Exploring Health Issues Through K-Dramas: A Compilation
Last update: 3.8.24
As someone intrigued by the complexities of the human psyche, my fondness for Korean dramas (often referred to as K-dramas) extends beyond the realm of romance. These dramas skillfully weave in lesser-known health or mental issues, which deeply engages my interest. Frequently, these stories commence with main characters encountering potential partners who grapple with personal challenges that hinder their pursuit of happiness.
I'm particularly drawn to the way these dramas shed light on various health-related issues, offering an educational and enlightening experience. It's almost like delving into a captivating story that also imparts valuable insights.
For those who share my fascination with psychological narratives, I've curated a list of K-dramas that delve into mental, physical, and emotional challenges. This compilation serves as a valuable reference for those seeking thought-provoking content with a psychological touch.
Boys over flowers (2009) source from IMDb
Abandonment Issue:
is a colloquial term used to describe emotional or psychological challenges that individuals may experience due to feelings of abandonment or neglect, often in childhood or past relationships. These issues can manifest as fear of rejection, difficulties in forming and maintaining close relationships, and a constant need for reassurance and validation.
Crazy Love
Fated To Love You
Her Private Life
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
I Am Not A Robot
In Need of Romance 3
Love to Hate You
The Law Cafe
My Secret Romance
She Was Pretty
Shopaholic Louis
Touch Your Heart
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo
When Camellia Blooms
Adoption or Orphans:
"Adoption" is the legal process by which an individual or couple becomes the legal parent(s) of a child who is not biologically their own or orphan. This process involves the transfer of parental rights and responsibilities from the child's biological parents or legal guardians to the adoptive parents.
Her Private Life
Monthly Magazine Home
One Fine Day
Who Are You
Alzheimer:
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes memory loss and cognitive decline. It is the most common form of dementia in older adults, and while there is no cure, treatments can help manage symptoms.
Oh My Ladylord
Amnesia or Memory Loss:
is a medical condition characterized by a partial or complete loss of memory. It can affect an individual's ability to recall past events, personal information, or knowledge. Amnesia can be caused by various factors, including head injuries, medical conditions, psychological trauma, or the use of certain medications or substances. The specific type and severity of amnesia can vary, with some forms being temporary and reversible, while others may be permanent.
100 Day Prince
Crazy Love
Fated to Love You
Shopaholic Louis
The Good Bad Mother
Who Are You
Anger and Mental Anguish:
Anger can be a component of mental anguish, and mental anguish can result from a variety of emotional experiences, including trauma, loss, or significant life challenges. Managing anger and mental anguish often involves seeking support from mental health professionals or using coping strategies to address the underlying causes and emotions.
Blade Man
Antisocial Personality Disorder (APSD):
ASPD is a personality disorder characterized by a chronic pattern of disregard for the rights of others, violation of societal norms, and a lack of empathy or remorse for one's actions. Individuals with ASPD may engage in manipulative, deceitful, and antisocial behaviors, often leading to conflicts with the law and interpersonal difficulties. This condition is often associated with a history of conduct disorder in childhood.
Shy Boss
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) :
ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a wide range of symptoms and challenges related to social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. ASD is often described as a "spectrum" because it can vary in its presentation, from mild to severe, and because individuals with ASD can have a diverse set of strengths and difficulties.
Crush Course in Romance
Extraordinary Attorney Woo
It's Okay Not to Be Okay
Avoid Personality Disorder (AVPD):
AVPD is characterized by a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, and hypersensitivity to negative evaluation. Individuals with AVPD often avoid social interactions, fear criticism or rejection, and may have a limited social and occupational life. They typically desire close relationships but struggle to initiate or maintain them due to their intense anxiety and fear of disapproval.
Cheese In The Trap
Flower Boy Next Door
Itaewon Class
Marry My Husband
My Shy Boss
Scent Of A Woman
Start-Up
The School Nurse Files
Azoospermia
Azoospermia refers to the absence of sperm in an individual's ejaculate. This condition may arise from various factors including obstructive blockages within the reproductive tract, hormonal imbalances, difficulties with ejaculation, or issues related to testicular structure or function.
