Kim Hye-yoon and Byeon Woo-seok in Lovely Runner, highlighting the romantic leads of the series.
Kim Hye-yoon and Byeon Woo-seok in Lovely Runner, highlighting the romantic leads of the series.

Time-Traveling Through Romance and Mystery: Must-Watch Time Travel Kdramas

Time travel, a captivating concept that transcends genres, has become a beloved trope in storytelling across the globe. From Hollywood blockbusters to intricate anime series, the allure of altering timelines and exploring different eras holds a universal appeal. Korean dramas, or Kdramas, have wholeheartedly embraced this trope, often weaving time travel into narratives that span romance, mystery, historical intrigue, and even crime-solving. While the Joseon era, with its rich history and dramatic political landscape, frequently serves as the destination for time-traveling characters, Kdramas consistently innovate, using temporal displacement to unlock unique storytelling potential.

Whether it’s unraveling a present-day crime rooted in the past or kindling epic romances that defy centuries, time travel in Kdramas often elevates the narrative, adding layers of complexity and emotional depth. The sheer popularity of this theme has led some viewers to playfully suggest it’s becoming an overused plot device. However, the best Time Travel Kdramas skillfully employ the trope, not as a gimmick, but as a crucial element to deliver truly unforgettable and original stories on screen. From heartwarming tales of second chances to thrilling mysteries that bend time itself, these dramas prove that when handled with creativity, time travel can lead to some of the most compelling narratives in the Kdrama universe.

25. A Time Called You

Released In 2023

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Romance

Starring: Ahn Hyo-seop, Jeon Yeo-been

A Time Called You, a 2023 release on Netflix, is a remake of the popular Taiwanese series Someday or One Day. This romantic fantasy drama delves into the life of Koo Yeon-jun (played by Jeon Yeo-been), a young woman deeply mourning the loss of her boyfriend. Her world turns upside down when she mysteriously finds herself transported back to 1998, inhabiting the body of an 18-year-old girl named Min-ju. As Yeon-jun grapples with this sudden shift and attempts to unravel the mystery behind her time travel, she encounters a young man, Si-heon (Ahn Hyo-seop), who bears an uncanny resemblance to her deceased lover.

More than just time travel, A Time Called You incorporates elements of body-swapping and doppelgangers, creating a complex and intriguing narrative. Central to the story is an old cassette player that seems to control the characters’ journeys through time. A particular song on the cassette tape becomes a key to manipulating aspects of their lives, yet not entirely, leading to intricate plot developments. Adding another layer of suspense, the drama subtly weaves in a serial killer subplot, appealing to viewers who enjoy a blend of mystery with their romance.

While A Time Called You offers a captivating viewing experience, it’s positioned lower on this list because the finale leaves some narrative threads unresolved. This open-ended conclusion, while potentially intriguing for some, may not provide the complete closure that many viewers seek in a time travel drama.

24. Again My Life

Released In 2022

Genre: Crime, Action, Drama, Fantasy

Starring: Lee Joon-Gi, Kim Ji-eun

Again My Life, released in 2022, offers a unique twist on the time travel trope. Instead of a typical journey through time, the protagonist, Kim Hee Woo (played by Lee Joon-gi), a prosecutor, is granted a second chance at life after being unjustly murdered. He doesn’t travel to a different era but is reborn as his younger self, a college student, retaining all the memories and knowledge from his previous life. This sets the stage for a compelling narrative of justice and revenge as Hee Woo utilizes his revived existence to bring down the corrupt political figures responsible for his demise.

This Kdrama masterfully blends elements of legal drama and fantasy. Hee Woo’s prior experience as a prosecuting attorney gives him a significant advantage in his second life. His intelligence and legal acumen, now amplified by his knowledge of future events, allow him to excel academically while secretly investigating the conspiracy behind his murder.

Again My Life stands out as a time travel series with a strong thriller and action component. Lee Joon-gi, renowned for his action roles, performs many of his own stunts, showcasing his black belt in taekwondo. His performance earned him recognition at the SBS Drama Awards, highlighting the action-packed and thrilling nature of this series that deviates from typical time travel narratives.

