K-dramaland seems to be filled with white-collar workers like lawyers, doctors, detectives, and business executives. And it is fascinating to see how they go about their professional lives, especially when a drama is set in a workplace.
But in real life, not all of us are working in an office. There are many people who do manual labor or skilled trades, such as plumbers, carpenters, construction workers, tailors, farmers, drivers, service industry workers, etc.
So are there any South Korean dramas that feature these so-called 'blue-collar workers'? As a matter of fact, yes. And we can recommend at least seven of them.
Strongest Deliveryman (2017)
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Tubi
Both the male and female leads of the show are employed as delivery workers for a restaurant. And both are on a quest for money and a better life. When the two meet, they enter into a budding competition that proves to be life-changing.
Modern Farmers (2014)
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki, kocowa+
The plot of this K-drama revolves around music and farming. The members of a struggling rock band move to the countryside to farm the land one of them has inherited in order to make enough money to record a new album. But this turns out to be harder than they thought.
Love Affairs in the Afternoon (2019)
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Netflix, Viki, Tubi
Son Ji-Eun's life takes an unwelcome turn when her husband moves her to a small town to pursue his career goals. Bored, Ji-Eun takes a part-time job at a local convenience store, where she meets a charming biology teacher who brightens her days but guilts her conscience.
Taxi Driver (2021-present)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Where to stream: Prime Video, Netflix, Viki, kocowa+
Kim Do-gi's occupation is unique, but it can definitely be described as 'blue-collar'. Officially, he is a taxi driver. In reality, he works for a company that offers its clients the service of revenge. Do-gi helps people get back at those who have wronged them.
Fight For My Way (2017)
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki, Aha, kocowa+
The four protagonists all start out in dead-end blue-collar jobs, and over the course of the show, they fight their way to a better future and career. While initially lacking in both skills and emotional maturity, they eventually grow up both as professionals and individuals.
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Where to stream: Netflix
The protagonist of this show, Yoon Hye-jin, is a typical white-collar worker. She is a dentist and flees her chaotic life to an idyllic seaside village. But the male lead, who helps Hye-jin adjust to her new life, is a local jack-of-all-trades and a charming fan-favorite character. The result is a compelling white-collar/blue-collar romance.
Move to Heaven (2021)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Where to stream: Netflix
The story follows a traumatized nephew-uncle duo as they get used to living and running the family business together. They offer clients what they call 'trauma cleaning' services, where they come in and sort through the belongings of people who have recently died.