Times, Associated Press, MTV, Korea Times, and South China Morning Post. Previously, she was a week-long guest on the TODAY SHOW to talk about Friends. You may find her on Instagram and X .
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