23. Twinkling Watermelon

Released In 2023

Genre: Drama, Comedy, Fantasy, Romance

Starring: Ryeoun, Choi Hyun-wook, Seol In-ah

Twinkling Watermelon, a 2023 heartwarming drama, draws inspiration from Back to the Future, presenting a time travel story with a family-centric twist. Eun Gyeol (Ryeoun), a musically gifted high school student, unexpectedly time travels back to his father’s high school days in 1995. This journey is sparked by a conflict with his father (played by Choi Won-young as an adult and Choi Hyun-wook as a teenager) regarding Eun Gyeol’s musical aspirations. His father, disapproving of a music career, inadvertently triggers Eun Gyeol’s time-traveling adventure.

In the past, Eun Gyeol discovers a surprising reality: his father, in his youth, is not hearing impaired, unlike his present-day self. He also witnesses his father’s budding interest in a girl who is not his mother. Driven by a desire to alter his family’s history for the better, Eun Gyeol takes on two missions: prevent the accident that causes his father’s hearing loss and ensure his parents end up together. Amidst these family interventions, he also forms a band with his younger father and his friends, adding a layer of youthful camaraderie and musical passion to the narrative.

Twinkling Watermelon is praised for its heartwarming portrayal of intergenerational relationships and the profound impact of choices. It beautifully explores themes of understanding parents, the butterfly effect of decisions, and the power of family bonds, making it a touching and resonant time travel Kdrama.

22. Lovely Runner

Released In 2024

Kim Hye-yoon and Byeon Woo-seok in Lovely Runner, highlighting the romantic leads of the series.Kim Hye-yoon and Byeon Woo-seok in Lovely Runner, highlighting the romantic leads of the series.

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Sci-Fi

Starring: Byeon Woo-seok, Kim Hye-yoon

Lovely Runner, a 2024 series, blends K-Pop culture, athletic achievement, and a poignant love story into a captivating time travel narrative. The drama centers around Sun-jae (Byeon Woo-seok), a reclusive K-pop superstar living a largely isolated life despite his fame, and Im-sol (Kim Hye-yoon), his devoted fan who has consistently supported his career. As they both reach their 30s, they reflect on paths not taken and wonder about alternative life choices, hinting at a deeper, shared history.

The series takes a dramatic turn when tragedy strikes, giving one of them a chance to travel back in time to rewrite their shared destiny. It’s revealed that both Sun-jae and Im-sol have been silently dedicated to protecting each other, even at the cost of their own happiness. Lovely Runner beautifully explores themes of self-sacrifice and the extraordinary lengths people will go to for those they cherish.

Adding to its charm, Lovely Runner features the song “Sudden Shower,” performed by Byeon Woo-seok for the show. Despite not being a trained K-pop artist, the song’s chart success underscores his captivating performance and the series’ strong connection with its audience, making it a must-watch for fans of romance, music, and time travel.

21. Reborn Rich

Released In 2022

Song Joong-ki and Lee Sung-min in Reborn Rich, featuring the main cast of the drama in a serious setting.Song Joong-ki and Lee Sung-min in Reborn Rich, featuring the main cast of the drama in a serious setting.

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Revenge

Starring: Song Joong-ki, Lee Sung-min

Reborn Rich, a 2022 sensation, achieved remarkable success both domestically and internationally, becoming the most-watched Kdrama in South Korea in 2022. This series shares a narrative similarity with Again My Life in that the protagonist is murdered and reborn, but it unfolds in a vastly different world. Yoon Hyun-woo (Song Joong-ki), a loyal and hardworking employee of a powerful chaebol family – sprawling conglomerates that dominate the South Korean economy – is betrayed and killed when he uncovers corporate wrongdoing.

Instead of simply returning to his past self, Hyun-woo is reborn as Jin Do-joon, the youngest grandson of the very chaebol family he served. Armed with memories of his past life and knowledge of future events, Do-joon embarks on a path of revenge, strategically leveraging his insider position to dismantle the corrupt family empire from within.

While both Reborn Rich and Again My Life feature protagonists seeking vengeance after being reborn, the settings and thematic explorations differ significantly. Reborn Rich delves into the intricate world of corporate power, family dynamics within a chaebol, and socio-economic commentary, offering a gripping narrative of wealth, betrayal, and retribution. The series garnered critical acclaim, winning Best Miniseries at the Seoul International Drama Awards, solidifying its place as a standout time travel Kdrama with a sharp focus on societal structures and power dynamics.