Marry My Husband [also see Infertility below]
Betrayal
Marry My Husband
Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
A person with BPD has an extreme mood and trouble controlling their emotions. They have a higher risk of suicide and self-destructive behavior which often leads to unstable relationships.
Marry My Husband
Brain Tumor
Brain tumors are abnormal cell growths in the brain, categorized as cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). They're either primary (originating in the brain) or secondary (spreading from cancer elsewhere).
Queen of Tears
Broken Heart Syndrome:
Broken Heart Syndrome, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy or takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is a medical condition where a person experiences sudden and severe chest pain and other symptoms similar to a heart attack. This condition is usually triggered by intense emotional or physical stress, such as the loss of a loved one, a breakup, or a traumatic event. Despite similar symptoms, broken heart syndrome is not caused by blocked arteries like a typical heart attack but is instead associated with a temporary weakening of the heart muscle.
Birth of the Beauty
Bulling:
Bullying is a form of repeated aggressive behavior, often involving a power imbalance, where an individual or group intentionally harms, harasses, or intimidates others. This behavior can occur in various settings, such as schools, workplaces, or online, and it can have serious emotional and psychological consequences for those who experience it.
Angry Mom
Dear Fair Lady Kong Shim
Who Are You
Cancer:
Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth, which can lead to the formation of tumors that may be benign or malignant. Malignant tumors can spread to other parts of the body. Timely detection and treatment are essential.
Crazy Love [Brain Tumor]
Doom at your Service [Glioblastoma]
My Ladylord [Pancreas Cancer]
Marry My Husband [Stomach Cancer]
The Good Bad Mother [Stomach Cancer]
The Scent of a Woman [Gallbladder]
Claustrophobia:
Claustrophobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by an intense and irrational fear of enclosed spaces or situations where escape might be difficult or impossible. Individuals with claustrophobia often experience extreme anxiety, panic attacks, or avoidance behaviors when they find themselves in confined spaces, such as elevators, tunnels, or crowded rooms. Treatment for claustrophobia may include therapy, exposure therapy, and medication to manage symptoms.
Secret Garden
Cosmetic Surgery or Plastic Surgery:
Cosmetic surgery, also known as plastic surgery, is a specialized medical field dedicated to performing both surgical and non-surgical procedures aimed at enhancing or altering an individual's physical appearance for primarily cosmetic or aesthetic reasons. These procedures encompass a wide array of options, including facial enhancements (such as facelifts and rhinoplasty), body sculpting (including liposuction and breast augmentation), and skin treatments (like Botox and dermal fillers).
200-Pound beauty: main character
Birth of the Beauty
Debt and Financial Ruin:
Both describe a severe state of financial distress in which an individual or entity is unable to meet their financial obligations and may face significant economic hardship, including bankruptcy. It can result from excessive debt, poor financial management, or unexpected financial crises. Seeking financial counseling and making sound financial decisions are essential to avoid or recover from financial ruin.
Because This is My First Life [Main characters]
Monthly Magazine Home
Dependent Personality Disorder: DPD
DPD is a type of anxious personality disorder where a person feels helpless as if they are incapable of taking care of themselves. They may have trouble making simple decisions and might play the submissive role.
Marry My Husband: Kang Ji-won main character
The Real has Come!
Domestic Violence
Marry My Husband
Endometriosis:
Endometriosis is a medical condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside of the uterus. This tissue can be found in various organs in the pelvis, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the lining of the pelvis. Endometriosis can cause pain, irregular bleeding, and other symptoms and may lead to fertility issues.
Oh My Baby
Death and Ghost:
“Ghost" typically refers to a supernatural or paranormal concept of the spirit or consciousness of a deceased person continuing to exist after death, often as an apparition or entity. Belief in ghosts is found in various cultures and has been a topic of folklore, mythology, and popular culture.
