June 6 is Memorial Day in South Korea and marks the annual remembrance of the fallen soldiers who risked their lives for freedom. On this day, a memorial ceremony is held at the Seoul National Cemetery, a tradition that started in 1956. At 10 am, a siren rings all over the country and people have a silent prayer for one minute. The Korean flag is flown at half-staff for the whole day. In memory of those who have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice, we have compiled the top 5 military dramas you must see!
5. Road Number One (2010)
Native Title: 로드 넘버원
Also Known As: Road No. 1 , Road Number 1 , Rodeu Neombeo Won
Screenwriter: Han Ji Hoon
Director: Lee Jang Soo, Kim Jin Min
Genres: Action, Romance, Drama, War
Episodes: 20
Where to watch: Dramacool
Road No. 1 is based on the actual route 1 that connects Seoul and Pyeongyang during the start of the Korean war. The story focuses on Officer Lee Jang Woo who enters a war unprepared in order to protect the woman he loves Soo Yeon. He does his best to survive the war and return home only to find out that his best friend, Tae Ho, is engaged to Soo Yeon. Friendships and relationships are tested in this epic military drama.
4. D.P. (2021)
Native Title: 디피
Also Known As: Deserter Pursuit Dog Day , Day of the Dog , D.P Gaeui Nal , D.P 개의 날
Screenwriter & Director: Han Jun Hee
Screenwriter: Kim Bo Tong
Genres: Action, Military, Comedy, Drama
Episodes: 6
Where to watch: Netflix
Newly entered Army private Ahn Joon Ho is serving his mandatory military service when he suddenly becomes a member of the military defector arrest team. He is tasked with catching and reporting deserters who have no choice but to abandon their military posts. Joon Ho is torn between country, duty, and personal obligation and must grapple with his own consciousness while taking orders from his superiors.
3. Crash Landing On You (2019)
Native Title: 사랑의 불시착
Also Known As: Salangui Bulsichag , Sarangui Bulsichag , Breakdown of Love , The Crash of Love , Love's Crash Landing , Love’s Emergency Landing , Emergency Love Landing , Sarangui Boolshichak , Emergency Lands of Love , Sarangui bulsichak , Crash Landing of Love , Love Crashes , Unsettling Lo
Screenwriter: Park Ji Eun
Director: Lee Jeong Hyo
Genres: Military, Comedy, Romance, Political
Episodes: 16
Where to watch: Netflix
Yoon Se Ri, the CEO of a large fashion brand, gets caught in a paragliding accident and lands in North Korea. While trying to escape back south, she meets a North Korean officer, Ri Jung Hyuk, who ends up protecting her while she survives in North Korea. Needless to say, the two develop some steamy on-screen chemistry with some comical relief! A must-watch!
2. Mr. Sunshine (2018)
Native Title: 미스터 션샤인
Also Known As: Miseuteo Shunshain , Mister Sunshine
Screenwriter: Kim Eun Sook
Director: Lee Eung Bok
Genres: Military, Historical, Romance, Melodrama
Episodes: 24
Where to watch: Netflix
This is the story of a young boy, Eugene Choi, who flees to the U.S. after ditching his life as part of the slaves' family during the 1871 U.S. expedition. He comes back to Korea years later and falls in love with the young granddaughter, Go Ae Shin, of an aristocrat family who is part of the righteous army during the foreign colonization of Korea. Great acting and chemistry between the two characters!
1. Descendants Of The Sun (2016)
Native Title: 태양의 후예
Also Known As: Taeyangeui Huye , The Sun's Descendants , Taeyangui Huye
Screenwriter: Kim Eun Sook, Kim Won Seok
Director: Baek Sang Hoon, Lee Eung Bok
Genres: Action, Comedy, Romance, Melodrama
Episodes: 16
Where to watch: Dramacool
A love story between a special forces Captain Yoo Shi Jin and cardiothoracic surgeon Kang Mo Yeon. Kang Mo Yeon is both hard-working and talented at her job but is overlooked in her position at the hospital due to favoritism to an unskilled surgeon due to his personal connections. Her life changes when she meets Yoo Shi Jin who devotes his life to protecting his country and those who need help. Although the romance between the two develops slowly, the journey to the end is powerful and inspirational. Shot in beautiful locations with strong character development, this is a must-watch for any Korean drama fan!
We salute all those who have risked their lives and served! We appreciate everything you've sacrificed and done! Let us know if you agree with this list! What are some of your favorite military dramas?