Life after CLOY: 4 binge-worthy K-dramas to help you deal with withdrawal

Contributed by Hayley Tai, Features and Lifestyle Writer

Most of us can’t refuse the magnetic draw of cheesy romance and drama (i.e. the obsession over CLOY). But if you’re looking for something a little more relatable, because not everyone parasails into North Korea by accident, Itaewon Class should be next on your to-watch list.

Set in the heart of Itaewon, South Korea’s iconic nightlife district, the series follows the story of Park Saeroyi and his goal to own Korea’s top food production company. Accompanied by four trusted allies (and business partners), Saeroyi navigates the cut-throat world of entrepreneurship while trying to find a footing in his romantic life.

The series is speckled with snarky lines that add to the depth of the various characters. Character development, though slow, is obvious in the show. And you’ll find no one-dimensional villains or heroes here.

Instead, anti-heroes with interesting backstories make the show less cookie-cutter, from strong female characters who break away from the stereotype of whiny schoolgirls, to unexpected father figures. This makes the series a must-watch.

Contributed by Ng Yi Lian, Editor

I was suffering from K-drama withdrawal symptoms two days after I finished CLOY (disclaimer: I was never a K-drama fan) so I prowled through Netflix to see what other offerings it has that had either Hyun Bin or Son Ye-Jin.

I tried watching Hyde, Jekyll, Me but couldn’t get past 30 minutes of it, and realised I didn’t like Hyun Bin in that role. My friend Cindy recommended Something in the Rain so I tried it and got hooked immediately. I like the plot as it’s very relatable. It also provides an interesting glimpse into everyday life in South Korea, and also the patriarchal society that they still live in.

The series explores the relationship of two people as they go from being “just acquaintances” to “a genuine couple”. Jin-ah is a 30something district supervisor at a major coffee/cafe franchise, and Joon-hee is a video games animator in his mid-20s. When he returns from working abroad, he reconnects with Jin-ah, who also happens to be best friends with Joon-Hee’s sister since childhood. The episodes give an intimate look into how they fall in love, struggle with their age difference (considered to be taboo in some circles), and find the courage to go public with their relationship.

A secondary storyline follows the struggles that female employees face in the company Jin-ah works for, as they try to climb the corporate ladder amid severe sexual harassment from male superiors – a culture considered to be normal in some companies.

Son Ye-Jin is also endearingly likeable, just like she was in CLOY. Also, I’m a fan of indie singer Rachael Yamagata, who’s a main contributor on the series’ soundtracks.

Contributed by Penelope Chan, Executive Beauty Editor

If you’re not just suffering from CLOY withdrawal but Hyun Bin withdrawal, this 2010 K-drama should be on your watchlist (or rewatch list). There’s a bonus too: If you’ve watched Chocolate (another recent K-drama), this oldie but goodie also stars Ha Ji-Won.

This is a typical Cinderella story, but with a fantasy twist. He’s Kim Joo-Won, a department store CEO and one of South Korea’s social elites. She’s Gil Ra-Im, a stuntwoman sharing a tiny rundown rented apartment with a roomie.

They meet. He’s captivated. At first, she’s repelled by him, but she later falls for him. It wouldn’t be a K-drama if their worlds didn’t collide, along with their views on love and relationships. Plus there’s Kim’s overbearing mother who, stereotypically, objects to the relationship. The plot gets more complicated when the two magically switch bodies.

The series can come across as a little chauvinistic. Kim Joo-Won is at times narcissistic to the point of insufferable, telling Gil Ra-Im at the beginning that their relationship is only temporary and that when it’s time, she will disappear into the waves like foam, a la The Little Mermaid. But the chemistry between the leads is spellbinding – and you can’t help but root for a happy ending. And Gil Ra-Im is no wilting flower – she’s independent, strong-minded and completely likeable.

What I love: The official soundtrack is a playlist packed with both catchy and soul-stirring music.

Contributed by Mary-Ann Soh, Digital Editor

I’ve a confession to make: I didn’t watch this K-drama when it aired back in 2018. Okay, call me a late bloomer but better late than never right? I caught this rom-com after Crash Landing on You aired its finale, and I was feeling that void that I’m sure CLOY fans can identify with. But What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim? filled that void quite adequately, I must say.

At the beginning, the male lead Lee Young-jun (played by Park Seo-joon), heir-apparent to a large chaebol in Korea, comes across as really annoying as he’s so full of himself. He has a highly capable assistant, secretary Kim (played by Park Min-Young), who is legendary at her job.

However, things take a turn after secretary Kim makes a major decision in her life. As the story unfolds, it’s almost obvious that there will be a romance between the two leads, but there are some nice twists too. The show has lots of intense, emotional moments, yet there are also many light-hearted scenes that will leave you LOLing. You’ll fall in love with the entire cast and go from hating to loving Lee Young-jun.