korea time travel movie

Korean time travel movies

In the top there are new films of 2022, a plot description and trailers for films that have already been released.

Soo-hyun comes across magical pills that allow him to go back and forth in time. 30 years to the past, young Soo-hyun meets future Soo-hyun and learns that his girlfriend will soon die because of him. In order to save her, the two Soo-hyuns try to change the past together, but a completely new and unexpected past is formed that leads to a new future.

Connected by phone in the same home but 20 years apart, a serial killer puts another woman’s past — and life — on the line to change her own fate.

In 1983, high school teacher Ji-hwan is attacked by a pickpocket. In 2015, homicide detective Gun-woo is shot during a chase and loses consciousness. Both men are taken to the same hospital in different time periods, and both their hearts stop and miraculously start again at the same time. A mysterious force binds them together, allowing them to see through each other’s lives in their dreams. Soon realizing that the women they love strikingly resembles each other and that they are in fatal danger, the two men must team up to trace the past and change her destiny.

Dae-ho, an investigative journalist, seeks to track down the whereabouts of his son who was abducted three years ago. With the help of a detective and a psychiatrist friend, he will retrace his memory of the incident through the use of lucid dreaming techniques.

A man tries that his wife fall in love with him again, after to wake up in an alternate reality where she never knew him.

Major Bill Cage is an officer who has never seen a day of combat when he is unceremoniously demoted and dropped into combat. Cage is killed within minutes, managing to take an alpha alien down with him. He awakens back at the beginning of the same day and is forced to fight and die again... and again - as physical contact with the alien has thrown him into a time loop.

Decorated soldier Captain Colter Stevens wakes up in the body of an unknown man, discovering he's involved in a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train. He learns he's part of a top-secret experimental program that enables him to experience the final 8 minutes of another person's life. Colter re-lives the train incident over and over again, gathering more clues each time. But can he discover who is responsible for the attack before the next one happens?

Cyborg She follows the burgeoning romance between an ordinary college student and his sassy love interest - who happens to be a time-traveling cyborg with superhuman powers. One day, a beautiful cyborg girl appears in front of a dull university student. Even though the cyborg starts to like him, she can’t truly feel emotions, so the boy has no choice but to say goodbye. Missing her, he continues his lonely existence. One day, a disastrous earthquake hits Tokyo and the cyborg girl saves his life. In that moment, she starts to have feelings like a real human being.

When a daredevil kid named Ernie, his sister Julia, and his best friend Max are horsing around in Max's inventor father's workshop, they accidentally trip a time-machine into operation and find themselves transported back in time 65 million years, where they meet a T-Rex named Tyra and her rambunctious dinosaur son Dodger. The unlikely group find themselves on an amazing adventure exploring the lush prehistoric jungle, despite Tyra's evil dinosaur rivals conspiring against them - while, back in the present day, Max's dad and Ernie and Julia's overprotective mom plot their rescue.

Jong-Woo (played by Sin Ha-gyoon) is a poor, beleagured taxi driver with a bad attitude, understandable given the kind of clients he has to deal with. So when one night, a polite, well-dressed man offers an outrageous sum of money to rent the taxi for an extended period, Jong Woo doesn't ask any questions, though he does make rather cheerful and inappropriate conversation with his uninterested charge. It's difficult to blame Jong-Woo for this, given that it takes him some time to realize that he is not the protagonist of a low-brow comedy, but of an action-packed thriller.

After a spectacular crash-landing on an uncharted planet, brash astronaut Leo Davidson finds himself trapped in a savage world where talking apes dominate the human race. Desperate to find a way home, Leo must evade the invincible gorilla army led by Ruthless General Thade.

Kim Myeong-min (39) is Agent Kim, a family man who lives a happy and contented life with his wife and two children. He is disguised as a manager in a company that sells fake viagra imported from China. Together with his three comrades, Agent Kang (Yeom Jeong-ah, 39), Agent Woo (Jeong Kyeo-woon, 29) and Adviser Yoon (Byeon Hee-bong, 70), Agent Kim was sent to South Korea 10 years ago for a special mission.

In Cheonan, a serial murder case takes place, but the case becomes more and more of a mystery. Only Tae-suk, a cop, immediately senses that all the cases are by the same killer and starts investigation. One day, Dong-soo, a gang boss, got attacked by a suspicious man, and Tae-suk realizes that this man is the serial killer, K. Now, Dong-soo becomes the only witness and a survived victim from K.

After a terror incident occurs mid-flight, a passenger jet declares an emergency.

May, 1980. Man-seob is a taxi driver in Seoul who lives from hand to mouth, raising his young daughter alone. One day, he hears that there is a foreigner who will pay big money for a drive down to Gwangju city. Not knowing that he’s a German journalist with a hidden agenda, Man-seob takes the job.

The Pirates Of Tortuga :Under The Black Flag Set sail with three young boys on an adventure where time travel, gold treasure and battling villainous pirates are all in a day’s work! On a trip to the city museum, three young boys, Alex, Max and Califax discover a golden bowl — part of a legendary Aztec treasure.

Record-shattering Korean girl band BLACKPINK tell their story — and detail the hard fought journey of the dreams and trials behind their meteoric rise.

Burger Beard is a pirate who is in search of the final page of a magical book that makes any evil plan he writes in it come true, which happens to be the Krabby Patty secret formula. When the entire city of Bikini Bottom is put in danger, SpongeBob, Patrick, Mr. Krabs, Squidward, Sandy, and Plankton need to go on a quest that takes them to the surface. In order to get back the recipe and save their city, the gang must retrieve the book and transform themselves into superheroes.

Burn the Stage: The Movie is the first movie from BTS, going behind-the-scenes of the BTS WINGS TOUR to reveal the full story of the band’s meteoric rise to fame. This unmissable cinema event provides an intimate look at what happens when the most successful global boyband of all time breaks down barriers and invades the mainstream music scene. Exclusive tour footage and brand-new one-on-one interviews with BTS members give fans an unprecedented glimpse into their lives and an opportunity for everyone to celebrate together in movie theaters worldwide.

Martial law is declared when a mysterious viral outbreak pushes Korea into a state of emergency. Those on an express train to Busan, a city that has successfully fended off the viral outbreak, must fight for their own survival…

A young girl is raised as a killer in the Yanbian province of China. She hides her identity and travels to South Korea where she hopes to lead a quiet life but becomes involved with two mysterious men.

All unemployed, Ki-taek's family takes peculiar interest in the wealthy and glamorous Parks for their livelihood until they get entangled in an unexpected incident.

Joo Joong-won is the arrogant, greedy CEO of Kingdom, a conglomerate that includes a supermall and a hotel. "Ghost whisperer” Tae Gong-shil, is a misunderstood outcast who can't keep a boyfriend or a job since a near death experience left her seeing needy ghosts. She feels compelled to help them resolve their earthly issues so they can move on to the afterlife... and he feels compelled to think she's crazy. Soon their lives merge into a complicated web of hijinx, misunderstandings, and... yes, love.

Gon, a Korean hitman bred in the United States where he works for a Chinese triad, usually flawless in taking out his targets, makes a terrible mistake in fulfilling a mission. Swamped by feelings of regret, Gon no longer wants to be a hitman, but, in order to tie up loose ends, his boss forces him to do another job in Korea.

In real life, Kwon Yoo is unemployed, but in the virtual game world he is the best leader. Kwon Yoo is then framed for a murder. With the help of hacker Yeo-Wool, he tries to uncover the truth behind the murder case.

A young girl is kidnapped by a serial killer. The serial killer uses manholes to kidnap and kill his victims. The young girl's older sister tries to save her before it's too late.

Pastor Park is head of a religious investigation center that exposes cults and cult leaders. While looking into a suspicious new religion called ‘Deer Mount,’ he slowly uncovers clues that connect this cult to a series of mysterious cases of missing teenage girls when a body is found inside a damaged tunnel beams. He begins to uncover dark secrets surrounding this cult and its enforcer Na-han.

Korea, 1950. A child's vow to take care of his family marks the beginning of a lifelong promise spanning sixty years.

A group of people meet for the first time in a long time and play a game that reveals each other's secrets.

Turtles Forever is a made-for-tv animated movie. Produced in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise, the movie teams up different incarnations of the titular heroes—chiefly the light-hearted, child-friendly characters from the 1987 animated series and the darker cast of the 4Kids' own 2003 animated series—in an adventure that spans multiple universes.

South Korea, 1993. An agent of the National Intelligence Service is sent to Beijing with the assignment of infiltrating a group of North Korean officials with the ultimate goal of obtaining information about the North Korean nuclear program.

An internet broadcaster recruits a handful of people for their 'experience the horror' show at Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital, a place selected as one of the '7 freakiest places on the planet'. They are to explore the haunted asylum and stream it live on their online show.

Stuntman Cha Dal-geon gets involved in a tragic airplane crash and ends up discovering a national corruption scandal in the process. Go Hae-ri, the oldest daughter of a deceased marine, decides to work for the National Intelligence Service as a secret ops agent in order to support her mom and younger siblings, although all she wanted to do is to become a civil servant.

Thrown straight into a dangerous mission with none of his memories intact, a man must escape death while trying to figure out who he is, how he ended up here, and who is the mysterious voice in his ear calling him "Carter"?

As a North Korean sleeper cell agent, Ryu-han infiltrates the South and assumes the role of a village idiot in a rural town. He observes the townsfolk and waits patiently for his mission. One day, after 2 years of playing the role of the village idiot, fellow elite spies Hae-rang, posed as a rock star and Hae-jin, posed as an ordinary student, are dispatched to the same town as Ryu-han. He helps the other two spies settle in and teach them how to adjust in the South. There is a sudden drastic political power shift in the North and all three spies receive an urgent and ultimate mission.

In response to a sudden dismissal of staff, workers at a big retail store begin a protest against their employer's oppressive labor policies.

Seo-joon, loses everything to voice phishing and infiltrates a organization in China to meet Kwak Pro, the designer behind this phishing system.

