Korean dramas, known for their compelling narratives and diverse themes, often blur the line between fiction and reality. While many are purely imaginative, a significant number of K-dramas are either directly based on true events or heavily inspired by real-life incidents. These shows offer a unique blend of entertainment and a glimpse into actual historical, cultural, or contemporary events.

For those intrigued by this intersection of fact and fiction, exploring K-dramas that draw from real-life stories can be particularly rewarding. Below is a curated list of 5 exceptional K-dramas, each rooted in actual events, offering a captivating viewing experience that resonates with the complexities of real life.

Through The Darkness (2022)

Episodes: 12

It is based on the autobiography of author Ko Namu, a police officer who got recruited into the Criminal Behavior Analysis unit, all thanks to his unique thinking. It is based on the actual tale of South Korea's first profiler, Kwon Il Yong.

The Glory (2022)

Episodes: 16

It is a hard-hitting drama loosely based on several school bullying and violence incidents. It is the story of abuse starring Song Hye Kyo as Moon Dong Eun and her revenge on her bullies. The drama can get as real and heart-shattering as it can be. It is not just a show but something way more serious.

Fight For My Way (2017)

Episodes: 16

It is loosely based on the life and story of the mixed martial artist Choo Sung Hoon and his wife, Yano Shiho. Also, in one of the interviews, the writer of the series, Im Chang Soon, shared that he had always been fascinated by the world of MMA. The drama's story and characters are fun and relatable.

Signal (2016)

Episodes: 16

While it is fantasy fiction in how the cold-case profiler and the detective communicate and send information to each other through different times, the overall storyline and cases are based on real incidents and the infamous Hwaseong serial murders between 1986 and 1994.

Reply 1988 (2015)

Episodes: 20 + Special

This drama is not based on real-life incidents or events, but one of the characters in the show was inspired by a real person. The story is a nostalgic trip back to the late 1980s through the lives of five families and their five teenage kids.

Which K-drama from here is your favorite? Also, please share the ones that were not mentioned.