Classic Korean dramas find new life as younger viewers rediscover their charm

Wavve's reimagined eight-episode series “My Lovely Sam Soon 2024” / Courtesy of Wavve

Hit Korean dramas from the past are experiencing a resurgence, capturing the attention of younger audiences who are discovering the appeal of early-2000s storytelling.

Titles like “I'm Sorry, I Love You,” “A Gentleman’s Dignity” and “My Lovely Sam Soon” are enjoying renewed popularity through streaming platforms and theatrical releases.

Originally aired in 2005, MBC’s “My Lovely Sam Soon” starred Kim Sun-a, Hyun Bin, Jung Ryeo-won and Daniel Henney, all of whom remain household names today.

Last year, Korean streaming service Wavve reimagined the 16-episode drama into an eight-episode series titled “My Lovely Sam Soon 2024.” The updated version quickly topped Wavve’s daily chart as the most-watched title by new subscribers on its release day.

“I'm Sorry, I Love You,” which first aired on KBS2 in 2004 and featured So Ji-sub and Im Soo-jung, also returned last year through Wavve. The updated “I'm Sorry, I Love You 2024” was even screened in theaters by CGV in collaboration with Wavve, drawing a strong reaction from longtime fans.

The SBS drama “A Gentleman’s Dignity,” though originally broadcast in 2012, has also seen renewed interest.

Actress Kim Jung-nan recently said on her YouTube channel, “The view count for ‘A Gentleman’s Dignity’ is still going up. People tell me related clips keep showing up.” In the video, she was seen rewatching memorable scenes from the series.

SBS drama “A Gentleman’s Dignity” enjoying renewed popularity since its 2012 release / Courtesy of SBS

Why old dramas still resonate

What is driving this wave of nostalgia? According to a spokesperson from Wavve, today’s viewers are seeking light, comforting content.

“There’s a growing trend toward simpler narratives. Older dramas have clear, even cliche, storylines — something that newer dramas often avoid. But that very simplicity feels fresh to younger audiences,” the spokesperson said.

The rise of streaming platforms has also played a crucial role in bringing these dramas back to light. Cultural critic Ha Jae-keun said, “In the past, even well-made dramas were difficult to revisit unless the networks aired reruns. But now, with OTT (over-the-top streaming) services, people can easily access older content. That convenience, paired with the quality of those dramas, is driving the trend.”

Ha also noted that the popularity of retro content reflects a nostalgic cultural shift. “Watching older shows brings a kind of sentimental pleasure. That retro appeal is becoming part of pop culture itself,” he said.

Still, even the most beloved classics require thoughtful adaptation. The re-edited version of “My Lovely Sam Soon” removed outdated cliches and softened lines from the male lead Jin-heon, once dubbed a “bad guy” by viewers.

Likewise, director Lee Hyung-min of “I'm Sorry, I Love You” said the updated version trimmed scenes that had been unnecessarily repetitive due to the original broadcast format. “We preserved the dramatic core while cutting what might now feel dated,” he said.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.