A contract killer becomes disenchanted with his line of work and spares the lives of his two latest would-be-victims. But the assassination company he works for has no intentions of letting him quit.

Doo-Sik (Jo Jung-suk) gets paroled from prison thanks to his younger brother (Do Kyung-Soo) Doo-Young. Doo-Young is a promising judo athlete. After 15 years, Doo-Sik (Jo Jung-suk) suddenly appears in front of Doo-Young and they begin to live together. Doo-Young becomes involved in an accident before the selection for the national team.

Born in a poor family, Tae-su learns that the power is the most important thing in life and decides to become a prosecutor, the biggest symbol of power in the 90’s. After entering the most prestigious law school, experiencing democratic resistance in Korea, Tae-su finally reaches his goal of becoming a prosecutor but his life is no better than a salary man. By chance, he joins a clique of the powerful prosecutors with wealth and authority. He finally gets a taste of a life of the top hierarchy, but as he enjoys the sweetness of supremacy, he also sees the cruel side of it.

Jin-seok, 21-year-old, moves into a new house with his family. He suffers from a slight schizophrenia but he carries an ordinary life under the warm care of the family. His older brother Yu-seok is a decent college student, a mentor, and role model for Jin-seok. One night, his beloved brother is kidnapped by unidentified assailants before Jin-seok’s eye. Jin-seok can’t recognize their faces, but can remember only the VIN that matches with no car. After long silence of 19 days, suddenly Yu-seok returns home, but remembers nothing which had happened in the meantime. And soon Jin-seok feels Yu-seok is a total stranger…

Busan, South Korea, 1970s. Lee Doo-sam is a small-time smuggler. After helping a drug gang to smuggle meth, he falls into the dark crime world. Quick-witted and full of ambition, he eventually takes over the drug underworld and starts to lead a double life: a good community leader during the day but an infamous drug lord during the night.

Having died unexpectedly, firefighter Ja-hong is taken to the afterlife by 3 afterlife guardians. Only when he passes 7 trials over 49 days and proves he was innocent in human life, he’s able to reincarnate, and his 3 afterlife guardians are by his side to defend him in trial.

When an old collaborator gets severely injured, a veteran policeman tries to figure out the way to bring to justice the ultimately suspected aggressor, a spoiled young executive, heir to a mega corporation, who believes he is above the law.

The story of Joseon's tyrant king Yeonsan who exploits the populace for his own carnal pleasures, his seemingly loyal retainer who controls him and all court dealings, and a woman who seeks vengeance.

Jae-Hyeok lives with his mother, his sister-in-law and nephew Min-Jae in a small Korean town. He is dating Yeon-Joo, while working at the local nuclear power plant. Meanwhile, Pyung-Sub works at the same nuclear power plant. He is worried about conditions there, but nobody in the government listens to him. An earthquake strikes the small town where Jae-Hyeok lives and causes explosions at the nuclear power plant. The situation quickly spirals out of control, leading the entire nation to panic. To prevent another nuclear disaster, Jae-Hyeok and his co-workers return to the nuclear power plant.

The destinies of hard-luck lowlifes slowly converge and come crashing down: Jung-man barely gets by working at a sauna and taking care of his sick mother until he finds a bag full of cash in the locker room; Tae-young is in trouble after his girlfriend runs away with the money he borrowed from a loan shark. Soon, a dead body mysteriously turns up; Mi-ran, caught between her husband’s violence and a dead-end job as a bar hostess, she finds a young lover, Jin-tae who offers to kill her husband… And now their dog-eat-dog game starts.

The Plan Man is about a man who lives everything according to plan until he meets a woman who wasn't a part of it.

In 1951 ceasefire is declared, but two remaining armies fought their final battle on the front line Towards the end of the Korean War, a South Korean battalion is fiercely battling over a hill on the front line border against the North in order to capture a strategic point that would determine the new border between two nations. The ownership of this small patch of land would swap multiple times each day. Kang is dispatched to the front line in order to investigate the tacit case that’s been happening there. But he gets spiraled into the war that’s more terrifying than death itself when he meets his friend Kim, who has transformed into a war machine, and his unit. As the countdown for ceasefire begins, both sides become more vicious, resulting in deaths of countless lives until the last man could claim the land.

On the run from a dogged internal affairs agent, a corrupt cop reluctantly teams up with a defiant teen to unravel a conspiracy -- before it's too late.

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5 korean time-travel movies.

There is something alluring about time travel to make humans ponder over it for hundreds of years. Thankfully, since it has not been invented yet, directors can enjoy full freedom in coming up with newer sci-fi concepts for each film. But one common theme unites them all - everyone who wishes to travel to past wishes to undo something in the present. It is our belief in the chain system of actions that we think a single change of ideas or actions in the past could somehow make the present a wholly different space. How complex the effect of such a change is, is what could make or break a time-travel movie.

Having said that, not all time-travel movies need to have actual time travel or be moralise on the do-it-today-not-tomorrow ideal. Directors like Jun-sung Kim have created movies with cleverly disguised time travel that only occurs in the protagonist's mind. Here's a list of 5 different time travel-themed films from different genres.  

Lucid Dream , 2017

Heavily inspired by Inception, but with a unique plotline of its own, Lucid Dream is a Korean sci-fi thriller that has a father, travel to the past in his mind to find his kidnapped son. Dae-ho is an investigative journalist and a single father to his son. With his controversial line of work and exposes, he has made more than enough enemies. When his son goes missing with no further communication from the kidnapper, Dae-ho knows its the act of someone who he has written about. However, with all the police force's help, the case has been off for 3 years with no further clues. 

That is when with the help of a psychiatrist, Dae-ho decides to engage in a new form of visiting the past - lucid dreaming. He keeps revisiting the day until he can find enough clues to uncover the kidnapper. Filled with good graphics, violent scenes, fast-paced chase sequences and enough plot-twists to keep you on the edge of your seat, Lucid Dream is only a part time-travel movie. That is until Dae-ho meets someone who makes it possible to visit anyone's dreams. After three years, what are the chances that Dae-ho's son is still alive? Watch the movie to find out what happens in the end.  

2009: Lost Memories, 2002

This is one of those time travel movies that dare to reimagine history. In the opening sequences, we are introduced to a vastly different world. Korea is still under Imperial Japanese control, World World II ended with Japan dropping an atomic bomb on Berlin and the assassination of an important Major general if prevented on time. As a joint film made by both South Korea and Japan, the movie told on a bold narrative and tackled the heavy themes of nationality and patriotism quite well. In the present day world of the film, a Korean terrorist (or resistance organisation, if you will) is planning to go back in time and reverse the narrative to prevent Korean from being under Japanese rule. 

Masayuki Sakamoto and Shojiro Saigo are two officers assigned to investigating and thwarting the plans of this group. The group's immediate plans seem to be gaining their hands on an artefact. As the film rolls on, it becomes clear that this artefact has the power to transport one through time. The film would be understood best by those who have some knowledge of Korea and Japan's complex histories since many of the storylines (preventing certain assassinations or resistance movements) only make sense if you're aware of the large scale impact they had. 

Il Mare , 2000

When it was released, Il Mare did not perform well at the box office at all. However, over the years it has gone on to be recognised as a pathbreaker in the time-travel romance genre. It was later remade several times by different countries. Il Mare is the name of a beautiful house by the sea inhabited by a lone woman. As she moves away, she leaves a mail in the mailbox for the next occupant, who however arrives two years in the past. Confused? Yes, it is a bit. Via some correspondence, the two quickly realise that the Il Mare mailbox is capable of sending letters through time and thus two people who live not just miles, but years apart, hold a conversation.

The film deals very well with this idea and uses the play on timelines to the fullest extent. Despite living the future and knowing what has happened in the past two years, the movie takes the two characters on runs that reminds us that nothing in life is fixed and all our decisions are only a moment away from change. This a subtle, melancholic love story set against a colour pallet of fields, sunsets and oceans. 

Project Makeover

Not all time-travel movies need to be serious odes to the perils of messing with the space-time continuum and Project Makeover is testament to that! A fun and light ride, Project Makeover is by all accounts a rom-com, made only the be enjoyed and not remembered for long. Jung-Joo is a thirty-something-year-old who is not living the life she had envisioned for herself. One of the guys she had dated in school and then broke up with is now a successful businessman. Another guy who asked her out several times (and was sorely rejected) is now a famous celebrity. The guy she did date ended up being a good-for-nothing sleazeball. 

Of course, everything would be fine if Jung-Joo could just go back in time and convince herself to date the right guy! The movie has its flaws and can be non-sensical at times, but that is also a part of its charm. While you cannot change the past (as Jung-Joo will learn the hard way), you can still look forward to and change the future. Light-hearted, funny and full of warmth - this is a movie made for rainy days and sad nights. 

A Day , 2017

A time-travel movie list would be incomplete without a film where the protagonist is stuck in a single day reeling over and over again! Two women die on the same day, at the same time. Kim Joon-young is a famous and successful surgeon, but a much less successful father. One day, he witnesses an accident which results in the death of his daughter. At the same time, Lee Min Chul lost his wife to an accident. Both of them then wake up to find the day starting all over again. They must now work together to find the reason for this, which may be more far-fetched than either had imagined. With several layered elements and sudden plot twists along the way, the film focuses on equal parts on dramatic reunions and high-paced thrilling sequences. 

This is the second time that the lead actors - Kim Myung-min and Byun Yo-han , are reuniting since their stint in Six Flying Dragons which was an acclaimed Korean drama revolving around rulers of the Joseon Dynasty. Watch A Day id you're looking for a thriller with a heart. Extremely saddening at times and nail-biting at others, this is one of those movies that I would suggest without a moment's hesitation because overall, it's a pretty good ride!

Know more time travel-themed movies? Let us know in the comments! 

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• Entertainment

More People Should Watch Netflix's Best Hidden Time Travel Gem

The Call's credentials: The South Korean sci-fi flick has the same editor as Parasite.

