Bae Suzy, a.k.a. one of K-drama Nation’s First Love, is currently starring in a new series titled Start-Up with Nam Joo-Hyuk (Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo), and we are beyond excited. Not only is the drama headlined by two of South Korea’s most promising actors, but it’s also directed and produced by the same names behind K-drama favourites like Dream High and Hotel del Luna.
The first couple of episodes of the series, which showcase the lives of young professionals wanting to make it in South Korea's version of Silicon Valley, are already on Netflix. While the plot is looking pretty promising so far, we have to admit that waiting for the next episode of an ongoing drama can be quite frustrating.
Our solution? Binge-watch other Bae Suzy K-dramas to fill in the gap as we wait for new Start-Up episodes to air. Our watchlist, below.
Dream High
Every K-drama and K-pop fan knows that Dream High was like the Avengers in the 2010s. Not only did this drama see Bae Suzy co-starring with Taecyeon and Wooyoung of 2PM, Eun Jung from T-ARA and IU, but it also resulted in a mini-concert. A sequel was also slated because of the success of the first run.
Reason to watch it: Dream High has some of the most relatable characters who wish to pursue their passions. Sure, we get to fangirl during the musical performances embedded in the plot, but the story’s heart is what really makes this one a long-time favourite.
Big
Soul-swapping is definitely a typical theme in most Asian dramas. Even so, Big still delivers an interesting treatment to the narrative, with Lee Min-Jung (Once Again) and Gong Yoo (Goblin: The Great and Lonely God) as the main leads. The story revolves around an 18-year-old boy who suddenly finds himself in the body of a 30-year-old doctor who gets caught in a dilemma after falling in love with another woman (Bae Suzy) even if his host already has a fiancé.
Reason to watch it: Big delivers when it comes to emotional scenes. Despite the clichéness of its main premise, it also has enough twists and turns that will hook you in after each episode.
Uncontrollably Fond
If melodramas are more up your alley, Uncontrollably Fond is one to add to your watchlist. Bae Suzy co-starred with none other than Kim Woo-Bin (The Heirs) for this romantic K-drama, which tells the story of two former lovers reuniting years after a painful breakup.
Reason to watch it: Romance aside, the story also explores feelings of regret, of finding purpose, and of growing both for the people you love and for yourself, which may hit close to home for many.
While You Were Sleeping
A love story with a twist, While Your Were Sleeping is another K-drama to check out. Not only is the narrative interestingly written, but it also gives the right balance between fantasy, romance, and drama without it being convoluted.
Reason to watch it: One, Suzy Bae and Lee Jong Suk’s chemistry as the leads of this drama is simply off the charts; two, the idea of ‘is this a dream or is this reality’ as the fantasy element of the drama will surely keep you engrossed; and three, this story is never short on romantic scenes that will make your heart flutter no matter what your relationship status is like IRL.
Vagabond
A drama with yet another star-studded cast lineup, Vagabond brought us the much-anticipated tie-up of Lee Seung-gi (The Korean Odyssey) and Bae Suzy in 2019. This action-romance drama features the two as a stunt man and an NIS agent respectively, whose fates were tied together after a terrorism case.
Reason to watch it: Since it’s not your typical rom-com or melodrama plot, Vagabond is something that can also be enjoyed with the rest of the family who are not into dramas that are mushy.
(Cover photo from: @netflixph)
Speaking of K-dramas to watch, do you share our Tale Of The Nine-Tailed plot predictions?
Comments, questions or feedback? Email us at editorial@thebeaulife.co.