20. My Perfect Stranger

Released In 2023

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Fantasy, Time Travel

Starring: Kim Dong-wook, Jin Ki-joo

My Perfect Stranger, a 2023 mystery thriller, takes a unique approach to time travel by featuring two main characters who are both travelers through time, albeit under different circumstances. Hae Jun (Kim Dong Wook), a journalist investigating a series of serial murders, discovers a time machine and purposefully uses it to further his investigation into past crimes. Simultaneously, Yoon Young (Jin Ki Joo) experiences a personal tragedy when she finds her mother dead. In a twist of fate, she is struck by a car and awakens in the same era Hae Jun has traveled to.

Unlike many Kdramas where only one character journeys through time, My Perfect Stranger intricately weaves together the timelines of both protagonists. Hae Jun’s planned time travel contrasts with Yoon Young’s accidental displacement, creating a compelling dynamic. As they navigate the past, they find themselves trapped, unable to return to their original timelines, and their paths intertwine, suggesting a deeper connection between their time-traveling experiences and their lives.

My Perfect Stranger distinguishes itself by its dual time traveler narrative, blending elements of mystery, thriller, and fantasy to explore how their journeys are linked and how they might influence each other’s destinies across time.

19. Tunnel

Released In 2017

Choi Jin-hyuk in Tunnel Korean drama, depicting the detective protagonist in action.Choi Jin-hyuk in Tunnel Korean drama, depicting the detective protagonist in action.

Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Time Travel

Starring: Choi Jin-hyuk, Yoon Hyun-min

Tunnel, a 2017 crime thriller, offers a time travel narrative that propels a character into the future rather than the past. Set in 1986, detective Park Gwang-ho (Choi Jin Hyuk) is intensely pursuing a serial killer case. While chasing a suspect through a tunnel, he is struck unconscious and awakens to find himself in the year 2016, thirty years into the future.

Inspired by real-life serial killings in Korea, Tunnel blends factual crime elements with a fictional time travel premise. While primarily a murder mystery, the series also incorporates romantic and family drama subplots, adding emotional depth to the suspenseful investigation. Detective Gwang-ho must adapt to the modern world while partnering with a present-day detective to solve cold cases that eerily mirror those from his past.

Tunnel‘s popularity extends beyond South Korea, leading to adaptations in Thailand and an Indonesian remake in development, highlighting its universal appeal as a gripping crime drama with a compelling time travel twist.

18. Familiar Wife

Released In 2018

Genre: Romance, Drama, Fantasy, Time Travel

Starring: Ji Sung, Han Ji-min

Familiar Wife, a 2018 romantic drama, explores the “what if” scenario of life choices through a time travel lens. Cha Joo-hyuk (Ji-Sung), a bank employee burdened by an unhappy marriage and professional dissatisfaction, feels trapped in his life. He often reflects on past decisions, wondering if different choices in his youth could have led to a happier present. A chance encounter with a toll booth, coupled with a mysterious event, sends him back to his college days, granting him an opportunity to alter his life’s trajectory.

What sets Familiar Wife apart is its protagonist’s ability to navigate between the past and present. Unlike a one-way trip, Joo-hyuk can travel back and forth, witnessing firsthand how his altered decisions ripple through time, creating vastly different realities. This concept, reminiscent of Sliding Doors, allows for an exploration of cause and effect, and the profound impact of seemingly small choices on one’s life path. The drama’s soundtrack, nominated at the Korea Drama Awards, effectively enhances the emotional resonance of Joo-hyuk’s time-altering journey.

17. Times

Released In 2021

Genre: Thriller, Political Intrigue, Time Travel

Starring: Lee Joo-young, Kim Yeong-cheol

Times, a 2021 thriller, presents a unique form of time travel, diverging from physical displacement to other eras. Instead, it utilizes a phone line that transcends timelines. This concept, while explored in other media with devices like radios, is implemented in Times through a mysterious phone connection linking two journalists from different years – 2015 and 2020.

Initially, Lee Jin-woo (Lee Joo-young) in 2015 and Seo Jung-in (Kim Yeong-cheol) in 2020 collaborate across time to prevent the death of Jung-in’s father. However, their investigation uncovers a deep-seated conspiracy involving political corruption and the manipulation of time itself. Times distinguishes itself by focusing on political intrigue rather than the typical romantic subplots often found in time travel Kdramas. While it didn’t achieve widespread critical acclaim, Lee Joo-young’s performance earned her a nomination for Best New Actress at the Baeksang Arts Awards, recognizing the show’s unique premise and engaging narrative.

16. Tomorrow With You

Released In 2017

Lee Je-hoon and Shin Min-a in Tomorrow With You, portraying the couple whose fate is intertwined with time travel.Lee Je-hoon and Shin Min-a in Tomorrow With You, portraying the couple whose fate is intertwined with time travel.