• Best New Journalist 2019 Australian IT Journalism Awards

The Call stars Park Shin-hye.

Director Bong Joon-ho went and made history in 2019 with black comedy thriller  Parasite . It was the first non English-language film to win the best picture Oscar , catapulting viewers over the 1-inch subtitle barrier into a treasure trove of South Korean films.

Now it's time to check out another South Korean flick sitting on that same glowing pile: 2020's The Call. Currently streaming on Netflix , The Call shares the same Oscar-nominated editor as Parasite: Yang Jin-mo. If you like your storytelling efficient, unique and wrought with suspense, The Call will generously provide.

The Call is set in rural Korea, where 28-year-old Kim Seo-yeon makes the trip home to visit her estranged, sick mother. Crucially, she loses her phone on the train journey over. This fatal error sees her forced to use a cordless phone . After one fateful phone call, a true nightmare unfurls.

Seo-yeon interacts with another 28-year-old woman -- Oh Young-sook -- who cries for help from her own "crazy" mother. The trailer-advertised reveal: Both women are in the same house, but from different times . One is in 2019, the other in 1999. Cue awesome '90s Korean grunge music.

With this strange connection, Seo-yeon in the present timeline is enticed to tinker with the unfortunate events in her past. The only catch is this relies on her friendship with the other woman on the line, whose circumstances might be far more hellish than her own.

The fact these women interact without meeting face to face reveals the profound skill of actresses Park Shin-hye and Jeon Jong-seo. They embark on a cat-and-mouse tug of war, tiptoeing across a minefield of unknowns and potential threats. The tension is unrelenting.

Oh Young-sook (Jeon Jong-seo) is a force to be reckoned with.

The ensemble is rounded out by the women's mothers, played by the equally extraordinary Kim Sung-ryung and Lee El. Lee El in particular produces the kind of unhinged parent performance that haunted kids like Carrie, Coraline and Norman Bates.

Every aspect of the filmmaking process has clearly been siphoned through a delicate sieve. The attention to detail is immaculate. As well as editor Yang Jin-mo, the filmmaking team includes Avengers: The Age of Ultron and The Great Gatsby colorist Vanessa Taylor. You'll notice a purple hue sheathing the scenes with Seo-yeon in the present timeline, representing her sadness and despair. In the past, Young-sook's scenes glint with red, refracting anger, danger and violence.

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The stress you feel as the game plays out is testament to how deeply The Call draws you in. Yes, it presents a high-concept time travel mind-melder, but it's all propped up by the pillars of the mother-daughter relationships. Oh, and there's a lesson in there somewhere about the price of changing your fate, but luckily this isn't thrown with a splat in your face.

Like a Bong Joon-ho film, here director and writer Lee Chung-hyun drops a shocking midway twist that changes everything you know about the playing field. It all wraps up in an emotionally satisfying ending before squeezing out one last heart-clunking surprise.

The Call is verdant, inventive, sophisticated storytelling that leaves you buzzing for the kind of top-notch films that don't often find their way onto Netflix. Dislodge it from the back of Netflix's streaming shelves ASAP.

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Review: k-movie “the call” is a chilling and suspenseful murder mystery.

Park Shin-hye and Jeon Jong-seo star in Korean thriller “The Call,” which now streams on Netflix.

By Anthony Kao , 1 Dec 20 07:27 GMT

How do you stop a killing in the past? That’s the central challenge of The Call , Netflix’s latest Korean film acquisition. Featuring leading starlet Park Shin-hye and rising actress Jeon Jong-seo, this thriller depicts two women who become connected across time periods through a mysterious landline telephone. When the woman of the past starts on a serial killing spree, the woman of the present must take action before it’s too late.

Even if it doesn’t aspire to push filmmaking boundaries or provide philosophical musings, the movie is a solid piece of entertainment that doesn’t feel trite, even with the preponderance of time travel murder mysteries . Through effective world-building and acting, The Call creates a distinctively chilling and suspenseful vibe that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats until its very last moments.

[ Read: The 13 Best Korean Horror Movies ]

Telephone Time Travel

The Call begins with a young woman named Kim Seo-yeon (Park Shin-hye) getting dropped off at an ornate countryside house with creepy gothic vibes. After getting situated, Seo-yeon hears the rings of a clunky landline telephone. She picks it up, and hears the pleading cries of another young woman named Oh Young-sook (Jeon Jong-seo), who insists that her shaman mother is trying to kill her. Seo-yeon soon realizes that Oh Young-sook lived in the same house two decades ago, and the landline somehow allows the two women to connect across time.

In spite of Young-sook’s abusive shaman mother, Seo-yeon and Young-sook begin to form a bond. However, when a warning from Seo-yeon leads Young-sook to kill her mother and embark on a murder spree, Seo-yeon realizes that she may have opened a time-traversing Pandora’s Box with bloody—and personal—consequences.

[ Read: The 11 Best Korean Dramas on Netflix ]

Gothic Shamanistic Vibes

Time-travel murder mysteries aren’t exactly novel. The Call is actually adapted from a Puerto Rican-British film named The Caller ; Hollywood makes many instances of the subgenre. Superfans of Korean media might also feel that The Call evokes hit K-drama Signal , which featured a walkie talkie that allowed a detective in 1985 to communicate with a criminal profiler in 2015.

Despite this, The Call avoids feeling formulaic—especially for global audiences—by building a chilling world that blends reliable horror elements with Korean tradition. The house that much of the film takes place in looks a lot like your classic Western haunted house, with gothic architectural elements like hood moulds and a creepy basement to boot. As expected for a horror-tinged thriller, dark colors dominate the movie’s palette, and much of the action takes place using artificial lighting or in low light.

However, The Call goes beyond those standard horror expectations by bringing in a distinctive Korean flair. For example, one scene has Young-sook stuff a clump of tendrily seaweed into her mouth and gnaw like a deranged cthulhu . This chilling use of Korean cuisine certainly wouldn’t occur in a Hollywood horror film. Furthermore, Young-sook’s mother performs exorcisms that draw from traditional Korean shamanism—which has been enjoying a renaissance in the 21st century and influenced numerous Korean movies . Reminiscent of Park Chan-wook’s The Handmaiden , The Call blends “Western” visuals with distinctive Korean context to create a distinctively foreboding vibe.

[ Read: Korean Movie “The Shaman Sorceress” Explores Clashes Between Competing Faiths ]

Acting and Suspense

Beyond worldbuilding, The Call also features an outstanding performance from Jeon Jong-seo. This is particularly notable given Jeon’s only prior acting role was as Hae-mi, the female lead of Lee Chang-dong’s critically acclaimed film Burning .

Jeon plays Young-sook with a degree of intense unhingedness that not only contributes to The Call ’s chilling vibes, but keeps audiences guessing about what she might do next. Young-sook toggles seamlessly between victim and manipulator, crying to Seo-yeon on the phone in one moment and incapacitating victims with fire extinguisher blasts in the next. The fact that Young-sook is such a contrast from the rather carefree Hae-mi of Burning speaks positively to Jeon’s range as an actress.  Coupled with a well-crafted narrative that incorporates ample twists, Jeon’s acting gives The Call a constant current of electrifying suspense that lasts even into its post-credit scenes.

While The Call may not have the same philosophical aura as other Korean thrillers like I Saw the Devil , that probably wasn’t the film’s intent. When judged as a blockbuster, The Call is a solid piece of work. Its chilling visuals, suspenseful plot, and compelling acting should please anybody with a thirst for thrilling murder mysteries.

The Call (Korean: 콜) – South Korea. Dialog in Korean. Directed by Lee Chung-hyun. Running time 1hr 52min. First released November 27, 2020. Starring Park Shin-hye, Jeon Jong-seo. 

The Call is available for streaming on Netflix worldwide .

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How Chinese and Korean Dramas invented a new time-travel approach

Transmigration dramas put a new spin on time travel.

Americans are deeply familiar with the classic time-travel trope.

Someone travels backward or forwards in time, often with the aid of technology , messes with the history as it was (or is to be) written, and then has to deal with the consequences. (Meanwhile, viewers struggle to navigate the myriad plot holes that tend to emerge.)

But most Chinese and Korean dramas approach time travel completely differently. Instead of having protagonists travel bodily back and forth in time, these works use a concept known as transmigration, which combines soul migration with time travel.

"When the general public talks about these concepts in [Korean] film and television, they typically speak of specific tropes like time travel, reincarnation, or a second chance at life, rather than using one word that encompasses all the meanings that ‘transmigration’ includes,” Sarah Chung, founder of Dramabeans.com , a K-drama fansite, tells Inverse .

Transmigration simply means the movement of a soul between worlds and time. In Korean and Chinese dramas that use it, the protagonist's soul suddenly migrates between realms and takes up residence in an existing person's body (think: Quantum Leap only without the technological component and generally in a more distant time period). It differs from reincarnation or rebirth stories common in Chinese and Korean pop culture, in that the “time traveler” is not reborn in the same world.

"Many transmigration storylines are a form of shuang wen (爽文), where the protagonist goes on a journey as they conquer obstacles and grow as individuals,” E and J, editors of dramapotatoe , a Chinese entertainment site, tell Inverse . "It's a satisfying journey for the audience who relate deeply to those challenges."

The concept has many variations, but the core aspect of a transmigration drama is the transcendence of time and space — but for both cultural and political reasons, the variations can be quite specific.

THE RULES OF TIME TRAVEL is an Inverse special issue exploring the evolution of science fiction's most imaginative sub-genre. From Marty McFly to Avengers: Endgame

What is transmigration?

A screenwriter transmigrates into her own story in The Romance of Tiger and Rose .

In Chinese media, transmigration is broadly known as chuānyuè (穿越) — though there are distinct subgroups within the genres — while in Korean media, it’s known as hoegwi (회귀) or bing-ui (빙의), or a combination of the two.

"Transmigration — as we see it in books and dramas today — isn't connected to traditional literature; it's very contemporary," AvenueX , a Chinese drama reviewer on YouTube, tells Inverse . "It didn't begin until the 1980s or ‘90s, and it first appeared in novels."

