Can You Judge a K-Drama by Its First Episode?

While the first episode of a K-drama is a compelling starting point, determining whether a series is good or not is a bit more complex. Sometimes, the initial episode can be a powerful introduction that sets the tone for the entire series, but other times, it may mislead viewers about its true potential. Let's explore some examples of K-dramas and delve into how the first episode compares to the overall quality of the series.

Examples of K-Drmas Based on Their First Episode

While You Were Sleeping

While You Were Sleeping had one of the best first episodes I have ever seen, regardless of the country or genre. The opening episode featured high-quality writing, intriguing characters, and a compelling plot. Not only did it hook me, but it also set the standard for what was to come. The entire series was excellent, consistently delivering quality content throughout its run.

W: Between Two Worlds

W: Between Two Worlds similarly had an amazing first episode, and the initial three or four episodes were outstanding. However, the series eventually faltered, leading to a disappointing conclusion. The first episode was a masterpiece, but the subsequent episodes failed to maintain the same level of quality. This shows that while the first episode can be a strong starting point, it is not a guarantee of the series' overall success.

About Time

About Time presented an intriguing premise and was interesting in its early stages. Unfortunately, the show ultimately failed to live up to its initial promise. The first episode set a high bar that the subsequent episodes could not meet. This serves as a reminder that first impressions are not always indicative of the entire series.

Love Next Door

Love Next Door received 10/10 from me and a perfect score from my sister. The show, released by Netflix, resonated deeply with me, especially the character of Jung So-min. The humor was well-executed, and I could relate to her struggles, making the show feel very personal. Furthermore, Jung Hae-In's on-screen chemistry with his co-star was nothing short of adorable, with his eyes capturing my heart completely. It's clear that this series has the potential to be a standout drama.

Cinderella at 2 AM

Cinderella at 2 AM received a 7/10 from me, while my sister awarded it a perfect score. My pre-conceived standards were raised by Love Next Door, making it harder to appreciate this show. Despite the performances of the leads, I struggled to find the humor in the show's comedic scenes. While my sister found the entire series hilarious, I couldn't help but feel that some scenes were not funny, hindering my ability to fully enjoy the show.

Perfect Family

Perfect Family scored a 8/10 from me. While my sister prefers other genres, she found Perfect Family too thrilling to watch past the first episode. The first episode was solid, but the series quickly shifted into a darker, more intense tone that caught me off guard. However, this sudden escalation made me anticipate future episodes with equal excitement. The show holds great potential to be nominated for awards, especially in the categories of best actor/actress and supporting actress, as well as the best TV show.

No Gain No Love

No Gain No Love has captured everyone's attention with its high score of 1000/10. Despite my sister's disinterest, Amazon Prime has succeeded in this series. The main couple is incredibly cute, and the chemistry between them is palpable. One particularly memorable moment was when the lead character confesses his love for his favorite discontinued gummi candies, despite claiming to hate her. This display of affection and the overall chemistry make the show a standout in the Amazon Prime lineup.

Bad Memory Eraser with Kim Jae-joong

Bad Memory Eraser with Kim Jae-joong scored a 7.5/10 from me, and a 5/10 from my sister. The chemistry between all the couples was genuinely enjoyable, especially the relationship between the male lead (ML) and his brother. The female lead (FL) is well-written, but the editing often left me confused about the storyline. There were instances where I felt like I missed scenes or episodes due to the abnormal behavior of the characters. Despite this issue, the story and characters remain my favorite aspect of the show.