And now WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING is a new addition to the list

Did you just read my mind but write them even better than how I would describe them?!!! Watching dramas is totally escapism for me and fantasy is right up my alley. Il Mare is my favourite example and I can watch it over and over and feel the heartache each time. I love the plot that Do Kyung's regrets propel his conscience to the past so that he will not make the same mistake (Another Oh Hae Young). My heart broke into thousands pieces when I realised Pak Ha and the Crown Prince will never be together (Rooftop Prince). Why can't Kdramas have another savvy and super brilliant Joseon time traveler again (Queen In Hyun's Man)?
Oh and thank you for using Splish Splash Love as the screencaps. YDJ is my bae, just wish he will be back in dramaland soon. With Kim Seul Gi perhaps?

Depends on what to consider the "fantasy" part... I would rather believe aliens are real than someone having THAT library.

and of course, no fantasy is fantastic enough for me not to twist another gear on it (mostly by adding zombies, ninjas, gangsters or all, but I am open to other options). Other peoples´ fantasy is just my normal, and their normal is a tragedy, and... oh, btw I saw a unicorn in the forest the other day. no, really. White, in the bushes.

Love this post Girlfriday. It's like you been inside my head. Xoxo

I'm surprised that I actually watched most of the dramas you mentioned except for Tunnel (which is on my list).

And it's been a long time since I read an article written by you GF (not watching WYWS). Amazingly written as always! 👏👏👏

I actually prefer fantasy most of the time but I humbly believe that execution is very important. Goblin was totes amazing but I got frustrated with Manhole despite my Jaejoong fangirling.

Put up a picture of Doojion and I'll click every time. 😜

Also, nice write-up!

Oh my! You said it all! . It's how I choose my books and dramas. A story builds a world that's totally transport us out to the unknown. I love it when writer use the most basic life situation and throw in some supernatural elements and start living it out of the world. Makes me feel like there's a way out of the mundane.
Sometimes, we do need the slice of life but hey if there's something dramatic or fancy idealism to spice it up a little!? Why Not??!

Whenever I read something javabeans or girlfriday wrote for the theme of the month, I always feel like they've taken the thoughts in my head and eloquently wrote about it. And this is yet another instance of that.

Nice write up, girlfriday. For myself, I am a sci-fi and fantasy fan from way back, and I've become a little jaded over the years. That's why some of the fantasy plots in kdrama don't really do it for me. W? Meh. Seen that plot done a lot better. Lonely Shining Goblin? No magic for me though I wanted to like it because I liked the actors. So it comes down to character for me, and I honestly like the fantasy kdrama you mention that are twists on reality, like I Hear Your Heart, Strong Woman, Splish Splash. They didn't lose character creation at the expense of plot. Helped too that the romances were hot. What was that one about the woman who saw Ghosts, too, and you wanted to throttle her at the beginning but liked her more and more, with Ji Sub? Characters in these were all quirky, relatable and they grew. I tend to like these ones, whether fantasy or realistic, though will be drawn to the fantasy first. I'm kind of sick of time travelling, though. Anyone else? I always suspect they're cheaper to produce cause the producers already have access to Joseon, Goryeo sets, so why not add a spin.

" Does that mean I actually like escapism that’s really realism in disguise? Beats me."
OMG beats me too....its like both are connected and I'm running on a figure 8 path. GF that was an awesome article! :-) I totally agree with you on everything.
But your concluding sentence just blew up my mind....I was super sure I preferred escapism over anything but now I don't know myself XD

Surprisingly,I've watched almost all of the dramas mentioned in this piece.
Another great write up girlfriday!

And Yoon DooJoon,please be back in kdramaland after Highlight's Oct comeback!

While further pondering on the theme of the month,it made me realize that watching kdramas in itself is already a form of escapism for me,regardless if it's fantasy themed or another slice of life plot.That is the "magic" and lure that kdramas have to me.They open up a whole new world to me,in spite of SoKor being just a 4-hour plane ride or 2,602 kms away from Manila.

everytime I see a splish splash love pic, I have to click in regardless what's the post about. they should do another rom-com drama😍

In escapism I found realism?

I am a big fan of fantasy and thus far Arang and the Magistrate is my favorite for all around world building with an enjoyable story.

agree on all counts!
*little thumb hearts*

This is my first time commenting on dramabeans, but have been a fan for a long time. I have been watching kdrama since 2007 and have never looked back. I never could explain the appeal of it any of my friends but I think you do a wonderful job of putting most of my feelings to words.

I willfully want to keep my head in the clouds when it comes to dramaland, because escape is what I came for, and dense, intricate fantasy worlds help keep me there.
This is me. I purposely pick fantasy dramas and books waiting to be swept off my feet in this other dimension. Lovely writing, GF! 😊

Read this late and wanted to pass along my appreciation. I've held fantasy genres in high esteem all my life—there's no better genre to get at the truth of things.

Lastly, all the buzz for Splish Splash Love compelled me to watch it. Oh. My. God. Who knew that I, decades past high school, could relate to an 18-year-woman on the edge of adulthood. I absolutely loved it.