Xún Qín Jì (寻秦记) was a 1997 time travel novel in which a 21st-century secret agent uses a time machine to transport himself to the Qin dynasty and uses his knowledge to shape historical events. Although it's not exactly a transmigration story, Xún Qín Jì was instrumental in the development of the genre, and its 2001 drama adaptation, A Step into the Past , became the prototype for modern transmigration dramas.

Xiran Jay Zhao, the New York Times bestselling author of the Iron Widow trilogy and a Chinese history/culture YouTuber, notes that since the inception of the trope, many distinct subgenres of transmigration have developed.

“Chuān shū (穿书) translates to ‘transmigrate into a book,’” they tell Inverse . “For example, in The Romance of Tiger and Rose , screenwriter Chen Xiaoqian (Zhao Lusi), transmigrates into her own historical screenplay."

They add, “Chuān jīn (穿今) refers to when a person from the past transmigrates to the present, while chuān chéng (穿成) refers to when you transmigrate into a specific person.”

A Step into the Past is a 2001 drama adaptation of Xún Qín Jì.

In Korea, the rise of transmigration stories follows a long-standing interest in reincarnation in Korean media.

"I've observed reincarnation as a popular topic in Korean dramas, more than transmigration," Sara Bechtol, editor for the Netflix Korean entertainment channel The Swoon , tells Inverse . "They usually depict poor, hardworking characters who are reborn as wealthy, accomplished people, or in some circumstances, humans who are reincarnated as animals or nature.”

"Hwansaeng (환생) means 'reincarnation,' and it refers to characters who may or may not remember their previous lives,” Dramabeans’ Chung explains. “Furthermore, some stories may contain elements of more than one trope. A combination of these tropes is referred to as hoe-bing-hwan (회-빙-환)."

Its origins can also be traced back to early 21st-century time-travel novels.

“The first hoegwi novel published in print in the domestic genre novel market was Lee Sang-Hyun's 2004 martial arts novel, Baekdo (백도)," says Chung. "However, hoegwi novels didn't gain popularity until the 2010s, likely coinciding with the growth of the webtoon and web novel formats."

Fantasy Fulfillment & Nostalgia

Hae-Soo gets caught up in an imperial palace struggle 1000 years in the past in Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo .

For Zhao, to understand the success of transmigration dramas in China, you have to recognize the popularity of historical costume dramas in general. Chinese people enjoy period dramas — and consequently, most transmigration dramas — Zhao explains, because they are nostalgic for the precolonial period.

They add, "China was the dominating nation in the area at the time, in contrast to all the humiliation and misery of the 19th and 20th centuries. This, paired with the stunning aesthetics of pre-colonial fashion in C-dramas, means that there's always a large number of transmigration dramas releasing at any moment.”

Coca Xie, TV host, producer, and founder of China Entertainment Group , tells Inverse that Chinese audiences love stories about men who write poetry and fall in love with beautiful women, or swordsmen who travel around to save the world.

“Audiences enjoy the anticipation of what the protagonist will do...”

“Many of these dramas are based on stories we grew up with, such as Journey to the West (1986) and Romance of the Three Kingdoms (1994) , and they remind us of video games we used to play as kids. As a result, there is a strong nostalgic impact," Xie says.

“Because Chinese people know our history so well,” Zhao says, “We love imagining what we’d do if we were thrown back in time with all the knowledge in our minds, especially at crucial historical junctions where one change can have huge historical ripple effects.”

Zhao gives A Step into the Past as an example. The story follows a protagonist who transmigrated to the end of the Warring States era of China when the boy meant to become the first emperor of China dies.

“So now, he has to place another boy in his place and ensure that the right sequence of events still ends up happening, or there’s literally gonna be no China in the future to return to,” Zhao explains.

"Likewise, Scarlet Heart takes place during a turbulent period in which the Kangxi Emperor's numerous sons vie for the throne, but the transmigrated protagonist already knows who will triumph,” they add. “Audiences enjoy the anticipation of what the protagonist will do with their knowledge of how things should proceed and if their actions would affect events."

Different Tropes for Different Folks

Thousand Years of Love is a Korean time travel drama that follows Princess Buyeo Ju of the Baekje Dynasty.

Korean pop culture, as in America, was deeply invested in the standard time travel tropes — one person, moving bodily into new periods until the adaptations of Chinese transmigration dramas became so popular.

Thousand Years of Love (천년지애) (2003) was the first Korean time travel drama, which focused on Princess Buyeo Ju (Sung Yu-ri) of the Baekje Dynasty (18 B.C. - 600 A.D.) who travels to 2003 while trying to avoid the advances of her Kingdom's conqueror, Silla General, Kim Yu-Seok (Kim Nam-jin).

The drama was a pioneer at the time, and over the next two decades, it inspired dozens of period-era time travel dramas, including Rooftop Prince (2012), Faith (2012), Splash Splash Love (2015), and more.

“...a pleasant form of escapism”

However, it wasn’t until the release of Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (달의 연인 - 보보경심 려) in 2016 — based on the Chinese novel-turned-series Startling by Each Step (步步惊心) which aired in 2011 — that transmigration became more popular among K-drama fans.

" Scarlet Heart Ryeo and Mr. Queen are the few K-dramas in which one soul travels across time to a different body," The Swoon’s Bechtol says; each was adapted from the Chinese original. "In dramas, the majority of soul-swapping takes place in the same timeline, and standard time travel dramas usually involve a character physically entering the past or future."

"The dramas may also include ludicrous shenanigans whether it's a high schooler in an adult body or a modern-day chef in a Joseon Queen's body," she adds. "This content is a pleasant form of escapism, but the lessons the characters acquire may also be relevant."

It also allows Korean storytellers to distinguish their work while remaining true to concepts viewers love.

"In a congested drama landscape saturated with familiar themes, writers are constantly seeking new ways to tell stories,” says Dramabreans’ Chung. “These tropes provide extra tools with which to build inventive and speculative narratives."

“Frivolous content”

The popular Chinese web series, Go Princess Go! (太子妃升职记) — the story of a modern playboy who transmigrates 1,000 years back in time and into the body of the Crown Princess (Zhang Tianai) — was abruptly removed from the website of its production company, LeTV, in 2015. A week later, it was re-released , after a third of its original content had been edited out.

It was assumed that the drama was pulled down because of its LGBT-positive content — which was verified in 2016 when the Chinese State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television (SARFT) issued a new set of guidelines to regulate web dramas stating that feudal beliefs — including soul possession, reincarnation, witchcraft practice as well as, homosexuality and extramarital affairs — would be prohibited in future web dramas.

It was not the first time that Chinese authorities got involved in the content of Chinese-produced time travel dramas.

Go Princess, Go! captured the hearts of its audience with its campy, over-the-top narrative.

In 2011, the SARFT released a report criticizing time-travel dramas for their "bizarre plots, absurd techniques, and feudal superstition," and then expressed disapproval of these shows at a conference the following month, citing their “inaccurate history, exaggerated performance, and frivolous content.”

The SARFT then issued six guidelines in 2012 for the development of TV dramas, including one which stated that "historical dramas in ancient costumes should not create comedy." (Many shows had to be canceled since many transmigration dramas at the time were set in the historical past and were intended to be funny.)

Still, despite the new rules, new transmigration shows such as Joy of Life (2019) and The Romance of Tiger and Rose (2020) have passed the censors by adopting novel writing or dream setups, or by setting the story in fictional dynasties.

The unimaginable happens when a modern person is forced into a historical setting in Mr. Queen .

In South Korea, transmigration dramas are less regulated — but if one distorts Korean history, it too may be canceled or "pulled back."

This was the case with Mr. Queen ( 철인왕후), a 2020 Korean drama following a modern chef who finds himself in the body of Queen Cheorin (Shin Hye-sun) during the Joseon era. He struggles to adjust to his new body, navigate palace rules and maintain his relationship with King Cheol Jong (Kim Jung Hyun). It garnered over 4,000 complaints from viewers dissatisfied with the show's historical inaccuracy (as well as the derogatory remarks made about Koreans by the original Chinese novel author, Xiancheng).

As a result of the complaints, the subcommittee of the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC) announced that the drama would receive " administrative guidance " for its controversial scenes.

What’s next?

Three friends connected across time and space in Someday or One Day .

For AvenueX, who has been reviewing Chinese dramas for nearly five years, transmigration has become clichéd and overused.

"I think chuānyuè dramas are a little out of fashion these days," she says. "There are just too many works in this genre that have been thoroughly exploited and overwritten."

While AvenueX acknowledges that transmigration is a good plot device for creating interesting scenarios, she is concerned about the genre's future in the drama landscape that has become increasingly concerned with making more money rather than delivering great, original content.

As for movie creators in South Korea and overseas, transmigration may be exactly the thing needed to spice up a boring time-travel story.

The most popular transmigration K-dramas have been adaptations of Chinese works. However, as the trope becomes more prevalent in the media, we should expect additional dramas based on original works, which may provide something truly unique and unexpected.

This article was originally published on May 13, 2022

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7 time-travel Korean dramas that’ll make you want to hit rewind

A power struggle in the Joseon Era, a crime solved through a walkie talkie, and the rediscovery of what it’s like to fall in love again – Korean dramas featuring time-travel explore the most exciting themes. We list out a few that are worth the binge this weekend.

From the 1985 classic Back To The Future to the dreamy 2009 hit Time Traveller’s Wife – the genre of swinging between the past and the future has firmly established itself in pop culture. Call it the ever-growing appetite for escapism or a general appreciation for science fiction – there’s no denying that time-travel has many takers across OTT viewers. How else could one explain the string of options that populate Netflix and Prime Video?

Naturally, Korean dramas couldn’t be too far behind. Adding their signature production value and comedic timing to the mix, these shows promise exciting adventures, dreamy romance , intriguing historical depictions, and more! Here’s what you should watch this weekend.

