6 must-watch K-dramas on Netflix if you love a good political show
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: South Korean dramas are renowned for their high production quality, impressive cinematography, exquisite sets, and top-notch acting.
Political K-dramas have captivated audiences by hitting the right notes with their intense storylines and powerful characters.
Many political K-dramas tackle real-world issues such as corruption, abuse of power, and social injustice.
Political K-dramas also provide insights into South Korean culture, politics, and societal values, making them fascinating for international audiences.
If you love a good political show, here are six must-watch K-dramas on Netflix.
1. 'Mr Sunshine' (2018)
'Mr. Sunshine,' a South Korean television series written by Kim Eun-sook and directed by Lee Eung-bok, is a must-watch for fans of political shows.
Lee Byung-hun, who also stars in 'Squid Game', leads the cast of this epic drama. The story is set during the period leading up to the Japanese invasion of Korea.
Byung Hun takes on the role of a former slave named Eugene Choi, who manages to escape from Korea to America.
In the United States, he reinvents himself and rises through the ranks to become a distinguished military officer. His journey comes full circle when he is later assigned to a military base in Korea.
His return to Korea not only immerses him in the political tensions of the time but also forces him to confront his past and the people he left behind.
The series also stars Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok, Kim Min-jung, and Byun Yo-han in pivotal roles. 'Mr Sunshine' is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
2. 'Chief of Staff' (2019)
'Chief of Staff,' a 2019 South Korean television series, is one of the best political K-drama series. This captivating K-drama stars 'Squid Game’s' Lee Jung-jae and 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’s' Shin Min-ah.
Jung Jae portrays an ambitious aide to a National Assembly official. His goal is to reform the system and eradicate corruption if he ever ascends to office.
Politicians and their aides who aspire to climb the political ladder face numerous challenges. These also include navigating complex power dynamics within their parties and among rivals.
The series also stars Lee Elijah, Kim Dong-jun, Jung Jin-young, Jung Woong-in, and Im Won-hee in pivotal roles. 'Chief of Staff' is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
3. 'Designated Survivor: 60 Days' (2019)
'Designated Survivor: 60 Days,' a 2019 South Korean television series written by Kim Tae-hee, is based on the American television series 'Designated Survivor.'
Directed by Yoo Jong-sun, 'Designated Survivor: 60 Days' stars Ji Jin-hee, Lee Joon-hyuk, Huh Joon-ho, Kang Han-na, and Bae Jong-ok in pivotal roles.
Park Mu-jin (Ji Jin-hee), the South Korean Minister of Environment, lacking political ambition, is dismissed after a diplomatic incident during free trade negotiations with the United States.
The following day, a devastating explosion occurs, resulting in the deaths of all potential successors to the South Korean presidency. Park Mu-jin, whose resignation had not yet taken effect, survives the blast.
He is then sworn in as Acting President for 60 days and begins unraveling the truth behind the bombing.
'Designated Survivor: 60 Days' is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
4. 'The Fiery Priest' (2019)
'The Fiery Priest,' a 2019 South Korean television series, offers a unique blend of thrills, detective work, and political intrigue that captivates viewers.
The series stars Kim Nam-gil, Kim Sung-kyun, Lee Hanee, Go Jun, and Keum Sae-rok in pivotal roles.
After the sudden death of an elderly priest under mysterious circumstances, a former NIS agent turned priest embarks on a mission to bring the responsible parties to justice.
However, his mission is far from easy as he encounters numerous challenges because of the political landscape and pervasive corruption.
He must battle against gangsters and corrupt officials in the city, with significant obstacles arising when the corrupt city prosecutor refuses to cooperate.
'The Fiery Priest' is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
5. 'Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area' (2022)
'Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area,' a South Korean television series, stars Yoo Ji-tae, Yunjin Kim, Park Hae-soo, Jeon Jong-seo, Lee Hyun-woo, Lee Won-jong, and Park Myung-hoon in pivotal roles.
The series portrays a hostage crisis in a unified Korean Peninsula. The Professor (Yoo Ji-tae), a brilliant criminal strategist, orchestrates a heist.
As hostages are held captive, the police face the dual challenge of stopping the criminals and uncovering the elusive mastermind behind the operation.
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear how politics permeates every aspect of the crisis. Woo-jin (Kim Yun-jin), the leader of the task force and chief negotiator in the hostage crisis, makes strenuous efforts to save lives.
'Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area' is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
6. 'The Whirlwind' (2024)
'The Whirlwind' is a compelling new political K-drama that is worth watching.
Written by Park Kyung-soo and directed by Kim Yong-wan, the series revolves around a monumental conflict between the Prime Minister, who plans to assassinate the President to upend the established order, and the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, who strives to thwart the assassination and seize control.
Sol Kyung-gu portrays Park Dong-ho, who serves as Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, while, Kim Hee-ae plays Jeong Su-jin, who holds the position of Deputy Prime Minister.
All episodes of 'The Whirlwind' are currently available on Netflix, offering viewers an immersive introduction to its world of political intrigue and power struggles.
How to stream these political K-dramas?
To stream these political K-dramas, one requires a Netflix subscription.
A Netflix membership starts at $6.99 per month for the standard plan with ads.
The standard plan without ads is priced at $15.49 per month, and the Premium plan, which includes additional features, costs $22.99 per month.
These plans offer varying levels of access and streaming quality, catering to different preferences and viewing needs.