Cafe Minamdang
Crash Course in Romance
Doom at your Service
Master’s Sun
Tale of Arang
Tomorrow
Depression:
Depression is a common and serious mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in activities. It can affect a person's thoughts, emotions, and physical well-being, leading to a range of symptoms, including changes in appetite, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating.
It's Okay Not to Be Okay
My Liberation Note
My Mister
Unlock My Boss
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
When Camellia Blooms
Dyslexia or Word Blindness:
Dyslexia, often referred to as "word blindness," is a specific learning disability that primarily affects reading and language-related skills. Individuals with dyslexia may have difficulty with accurate and fluent word recognition, as well as challenges in spelling and decoding words. These difficulties are not related to intelligence but rather stem from differences in how the brain processes language and written information. Dyslexia can vary in its severity, and with appropriate support, individuals with dyslexia can develop effective reading and language skills.
Master’s Sun
Face Blindness or prosopagnosia:
A neurological condition in which a person has difficulty recognizing and remembering faces, including those of familiar individuals, such as friends and family. People with face blindness often rely on other cues, such as voice, gait, or clothing, to identify people. This condition can range from mild to severe and can be a result of brain injury, or neurological disorders, or it may be congenital (present from birth). Face blindness can be challenging in social situations but is distinct from other visual or memory impairments.
My Holo Love
The Secret Life of My Secretary
Factitious Disorder (formerly Munchausen Syndrome):
This involves a person feigning or exaggerating physical or psychological symptoms to gain attention or sympathy, which includes deception.
Marry My Husband: Jeong Soo-Min the best friends
Forbidden Relationship:
A romantic or sexual involvement that is considered socially, culturally, or legally unacceptable or off-limits due to various reasons. These reasons can vary and may include factors such as age differences, familial ties (e.g., incest), cultural or religious restrictions, societal norms, or ethical considerations. Forbidden relationships can carry consequences and may face disapproval or legal repercussions in certain cases.
Boys over Flowers
Coffee Prince
Lovers of Haeundae
My Princess
Sweet Stranger and Me
The Law Cafe
The Love in the Moonlight
The Forbidden Marriage
The King's Affection
The Moon Embracing the Sun
Grief + Gult + Lose:
Together, these terms describe the complex emotional and psychological responses that can occur when someone experiences a significant loss, such as the death of a loved one, and may grapple with feelings of grief and guilt. Grief is a natural response to loss, and guilt can sometimes emerge as individuals try to make sense of the loss or cope with the associated emotions.
18 Again
Go Back Couple
Hello Me!
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
Familiar Wife
Marry My Husband
Monthly Magazine Home
The Forbidden Marriage
The Moon Embracing the Sun
Tomorrow
Heart Break
True to Love
Hearing Voices or Clairaudience/Clairaudient:
”Clairaudience" or "clairaudient" is a term used in paranormal or metaphysical contexts. It is believed to describe a psychic or intuitive ability to hear things beyond the range of normal human perception, such as messages or information from the spiritual or supernatural realm. This concept is not scientifically validated and is considered a belief in the realm of the paranormal.
I Hear Your Voice
Mystic Pop-Up Bar
Oh My Ghost
Hypothyroidism:
Hypothyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones to meet the body's needs. These hormones are essential for regulating various bodily functions, including metabolism, energy production, and temperature control. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism can include fatigue, weight gain, cold sensitivity, and changes in mood and cognition.
Oh My Venus
Homosexuality:
Homosexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by romantic or sexual attraction to individuals of the same sex. It is a natural and diverse aspect of human sexuality. In many parts of the world, homosexuality is widely accepted, and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals are recognized and protected.
Coffee Prince
Identity Lost:
The term "Identity Lost" isn't a recognized medical or psychological diagnosis on its own. However, it can describe a condition or emotional state in which an individual feels a loss of their sense of self or identity. Such feelings can be associated with various mental health issues, personal challenges, or life experiences.