Intriguing Korean dramas that feature time travel

The king: eternal monarch.

Perhaps one of the most engaging K-dramas, this one features a Korean emperor on a quest to shut the door to a parallel world opened by demons and a powerful female lead detective who fiercely protects the people around her. These two coexisting realities – present-day South Korea and the Kingdom of Corea merge when the king – on a quest to nab his father’s murderer – finds himself in the detective’s world. At once riveting and romantic, this one is a must-watch.

Sisyphus: The Myth

A talented engineer is determined to uncover exactly what caused the death of his older brother. However, this involves navigating the most complex set of challenges – with factors that could lead to his death. The only saving grace? A mysterious elite soldier who travels from the future to the current time with some key evidence. The future in this scenario is marked by gangs and military cliques. This one will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Inspired by a true story, this K-drama looks at a violent crimes detective in 1986 who takes on a serial homicide case. He’s determined to arrest the killer before he strikes again. However, while chasing him through a tunnel, he finds himself transported to 2017 – where the culprit is still at large. Out of his element and depth (especially when it comes to his old-fashioned ways) he perseveres in his task, with the help of a young police detective and a criminal psychology professor. Distraught yet determined, he believes he can go back in time if he fulfills his duty. Expect a few jaw-dropping plot twists in this one.

Familiar Wife

A banker who’s been married for five years leads a regular life with several challenges – wife’s angry outbursts and the pressure to care for parents and children. One day, he’s given an unexpected choice by an old man in a subway. Now transported back in time, he has the choice to decide whether to rekindle his first love and change his fate or get his old life back. This one makes for an engaging watch.

This detective thriller K-drama features a powerful walkie talkie. In the spotlight is a police lieutenant who’s also an expert criminal profiler. As a child, we witnessed his friend being kidnapped, only to later find him murdered. Despite informing the police of a person he had spotted speaking to his friend, he wasn’t taken seriously and the case remained unsolved.

Now in the same police station – he discovers a walkie talkie with the voice of a detective from his past. A former rookie, this experienced detective now seeks to solve the case of his friend’s murder. The story then follows the two solving the said case and is interestingly based on a real story of a crime spree – rape and murder of 10 women – that occurred between 1986 and 1991 in South Korea. You’re likely to binge your way through this one in one go.

Watch  here

Go Back Couple (Couple On The Backtrack)

A couple bogged down by the pressures of marriage and parenthood wish they’d never met each other. Soon, they’re transported 18 years back in time to the moment they’d first met as 20-year-old college students. As they try and make decisions to keep their future selves happy and satisfied, they discover love in a whole new perspective. This is a feel-good, heartwarming time travel Korean drama that will have you reaching for a box of tissues.

An ambitious, free spirited male chef rises up the ranks to cook in the Blue House – where South Korea’s most prominent politicians reside. One day, however, chaos ensues as he finds himself in the body of a young queen from the Joseon Era. This queen is married to a monarch who is under the thumb of the former king’s wife. Also setting sights on the throne? Her brother. To make things worse, the current king seems to harbor dark secrets. This one delivers elements of fantasy and comedy in spades. Besides, if you enjoy period dramas, it won’t disappoint.

Which of these are you adding to your watchlist?

All images: Courtesy Netflix

Eshita Srinivas

Eshita is a food, alcohol, travel, and entertainment writer who spends her days zeroing in on the next big trend to write about. She’s a communication graduate with bylines in Conde Nast Traveller India, GQ India, Deccan Herald, and Girls Buzz. When not at work, you’re likely to find her hunting for a good read or charting out the perfect itinerary for a solo trip across Asia.

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Screen Rant

The 20 best time travel k-dramas, ranked.

Time travel is a common trope used in K-dramas to solve mysteries, add intrigue and propel love stories. Here are the best time travel K-dramas.

• Many of the best K-dramas involving time travel use the concept to enhance romantic stories with a sci-fi or fantasy twist.
• Some K-dramas creatively use time travel to solve crimes or uncover conspiracies, adding intrigue to the storyline.
• Time travel in K-dramas is often used as a narrative catalyst for epic romance stories of lovers separated by centuries, creating unique and captivating narratives.

The idea of traveling through time is a powerful storytelling tool popularized by Hollywood movies, anime series, and the best time travel K-dramas . For K-dramas, the past often involves the Joseon era, riddled with political distress, turmoil, and drama. In some cases, K-dramas get creative and use time travel to solve crimes, like a heinous murder from the past, or with clues unraveling through time. In others, time travel is the narrative catalyst for an epic romance story of lovers separated by centuries.

Not surprisingly, many of the best K-dramas involving time travel use the concept to elevate romantic stories with a sci-fi or fantasy twist. In fact, this happens so much that K-drama audiences largely agree that it's become an overused plot device. That said, whether they are mainly romantic, detective, or historical K-dramas , there are dozens that cleverly use time travel to continue telling captivating stories, and the best time travel K-dramas use the trope to tell some of the most unique stories on the small screen.

20 My Perfect Stranger (2023)

• Available to stream on Rakuten Viki

While most Korean dramas involving time traveling only see one character do the time traveling, My Perfect Stranger takes a risk in making both of its main characters time travelers. One does so on purpose though, while the other does not. Hae Jun (Kim Dong Wook) is a journalist investigating a serial murder case who discovers a time machine and uses it to follow his own investigation. Yoon Young (Jin Ki Joo) discovers her mother dead and is then struck by a car, waking up in the same time that Hae Jun traveled to. When the two cross paths, they find that maybe their time traveling, and their lives, are actually linked to one another.

19 Tunnel (2017)

• Available to stream on Roku

Instead of traveling to the past, Tunnel is a time travel K-drama that takes the audience to the future - in a manner of speaking. The present-day of the story is actually 1985 in which a string of murders are being investigated. When the detective (Choi Jin Hyuk) pursuing a lead runs after a suspect through a tunnel, he’s hit in the head and ends up 30 years in the future. While the show presents itself as a murder mystery with a time-travel element, there’s also a romantic subplot and a family at the center of the story that makes it a drama that really shines.

10 Must Watch K-Dramas That Aren’t Romances (& Where To Stream Them)

18 familiar wife (2018).

• Currently unavailable to stream

A married man (Ji-Sung) with two kids is unhappy in his life. He’s depressed, hates his wife, and is unsatisfied at work. If he had only made different choices in his youth, he might have had a happier life. After traveling through a toll booth and losing control of his car, he winds up in the past and is able to change some of those decisions. Able to travel back and forth between the past and the present, he’s able to see how his different decisions have big outcomes later in life. It’s a similar concept to something like Sliding Doors but with many small changes to help someone understand their path in life.

17 Times (2021)

Times isn’t a traditional time travel K-drama in which one character is transported to another time period completely. Instead, the time travel is a result of a phone line that is able to traverse timelines. Two journalists, one in 2015 and one in 2020, connect over the use of the same phone line. Initially, they work together to prevent the death of one of their fathers, but while investigating, they uncover a conspiracy that involves time travel and corrupt politicians. The series is definitely a unique take among the time travel shows created for Korean television, which usually focus on history and a romantic subplot.

16 Tomorrow With You (2017)

While Tomorrow With You does use romance like most time travel K-dramas do, it also has a unique idea for the time travel itself. While most Korean time travel shows involve time traveling by accident, the main character in Tomorrow With You can decide to travel in time. It’s also done so while traveling the subway instead of falling through a portal or suffering a life-threatening injury in order to do it. Yoo So-Joon (Lee Je-Hoon) takes on time-traveling adventures when he discovers that Ma-Rin (Shin Min-A) is about to have a tragic accident. Intrigued by her, he tries to save her, and they become linked.

15 The Best Hit (2017)

In The Best Hit, 1993 K-pop idol Yoo Hyun-Jae (Yoon Shi-yoon) gets accidentally transported to 2017, discovers how he is presumed dead after he disappeared in 1994, and investigates why he traveled through time while struggling with living in the future. Meanwhile, Hyun-Jae's biological son, Lee Ji-Hoon (Kim Min-jae), is secretly training to become an idol himself and is even enrolled in Star Punch Entertainment's program - while making his parents believe that he's studying for the civil service exams. Also known as Hit the Top , The Best Hit is an underrated gem in the world of the best time travel K-dramas.

14 Sisyphus: The Myth (2021)

• Available to stream on Netflix

This 2021 Netflix K-drama has some serious Terminator vibes to it, but it's full of good laughs, color, and drama. Han Tae-Sul (Cho Seung-woo) is a talented engineer who is determined to uncover the real reason behind his older brother's murder. If that wasn't enough, the storyline introduces a character who travels from the future to his current time. In the future, the world is dominated by gangs and military cliques. Survival entails serious combat skills, and Gang Seo-Hae (Park Shin-Hye) is just the right warrior. She travels back in time to help Tae-Sul on his dangerous journey after learning key evidence about his brother's death.

13 Splash Splash Love (2015)

• Available to stream on KOCOWA

Splash Splash Love is one of those K-dramas that combine time travel with romance . In the television series, a high-school student gets transported to 15th-century Korea. She soon meets the young king of the kingdom who wants to learn more about mathematics. Thankfully, the heroine of the show is a patient teacher who is more than willing to tutor the King. Splash Splash Love is a quick and easy watch as it is one of the shortest K-dramas out there, with only 2 episodes. This is part of why the show has near-perfect pacing and ranks among the best time travel K-dramas.

12 Rooftop Prince (2012)

Rooftop Prince has a lot of storylines to process, but they're well worth it. The titular protagonist a prince who wakes up in present-day 2012, even though he's actually from the Korean Joseon dynasty/era . The crown prince and his two confidants find themselves on the rooftop of Park-ha's (Han Ji-min) home. After the prince realizes he's time-traveled 300 years into the future, he also sees the long-lost sister of Park-ha - who is the spitting image of his late wife who drowned. He's convinced he will find the answers to his past in 2012 and poses as the grandson of a powerful CEO, who in reality was killed by another family member.

