5 K-Dramas With Exceptionally Smart Protagonists

If you prefer to root for characters who use their brains instead of (or at least along with) their fists, these five fit the bill perfectly.

There are few things more frustrating about watching a TV show than an utterly dumb protagonist who can't seem to make the most obvious logical decisions.

So if you want to watch K-dramas with some exceptionally smart main characters instead, these five should be right up your alley.

5 PHOTOS

1. Tale of the Nine Tailed (2020)

Considering that Lee Yeon, the titular nine-tailed fox of Korean legends, is over 1000 years old, it comes as no surprise that he has gained a lot of wisdom over the years.

But the rest of the characters in this fantasy TV series are also quite smart, which makes this story about supernatural forces threatening the world of mortals very satisfying to watch.

https://youtu.be/E7s9pHnIH9E

2. Vincenzo (2021)

Raised by the Italian Mafia after his adoptive family died in a tragic accident, Vincenzo Cassano aka Park Joo-hyung has dedicated his life to becoming a skilled lawyer and consigliere for the organization.

When the power struggle leaves him no choice but to flee to South Korea, Vincenzo uses his intellect to stay one step ahead of those who want him dead.

https://youtu.be/S12-4mXCNj4

3. Kingdom (2019-2020)

Set in 16th-century Korea, this Netflix series can best be described as "Game of Thrones meets The Walking Dead, " combining elements of period drama with zombie horror.

After a mysterious disease spreads throughout the country, Crown Prince Lee Chang must find a way to keep his homeland from being ravaged by flesh-hungry monsters and survive the schemes of Queen Consort Cho.

 https://youtu.be/4l-yByZpaaM

4. Flower of Evil (2020)

Baek Hee-sung lives a seemingly happy life, married to detective Cha Ji-won, raising a child together, and keeping his family in the dark about his sinister secret.

But when Cha Ji-won begins to suspect that her husband may not be who she has been led to believe, an intense game of cat and mouse begins between a detective and a murderous psychopath living under the same roof.

https://youtu.be/SlDhptm9Yb4

5. The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)

In this mind-bending story, two parallel universes, one resembling the modern world and the other a kingdom ruled by an emperor, suddenly collide.

To prevent the catastrophe, the ingenious Emperor Lee Gon must join forces with Inspector Jeong Tae-eul and close the breach between the worlds.

https://youtu.be/N1L1iaFZQ9I