I have always used television series as a place of comfort in a world full of chaos. However, I am a very harsh critic, especially regarding TV shows. Throughout my life, I have struggled to find a specific genre of series to enjoy without forcing myself to watch it simply because of its popularity. I have recently developed an interest and fascination with K-Dramas (Korean Dramas), and truthfully, these select few series have profoundly changed my perspective on all other television programs I have previously viewed.
The unbeatable feeling and stomach-turning anticipation of whether and who will make it out alive and who will be left behind. The Korean survival shows have emerged as some of my preferred choices, as the intense themes of revenge and betrayal depicted in these programs are so impactful, making them among the most enlightening shows I have encountered.
Unfortunately, the only thing getting me through this past month is TV shows, and I have grown an unhealthy obsession with K-Dramas, specifically dystopian fiction survivors. In the past few weeks, I completed watching about five television series and numerous movies falling into this category, creating an indomitable list of horror/survival-themed K-dramas.
Alice in Borderland
The first TV series that would fall onto this list would be my all-time favorite: Alice in Borderland. When I say that this show completely altered my view of television shows, I am not being dramatic in any way, shape, or form. Although this was not technically a “Korean Drama” but instead a Japanese Drama, the overall themes and category of the show fall into a very similar theme as the other Korean dramas I have watched and, surprisingly, easily overpowers the rest. It comes off as much different from the rest of the game show-themed shows, as instead of being given the choice to play simply for money, the contestants in the show are brought to an alternate reality and forced to play games ranked in different difficulty levels to survive. The moment season two began, let me tell you, it was impossible to stop watching, and that’s when I noticed the addiction start.
Not only was this show unbelievably outstanding because of its plot twists and storyline, but also because the acting was phenomenal. Normally, I would watch the show in English, thinking it was too hard to read the subtitles while also trying to watch. However, I quickly discovered how transformative it can be to switch things up. It appeared much easier to grasp the characters’ emotions since the words lined up with the actors’ mouths. Kento Yamazaki, the lead character (Arisu) in the show, did an outstanding job of perfecting the role of a troubled teenager. He perfectly portrayed this character’s development throughout the show, making it more interesting to watch.
Alice in Borderland has easily jumped to the highest of my list of television shows I’ve watched and enjoyed, and it will be difficult to top. I would recommend this show to anyone who enjoys more “horror” and “survival-themed shows, and especially to anyone who enjoyed Squid Games, as it is, in my opinion, a much more violent and advanced version of Squid Games.
The 8 Show
The 8 Show is a much quicker watch than the first show on my list. And even though it falls in only second place, this show has easily been one of my favorite psychological productions I have ever seen. The 8 Show has a very close resemblance to Squid Games, as they are given the choice of whether or not they would like to participate in the games; however, they’re completely unaware of what they’re in for.
At first, it comes off as a very normal television show. However, as the episodes progress, the characters progress along with it, and slowly but surely, they go from helping each other get fair shares of food to resorting to violence for the win. The show highlights the way various individuals are treated in society, showing that even though everyone faces challenges, there’s always someone who stands out. At first, I found it hard to grasp the main theme, but once the first act of violence happened, it became clear how the story would unfold.
Overall, I think this show was breathtaking, and honestly, I would choose to watch this show again if given the chance. If you’re in search of a quick psychological watch, this show is the one for you.
All of Us Are Dead
Watching The Last of Us changed how I see zombie shows. I watched it nearly two years ago, and being the impatient teenager I am, I couldn’t wait for the second season. So, I jumped into another zombie series. Just a few days ago, I started All of Us Are Dead, and it’s quickly become one of my top picks because it stands out from the usual zombie shows.
Typically, zombie shows are always given a preview of how life was before the apocalypse arose, however, All of Us Are Dead, is set up much differently, making it much more interesting than the others. Viewers are introduced to regular life, but we are shown the process of the disease spreading, which gives it a much more eerie feeling overall and much darker themes.
One of my favorite parts of this show was how similar it was to The Last of Us, as the zombies sort of all have their characteristics and how much life changes due to the zombies. The relationships built in this show make it so incredibly addicting, almost as if you can’t take your eyes off the screen in fear of what will happen next. Also, in the show, there is never a “moment of silence” or any moment where they aren’t in a constant hunt for shelter or a way of survival, as all the characters are unable to find their way out.
Overall, this makes the storyline so interesting and makes it impossible to even look away from the screen, and All of Us Are Dead is the perfect show to binge-watch.
Through all of the many television shows I’ve seen throughout my life, these specific K-Dramas have not only been my favorite but also been the most impactful on my view towards others. I would easily do anything to be able to watch them for the first time again.