15 Steamy K-Dramas You Should Watch Today

11 the king: eternal monarch (2020).

Not only does The King: Eternal Monarch have a phenomenal female lead in Jeong Tae-eul (Kim Go-eun), it's also full of riveting action, features a unique story of parallel worlds, and is also one of the unique time travel K-Dramas available on Netflix. In the show, there are two co-existing realities: present-day South Korea and the Kingdom of Corea. The now king witnessed his father's murder as a child at the hands of his uncle. He discovers a doorway to the parallel world and uses it to stop his uncle from raising an army. Along the way, he learns who the mysterious figure was that saved his life, but the only way to keep the timeline intact is by traveling back to that exact moment in time.

10 Queen In-Hyun's Man (2012)

A Joseon Dynasty scholar meets an aspiring actress in the year 2012 in the political and romantic Korean drama , Queen In-Hyun's Man, one of the best time travel K-dramas. In 1694, a noble-born scholar is the only survivor after his family was murdered, but there's a bigger story at play, as it might be a conspiracy going on as he supports the reinstatement of the deposed queen. Due to a talisman, he time travels 300 years into the future and meets an actress. The actress lands her big break posing as the queen from his era in a new drama. They soon meet, and he just might fall in love.

9 Faith (2012)

The time travel K-drama Faith follows the story of a plastic surgeon who gets transported to 14th-century Goryeo. She soon learns that a royal guard warrior was the reason why she was brought back more than 600 years into the past. The royal guard begs the plastic surgeon to help their injured queen. However, the plastic surgeon has actually caught feelings for her kidnapper. Faith is considered one of the better time travel and fantasy-themed romance K-dramas thanks to the stellar performances of the actors, as well as the detailed story that shines a light on Korean history and mythology.

8 Nine: Nine Time Travels (2013)

In the time travel K-drama Nine: Nine Time Travels , Park Sun-woo discovers nine incense sticks that could take him back 20 years in time. He uses his time in the past to save his family, who have been victims of a terrible tragedy. However, he needs to be extra careful when he goes back in time, as he can only do it nine times - the twist that makes Nine: Nine one of the best time travel K-dramas. Park soon finds out that whatever he changes in the past also resonates and affects his present life. The K-drama won plenty of awards in Korea for its great cast and romantic storyline.

10 K-Dramas With Heartbreaking Plot Twists

7 go back couple (2017).

Go Back Couple is a Korean miniseries where a couple wishes that they never met each other as they're both unhappy and exhausted with their marriage. The couple soon finds that they've reverted to their 20-year-old selves, faced with trying to make decisions that will make their future selves happy and satisfied. The show features plenty of funny and heartwarming moments that will make viewers swoon — and an ending that will surely tug at the heartstrings of every long-time K-drama viewer.

6 Chicago Typewriter (2017)

Out of the most compelling and best time travel K-dramas (as well as general fantasy K-Dramas ), Chicago Typewriter is the only one that's about reincarnation. Three resistance fighters from the 1930s Japanese occupation of Korea find themselves in a new time period in which they are reincarnated as a writer, a fan, and a ghostwriter. Switching between the 1930s and the 21st century, these three characters start to see parallels between both time periods. As they start to uncover the truth behind their pasts, they worry how it might affect their present. K-drama fans tired of the same old romantic fare will love Chicago Typewriter.

5 Signal (2016)

• Available to stream on Paramount+

Signal has a storyline that not many shows have explored, but it works wonders in enthralling its audience. The outstanding police procedural K-drama is also a thriller, as it was inspired by real-life crime stories and a murder case, and the show interweaves two different timelines. While investigating a case, a cold case profiler discovers a walkie-talkie from the year 1989. He deduces that the walkie-talkie transcends time and allows him to communicate with a detective from 1989 for a short period of time. Together, they use their knowledge to stop heinous crimes from ever occurring — a unique concept that cements Signal 's status among the best time travel K-dramas.

4 Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is inarguably one of the most talked-about time travel K-dramas (as well as being a remake) as it has everything from time travel and romance to drama and political intrigue, not to mention some of the most heart-wrenching scenes. Be wary of total solar eclipses, as it is responsible for a 25-year-old woman living in the 21st century to be transported back to the Goryeo Dynasty. Waking up in a new identity, she is among the royal princes of the Wang family - initially falling for a kind-hearted prince, but is soon pulled in by the brooding and dark fourth prince, and the dynasty's political bickering.

10 Times Female K-Drama Characters Were Total Bosses

3 life on mars (2018).

As seen on this list of the best time travel K-dramas, the use of time anomalies is a common trope among crime stories, but the detective drama Life on Mars stands out for being truly unpredictable. Adapted from a British drama, Life on Mars follows the cop Han Tae-Joo (Jung Kyoung-Ho), who is investigating what seems to be an ordinary murder case in 2018 — until he wakes up in 1987. In order to get back to 2018, he needs to solve a murder in 1987 first. Life on Mars ' premise is simple enough, but its hilarious script, fast-paced mysteries, and astounding reveals make it a well-rounded series that's equally enjoyable for both first-time and long-time K-drama viewers.

2 Live Up To Your Name (2017)

Some of the best K-dramas don't really offer anything new to the genre - but instead build on traditional tropes to arrive at a truly compelling, inspiring, and relatable story. This is the case with Live Up To Your Name , in which the greatest male acupuncturist of the Joseon era travels 400 years into the future, striking a tense and sometimes clashing romance with a brilliant and gorgeous female doctor from 2017. True to its title, Live Up To Your Name leverages its romance and fantasy elements to craft the ultimate comedic time travel medical K-drama about destiny.

1 Mr. Queen (2020)

In Mr. Queen , a hotshot male chef finds himself transported to the Joseon era — not as himself, but in the body of the Queen Cheorin (Shin Hye-sun) — inadvertently unraveling the mystery behind the queen's supposed attempt at taking her own life. While trying to conform to the Joseon era as a woman, he gets caught in the political turmoil of the kingdom, and the king isn't the goofy and undermined ruler everyone assumes. In reality, he's cunning, mysterious, and seeking the truth behind those who wish to dethrone him. Shin Hye-sun's performance as Queen Cheorin is largely why Mr. Queen is regarded by many as the best time travel K-dramas of all time.

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• ScreenRant.com

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Stream It Or Skip It: ‘A Time Called You’ On Netflix, A Drama About Love, Loss And Time Travel

Where to stream:.

• A Time Called You
• Korean Dramas

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘A Killer Paradox’ On Netflix, Where A Regular Guy Becomes An Accidental Serial Killer And Is Pursued By A Tenacious Cop

Stream it or skip it: ‘doctor slump’ on netflix, a charming korean series where job dramas lead two longtime rivals toward romance, stream it or skip it: ‘a shop for killers’ on hulu, where a woman finds out her late uncle was into lots of shady stuff — and people want revenge, stream it or skip it: ‘gyeongseong creature’ on netflix, a scary drama that takes place in japanese-occupied korea.

A new romantic drama from South Korea spans 25 years, but the characters from the past aren’t the same as the ones from the present. But they look exactly like the ones from the present. But they can’t be because the ages are all wrong. Oh, and did we mention there will be some time travel… eventually?

A TIME CALLED YOU : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

Opening Shot: “1998.” We pan down on a small record store. A woman is putting a cassette in a window display.

The Gist: The shy girl who is working in the record store is listening to a love song on the stereo. A boy from her class admires her from the window, so his friend decides they should go in. The friend tries every way he can to bring the girl and his buddy In-gyu (Kang Hoon) together, but his friend is pretty shy himself.

Twenty-five years later, in 2023, Han Jun-hee (Jeon Yeo-been) works at a marketing company. It’s her birthday, but one of her officemates needs to remind her that it’s coming up, and it’s her first one alone. The officemate immediately kicks herself for mentioning that fact. Another officemate, who’s been there less than a year, thinks that Jun-hee is going on a date.

What she is actually doing after work is going to a church service honoring the first anniversary of the death of her boyfriend, Gu Yeon-jun (Ahn Hyo-seop). He’s one of over 180 people that died in a plane crash in 2022, and as much as Jun-hee seems to be handling it well on the outside, she’s torn up on the inside. His body was one of the ones that was never recovered, and she just can’t accept the fact that he’s truly gone.

She thinks back to the good memories she had with Yeon-jun, but also the fact that she was going to spend a year working in New York, and he wanted to drop everything and join her. She didn’t want him to do that, and it caused tension. When his mother asks her if she ever found the ring he hid in a jewelry box he made for her before she left for the states, she goes back to look in it, finds the secret compartment and sees it’s empty.

Back in 1998, the shy girl misses the bus to school, and In-gyu, still crushing on her, and his friend come by in scooters. She rides on the back of In-gyu’s scooter, and when she hangs on to him, he smiles. They’re late and have to do strange laps on the field as a punishment.

On her birthday, Jun-hee recalls when Yeon-jun brought an expensive meal to her office, because she was working late as usual. She’s surprised, though, when a bouquet of peonies, her favorite flower, show up at her office. She tries to run down the person who left them for her, but can’t find him. She then gets a DM from a mysterious Instagram account, showing a picture of a girl who looks like her with two boys, neither of whom is Yeon-jun.

What Shows Will It Remind You Of? A Time Called You is based on a Taiwanese series called Someday Or One Day ; a movie version of that series can be streamed on the Rakuten Viki service.

Our Take: A Time Called You has a bit of a complex premise, with a woman from the present time traveling into a person from the past who looks just like her, who has a crush on a boy who looks just like her dead boyfriend. But you wouldn’t really know that from the first episode. What you think you’re seeing is the present-day couple’s meet cute back in high school.

But then as you’re watching, things don’t add up. If Jun-hee and Yeon-jun met and fell for each other in high school, their relationship would have been further along when he died. And they’d both be over 40. But because the shy girl looks like Yeon-jun and In-gyu’s buddy looks like Yeon-jun, you buy into the story.