Extra-Ordinary You
Go Back Couple
One Fine Day
Man Who Dies to Live
Marry My Husband
Rooftop Prince
Second 20s
Illegitimate Child or Born to Unmarried Parents:
A term historically used to describe a child born to parents who were not married to each other at the time of the child's birth. Today, the focus is on promoting inclusive and non-discriminatory language, such as referring to a child as “born to unmarried parents" or simply using the child's name without emphasizing the parents' marital status.
The Real has Come!
When Camellia Blooms
Infidelity:
Infidelity, often referred to as "cheating," is the act of being unfaithful or disloyal to one's committed partner by engaging in romantic or sexual involvement with another person. It is a breach of trust within a relationship and can lead to emotional pain, relationship conflicts, and sometimes the end of the partnership.
Oh My Ladylord
Marry My Husband
The Real has Come!
Intussusception:
Intestinal obstruction results when a part of the intestine folds into a section next to it. It is a medical emergency and can be fatal if left untreated.
Playful Kiss (S1 Episode 9)
Kidnaping:
Kidnapping is the criminal act of forcibly abducting and holding someone against their will, often with the intent to demand a ransom or exert control over the victim. It is a serious offense and a violation of an individual's fundamental rights and freedom.
Boys over Flowers
What’s wrong with Secretary Kim?
Low Self-Image:
Low self-image, or low self-esteem, occurs when a person has a negative self-perception, leading to self-doubt and feelings of unworthiness.
200-Pound beauty
Dear Fair Lady Kong Shim
Fated To Love You
Kill Me Heal Me
My Girl
My ID Is Gangnam Beauty
Marry My Husband
Navillera*
Oh My Venus
Romance Is A Bonus Book
Rooftop Prince
She Was Pretty
Second 20s
The King's Affection
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
Marriage Problem:
Issues or conflicts within a marital relationship. These problems can vary widely and may include communication difficulties, financial stress, conflicts over parenting, intimacy issues, and more.
Familiar Wife
Go Back Couple
Marry My Husband
Medium:
Someone claims to have the ability to communicate with and receive information from the spirit world. Mediums often assert that they can connect with the deceased, relay messages from them, or provide insights into spiritual matters. It's a term commonly associated with practices like mediumship and spiritualism.
Master’s Sun
Multi Personality Disorder or Dissociative Identity Disorder: (DID)
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), formerly called Multiple Personality Disorder, is a mental condition where an individual has two or more distinct personality states, each with its own perception and memory. It often arises as a response to severe childhood trauma.
Hyde, Jekyll, Me
Kill Me Heal Me
Narcissism to Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)
A personality trait or disorder characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for excessive attention and admiration, a lack of empathy for others, and a preoccupation with one's own achievements and appearance. Narcissistic traits can manifest in various degrees, from relatively mild narcissism to Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), which is a more severe and enduring condition. There are around 9 types of variations of Narcissism, such as:
Grandiose Narcissism: Characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.
Vulnerable Narcissism: Involves hypersensitivity, defensiveness, and fragile self-esteem.
Communal Narcissism: Individuals seek admiration for their perceived selflessness and generosity.
Malignant Narcissism: Combines narcissistic traits with traits of antisocial personality disorder and paranoia, often associated with more destructive behavior.
Covert Narcissism: A less overt form of narcissism that can be more difficult to detect, as individuals may appear modest and self-effacing on the surface.
Big
Boys Over Flowers (Main Male Character)
Business Proposal
Coffee Prince (Main Male Character)
Full House (Main Male Character)
Heirs (Main Male Character)
Mischievous Kiss
Marry My Husband (Ex-Boyfriend)
One Fine Day
Second 20s (Husband)
True to Love (Ex-boyfriend)
Obsession:
An obsession refers to a persistent and intrusive thought, urge, or mental image that an individual experiences and finds difficult to control. These thoughts are often distressing and can lead to significant anxiety and preoccupation with a particular idea or concern. Obsessions are a key component of OCD but can also be present in other mental health conditions.
Black Night
One Fine Day
The Real has Come!
