K-dramas often bring us storylines that resonate with us deeply. It is no news that the world works in a certain way. We study, get a job, and often get stuck in a monotonous cycle, which becomes the reason for our unhappiness.
The world of K-dramas shows us the beauty of breaking the cycle of monotony. Leaving our jobs and packing our bags for a fresh start is scary. Yet, K-dramas show us a mirror.
They give us the idea that sometimes, leaving our unhappy life should be our go-to. Beyond the captivating storylines, the undeniable allure of finding happiness in a new place is infectious.
It is more than just wanderlust. It is a profound connection that these K-dramas create in our minds. These stories make us want to prioritize ourselves and embrace a fresh start. So, let’s dive right in.
Disclaimer: The article contains the authors opinions.
8 K-dramas that had us ready to quit our jobs, pack our bags, and start a new life in Seoul
1) Doctor Slump

We are often stuck in an endless career pursuit, which means that we prioritize things that often do not prioritize us. We overlook our mental health and physical health for the pursuit of a successful career. However, we fail to recognize that inner happiness is the most significant thing.
This K-drama depicts this aspect in a nuanced manner. Through Ha-neul’s understanding of her deteriorating mental health, we can understand the significance of prioritizing ourselves. The series also showed the audience the healing journey of the two lead characters. It makes us want to leave our monotonous life, which does not cater to us, and seek something more.
2) Because This Is My First Life

This K-drama depicts the struggles of our lives in a realistic manner. Nam Se-hee and Yoon Ji-ho’s life takes an unexpected turn after they start to live together. Ji-ho is having a career crisis and finding it difficult to manage her expenses. Se-hee, on the other hand, is focused on minimizing his expenses. Cohabitation seemed like the perfect idea for them.
They feel stuck in their lives, and this marriage of convenience begins their journey of self-discovery. It offers a depiction of the significance of a fresh start. It paints a life that feels more intentional and more fulfilling. This aspect draws us in. It tempts us to leave our current cubicle and seek something more.
3) When the Camellia Blooms

This drama might not be set in Seoul, yet the tones of freedom call to us. The aspect of giving up your current situation to start afresh is very much present in this K-drama. The cozy and close-knit community shown here makes us want to settle in a new place and make friends with new people. It depicts the beauty of a slow-paced life away from the hustle and bustle of a stressful, monotonous life. This K-drama makes us reflect on what truly matters.
Through Dong-baek’s character, we see the strength and determination. She settles down in the new place. She finds a new purpose to start afresh. Yong-sik’s constant support of Dong-baek makes us want to find genuine connections rather than being stuck in a place that does not make us happy. This K-drama is truly a perfect watch if you are looking for a nudge to just pack your bags and look for a fresh start.
4) Start-Up

Have you ever wondered how K-dramas often show us some of the things we are often too scared to face? Leaving our steady jobs and seeking something uncertain can seem like a huge pressure. Yet when we see K-drama characters leaving their steady lives for something more, we root for them. Is it because we see ourselves in their shoes or because the feeling of freedom calls to us? It is probably both of these.
Through this, we see the dedication and determination of a group of people trying to make it big in this world. Dal-mi’s ambitious nature and Do-san’s never-give-up attitude do something mysterious to our minds. This K-drama makes our steady, predictable jobs feel incredibly dull. This drama gives off an “anything is possible” vibe, which draws us in. It makes us want to take a leap of faith and pursue our true dreams without any hesitation.
5) Doctor Cha

This K-drama does have a funny way of telling us to hit the reset button on our lives. It teaches us that we should never live our lives for someone else. Cha Jeong-seok’s life has become a monotonous cycle. As a housewife for almost twenty years, she misses her past glory as a medical student. She decides to start over.
Returning to a career after twenty years away from it can sound like a difficult task. However, if one is resolute and has set the goal, then nothing can stop them. It is the same for Cha Jeong-seo as well. Through her determination to return to her career, we get the urge to never settle for a monotonous life. Her determination is like a breath of fresh air. Sometimes all we need is a nudge to start afresh. This K-drama will definitely give you the boost needed to face all your fears.
6) My Liberation Notes

It is true that we often watch K-dramas to escape from the difficulties of reality. The hustle and bustle of our world often becomes too much. These dramas are an easy way to get away from troubles. However, sometimes, the realistic depiction of the struggles of our lives in K-dramas becomes a source of intrigue. To see the characters go through similar situations to ours makes us relate to them, and through their escape, we are able to feel the happiness as well.
This series offers a very realistic depiction of the struggles of real life through Mi-jeong and her siblings’ lives. One word to describe Mi-jeong’s life? Monotonous. She goes to her job, does her work, and returns to her home to rest. She then repeats the whole process the next day. She depicts the soul-crushing reality of our daily lives. She yearns for freedom and something more from her life. Through her, we often feel the need for a radical change in our lives as well. It holds up a mirror to us. The idea of quitting our jobs, packing our bags, and leaving to start a new life sounds like the perfect idea.
7) Welcome to Samdal-ri

This K-drama brings forth a subtle feeling of warmth and comfort with its storyline. The manner in which the world works often becomes too stressful. It makes us want to leave everything and bask in the soothing air of the beautiful world shown on the screen.
Cho Yong-pil and Sam-dal’s story resonates with the viewers. Sam-dal desires to reconnect with her roots after a difficult situation at her work. On the other hand, Young-pil’s goal is to give the elderly a safe and protected environment using his weather forecasting. If you are looking for a series that will help you find the strength to overcome difficult situations, then this K-drama is just the one for you. The soothing feeling of this drama makes us want to run away and have a fun vacation.
8) Love Next Door

This K-drama brings out one of the best heartwarming storylines that depicts the significance of putting yourself before anyone. If we keep putting others before us, life often becomes too difficult to move forward. Despite trying her best to maintain a steady, well-paying job, Seok-ryu constantly gets taken advantage of. She slowly understands that, as she never prioritized herself, she is slowly losing herself. She also gets physically ill. She goes through surgery and decides to return to her home.
Starting again can be difficult. However, holding on to something that gets you hurt will eventually be too difficult to carry on. Initially, her parents are not supportive of her decision to quit her job. She tries to evade giving any explanations. This further makes them anxious, and they constantly pester her about returning to her job. However, when they find out about her health condition, they understand her choices. Her childhood friend, Seung-hyo, also becomes a steady part of her healing journey. This K-drama will make you want to break free from anything that is holding you back.
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