8 Inspiring K-dramas that Resonate with Young Adults

The realisation that everyone close to you is on different paths can often leave you feeling alone and lost. When life feels out of control and overwhelming, one constant I know I can always turn to is a good Korean drama, a welcome respite from my own thoughts. Such stories of young love and friendships mirror our own experiences and can often make us feel less alone in our daily struggles.

Here are 8 inspiring K-dramas that resonate with young adults.

1. Hello my Twenties/Age of Youth

The story follows five girls in their 20s from different backgrounds and lifestyles, living together in a dorm, as they attempt to figure out their clashing dynamics and individual struggles. As scary as it is to live on your own for the first time, it always helps to have a good group of supportive friends who will have your back. 

Sure to leave you in tears from laughing and crying in equal parts, this heart-warming drama about found family and strong friendships will give you a glimpse into the daily lives of girls in their 20s and enforce the importance of having a good support system as you grow.

2. Because This is My First Life

What do you do when you're struggling to rent a house, pay off your mortgage, and are constantly plagued by societal expectations to get married by a certain age? You sign a contract for a marriage of convenience with your housemate, of course. 

Because This is My First Life is a hilarious yet eye-opening k-drama shedding light on the realities of the financial and emotional struggles young adults go through, marriage as an institution, healing from past relationships, and making the best out of the worst life throws at you. 

3. Record of Youth

If you're looking for a refreshing change of pace in the romantic comedy genre, this is the drama for you. Record of Youth revolves around the story of young, aspiring professional actors, models and makeup artists who struggle to achieve their dreams and relationships in a generation where dreams have become a luxury. It also gives us a peek into how the entertainment industry runs and the people working hard behind the scenes to make our favourite shows a reality.

4. Run On

Run On consoles viewers who have hit a bump in their careers and shows that it is totally okay to chase a new dream, no matter your age or level of success in the previous field. The core message of the drama is that as scary as it might seem, you can start afresh and run towards a new dream along with people who will love and support you through it all.  

5. My Liberation Notes

This slow-paced yet resounding K-drama beautifully depicts the mundane, daily lives of three siblings and the struggles they go through trying to fit in and form meaningful relationships. Ultimately, the drama seeks for liberation from our stagnant and dull lives. 

6. Fight for my Way

Fight for My Way centres around a group of friends who have aspirations to do more than their 9-5 jobs. The budding relationship and hilarious banter between the characters keeps the show highly entertaining and full of meme-able moments.

7. Twenty-Five Twenty-One

Growing up in an age where dreaming seems impossible, an ambitious teen fencer becomes friends with a hardworking reporter trying to rebuild his life and former reputation. Due to the financial crisis they go through early on in their bright careers, both are forced to rethink their initial goals. 

As the pair support each other's dreams and work towards succeeding in their individual fields, they overcome various internal and external hurdles, and grow as people because of it. The show gives young adults the hope to keep on dreaming, no matter what.

8. The Sound of Magic

The Sound of Magic is a coming-of-age story about overcoming hardships and prejudice and learning to follow our own dreams. The story revolves around a young high school girl whose life seems to be a series of unfortunate events, her academic rival and classmate, and a mysterious, enigmatic magician who lives in an abandoned amusement park. Underneath the veneer of whimsical fairy-tale-like storytelling lies a darker, hard-hitting truth about child grooming, poverty, bullying, murder, madness, and societal, familial, and academic pressures.

The fantastical yet relatable plot resounds with young adults whose lives have been dictated by adults and directly appeals to the childlike innocence and wonder we all felt once upon a time.

Sara Kabir is a dreamer, a literature major, and a writer, often found juggling academics and her countless hobbies. Recommend your favourite K-dramas to her @scarletfangirl on Instagram.