6 retro K-dramas that bring back nostalgia, warmth, and the magic of a bygone era

There is something uniquely comforting about nostalgia—the warm pull of memories wrapped in simplicity, handwritten love letters, cassette tapes spinning in old players, and dreams that felt bigger than the world itself. Korean dramas have long excelled at capturing this sentiment, weaving stories that feel like time capsules dipped in emotion.

From sepia-tinted romances to coming-of-age tales rooted in eras we can only revisit through fiction, retro K-dramas transport us to decades gone by—yet remain timeless in the feelings they evoke. These shows not only recreate vintage aesthetics but also highlight universal themes of resilience, love, youth, and hope.

Here are six standout titles that beautifully define today’s retro K-drama renaissance.

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1. Typhoon Family – A Powerful Portrait of 1990s Resilience

Set during the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis, Typhoon Family tells the story of Kang Tae Poong, played by Lee Junho of 2PM, whose carefree life is shattered after the sudden death of his father. Now responsible for a collapsing trading company, Tae Poong must navigate a world he barely understands.

Standing by him is Oh Mi Seon, portrayed by Kim Min Ha, a junior employee whose quiet determination and moral clarity become Tae Poong’s anchor in the storm. Together, they face financial uncertainty, generational expectations, and the emotional weight of the crisis—never compromising on integrity.

The drama beautifully captures the spirit of the late ’90s, blending sepia colours, analog workplaces, and the grit of a pre-digital era. With standout performances from Lee Junho and Kim Min Ha, Typhoon Family becomes a heartfelt ode to resilience and the ordinary heroes of a struggling generation.

2. A Hundred Memories – A Tender 1980s Tale of Youth, Dreams, and Longing

Set in the 1980s, A Hundred Memories explores the intertwined lives of three young people navigating love, ambition, and emotional fragility.

Go Young Rye (played by Kim Da Mi) works as a bus attendant but dreams of attending university. Her colleague Seo Jong Hee (Shin Ye Eun) aspires to become Miss Korea, radiating optimism and ambition. Both find themselves drawn to Han Jae Pil (Heo Nam Jun), whose confident exterior hides deep emotional wounds.

While the trio’s bond is tested by jealousy and heartache, the show is ultimately about the strength of female friendships, the courage to pursue dreams, and the bittersweetness of youth. Its lovingly crafted 1980s setting—from uniforms to city landscapes to retro decor—creates a nostalgic immersion that feels warm and authentic.

A Hundred Memories is a perfect slow-burn watch for anyone who loves heartfelt storytelling wrapped in vintage charm.

3. Twinkling Watermelon – A Musical Time-Slip Gem Set in the 1990s

A standout in modern Korean retro dramas, Twinkling Watermelon follows Ha Eun Gyeol (Ryeoun), a model student by day and passionate guitarist by night. His life takes a magical turn when he discovers a mysterious music shop that transports him back to 1995.

There, he meets his teenage father Ha Yi Chan (Choi Hyun Wook)—energetic, impulsive, and hopelessly in love with someone who isn’t Eun Gyeol’s future mother. To fix the future, Eun Gyeol joins Yi Chan’s band and embarks on an impossible mission to help his parents fall in love.

The drama is a celebration of retro band culture—Walkmans, cassette tapes, rock ballads, denim jackets, and youthful dreams. Through music and multigenerational storytelling, Twinkling Watermelon feels like flipping through an old family album set to a nostalgic soundtrack.

4. Youth of May – A Heartbreaking Love Story Set During the 1980 Gwangju Uprising

One of the most poignant retro dramas of recent years, Youth of May blends tender romance with the harsh reality of one of Korea’s most tragic historical moments—the 1980 Gwangju Uprising.

Lee Do Hyun stars as Hwang Hee Tae, a spirited medical student, while Go Min Si plays Kim Myung Hee, a hardworking nurse with dreams of studying abroad. Their love story unfolds amid political unrest, as students rise in protest against a ruthless regime.

What makes the drama unforgettable is its delicate balance of innocence and brutality. Vintage visuals, soft colour palettes, and heartfelt performances contrast sharply with the grim historical backdrop. It’s a reminder of how love can bloom beautifully even during the darkest chapters.

5. When Life Gives You Tangerines – A Poetic Journey Through Jeju’s Seasons

Starring IU and Park Bo Gum, When Life Gives You Tangerines unfolds like a lyrical love letter to life, loss, and growing up.

IU plays Ae Sun, a fiery young woman unafraid to challenge norms, while Park Bo Gum embodies Gwan Sik, a quiet pillar of strength whose steady presence shapes Ae Sun’s journey. Their story spans decades, capturing the evolution of love through handwritten letters, rotary phones, and old-world Jeju landscapes.

The drama resonates deeply for its portrayal of ordinary lives filled with extraordinary emotional depth. It’s tender, melancholic, and beautifully introspective—an ode to the resilience of families and the passage of time.

For many viewers, it was one of the most emotionally impactful dramas of 2025.

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6. Aema – A Vibrant Look at 1980s Korean Cinema

Set in 1980s Chungmuro, the beating heart of Korea’s film industry, Aema blends comedy, satire, and feminist storytelling. The series follows two actresses—Hee Ran (Lee Ha Nee) and Ju Ae (Bang Hyo Rin)—as they navigate rivalry, reinvention, and the making of Madame Aema, the 1982 film that shook Korean cinema.

The drama brilliantly captures the grit and glamour of the era: smoky studios, dazzling disco fashion, patriarchal battles, and the pressure to survive in an industry obsessed with sensationalism.

Lee Ha Nee shines in her role, portraying an actress fighting for relevance and autonomy in a world determined to box women into stereotypes. Aema is bold, funny, sharp, and richly atmospheric—a love letter to 1980s Korean pop culture and the women who reshaped it.