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7 must-watch military K-dramas that are perfect package of action, thrill and emotion
Here are seven must-watch military K-dramas where adrenaline-pumping action meets heartfelt emotions!
Military K-dramas explore the lives and experiences of soldiers, often intertwining romantic storylines, intense action, and themes of duty, friendship and personal growth. Some standout korean dramas on military include Crash Landing on You, a romantic tale set against North-South tensions and D.P., which dives into the challenges of military deserter pursuits. Besides these, Duty After School brings a sci-fi twist to the military drama theme, while Descendants of the Sun and Military Prosecutor Doberman offer intense action, comedy, and legal intrigue.
For heartwarming stories, Mr. Sunshine and My Military Valentine bring a perfect balance of romance and history. Ranging in varied genres, here are the best military shows on Netflix and other OTT platforms to add to your watchlist.
7 unskippable military K-dramas you would regret not watching
1. Crash Landing on You
- Cast: Hyun Bin, Son Ye Jin, Seo Ji Hye, Kim Jung Hyun
- IMDB Rating: 8.7/10
- Release year: 2019
- Genre: Romantic, comedy
- Where to watch: Netflix
Crash Landing on You weaves a tale of love and resilience amidst the backdrop of political tension. When South Korean chaebol heiress Yoon Se Ri, portrayed by Son Ye Jin, crash-lands in North Korea, she encounters Ri Jeong Hyeok (Hyun Bin), a noble North Korean captain.
As they navigate the dangers of their divided countries, their forbidden romance blossoms, intertwining with the lives of others caught in their tumultuous world. This gripping series beautifully balances action, humor, and heartfelt emotion, making it a must-watch.
2. D.P
- Cast: Jung Hae In, Koo Kyo Hwan, Kim Sung Kyun, Son Suk Ku
- IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
- Release year: 2021
- Genre: Military, action, drama
- Where to watch: Netflix
D.P. offers a gripping look into the dark side of South Korea’s military, exposing harsh realities like bullying, hazing, and institutional corruption. Following Private Ahn Jun Ho and Corporal Han Ho Yeol, the series showcases their mission to catch military deserters but soon reveals deeper issues within the ranks.
Meanwhile, season 2 delves even further, tackling sensitive subjects like LGBTQ+ discrimination and the systemic responsibility of military leadership, making D.P. a raw, thought-provoking drama about survival, abuse, and humanity.
3. Duty After School
- Cast: Shin Hyun Soo, Im Se Mi, Kwon Eun Bin, Kim Ki Hae, Kim Min Chul, Moon Sang Min, and more
- IMDB Rating: 6.8/10
- Release year: 2023
- Genre: Coming of age, military, sci-fi
- Where to watch: Rakuten Viki
Duty After School takes the high school experience to a terrifying new level. When mysterious creatures appear in the skies and begin attacking humans, the students of Sungjin High are thrust into a battle for survival.
Led by their platoon commander, Lieutenant Lee Chun Ho, and their homeroom teacher, Park Eun Young, the students must navigate both their personal struggles and the horrors of war. With action, suspense, and raw emotion, this sci-fi military drama explores bravery, sacrifice, and the strength of youth under unimaginable pressure.
4. Descendants of the Sun
- Cast: Song Joong Ki, Song Hye Kyo, Jin Goo, Kim Ji Won
- IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
- Release year: 2016
- Genre: Romance, action, melodrama
- Where to watch: Netflix
Descendants of the Sun is a heart-pounding romance set against the backdrop of war and duty. Captain Yoo Si Jin, a special forces soldier, and Dr. Kang Mo Yeon, a dedicated physician, navigate the complexities of love amid chaos in the fictional war-torn country of Uruk.
Their paths intertwine through duty and sacrifice, leading to poignant moments of vulnerability and strength. As they confront philosophical differences and the harsh realities of their professions, their love blossoms, revealing the profound connections forged in the face of adversity.
5. Military Prosecutor Doberman
- Cast: Ahn Bo Hyun, Jo Bo Ah
- IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
- Release year: 2022
- Genre: Military, legal
- Where to watch: Netflix
Military Prosecutor Doberman is an intense and thrilling drama that follows Do Bae Man, a jaded military prosecutor driven by revenge and greed, and Cha Woo In, a skilled lawyer from a chaebol family seeking justice for her father’s death.
Together, they uncover deep-rooted corruption within the military, spearheaded by the ruthless General Noh Hwa Young. As they navigate betrayal, greed, and vengeance, the series weaves a compelling tale of redemption, power struggles, and the pursuit of justice in a corrupt system.
6. Mr. Sunshine
- Cast: Lee Byung Hun, Kim Tae Ri, Yoo Yeon Seok, Kim Min Jung, Byun Yo Han
- IMDB Rating: 8.7/10
- Release year: 2018
- Genre: Historical, romance, melodrama
- Where to watch: Netflix
Mr. Sunshine is a gripping historical drama set in the early 1900s, centered on Eugene Choi, a former Joseon slave turned U.S. Marine officer, who returns to Korea during its struggle for independence.
As he falls in love with Go Ae Shin, a noblewoman and secret freedom fighter, he is drawn into the resistance against Japan's impending colonization. With stunning cinematography, complex characters, and themes of loyalty, love, and sacrifice, Mr. Sunshine delivers a tale of Korea's turbulent fight for sovereignty.
7. My Military Valentine
- Cast: Nam Gyu Ri, Kim Min Seok, Son Jae Rim
- IMDB Rating: 5.9/10
- Release year: 2024
- Genre: Romance, drama
- Where to watch: Rakuten Viki
My Military Valentine is a quirky rom-com set against the backdrop of a newly peaceful Korean Peninsula. When South Korean superstar Lloyd performs at the DMZ, a misunderstanding with North Korean special forces officer Baek Young Ok leads to an accidental viral moment, sparking a scandal.
To escape the chaos, Lloyd enlists in the military, only to be assigned to Young Ok’s unit. Amid fan outrage, duty, and misunderstandings, sparks fly as this unlikely duo navigates military life and unexpected romance.
South Korean military dramas offer a captivating blend of adrenaline-fueled action and emotional depth, making them a genre you can't miss. From the heart-pounding tensions in Crash Landing on You to the gritty realism of D.P and the sci-fi excitement of Duty After School, these dramas provide something for everyone.
Military K-dramas like Crash Landing on You, D.P., Descendants of the Sun, and Military Prosecutor Doberman offer diverse perspectives on the South Korean military, showcasing everything from romance and action to the harsh realities of military life and the stories of unsung heroes. The above-mentioned list of Korean military shows are sure to provide you with an enjoyable watch with their intertwined intense plot and comic relief moments.
