K-drama writers are brilliant as fuck. They add these tropes on purpose, so die-hard fans like me can keep coming up with theories based on familiar tropes. They might be annoying at times, but they add spice to the plot, so we stick around.
Here are the six most recurring tropes you can’t miss in K-drama.
The main characters must have met as kids
I’m not even going to lie; this trope slaps, and all the best dramas use this. It always works best when they don’t remember each other and hate each other’s guts. Like in Hometown Cha-cha-cha. Every time I see this trope, I want to fight my brain for forgetting all my kindergarten friends.
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Sudden illness or amnesia
You thought Mexican series had this trope on lock, but them no do reach Koreans. When you’re watching a K-drama and things are going too well, just prepare for an accident that’ll give the main character amnesia or a sudden terminal illness. Have your tissues ready. You’re about to cry hot tears.
Episode 12 breakup
I want Koreans to know that art doesn’t always have to imitate life. I didn’t come to watch a K-drama for them to break up. But what do they care about my feelings? It’s on schedule at this point. Isn’t 12 supposed to be a holy number signifying new things? Anyway, if your relationship is 12 seconds, days, weeks, months, or years old, my dear, good luck. Break-up na national cake, after all.
The best friend who’s in love with his best friend, who likes someone else
This trope is annoying because if your best friend ever confesses that they like you because someone else is showing interest in you, you better run. These characters need to stop doing this nonsense sha. I like that K-dramas never lets him get the girl sh because that’s dirty behaviour. A closed mouth is a closed destiny.
The suspicious man dressed in all black with a black cap and mask
There aren’t many things in life that upset me, but in what world would anyone see a man dressed like this and follow him? What do these characters have against staying alive? I know it’s just to move the plot, but girl? Is everything okay at home?
Korean idols as main characters
And they always show out. When Bae Suzy, IU, Park Seo-Joon, or Choi Si-won are in a K-drama, I always expect perfection. This is one trope I can never complain about because we know they are great at singing, but watching them act is a whole other experience. I’m a simple person — I see an idol in a K-drama and watch it. Life’s not complicated.
