My favorite Korean summer movie of 2022, Alienoid, was a brilliant blast of sci-fi and time travel and the many facets of Kim Woo Bin, Ryu Joon Yeol, and Kim Tae Ri. It left me wanting more, so while I’m *very* patiently waiting for the sequel to appear, I’ll be keeping myself entertained with other dramas to fill the void. Come see what I think will keep the fires stoked for Alienoid 2!
For Fantasy Time Travel
Tale of the Nine-tailed 1938 did a great job of filling the fantasy time-travel void. The journey of confident gumiho Lee Dong Wook (with red hair!) to help the Goddess over the Dead with a few niggling problems was full of daring feats, killer 1930s fashion, and superb bromantic moments with Kim Bum. In that vein, Chicago Typewriter is also a great drama with reincarnated friends and lovers working out the mysteries of the past. For something lighter, I also recommend Queen In Hyun’s Man – it’s a classic.
For Ryu Joon Yeol
Ryu Joon Yeol first caught my eye in Reply 1988, which is a very rewatchable classic drama about the lives and loves of teenagers during that uncertain time. Ryu Joon Yeol is fantastic at being both the rock-solid friend and the boy with the unrequited crush, and he brought a lot of depth and sensitivity to the role. He had a solid turn in the drama Lost from 2021, and his movie career is nothing to sneeze at. You have lots of content to choose from with him!
For Kim Woo Bin
Kim Woo Bin had to take a break from acting for a time while he dealt with some health problems, but he has come back full force into the drama world! His most recent dramas – Black Knight and Our Blues – have given Kim Woo Bin the opportunity to show different sides of himself, both the fearless warrior and the sensitive and supportive boyfriend. I also recommend School 2013 with Lee Jong Suk if you need some bromance in your life, or White Christmas if you need to see an unhinged Kim Woo Bin. (Worth it!)
For Kim Tae Ri
Kim Tae Ri has been prolific in the last few years as well, delivering solid shows like Twenty-five Twenty-one and Space Sweepers. Her remarkable sismance with Bona in Twenty-five Twenty-one was the foundation for the drama and carried the story forward almost as much as the romance. Her aloof portrayal of a space ship captain in Space Sweepers was remarkable as well, and she handled the adventurous role with talent. If you’re feeling historically-minded, Mr. Sunshine might be the drama for you, as long as you’re prepared to love and lose some of your favorite characters. (This is a historical drama, so that is NOT a spoiler. We know what we’re getting into with historicals. It comes with the territory.)
For So Ji Sub
I will never stop recommending dramas by So Ji Sub, especially My Secret Terius and Master’s Sun. He plays a spy in hiding and an arrogant CEO very well, proving his acting flexibility with ease. I also loved him as the down-on-his-luck boxer in Always with Han Hyo Joo (Han Hyo Joo!).
As I count down the days until Alienoid 2’s release announcement, I’ll be thinking fondly of these dramas and rewatching my favorites. How will you be spending the time? Have you watched Alienoid? You should, and you can find it on Amazon Prime! I highly recommend it, and I can’t wait to review the sequel.
Until the next fantastic time travel journey, I remain –
Karie the Maknae
Dramas with a Side of Kimchi