With an unprecedented seven-day Chuseok holiday break, Korean families have a rare opportunity to slow down, reconnect, and spend quality time together. This extended holiday period presents the perfect chance for families to gather around the television and discover new binge-worthy dramas that can captivate viewers across all generations.
This Chuseok season offers an ideal moment for families to enjoy Korean dramas that transcend generational boundaries, featuring compelling stories that are both engaging and deeply heartfelt. From comedies that will have the whole family laughing together to emotionally resonant dramas that touch the heart, these carefully selected K-dramas provide opportunities for families to connect, share memories, and even shed a few tears alongside their loved ones.
Leading the list of recommended family viewing is "Hi Bye, Mama!" available on Netflix and Tving. This supernatural family drama centers on Cha Yu-ri, portrayed by Kim Tae-hee, a devoted mother who dies unexpectedly and returns to the world as a ghost for exactly 49 days to reconnect with her young daughter and grieving family. While the series deals with profound themes of grief and loss, it skillfully balances these heavier moments with lighthearted scenes and gentle humor, including the quirky and creative concept of a modernized ghost world where spirits now live under a democratic system of governance.
The emotional richness of "Hi Bye, Mama!" never becomes overwhelmingly heavy, making it accessible and engaging for every family member, from teenagers navigating their own emotional journeys to grandparents who can relate to themes of family legacy and connection. This careful balance ensures that viewers of all ages can engage meaningfully with the story's central themes of love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family.
"Our Blues," starring acclaimed actor Lee Byung-hun and available on Netflix and Tving, offers another excellent choice for family viewing. Set against the stunning and picturesque backdrop of a coastal seaside community, this ensemble drama masterfully interweaves the interconnected lives of a diverse group of characters, each struggling with their own unique challenges, dreams, aspirations, and closely guarded secrets.
The series explores universal themes of love, friendship, and hardship with remarkable warmth and emotional nuance. Penned by celebrated and award-winning writer Noh Hee-kyung and featuring an impressive cast of A-list actors including Lee Byung-hun, known for his roles in "Squid Game" and "Mr. Sunshine," and Shin Min-a, who starred in "Karma" and "My Girlfriend is a Gumiho," "Our Blues" earned recognition as one of Forbes' best Korean series of 2022.
Particularly noteworthy is "Our Blues'" groundbreaking approach to representation in Korean entertainment. The series makes history by casting disabled actors in roles that authentically reflect their lived experiences, including deaf actress Lee So-byeol and writer Jeong Eun-hye, who has Down syndrome. This casting represents one of the first instances in Korean television history where individuals with disabilities portray authentic versions of themselves in a scripted narrative, marking a significant step forward in inclusive storytelling.
For families seeking lighter entertainment, "Seoul Busters," starring Kim Dong-wook and available on Disney+, provides a charming and comedic crime series that follows an underperforming yet endearingly lovable police team as they tackle various cases with a delightful mix of wit, heart, and classic slapstick comedy. The series' brisk pacing and efficient character development make it an easily digestible watch for viewers of all ages and attention spans.
Anchored by Kim Dong-wook, beloved for his role in the classic "Coffee Prince," "Seoul Busters" employs a wide range of comedic techniques including parody, clever wordplay, and physical slapstick to craft a lighthearted yet surprisingly meaningful exploration of moral choices and the importance of community bonds. This combination makes it perfectly suited for family viewing during the holiday season, offering entertainment that brings families together while subtly reinforcing positive values about teamwork and community spirit.
