List of short k-dramas with 10 episodes and less
My dear friends, I know how it is. You see your younger colleagues and nieces talking about the latest K-drama, and you want to join in, but where do you find the time? Between work, managing the house, and keeping up with the latest rumors on our group chat, a 16-episode series feels like a lifetime commitment.
But don't you worry! I'm here to help you out. I've put together a list of short but satisfying K-dramas that give you all the feelings without taking over your life. Think of these as your instant coffee: quick, strong, and exactly what you need to get you through the week.
If you're in the mood for action and suspense...
The Trauma Code (8 episodes) - This medical K-drama plunges viewers into the chaotic, high-stakes world of a university hospital’s trauma center. A brilliant but headstrong new doctor arrives to lead the underfunded team, immediately clashing with hospital leadership over their cost-cutting measures. As he and his team race against the clock to save lives, the series reveals the harsh realities of emergency medicine and the challenging balance between patient care and hospital bureaucracy. It's a gripping story about dedication, courage, and fighting for what's right.
D.P. (6 episodes): This is not your typical military drama. It's a gripping and poignant series that follows two soldiers on a mission to hunt down army deserters. It's a tough, realistic look at the pressures and realities of military life.
My Name (8 episodes): A brutal and raw revenge thriller. A woman joins a gang to avenge her father's death and ends up going undercover as a police mole. If you're looking for an intense, fast-paced story with incredible fight choreography, this is it.
Sweet Home (10 episodes): Trapped in an apartment building, residents must fight for their lives against terrifying monsters. This show is a masterclass in tension and special effects, perfect for horror fans.
A Shop for Killers (8 episodes): When a young woman inherits a mysterious and dangerous shopping mall from her late uncle, she's thrust into a world of assassins and secrets. This series is a nonstop ride of action and suspense.
Mask Girl (7 episodes) - This unsettling K-drama follows a woman who, insecure about her looks, leads a double life as a masked online personality. After a series of unfortunate events, her life spirals out of control, leading to murder, plastic surgery, and a relentless quest for revenge. The series is a dark, non-linear thriller that tackles themes of beauty standards, obsession, and the dark side of online fame.
If you want something that will touch your heart....
Move to Heaven (10 episodes): My friend, get your tissues ready. This drama is so touching. It's about a young man with Asperger's and his uncle who work as "trauma cleaners," cleaning up the belongings of the deceased. Each episode tells a different heartbreaking but beautiful story. You'll be crying quietly!
Weak Hero Class 1 (8 episodes): This isn't your typical high school drama. A brilliant but physically weak student uses his wits to fight back against bullies. It’s a compelling story about standing up for yourself, even when you’re not the strongest person in the room.
Extracurricular (10 episodes): Don't let the high school setting fool you, this is a dark and intense drama about a top student who secretly leads a life of crime to pay for his future. It’s a compelling look at the dark side of ambition and desperation.
Soundtrack no. 1 (4 episodes) - You know that feeling when your best friend is, like, your whole life? This super cute K-drama is about a songwriter and her best friend for twenty years. They have to live together for two weeks to work on a song about a secret crush, and that's when things get a little complicated. The show explores their long-time friendship as they finally deal with all those feelings they never talked about. It's really a beautiful story about love that was there all along, hiding in plain sight.
Doona! (9 episodes) - A compelling K-drama explores what happens when two very different worlds collide. An ordinary college student moves into a shared house, only to discover his new housemate is a mysterious ex-K-pop idol. She lives a reclusive life, hiding from her past fame. Their unlikely proximity sparks a complex romance that forces them both to confront their personal struggles, leading to a story about healing, self-discovery, and the true cost of celebrity.
Mr. Plankton (10 episodes) - This K-drama follows a man who has lived his life like a wanderer, feeling he doesn't belong anywhere. His aimless existence is upended when he embarks on a chaotic road trip with his ex-girlfriend, who is about to get married. As they travel together, seeking out his biological parents, they are forced to confront their messy past and the love story they never truly resolved. It's a heartwarming journey about finding your true family and the courage to stop drifting through life.
If you're looking for something magical or quirky...
The Sound of Magic (6 episodes): This is a beautiful musical fantasy that’s perfect for the dreamer in you. A disillusioned high school student meets a mysterious magician in an abandoned amusement park. It's an enchanting story that will remind you to hold on to your childhood dreams.
Splash Splash Love (2 episodes): The shortest and sweetest on this list. A high school student magically time-travels to the Joseon era. It’s a lighthearted escape perfect for when you just want to smile.
The Witch's Diner (8 episodes): What if you could get what you always wanted, but for a price? This captivating K-drama invites you into a magical restaurant run by a mysterious witch. She serves enchanted food to those desperate for a second chance, but the payment isn't money—it's a piece of your soul. The dark fantasy series follows the witch and her human co-worker as they watch customers navigate their desires and face the consequences of their choices. It's a gripping story that explores human wishes and whether some things are truly worth the sacrifice.
So, there you have it! No more excuses. Grab your favorite snack, put your feet up, and get ready for a guilt-free K-drama binge. You deserve this break!
What will you be watching first?
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