The world of Kdrama often revolves around non-human characters, a theme that can be tricky for drama makers to tackle. If not handled properly, these portrayals can risk becoming bland or even comical. However, South Korean productions have managed to deliver some incredible dramas with non-human leads, thanks to the talent and creativity of their teams. These dramas not only captivate us with their unique themes but also deliver powerful messages that remind us of the importance of hope, love, and moral values. Below is a list of some of the best Korean dramas featuring non-human main characters.
15. Forbidden Love
Forbidden Love tells the story of Yoon Shi-Yeon, a Gumiho (Nine-Tailed Fox) living undercover in the human world. Unlike traditional Gumiho tales where the creature is often a villain, Shi-Yeon has a tragic and complex past. By day, she works at a natural history museum, where she is known as a quiet and kind-hearted employee. However, by night, she is a skilled warrior in the Nine-Tailed Fox clan, fighting to protect her kind and their secrets. The plot intensifies when a series of gruesome murders, linked to organ thefts, begin to unfold. A detective investigating these crimes becomes entangled in a dangerous web as he uncovers the dark truth about Shi-Yeon’s true nature. Forbidden Love offers a thrilling mix of mystery, supernatural elements, and intense character development.
14. Circle
Circle is a gripping sci-fi thriller that spans across two timelines: one in 2017 and the other in 2037. The story follows twin brothers, Kim Woo Jin and Kim Hyun, who encounter a humanoid alien named Jae Hoon. They choose to help the alien, unknowingly stepping into a series of strange and dangerous events. As the years progress, one of the brothers mysteriously disappears, and the other brother, now a detective, must uncover the truth behind his disappearance. The investigation leads to shocking revelations that bridge the gap between the two time periods, involving advanced technology, alien forces, and the ethical dilemmas of human interaction with non-human beings. Circle is an exciting mix of suspense, sci-fi, and action that raises questions about the future of humanity.
13. The Bride of Habaek
In The Bride of Habaek, the story follows the narcissistic water god Ha-Baek, who has been sent to the human world to collect three powerful stones in order to claim his throne as the ruler of the gods. To do so, he enlists the help of Yoon So-Ah, a human woman who is destined to be his bride and servant. As the series progresses, Ha-Baek and So-Ah’s relationship evolves from tension and reluctance to deep affection. Along the way, they encounter other gods, including Bi-Ryum, the wind god, and Moo-Ra, the water goddess, who all play pivotal roles in the unfolding drama. The series is a captivating mix of romance, mythology, and fantasy as the gods struggle with both human emotions and divine duties.
12. Angel’s Last Mission: Love
Angel’s Last Mission: Love is a heartfelt fantasy drama about an angel named Dan, who is sent to the human world on a mission to help a ballerina named Yeon Seon find true love. Yeon Seon, however, is a woman who has long since lost faith in love due to the tragedy in her life. As Dan tries to fulfill his divine mission, he becomes deeply involved with her, despite the growing complications of their relationship. The drama beautifully explores themes of fate, love, sacrifice, and divine intervention, as Dan grapples with his own emotions and the challenges of living among humans while guiding Yeon Seon toward healing.
11. Bong Soon – A Cyborg in Love
Bong Soon – A Cyborg in Love is a quirky mini-drama that follows Kim Joo Sung, a computer programmer who falls in love with the cyborg he created, Oh Bong Soon. Unlike most romance stories, Bong Soon cannot feel love due to her programming, and whenever she does, her system malfunctions and she shuts down. The drama explores their emotional journey as they attempt to navigate the complexities of love and human relationships, despite her inability to reciprocate. The show is a blend of humor, romance, and drama, offering a unique take on the idea of artificial intelligence and its potential for emotional growth and connection.
10. Arang and the Magistrate
Arang and the Magistrate is a supernatural drama set in the Joseon Dynasty. It follows the ghost of a young woman named Arang, who seeks the help of Eun Oh, a government officer, to uncover the truth behind her mysterious murder. Eun Oh, who has his own unresolved past, becomes entangled in a series of supernatural events as he helps Arang find the answers she desperately seeks. Together, they face powerful ghosts, vengeful spirits, and the divine forces that govern life and death. This drama beautifully blends romance, action, and adventure, with Arang’s journey of self-discovery and redemption playing a key role in the plot.
9. Hotel Del Luna
Set in a mystical hotel catering to spirits before they move on to the afterlife, Hotel Del Luna tells the story of Jang Man Wol, the enigmatic and cursed CEO, and Gu Cha Sung, a human manager who becomes involved with the supernatural events of the hotel. Man Wol, cursed to live for centuries due to past wrongdoings, is a complex and deeply tragic character, while Cha Sung, who has the ability to see ghosts, is drawn into her world as he helps manage the hotel. The series is a delicate mix of romance, mystery, and emotional depth as the characters uncover the truth behind their supernatural pasts and face the consequences of their choices. Hotel Del Luna captivates with its breathtaking visual aesthetics, strong character development, and a perfect blend of fantasy and heartfelt storytelling.