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Time Travel

Starring: Lee Je-hoon, Shin Min-a

Tomorrow With You, a 2017 fantasy romance, offers a distinctive take on time travel mechanics. Unlike accidental or external methods, Yoo So-joon (Lee Je-Hoon), the protagonist, possesses the conscious ability to time travel, specifically through subways. This intentional control over time travel sets it apart from many other Kdramas in the genre.

So-joon’s time-traveling adventures begin when he foresees a tragic future where he and Song Ma-rin (Shin Min-A) are involved in an accident. Intrigued by Ma-rin and determined to avert this fate, he decides to intervene. Believing he can alter their destiny through his time-traveling ability, he resolves to marry her, thinking marriage will somehow change their linked future. As they navigate their relationship, So-joon finds himself falling in love with Ma-rin, further complicating his attempts to control their intertwined destinies. Tomorrow With You explores themes of fate, love, and the complexities of trying to manipulate time for personal gain.

15. The Best Hit

Released In 2017

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Time Travel

Starring: Yoon Shi-yoon, Kim Min-jae

The Best Hit, also known as Hit the Top or Best Punch, is a 2017 comedy-drama that blends time travel with the vibrant world of K-pop. Yoo Hyun-Jae (Yoon Shi-yoon), a popular K-pop idol from 1993, inexplicably finds himself transported to 2017. Upon arrival, he discovers he was presumed dead after disappearing in 1994. Hyun-Jae embarks on a quest to understand his time travel and the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, all while adjusting to life in the future.

Adding a layer of family intrigue, Hyun-Jae’s biological son, Lee Ji-Hoon (Kim Min-jae), is secretly training to become a K-pop idol himself, unbeknownst to his parents. The Best Hit is considered an underrated gem within the time travel Kdrama genre, offering a humorous and insightful look into the K-pop industry and the challenges of pursuing fame. Notably, several cast members, including Kim Min-jae, are also musicians, bringing authenticity to the K-pop elements of the series. Kim Min-jae received a Best New Actor nomination at the Seoul Awards for his role, highlighting the show’s appeal and performances.

14. Sisyphus: The Myth

Released In 2021

Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Mystery, Time Travel

Starring: Cho Seung-woo, Park Shin-Hye

Sisyphus: The Myth, a 2021 Netflix Kdrama, delivers a high-octane sci-fi action narrative with time travel at its core, drawing comparisons to the Terminator franchise. Han Tae-Sul (Cho Seung-woo), a genius engineer, is determined to uncover the truth behind his brother’s mysterious death. His investigation leads him to a conspiracy that threatens not only his life but the fate of the nation.

Adding to the complexity, Gang Seo-Hae (Park Shin-Hye) arrives from a dystopian future ravaged by gangs and military factions. In this future, survival demands exceptional combat skills, which Seo-Hae possesses in abundance. She travels back in time to assist Tae-Sul, possessing crucial information about his brother’s death. Sisyphus: The Myth emphasizes the interconnectedness of past, present, and future, suggesting that Tae-Sul and Seo-Hae are key to breaking a dangerous time loop. While some critics pointed out inconsistencies in its time travel rules, the series is praised for its suspenseful plot, action sequences, and the dynamic partnership between its leads, keeping viewers engaged with its fast-paced and intriguing storyline.

13. Splash Splash Love

Released In 2015

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Fantasy, Time Travel

Starring: Kim Seul-ki, Yoon Doo-joon

Splash Splash Love, a 2015 Kdrama, charmingly combines time travel with romance in a compact and engaging format. Dan-bi (Kim Seul-ki), a high school student overwhelmed with academic stress, is unexpectedly transported to 15th-century Korea, during the Joseon Dynasty. There, she encounters King Lee Do (Yoon Doo-joon), a young monarch with a thirst for knowledge, particularly in mathematics.

Dan-bi, despite her initial confusion, finds herself becoming a tutor to the King, sharing her modern knowledge. As they spend time together, a sweet romance blossoms between the student from the future and the king from the past. Splash Splash Love stands out for its brevity, originally airing as a ten-part web series and later compiled into two hour-long episodes. This concise format contributes to its near-perfect pacing and makes it a delightful and easily bingeable time travel Kdrama, perfect for viewers seeking a quick and heartwarming watch.

