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THE ‘K’ FACTOR

By W. Fatima
15 April, 2025

With K-dramas and movies redefining storytelling, now is the perfect time to dive in - whether you crave romance, thrillers, or historical epics, there’s something for everyone…

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Korean entertainment has quietly, then explosively, taken over the world. From K-dramas that leave us emotionally wrecked (and yet somehow addicted) to movies that redefine storytelling, South Korea has perfected the art of entertainment. A big reason behind this global takeover? The way these shows and films combine unique storytelling, beautiful cinematography, and cultural depth while still feeling universally relatable. Whether it’s the high-stakes tension of Squid Game, the gut-punch realism of Parasite, or the heart-fluttering romance of Crash Landing on You, there’s something for everyone. And thanks to streaming platforms making these gems more accessible, more people than ever are falling in love with K-entertainment. If you’re looking for your next obsession, here’s a list of must-watch K-dramas and movies…

Crash Landing on You

THE ‘K’ FACTOR

A wealthy South Korean businesswoman goes for a casual paragliding trip… and somehow ends up crash-landing in North Korea. Talk about an unexpected detour. Stranded in enemy territory, Yoon Se-ri is completely out of her element - until she’s rescued by Ri Jeong-hyeok, a stoic North Korean soldier with a heart of gold. As he helps her hide and find a way back home, sparks fly, but so do international tensions. Crash Landing on You is a master class in romance, blending laugh-out-loud comedy, heart-pounding suspense, and swoon-worthy moments that will make you believe in fate. If you’re looking for a love story that will leave you grinning, sobbing, and everything in between, this one’s a must-watch. Find it on Netflix.

Flower of Evil

THE ‘K’ FACTOR

Baek Hee-sung is every woman’s dream husband - kind, loving, and the perfect father. There’s just one little problem… he’s hiding a chilling secret. For years, he’s been living under a false identity, burying a dark past that no one - not even his wife - knows about. But when his detective wife starts investigating a string of murders, she begins to suspect the person she trusts the most. Equal parts psychological thriller and heart-wrenching romance, Flower of Evil will have you questioning how well you really know the people you love. Prepare for shocking twists, emotional gut punches, and a love story unlike any other. You can watch it on Viki.

Squid Game

THE ‘K’ FACTOR

456 desperate people, drowning in debt and running out of options, get an invitation to play a series of innocent childhood games. The catch? If you lose, you die. What begins as a mysterious competition quickly spirals into a brutal fight for survival, forcing players to make impossible choices in the name of greed, morality, and sheer desperation. From the eerie red light-green light doll to the unforgettable Dalgona candy challenge, every episode is a rollercoaster of tension, betrayal, and jaw-dropping twists. Not only did Squid Game become Netflix’s most-watched show ever, but it also proved that Korean dramas could take over the world. If you haven’t watched it yet, what are you waiting for? Stream it on Netflix – just don’t get any ideas about playing along in real life.

Parasite

THE ‘K’ FACTOR

The movie that left audiences worldwide completely speechless. A poor family scams their way into working for an ultra-rich household, posing as unrelated professionals to get cushy jobs. It’s all smooth sailing - until things take a turn no one saw coming. With razor-sharp commentary on class struggle, privilege, and the absurdity of wealth, Parasite is equal parts dark comedy, psychological thriller, and social critique. The tension builds like a ticking time bomb, leading to one of the most shocking third acts in cinema history. It made history as the first non-English film to win Best Picture at the Oscars, and trust us - it’s worth every bit of the hype. Watch it on Amazon Prime or Hulu.

Kingdom

THE ‘K’ FACTOR

Picture this: Ancient Korea. Political backstabbing. A mysterious plague. And oh yeah - zombies. Kingdom takes historical drama to a whole new level by throwing in terrifying undead creatures that make traditional palace conflicts look like child’s play. As Crown Prince Lee Chang fights to uncover the truth behind a disease turning people into insatiable monsters, he must also navigate a web of betrayals, power struggles, and some truly horrifying night-time attacks (because these zombies don’t mess around). With breath-taking cinematography, high-stakes action, and a plot that never slows down, Kingdom is the ultimate binge-worthy thriller. Stream it on Netflix - preferably with the lights on.

Train to Busan

THE ‘K’ FACTOR

A father-daughter bonding trip… with a side of zombies. When a workaholic dad and his little girl board a train to Busan, they have no idea they’re about to be trapped inside a high-speed nightmare. The moment a mysterious infection spreads among passengers, it’s a race against time (and flesh-hungry monsters) to survive. But Train to Busan isn’t just about fast-moving zombies and heart-stopping action - it’s a deeply emotional story about sacrifice, redemption, and what it really means to protect the ones you love. If you thought zombie movies couldn’t make you cry, think again. Stream it on Amazon Prime - just make sure you’re not watching before a train ride.