Top 10 K-Dramas Every Psychology Student Should Watch

Korean dramas (K-dramas) have taken the world by storm with their rich storytelling and emotional depth. For psychology students, certain K-dramas go beyond entertainment to offer profound insights into mental health, trauma, human relationships, and the resilience of the human spirit.

If you’re studying psychology—or simply fascinated by the mind—here are 10 must-watch K-dramas that beautifully blend compelling narratives with psychological themes.

K-dramas for psychology students

1️⃣ It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)

Why Watch:

This award-winning drama is a sensitive portrayal of mental illness, childhood trauma, and healing. The story follows a psychiatric ward caregiver and a children’s book author with antisocial personality disorder. Psychology students will appreciate its nuanced exploration of attachment styles, personality disorders, and the impact of unresolved trauma.

2️⃣ Kill Me, Heal Me (2015)

Why Watch:

An engaging depiction of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), this drama shows a man with seven identities and the psychiatrist who helps him. It’s a fascinating look at identity fragmentation, memory repression, and the therapeutic relationship.

3️⃣ Mouse (2021)

Why Watch:

A psychological thriller that delves into psychopathy, genetic predisposition to violence, and moral dilemmas in criminal profiling. Perfect for students interested in criminal psychology and nature vs. nurture debates.

4️⃣ My Mister (2018)

Why Watch:

A raw and realistic portrayal of depression, loneliness, and intergenerational trauma. This drama provides a powerful perspective on emotional resilience and the healing power of connection.

5️⃣ Hyde, Jekyll, Me (2015)

Why Watch:

This romantic drama also revolves around Dissociative Identity Disorder, focusing on a man with two conflicting personalities. It’s an opportunity to compare portrayals of DID across different series and reflect on public perceptions of mental illness.

6️⃣ Good Doctor (2013)

Why Watch:

Featuring a pediatric surgeon with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and savant syndrome, this drama sheds light on neurodiversity, stigma, and the challenges of professional life for people on the spectrum.

7️⃣ Beyond Evil (2021)

Why Watch:

An intense psychological crime drama about a detective suspected of murder. The series explores psychological manipulation, trauma responses, and profiling in criminal investigations.

8️⃣ It’s Okay, That’s Love (2014)

Why Watch:

Centered on a radio DJ with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and schizophrenia, this drama humanizes complex diagnoses and challenges stereotypes around mental illness.

9️⃣ Daily Dose of Sunshine (2023)

Why Watch:

Based on a real-life nurse’s experiences, Daily Dose of Sunshine follows a young psychiatric nurse navigating the challenges of caring for patients with diverse mental health conditions. The series sensitively portrays depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, and schizophrenia. Psychology students will gain insight into patient-centered care, the emotional toll of psychiatric work, and the importance of compassion in mental health treatment.

🔟 Flower of Evil (2020)

Why Watch:

A suspenseful drama about identity, childhood trauma, and the question of whether people can change. The protagonist, suspected of being a psychopath, raises compelling questions about the nature of evil and personality development.

Final Thoughts

These K-dramas are more than just entertainment. They’re windows into the complexities of human behavior, mental health, and the resilience of the mind. As a psychology student, you can watch them to:

✅ Understand how psychological conditions are represented in media

✅ Reflect on stigma and cultural narratives around mental illness

✅ Gain empathy for diverse experiences

If you’re ready to see psychology come alive on screen, grab your popcorn and start binge-watching!