12. Rooftop Prince

Released In 2012

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Fantasy, Time Travel

Starring: Park Yoo-chun, Han Ji-min

Rooftop Prince, a 2012 series, is a beloved classic in the time travel Kdrama genre, known for its intricate storylines and comedic elements. Crown Prince Lee Gak (Park Yoo-chun) from the Joseon Dynasty is transported 300 years into the future, landing on the rooftop of Park-ha’s (Han Ji-min) modern-day Seoul home, along with his loyal entourage. Disoriented by the futuristic setting, Prince Lee Gak soon notices Park-ha’s striking resemblance to his deceased wife, who had mysteriously drowned in his own time.

Convinced that his time travel is linked to uncovering the mysteries of his past, particularly his wife’s death, Prince Lee Gak assumes the identity of a powerful CEO’s grandson in the 21st century. He navigates the complexities of modern life while investigating connections to his past and the circumstances surrounding his wife’s fate. Rooftop Prince masterfully balances humor with suspense and melodrama, creating a compelling narrative that has resonated strongly with international audiences, particularly in Japan and China, making it a widely popular and enduring time travel Kdrama.

11. The King: Eternal Monarch

Released In 2020

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Parallel Worlds, Time Travel

Starring: Lee Min-ho, Kim Go-eun

The King: Eternal Monarch, a 2020 fantasy romance, is a visually stunning series available on Netflix, known for its unique concept of parallel universes and time travel elements. The drama introduces two co-existing worlds: the modern-day Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Corea, a constitutional monarchy in a parallel reality. Lee Gon (Lee Min-ho), the reigning monarch of Corea, seeks to close a portal between these worlds, opened by malevolent forces.

He teams up with Jeong Tae-eul (Kim Go-eun), a strong-willed detective from modern-day South Korea. Their collaboration transcends worlds and time as they confront cosmic challenges and uncover a conspiracy involving Lee Gon’s uncle, who seeks to usurp the throne by manipulating both universes. As Lee Gon journeys to the past to understand his uncle’s machinations, he also seeks to unravel the mystery of a figure who saved his life as a child during his father’s murder. The King: Eternal Monarch explores themes of destiny, parallel realities, and the profound impact of single moments in time on shaping individual and world events, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and romantic entanglement.

10. Queen In-Hyun’s Man

Released In 2012

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Fantasy, Time Travel

Starring: Yoo In-na, Ji Hyun-woo

Queen In-Hyun’s Man, a 2012 romantic comedy, is a quintessential time travel Kdrama that pairs a historical figure with a modern-day individual. Kim Boong-do (Ji Hyun-woo), a noble-born scholar from the Joseon Dynasty in 1694, is the sole survivor of a family massacre. While supporting the reinstatement of the deposed Queen In-hyun amidst political turmoil and court conspiracies, he mysteriously time travels 300 years into the future, landing in 2012 Seoul.

There, he encounters Choi Hee-jin (Yoo In-na), an aspiring actress on the cusp of her breakthrough role – ironically, playing Queen In-hyun in a drama. The series beautifully blends historical and modern settings as the scholar from the past and the actress from the present forge a connection. The comedic element is heightened by Hee-jin’s rising fame as she portrays the very queen Boong-do is dedicated to in his own time. Queen In-Hyun’s Man is celebrated for its charming romance and clever time travel premise, making it a standout in the genre.

9. Faith

Released In 2012

Lee Min-ho and Kim Hee-seon in Faith Korean drama, featuring the warrior and time-traveling doctor in a dramatic scene.Lee Min-ho and Kim Hee-seon in Faith Korean drama, featuring the warrior and time-traveling doctor in a dramatic scene.

Genre: Historical, Fantasy, Romance, Time Travel

Starring: Lee Min-ho, Kim Hee-seon

Faith, also known as The Great Doctor, a 2012 historical fantasy drama, combines time travel with elements of Korean history and mythology. Yoo Eun-soo (Kim Hee-seon), a modern-day plastic surgeon, is unexpectedly transported back to 14th-century Goryeo. She is brought to the past by Choi Young (Lee Min-ho), a skilled royal guard warrior, who seeks her medical expertise to treat the injured Queen of Goryeo.

As Eun-soo navigates the unfamiliar historical setting and uses her medical skills to aid the royal family, she develops feelings for her stoic and honorable “kidnapper,” Choi Young. Faith is lauded for its strong performances, intricate plot that intertwines romance with historical events, and its exploration of Korean mythology. The title itself holds layers of meaning; while literally translating to “faith,” the Hanja characters also signify “divine doctor,” reflecting both the thematic importance of trust and the central role of Eun-soo’s medical abilities in the narrative. Faith remains a well-regarded time travel and fantasy romance Kdrama for its rich storytelling and character development.