We’re also redirected by the fact that In-gyu has a big crush on the girl, whom we find out is named Kwon Min-ju (also played by Jeon). She seems to be overly shy because she’s really in love with In-gyu’s friend Nam Si-heon (also played by Ahn). So there’s a love triangle of sorts going on in 1998, but these aren’t the same people as who we’re seeing in the present day.

You get that yet? And we haven’t even gotten to the time travel aspect. It’s a recipe for mass confusion, and it seems that the show is in no hurry for Jun-hee to cosmically connect with Min-ju. Maybe the show will set that up in a way that feels organic, but it can also be a maddening slog that won’t really satisfy anyone but hardcore K-drama fans.

Sex and Skin: None.

Parting Shot: Back in the record store, Si-heon comes back in to ask the girl her name, and she says her name is Kwon Min-ju. Sleeper Star: What role will Kang Hoon play as In-gyu? Probably a significant one, but we’re not sure.

Most Pilot-y Line: When the co-worker who thought Jun-hee was going on a date asks what happened to her previous boyfriend, another officemate says, “You’re better off not knowing.” Why? So she can continue saying embarrassing things?

Our Call: STREAM IT. While confusing at first, it feels like A Time Called You will reward patient viewers with a satisfying story that’s less hokey than it seems from the first episode.

Joel Keller ( @joelkeller ) writes about food, entertainment, parenting and tech, but he doesn’t kid himself: he’s a TV junkie. His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Slate, Salon, RollingStone.com , VanityFair.com , Fast Company and elsewhere.

• Stream It Or Skip It

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19 Time-Travel Dramas You Really Should Be Watching

A detective from 2000 and a cold case criminal profiler from 2015 solve old cases, as well as prevent new ones, by communicating through a mysterious walkie-talkie.

A man finds 9 magical incense sticks that allow him to travel 20 years back in time. He attempts to change the current world by saving his family from dangers 20 years ago, but the consequences are bigger than he can handle.

A detective accidentally travels to the future while chasing a serial killer through a mysterious tunnel. He discovers that the serial killer was never caught and continues to kill. With the help of the detectives in the future, he sets out to catch him once and for all.

4. Moon Lovers

An ordinary 21st-century woman gets transported back in time to year 941. She encounters royal princes of the Goryeo Dynasty and falls in love with the 8th prince.

5. Tomorrow, With You

A time traveling man foresees into the future to find himself living a miserable life. In order to change his fate, he marries a woman who ultimately teaches him how to love.

6. Saimdang, Light’s Diary

A Korean art history lecturer finds the mysterious diary of a historical figure named Saimdang. Through the diary, he tries to discover the truth behind her history.

7. Confession Couple

A divorced couple in their late-30s gets sent back in time to their college days. They try to change their life around by meeting new people, but destiny has its own plans.

8. Hit The Top

A famous idol travels to the future and meets his son, who is training to be an idol.

9. Live Up To Your Name

An oriental doctor from the past travels to the future and meets a doctor who firmly believes in modern medicine.

10. Splash Splash Love

A high school girl who has the ability to transport anywhere on a rainy day travels back to the Joseon dynasty, where she meets the young king.

11. Queen In Hyun’s Man

A noble-born scholar, who is the last remaining member of his family after a massacre, travels to the future and falls in love with an actress who stars in the drama about the massacre.

12. Rooftop Prince

A prince from the Joseon dynasty is sent to the future after he loses his lover. In the 21st century Seoul, he finds the reincarnation of his lost love who tries to help him back home.

13. Dr. Jin

A successful doctor travels back in time to the Joseon dynasty and meets a girl who looks exactly like his lover.

14. Somehow 18

A man travels back in time to try to save his first love who died when she was 18.

15. God’s Gift: 14 Days

A child gets kidnapped and is found dead. The mother of the child child travels back in time to save her child and catch the kidnapper.

16. Run Toward Tomorrow

A troublemaking high school student accidentally travels to the future, where he learns that his father was severely injured while looking for him. He tries to go back in time to change the future.

17. Manhole

A man travels between present and past in order to stop his ideal girlfriend from getting married.

18. Marry Him, If You Dare

A woman who regrets the choices she made in life travels back to her 32-year-old self, and tries to guide her away from making the same mistakes. One of the main mistakes being that she married the wrong person!

19. Bing Goo

A man from 1979 travels to the year 2016 and falls in love with a girl from the future.

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The 20 Best Time Travel K-Dramas

Among the many K-drama genres, time travel is particularly exciting because it seamlessly blends science fiction, crime, history, and romance into it.

Snuggling up on the couch for a late night binge session of your favorite Korean drama is only the best feeling ever. And when those dramas involve an unique time travel premise combined with adventure, heartfelt romance, or mysteries spanning eras, it makes for the perfect escape.

Korean dramas are no longer a novel experience for the global audience. The medium's capacity to engage a wider audience with its compelling storytelling and gripping character drama is enormous, and the more genres it dives into, the more it stands out.

Among the many exciting tales told over decades, those surrounding time travel are particularly exhilarating thanks to how the subject seamlessly blends science fiction, history, and romance , and generates high re-watch value. Imagining what it might be like to travel back in time or see the future is endlessly entertaining, and the possibilities are endless.

While it's impossible for humans to time travel ( sort of ), you can live vicariously through these incredible stories. We've brought together an intriguing list of 20 Korean dramas that incorporate time travel into their alluring stories about star-crossed lovers and brave protagonists willing to right historical wrongs — or just puzzled individuals displaced through time. Whatever time travel tale you're in the mood for, this list has it.

20 Queen and I (2012)

When a time-traveling scholar named Kim Boong Do finds a magic talisman and travels from Joseon dynasty to modern-day Seoul, 300 years into the future, he has one goal — to find Queen In Hyun.

Apparently, when she was being deposed by the council, Boong Do was her only supporter. But upon arriving in the future, he realizes that she’s a mere character being played in a drama by up-and-coming actress Choi Hee Jin.

A Time-Traveling Scholar’s Accidental Love Story

Queen and I perfectly blends history, comedy and romance through the fish-out-of-water scenario where Boong Do has to not only adapt to the traditions of the modern world, but also find a way to travel back to the Joseon era.

Starring Ji Hyun Woo and Yoo In Na, the drama features an unconventional partnership and blossoming romance against the backdrop of royal intrigue. Yoo In Na also won massive acclaim for her performance, making Queen and I a huge hit.

19 Splash Splash Love (2015)

The main protagonist of Splash Splash Love is Dan Bi, a high school student who hates math. On the day of her KSAT exam, she decides to run away and ends up on a playground in the middle of a freak rain which transports her to the Joseon kingdom.

She arrives hundreds of years in the past, in the middle of a drought. Dan Bi then meets King Lee Do, a man who yearns to be intellectual. Since Dan Bi’s high school level mathematics is still way ahead of Joseon’s teachings, she schools Lee Do and inspires him to bring change to the kingdom.

A Charming Tale of Transformation

The K-drama won hearts for its charming take on time travel and feel-good romance . For the most part, the episodes are heavy with emotion, balancing the more serious tone of the era with subtle glances and earnest dialogue. The leads, Kim Seul-gi and Yoon Doo-joon are extremely likable. Paired with the beautiful songs, the two-episode miniseries seems as breezy as it is breathtaking.

Stream Splash Splash Love on Kocowa

18 Rooftop Prince (2012)

In Rooftop Prince , Crown Prince Lee Gak finds himself mysteriously transported to modern-day Seoul along with his three retainers. There, he meets Hong Se Na, who is the spitting image of his beloved wife, who was found dead under mysterious circumstances.

It does not help that Lee Gak bears a striking resemblance to the grandson of the CEO of Se Na’s company. He tries to get close to her with the hopes that he’ll learn clues about the murder of the Crown Princess.

Related: 20 K-Dramas With No Boring Episodes

Crown Prince Finds Himself Out Of Place And Time

With Park Yoo-chun and Han Ji-min taking up the lead roles, it’s impossible for the drama to go wrong. What’s better is that Rooftop Prince has a multi-layered storyline that intertwines to reveal a greater plot, making the series more engaging episode after episode.

Seeing historical royals experience 21st century culture shock provides comic relief, and the time slip romance between Lee Gak and Se Na is simply marvelous.

Stream Rooftop Prince on Kocowa

17 Times (2021)

Times has a premise Hollywood has played with a number of times. Lee Jin Woo is an exceptionally talented reporter who will stop at nothing to uncover the truth about a case. When a mysterious phone call connects him to another hard-as-nails reporter named Seo Jung In, he’s shocked to discover that she’s speaking to him from five years in the future.

Jung In warns Jin Woo about the threat against her father, South Korea’s President, and together they work to find the culprit and break free of the strange time warp.

A Reporter’s Race Against Time

The drama is both a political thriller and a mind-bending time travel mystery. What makes it stand out is the intense performances from the lead actors, Lee Seo-jin and Lee Joo-young. Their chemistry with one another, especially when developed just over the phone, makes the show more endearing, and the suspenseful plot adds a gripping urgency to each episode.

Moreover, by charting away from a traditional time travel storyline, which often turns to be about romance, this innovative crime-solving drama subverts expectations.

Stream Times on Rakuten Viki

16 Hit the Top (2017)

As a member of a popular K-pop idol group, Yoo Hyun-Jae is nothing short of a star. Especially if you consider the ‘90s, when the group was at the height of its fame. However, when Hyun-Jae travels from 1993 to 2017, he finds out that he goes missing in the year 1994 and is presumed dead shortly after.

Determined to uncover the truth about his disappearance, he befriends Lee Ji Hoon and Choi Woo Seung, two aspiring young musicians.

Lighthearted, Feel-Good, But Complicated

We’re currently witnessing an evolution in the K-pop industry, with new talents emerging from the ground to become massive superstars. But it all started a bunch of years ago, and Hit the Top brings back the nostalgia and humor of the time.

Moreover, its predictable storyline never feels dull because of the upbeat soundtrack and dazzling performances. Definitely an underrated gem, Hit the Top is a must-watch in the genre.

