Underrated Coming-of-age Dramas & Films To Watch Once in Your Life [Updated 2023]
Who does not love a good coming-of-age drama? Ever since the Hallyu was recognized in international waters, the demand for the lighthearted, interesting, and chill stories in every coming-of-age drama has increased!
While the new year releases brand new coming-of-age works, here are five underrated dramas and films you should watch once in your life!
1. 'Age of Youth'
Set in college, the university students in "Age of Youth" including Han Ye Ri, Han Seung Yeon, Park Eun Bin, Ryu Hwa Young and more tackles themes such as friendship, dreams, and love.
It is a story that fully shows how new young adults navigate their early 20s lives amid the unexpected struggles.
"Age of Youth" is perfect for the K-Drama fans who love watching series about sisterhood and the unbreakable bond of friendship.
2. 'School 2017'
Starring "A Business Proposal" star Kim Sejeong, the seventh installment of "School" franchise focuses on the lives of high school students in an academic environment.
Ra Eun Ho, played by Kim Sejeong, aspires to become a webtoon artist who unfortunately has bad grades.
"School 2017" opens the eyes of the viewers that it's okay for students to possess unconventional talents that lie outside of the academic circle.
Apart from the emotional elements of the drama, it also consists of hilarious bickering between high school students and a touch of mystery that happens inside their school.
3. 'More Than Friends'
Led by former Wanna One member and actor Ong Seong Wu, "More Than Friends" is a slowburn drama that tugs the hearts of viewers who experienced unrequited love in their lives.
The drama exudes warmth and gentleness like one's cup of warm milk. It follows the stories of childhood best friends of 10 years who are secretly in love with one another.
Later as adults, the two best friends find their way back to each other and their unresolved feelings finally come up to the table.
It is without a doubt a great drama that any viewer of all ages can enjoy. Did you experience having an unreciprocated love before?
4. 'Girls' Generation 1979'
"Girls' Generation 1979" stars "Twenty Five, Twenty One" actress WJSN Bona, and just like the drama, it also takes the viewers on a journey to the past.
It revolves around a group of teenagers who find the purpose of life and true value of friendship while trying to overcome first heartbreaks, petty rivalries and other trivial things.
The drama's nostalgic '70s feels also give warmth, familiarity, visual appeal, and entertainment to viewers.
5. 'Just Between Lovers'
"Just Between Lovers," like what the title suggests, discusses the push-and-pull between two people who navigate their strong yet gentle attraction.
It touches on hope, loss, and recovery to find the strength to move on despite the painful past. Also known as "Rain of Shine," the drama tells the story of Lee Kang Doo (Lee Jun Ho) and Ha Moon Soo (Won Jin Ah), two people who are connected by a tragedy.
Ten years after the disasters that struck their families, they meet at a construction project and eventually find comfort in each other.
"Just Between Lovers" values the simplest things in life that can make one happy.
6. 'Start-Up'
"Start-Up" tells the story of aspiring CEO Seo Dal Mi (Suzy) and tech company founder Nam Do San (Nam Joo Hyuk). The two work together to make their start-up firm a success, and develop romance along the way.
The K-drama brings comfort and inspiration to viewers who have big dreams and love so much. It also delivers healing in terms familial rifts and heartaches.
"Start-Up" teaches us to not be afraid of failures as it promises a much better version of ourselves once we stand up again.
Which among these coming-of-age K-dramas is your favorite? Tell us in the comments!
KDramaStars owns this article.
Written by Elijah Mully.