8. Nine: Nine Time Travels

Released In 2013

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Fantasy, Time Travel

Starring: Lee Jin-Wook, Jo Yoon-hee

Nine: Nine Time Travels, a 2013 mystery thriller, presents a time travel mechanism centered around nine magical incense sticks. Park Sun-woo (Lee Jin-wook), the protagonist, discovers these incense sticks, each capable of transporting him 20 years into the past. Driven by the desire to prevent a family tragedy, Sun-woo uses these sticks to alter past events.

However, Nine: Nine Time Travels introduces a critical limitation: Sun-woo can only time travel nine times, adding a layer of tension and strategic decision-making to his actions. He soon realizes that changes he makes in the past have significant and often unforeseen consequences in his present life. This intricate cause-and-effect dynamic is a key element that elevates Nine: Nine Time Travels within the time travel Kdrama genre. The series received numerous award nominations in Korea for its compelling cast and romantic storyline, and gained international popularity, broadcasting across Asia, solidifying its reputation as a well-crafted and engaging time travel drama.

7. Go Back Couple

Released In 2017

Jang Na-ra and Son Ho-jun in Go Back Couple, showcasing the married couple transported back to their youth.Jang Na-ra and Son Ho-jun in Go Back Couple, showcasing the married couple transported back to their youth.

Genre: Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life, Time Travel

Starring: Jang Na-ra, Son Ho-jun

Go Back Couple, also known as Go Back, a 2017 drama inspired by the webtoon Do It One More Time, offers a relatable and heartwarming take on time travel. Choi Ban-do (Son Ho-jun) and Ma Jin-joo (Jang Na-ra), a married couple disillusioned and unhappy with their current lives, mutually wish they had never met. In a twist of fate, they find themselves transported back to their 20-year-old selves, their college days, with a chance to rewrite their relationship and life choices.

Go Back Couple explores themes of regret, second chances, and the value of relationships. The series is filled with both humorous and poignant moments as Ban-do and Jin-joo navigate their youthful past with the wisdom of their older selves, contemplating decisions that could reshape their future. The drama is praised for its emotional depth and relatable portrayal of marital struggles and reconciliation. Its successful run led to multiple KBS Drama Awards, including Best Couple for Jang Na-ra and Son Ho-jun, and an Excellence Award for Jang Na-ra, underscoring its popularity and critical acclaim.

6. Chicago Typewriter

Released In 2017

Yoo Ah-in, Lim Soo-jung, and Go Kyung-Pyo in Chicago Typewriter, featuring the three reincarnated leads of the drama.Yoo Ah-in, Lim Soo-jung, and Go Kyung-Pyo in Chicago Typewriter, featuring the three reincarnated leads of the drama.

Genre: Historical, Mystery, Fantasy, Reincarnation

Starring: Yoo Ah-in, Lim Soo-jung, Go Kyung-Pyo

Chicago Typewriter, a 2017 drama, stands out among time travel Kdramas by focusing on reincarnation rather than traditional time displacement. This series intertwines the lives of three individuals across two timelines: the 1930s during the Japanese occupation of Korea and 21st-century Seoul. Han Se-joo (Yoo Ah-in), a famous writer in the present day, Jeon Seol (Lim Soo-jung), his passionate fan, and Yoo Jin-oh (Go Kyung-Pyo), a mysterious ghostwriter, are revealed to be reincarnations of resistance fighters from the 1930s.

The narrative intricately switches between the past and present, gradually unveiling the intertwined fates of these three characters. As they uncover memories of their past lives as resistance fighters, they confront unresolved issues and connections from the 1930s that continue to impact their present. Chicago Typewriter is praised for its unique premise, blending historical drama with fantasy and mystery, offering a compelling narrative for viewers seeking something beyond typical romantic comedies. Filmed on location in Seoul, the series provides a visually rich backdrop, further immersing viewers in its dual-timeline story.

These dramas represent just a selection of the captivating time travel Kdramas available, each offering a unique blend of romance, mystery, action, and fantasy, all while exploring the fascinating possibilities of temporal displacement. For English-speaking audiences seeking an entry point into the world of Korean dramas, these time travel narratives provide an engaging and accessible starting point to discover the depth and creativity of Kdrama storytelling.

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