What Your Favorite K-Drama Says About You

Are you a hopeless romantic sighing over Captain Ri in Crash Landing on You? Or perhaps you’re a determined go-getter, inspired by Seo Dal-mi in Start-Up? The Korean show you find yourself watching over and over might reveal more about your personality, how you express affection, and preferences than you think. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover what your favorite K-drama says about you.

Table of Contents

Which Character Are You?

Let’s find first out which archetype you embody:

The Romantic: If you’re drawn to epic love stories like Goblin or Descendants of the Sun, you’re likely a sentimental soul who values deep connections and grand gestures. You’re probably the type to believe in soulmates and destiny, and you might be a hopeless romantic in your own life.
The Ambitious: Fans of Itaewon Class or Misaeng might be ambitious individuals who admire perseverance, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. You’re likely a hard worker who is always striving to achieve your goals, and you might be a bit of a perfectionist.
The Idealist: If you find yourself rooting for underdogs and heartwarming stories like Reply 1988 or Hospital Playlist, you’re probably an optimistic idealist who values friendship and community. You’re likely a kind and compassionate person who always sees the best in people, and you might be a bit of a dreamer.
The Rebel: If anti-heroes and unconventional narratives like Vincenzo or The King: Eternal Monarch captivate you, you might be a nonconformist who challenges the status quo. You’re likely independent, strong-willed, and not afraid to speak your mind.
The Comedic Relief: If you find yourself drawn to the quirky side characters and humorous situations in Korean shows like Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo or Strong Woman Do Bong-soon, you might be the life of the party, always ready with a joke or a witty remark. You value laughter and lightheartedness, and you might be a bit of a goofball yourself.
The Fashionista: If you find yourself more interested in the characters’ outfits than the plotlines of shows like Hotel Del Luna or True Beauty, you’re probably a trendsetter with an eye for aesthetics. You love expressing yourself through fashion, and you might be a bit of a diva.
The Intellectual: If you’re drawn to complex storylines and intellectual characters like those in Signal or Stranger, you might be a deep thinker who enjoys analyzing and solving problems. You’re likely a curious person who is always looking to learn new things, and you might be a bit of a nerd.

The list goes on. Your favorite character in the Korean drama universe might just be your spirit animal, mirroring your values and aspirations.

Tropes and Your Personality

From the classic love triangle to the “noble idiocy” trope, Korean series are filled with recurring themes that can reveal your personality quirks:

Love Triangle Enthusiast: You thrive on drama and might be a bit indecisive in real life. You love the emotional rollercoaster of watching characters navigate complicated relationships, and you might secretly enjoy a bit of chaos.
Second Lead Syndrome Sufferer: You have a soft spot for the underdog and might be a hopeless romantic. You root for the character who doesn’t always get the girl/guy, and you believe in the power of unrequited love.
Wrist Grab Aficionado: You appreciate directness and passionate displays of affection. You find the physical act of a wrist grab both thrilling and romantic, and you might be a bit impulsive yourself.
Amnesia Lover: You find the idea of a fresh start and rediscovering love intriguing. You might be a bit of a dreamer who enjoys escaping reality through fictional stories.
Enemies-to-Lovers Fan: You love the tension and slow-burn romance of watching characters who initially dislike each other gradually fall in love. You might enjoy a bit of a challenge in your own relationships.
Noodle Kiss Devotee: You find shared meals and simple gestures of affection endearing. You appreciate the little things in life and value genuine connection over grand gestures.
Chaebol Romance Admirer: You’re drawn to the fantasy and escapism of watching a romance between a rich CEO and an ordinary person. You might enjoy indulging in a bit of luxury and dreaming of a Cinderella story.

Can’t get enough of those dramatic hospital scenes or accidental kisses? Your preferred K-drama tropes might just be a window into your subconscious desires and anxieties.

What Your Korean Drama Bias Says About You

Everyone has a favorite character, also known as a “bias.” This is the character you can’t help but root for, the one who makes your heart flutter, and the one whose scenes you rewatch over and over again. Your bias often reflects the qualities you admire and aspire to have.

The Charming Male Lead: If your bias is the charming male lead, like Lee Gon in The King: Eternal Monarch or Hong Du-sik in Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, you might value charisma, intelligence, and a good sense of humor. You’re likely attracted to confident and outgoing people, and you might be a bit of a romantic yourself.
The Strong Female Lead: If you admire strong female leads like Ko Moon-young in It’s Okay to Not Be Okay or Yoon Se-ri in Crash Landing on You, you might value independence, resilience, and a fierce spirit. You’re likely a strong and independent person yourself, and you’re not afraid to stand up for what you believe in.
The Loyal Best Friend: If your bias is the loyal best friend, like Kim Seon-ho in Start-Up or Lee Ik-jun in Hospital Playlist, you might value friendship, loyalty, and a good sense of humor. You’re likely a reliable and supportive friend yourself, and you always put your loved ones first.
The Villain You Love to Hate: If you find yourself strangely drawn to the villain, like Jang Man-wol in Hotel Del Luna or Lee Rang in Tale of the Nine-Tailed, you might be fascinated by complex and morally ambiguous characters. You’re likely a curious person who enjoys exploring different perspectives, and you might be a bit of a rebel yourself.