8. Thirst
Directed by the acclaimed Park Chan Wook, Thirst tells the haunting and intimate story of a priest who volunteers for a medical experiment in order to find a cure for a disease spreading in Africa. However, things go awry when he contracts a mysterious virus that transforms him into a vampire. As he grapples with his new monstrous nature, he begins a forbidden love affair with the wife of his childhood friend. The drama explores deep themes of love, morality, and sacrifice, delving into the darkness of human desires, the struggle with the loss of faith, and the tension between duty and passion.
7. W – Two Worlds
W – Two Worlds masterfully merges fantasy with reality, as the male lead, a character from a fictional webtoon, crosses over into the real world. The story follows Oh Yeon Joo, a surgeon who becomes tangled in the plot of her father’s webtoon after she’s pulled into its world. She meets Kang Chul, the webtoon’s main character, and soon finds herself caught in the blurring of boundaries between her own reality and the fictional world. As the two navigate their unusual relationship, they discover that their fates are intertwined, with both worlds at risk of colliding. This drama’s innovative concept and thrilling storyline make it a fan favorite in the supernatural genre.
6. My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (Nine-Tailed Fox)
A beloved classic, My Girlfriend is a Gumiho follows Cha Dae Woong, a man who accidentally releases a nine-tailed fox (Gumiho) from a painting where she has been trapped for 500 years. In gratitude for saving his life, the Gumiho, named Mi Ho, offers Dae Woong a mystical bead that gives him extraordinary powers. As their relationship develops, they are forced to confront the difficulties of mixing the human and non-human worlds. The drama is filled with humor, romance, and heartwarming moments, as Mi Ho’s struggle to become human becomes a central theme of the story.
5. My Love from Another Star
This highly popular drama centers on Do Min Joon, an alien who has lived on Earth for over 400 years, hiding his true identity. Just as he prepares to leave, he meets Cheon Song Yi, a famous actress who is involved in a dangerous situation with her childhood friend’s brother. Do Min Joon finds himself becoming attached to Song Yi, and as their lives intertwine, his long-guarded emotions start to emerge. The series is an engaging mix of romance, humor, and sci-fi, showcasing themes of time, fate, and the longing for connection, and it became an international sensation.
4. Are You Human Too?
In Are You Human Too?, a brilliant scientist, Oh Laura, creates AI robots to replace her comatose son, Namshin. However, when Namshin miraculously awakens, he must compete with his robotic counterpart, Namshin III, who has developed human emotions. As Namshin III forms a connection with his bodyguard, the show delves into the complexities of identity, love, and the essence of being human. The series explores the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI and emotions, offering a thrilling take on technology and its implications for the future.
3. A Werewolf Boy
A Werewolf Boy tells the poignant story of a lonely girl who forms an unlikely bond with a half-human, half-werewolf boy in a secluded house. The boy, who has been abandoned and mistreated, finds solace in the girl’s kindness. Over time, they develop a deep connection, transcending conventional romance into a tale of friendship, loyalty, and love. The film highlights themes of innocence, emotional growth, and the unique bond between the two, all while delivering a heartbreaking and beautifully melancholic narrative that has made it a cherished piece of Kdrama history.
2. Legend of the Blue Sea
Legend of the Blue Sea takes inspiration from the classic Joseon-era myth of a mermaid. The story follows Shim Cheong, a mermaid from the past who is reincarnated in modern-day Seoul, where she meets Heo Joon Jae, a charming con artist who looks exactly like a nobleman from her past life. As their romance develops, the drama shifts between two timelines: the Joseon period and the present day, with magical realism and supernatural elements blending into a captivating love story. The show highlights themes of reincarnation, fate, and love that transcends time, making it a standout fantasy series.
1. Goblin: The Lonely and Great God
Goblin: The Lonely and Great God is arguably one of the most iconic fantasy Kdramas. The story follows Kim Shin, an immortal goblin who has lived for centuries and is seeking a human bride to end his curse. Alongside him is a Grim Reaper who has no memories of his past life. Their lives intertwine with Ji Eun Tak, a young high school student who can see ghosts, and Sunny, a confident chicken shop owner who crosses paths with the Grim Reaper. The drama masterfully weaves comedy, romance, and deep emotional storytelling, tackling themes of life, death, and the eternal search for redemption. Its stunning cinematography and exceptional cast have made Goblin a must-watch for fans of supernatural Kdramas.
These dramas demonstrate the power of non-human characters to explore universal themes of love, morality, and self-discovery, while offering audiences a chance to immerse themselves in imaginative and fantastical worlds. Each show provides a unique perspective on what it means to be human, despite the supernatural elements involved.
Dev King is a passionate fan of manga, manhwa, and webtoons, with a love for Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cartoons. Always exploring new worlds and stories, he finds joy in every unique style and plot twist.