Marry My Husband
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: OCD
OCD is a mental health condition characterized by persistent, distressing, and intrusive thoughts or obsessions, which lead to the performance of repetitive behaviors or compulsions. These compulsions are often carried out to alleviate the anxiety and distress caused by the obsessions. OCD can significantly interfere with daily functioning and quality of life.
Clean with Passion for Now
It’s Okay, That’s Love
Obsession
Marry My Husband
Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder: OCPD
OCPD is a personality disorder marked by an intense need for order, perfectionism, and control in one's life. Individuals with OCPD often display inflexibility, an obsession with details, difficulty delegating tasks, and strict adherence to personal rules and routines, which can significantly impact their interpersonal relationships and overall quality of life. It's important to note that OCPD is distinct from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts and repetitive, ritualistic behaviors.
Oh My Ladylord
Missing Person:
A missing person is an individual who cannot be located, and their whereabouts are unknown, often causing concern for their well-being and safety.
The Real Has Come!
Separation Anxiety Disorder:
It is a condition characterized by excessive and inappropriate anxiety when an individual is separated from a person or place that provides them with a sense of security. While it is often associated with children, it can also affect adults. In adults, fear of abandonment can lead to relationship problems and emotional distress.
The Real Has Come!
Parentification:
When a child is forced to take on the role of a parent or caregiver for their own family members due to various reasons, it can have both short-term and long-term consequences for the child.
Monthly Magazine Home
Pathological or Compulsive Lying:
Unofficial medical diagnosis, some individuals exhibit a chronic pattern of lying, often without apparent reason or benefit.
Lie to me
Panic Disorder:
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder marked by recurrent, intense panic attacks, typically accompanied by physical symptoms, and often leads to a fear of future attacks. People with panic disorder may also develop significant anxiety and fear of experiencing more panic attacks, leading to avoidance of certain situations or places.
She was pretty
Personal Struggles and Sacrifice:
Personal struggles and sacrifices refer to the challenges, difficulties, and hardships that an individual may face in their life, as well as the choices and actions they make that involve giving up or forgoing something valuable for a greater purpose or goal. These struggles and sacrifices can be physical, emotional, or social in nature and are often made to achieve personal growth, reach a goal, help others, or adhere to one's principles and values.
Descendants of the Sun
Dream High
Fight for My Way
Jugglers
Monthly Magazine Home
Twenty One Twenty Five
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo
Pinocchio Syndrome:
"Pinocchio Syndrome" is not a widely recognized medical or psychological term. It appears to be a colloquial or fictional reference to a condition where someone's nose grows longer when they tell a lie, as seen in the character Pinocchio from the famous children's story. It is not a formally recognized medical or psychological syndrome.
Pinocchio
Psychosomatic: (of a physical illness or other condition):
Psychosomatic refers to physical illnesses or conditions that have a significant psychological or emotional component, meaning they can be influenced or triggered by mental and emotional factors, such as stress or anxiety.
I Am Not A Robot
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) & Trauma:
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, leading to distressing symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
Her Private Life
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?
Shopaholic:
Shopaholics who have a compulsive shopping habit or addiction. A person who often engages in excessive and impulsive shopping is often beyond their means and may find it challenging to control their urge to make purchases. This behavior can lead to financial and emotional consequences. In a clinical context, this excessive shopping behavior might be linked to compulsive buying disorder, a condition characterized by an irresistible urge to shop and a lack of control over those impulses.
Shopaholic Louis
Suicide:
Suicide is the act of intentionally taking one's own life. It is a tragic and complex issue often associated with mental health problems, despair, and extreme emotional distress. Suicide is a serious public health concern, and it's essential to seek help and support for individuals who may be at risk.
Tomorrow
Victimization:
Victimization refers to the act of making someone a victim or the state of being a victim, especially in the context of experiencing harm, abuse, or mistreatment. It often involves individuals suffering from various forms of abuse, violence, or other negative actions, and it can encompass physical, psychological, or social harm. Victimization can occur in many different situations, such as in cases of crime, bullying, abuse, or discrimination.
Angry Mom
Dear Fair Lady Kong Shim
Marry My Husband
Tomorrow
Who Are You