The Character You Relate To Most

Think about the character whose struggles and triumphs resonate with you on a deeper level. This could be the character who faces similar challenges as you, the one whose personality traits mirror your own, or the one whose journey inspires you. Relating to a character can help you understand yourself better and gain new perspectives on your own life.

The Underdog: If you relate to the underdog, like Park Sae-ro-yi in Itaewon Class or Wei Ying in The Untamed, you might be a resilient person who never gives up on your dreams. You might also be someone who identifies with feeling like an outsider or struggling to fit in.
The Popular One: If you relate to the popular character, like Jang Man-wol in Hotel Del Luna or Gu Jun-pyo in Boys Over Flowers, you might be a confident and outgoing person who enjoys being in the spotlight. You might also be someone who struggles with vulnerability or feeling like you have to live up to others’ expectations.
The Misunderstood Character: If you relate to the misunderstood character, like Kim Shin in Goblin or Moon Gang-tae in It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, you might be a complex person with a lot of hidden depths. You might also be someone who feels misunderstood by others or who struggles to express your true feelings.

Romance and Your Love Language

Korean TV dramas are known for their heartwarming and often over-the-top romantic storylines. But did you know that your favorite romance might actually reveal your personal way of showing affection and love?

Words of Affirmation: If you love hearing characters express their love through sweet words and compliments, you might also appreciate verbal affirmations in your own relationships.
Acts of Service: If you find yourself swooning over characters who go out of their way to do things for their loved ones, you might value acts of service as a way to show and receive love.
Receiving Gifts: If you love the grand gestures and thoughtful presents often seen on TV, you might also appreciate receiving gifts as a way to feel loved.
Quality Time: If you enjoy watching characters spend time together, whether it’s going on dates or simply hanging out, you might value quality time as a way to connect with your loved ones.
Physical Touch: If you can’t help but smile at the hand-holding, hugs, and kisses, you might also appreciate physical touch as a way to express and feel love.

By identifying the way you express your affection, you can better understand how you give and receive love, and you can communicate your needs more effectively to your partner.

Dig Deeper

Why do I love this K-drama so much? Explore the personal connections and emotional impact specific shows have on you. Perhaps you see yourself in a character’s struggles, or maybe the stunning cinematography and beautiful music transport you to another world. These series often touch on universal themes of love, loss, family, and friendship, resonating deeply with viewers on a personal level. Perhaps it’s the heartwarming relationships, the nail-biting suspense, or the sheer escapism that keeps you coming back for more. Whatever the reason, your love for a particular drama can reveal a lot about your values, desires, and emotional landscape.
What my favorite Korean drama genre says about me: Uncover how your preferred genre reflects your personality traits.
- Romantic Comedy: If you’re a fan of rom-coms like What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim or Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, you might be a lighthearted and optimistic person who enjoys feel-good stories. You might also be a bit of a romantic who believes in the power of love.
- Melodrama: If you’re drawn to tearjerkers like Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo or Uncontrollably Fond, you might be a sensitive and empathetic person who feels things deeply. You might also be someone who enjoys a good cry and finds catharsis in emotional stories.
- Thriller/Mystery: If you love suspenseful dramas like Signal or Stranger, you might be a curious and analytical person who enjoys solving puzzles. You might also be someone who enjoys a good scare and finds excitement in unpredictable storylines.
- Historical: If you’re fascinated by historical dramas like Kingdom or Mr. Sunshine, you might be a history buff who appreciates learning about different cultures and time periods. You might also be someone who enjoys elaborate costumes and sets, as well as epic love stories.
- Fantasy/Sci-Fi: If you’re drawn to fantastical worlds like Goblin or W: Two Worlds, you might be a creative and imaginative person who enjoys exploring new possibilities. You might also be someone who loves a good twist and turns and finds escapism in fictional universes.
Tropes I can’t resist: Dive into the addictive nature of drama tropes and why they keep you hooked. Is it the anticipation of the “back hug” or the thrill of the “piggyback ride”? These tropes are like a secret language that fans understand, creating a sense of community and shared experience. These tropes often tap into our deepest desires and fantasies, providing a satisfying dose of escapism and emotional release.
recommendations based on personality: Get personalized suggestions for your next binge-watch based on your unique personality. If you’re a hopeless romantic, you might enjoy Crash Landing on You or Romance is a Bonus Book. If you’re a foodie, you might love Let’s Eat or Chocolate. And if you’re looking for a good laugh, you might enjoy Welcome to Waikiki or Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo.
Fan personality types: Discover the different types of Korean drama fans and see where you fit in. Are you a casual viewer who enjoys a show now and then? Or are you a die-hard fan who knows every line from your favorite show? Perhaps you’re a K-pop fan who also enjoys watching your favorite stars on TV, or maybe you’re a newbie who’s just starting to explore this world.

Conclusion

Your favorite show is more than just entertainment; it’s a reflection of who you are. By understanding the connections between characters, tropes, and your own personality, you can gain valuable insights into yourself and your relationships. So, grab your favorite healthy snack, and let the magnificent world of Korean drama series continue to unravel the mysteries of your heart and mind.