15 Tomorrow, with You (2017)

Instead of going back centuries or traveling to the present day, Tomorrow, with You takes an innovative approach towards time travel and introduces us to Yoo So Joon, the CEO of a real estate company, who holds the power to decide when he wants to travel back in time.

Once, on a subway, he sees a future in which he’s unhappy and dissatisfied with life. To avoid facing it, he marries Song Ma Rin, a free-spirited photographer, unaware of her personal struggles.

A Bittersweet Romance

Taking the road less traveled, this brilliant Korean drama explores the complexities and sorrows of a loveless marriage through a time-travel premise.

Helped by outstanding performances from lead actors Shin Min-a (who you may know from Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha ) and Lee Je-hoon, this poignant melodrama tugs at the heartstrings with its slow-burn romance. Overall, the touching story reminds us to cherish the present and appreciate the little things in life.

14 Signal (2016)

Much like Times , Signal features a mysterious time-travel phenomenon involving walkie-talkies and an unidentified serial killer. Park Hae Yeong, a criminal profiler and police officer, stumbles upon a walkie-talkie and connects with a detective from the past, Lee Jae Han.

He reminds Hae Yeong of a crime he witnessed as a child and encourages him to solve cold cases with him. Together, they work on several investigations and solve decades-old crimes.

A Detective Duo Communicating Across Time

What’s interesting about the drama is that it is inspired by real-life crime stories and a murder case. The way it blends procedural thrills and heartfelt character drama is immensely terrific.

Concept-wise, Signal is truly unique and consistently full of suspense, making it hard not to binge. The pacing is beautiful, the actors, including Cho Jin-woong and Lee Je-hoon, as well as the young cast, are phenomenal in their roles.

Stream Signal on Paramount+

13 Familiar Wife (2018)

Going back in time and changing certain regretful events always has consequences. Playing with the same idea, Familiar Wife introduces us to Cha Joo Hyuk, who has been married to his college sweetheart Seo Woo Jin. But he is dissatisfied with the decisions he’s made and the life he’s living.

When a car accident sends him into the past, he experiences a drastic shift in his destiny by doing tiny things differently. Joo Hyuk ends up causing more trouble than before, including with his first love, Lee Hee Won.

Related: Movies Where Time Travel Actually Made Sense

Underrated and Unforgettable

Familiar Wife probably has one of the most unique executions on time travel ever seen in Korean dramas. Even though the premise seems unoriginal, it is the series’ ability to reflect on relationships, provide meaningful lessons on self-growth, and deliver a truckload of emotions that makes it stand out from the rest. Not heavy on drama but still pretty intense on chemistry, the series leaves an indelible mark on viewers.

12 Go Back Couple (2017)

Adapted from the webtoon Do it One More Time , Go Back Couple is a fun, 12-episode drama that follows an unhappily married couple. Choi Ban Do and Ma Jin Joo were adorable sweethearts when they married, but growing up together took a toll on them and how they simply cannot stand each other.

When they find themselves traveling back to their college days, away from career responsibilities and their young son, the two vow to make different choices and rekindle the lost romance.

Second Chances and First Loves

Instead of throwing one person back in time, Go Back Couple sends two people back to when they weren’t dating. It also combines moving insights on relationships, the complications and pitfalls of marrying young, and the beauty of being in love, with an enormous amount of humor and top-notch writing. Son Ho Jun and Jang Na Ra are truly exceptional as a couple, sharing swoon-worthy moments with an effortless and natural dynamic.

Stream Go Back Couple on Rakuten Viki

11 The Light in Your Eyes (2019)

With a melancholic start and an all-consuming end, The Light in Your Eyes is a beautiful, albeit heartbreaking drama. It follows 25-year-old Kim Hye Ja, who is in possession of a mysterious watch that can turn back time. In a desperate attempt to save her father, Hye Ja turns the watch several times and ends up aging herself to seventy years old.

Grappling with her situation, and realizing everybody she knew no longer recognizes her, she finds solace in the company of Lee Joon Ha, the man she once loved.

A Tragic Time-Travel Romance

The 2019 drama soars high because of its heartbreaking portrayal of romance between two souls torn apart by tragedy. Starring One Spring Night’s Han Ji Min and Start-Up’s Nam Joo Hyuk , The Light in Your Eyes is filled with stunning cinematography and emotionally moving storytelling.

The contrast between decades as well as the parting lessons towards the finale leave few dry eyes. That said, the series has remained among the more underappreciated gems.

Stream The Light in Your Eyes on Netflix

10 My Perfect Stranger (2023)

Among the few recent time travel Korean dramas on this list is My Perfect Stranger . Just as the title promises, the series follows two strangers who end up traveling back to the same year, 1987, and discover the poignant bond they share.

On one hand, there is Yoon Hae Joon, a kindhearted journalist who wants to get to the bottom of a serial murder case. And on the other hand, Baek Yoon Young wants to stop her parents from marrying because her mother dies in the future.

Keeps You Guessing Till The Very End

Featuring a smooth genre blend, this compelling time travel story finds a spot among the best K-dramas because of its ability to absorb the viewers’ attention. The series explores heavy themes like grief, hope, and trauma, as well as the extraordinary lengths one is willing to go for the truth. Kim Dong-wook and Jin Ki-joo are absolutely stunning as two souls grappling with their realities.

Stream My Perfect Stranger on Rakuten Viki

9 Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

Despite being a flop in South Korea, Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo has found a devoted fan base in the West for its storyline, which sees IU as an unassuming young girl named Go Ha Jin.

On the day of a total eclipse, she travels back to Goryeo-era Korea, where she wakes up in the body of the 16-year-old Hae Soo. Now entangled in kingdom politics, tragic losses, and power struggles, Ha Jin must rise above being a mere pawn and take control of the throne.

Sweeping Romance Set In An Ancient Land

With its epic production values and breathtaking costume design , Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo captured the hearts of many viewers. Beyond the visual appeal, however, the drama also has a brilliant pacing and an intense aesthetic that keeps you hooked from start to finish. By moonlighting as a passionate romance, the series shocks you with its emotional depth and un-fairytale-like ending. However, the characters played by IU and Lee Joon-Gi resonate the most.

8 Tunnel (2017)

First set in 1986, Tunnel introduces us to a highly skilled and enthusiastic crime detective named Park Gwang Ho. Hot on the tail of a serial killer, he chases him through a tunnel which turns out to be a time portal. Gwang Ho is transported to present day, the year 2016, where the same serial killer is on a murder spree. Enter another elite detective, Kim Sun Jae. The two detectives form a partnership like no other, navigating uncharted territory of the criminal underground.

Related: 10 K-Dramas with the Best Plot Twists, Ranked

An Epic Crime-Solving Korean Fantasy Drama

Featuring a healthy dose of heart-pounding action and a gripping mystery, Tunnel is one of the most engaging thriller series out there. It breaks boundaries with the innovative plotlines and stunning cinematography. Addictive from start to finish, it also lets you revel in the feel-good bromance between Choi Jin-hyuk and Yoon Hyun-min.

Stream Tunnel on The Roku Channel

7 Chicago Typewriter (2017)

More of a fantasy than a drama, Chicago Typewriter is about three resistance fighters across two timelines, with one being set in the 1930s, the time of the Japanese occupation of Korea, and the second in the 21st century. As they work undercover, disguised as a book enthusiast, a ghostwriter, and a bestselling author respectively, dark secrets from their past continue to haunt them.

Reincarnated Friendships Haunted By A Past

At its core, Chicago Typewriter is a story about three people’s friendships across time. From failing to protect those they loved dearly to cherishing what’s left in a liberated, dreamlike modern world, their journey endures as a memorable work of art. Yoo Ah-in, Im Soo-jung, and Go Kyung-pyo are phenomenal as star-crossed souls anchoring the poignant and multi-layered drama.

6 A Time Called You (2023)

Adapted from the Taiwanese television series Someday or One Day , this recent Korean drama deserves a spot on the list for its charming leads and refreshing premise. It’s been a year, and Han Jun Hee is still devastated about losing her boyfriend.

When she’s mysteriously transported to the year 1998 and takes on the identity of a high school student named Kwon Min Joo, things begin falling into place. She meets Nam Si Heon, who bears a striking resemblance to her late boyfriend.

Absolute Delight For Ahn Hyo-Seop Fans

Released on Netflix in September 2023, A Time Called You charmed viewers with its fresh take on a time-crossed love story. For those who have already watched the original, the portrayal of timelines as well as character drama is equally soulful and moving. Along with its beautiful soundtrack and fantastic performances from Ahn Hyo-seop, Jeon Yeo-been, and Kang Hoon, the series sends you on a rollercoaster of emotions.

Stream A Time Called You on Netflix

5 Mr. Queen (2020)

Mr. Queen is an extremely intriguing and twisted historical Korean drama based on the Chinese web series Go Princess Go . In it, ambitious chef Jang Bong Hwan serves South Korea’s most elite residents and politicians.

When he gets into a freak accident, he finds himself waking up in the body of Kim So Yong in the Joseon dynasty . As he navigates the treacherous court politics, he uncovers dark secrets about the supposedly meek King Cheol Jong.

Fascinating Body-Swap Romance In A Monarchy

Offering endless emotions as the story explores a commoner experiencing a sudden royal life, Mr. Queen was nothing short of a masterpiece. With their career-best performances, Shin Hye-sun and Kim Jung-hyun became overnight stars and one of the major reasons for the show’s success. The sharp writing, jarring plot twists, comedic timing, and satisfying ending make the drama capture the essence of an era long gone.

Stream Mr. Queen on Netflix

4 The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)

In his quest to create a balance between two worlds and escape the wound inflicted upon him as a child, the Emperor of the Kingdom of Corea, Lee Gun, accidentally gets propelled into another universe. He's surprised to learn that the strange new world — modern day Seoul — operates under the Republic of Korea, and not a Kingdom. Lee Gon teams up with Jeong Tae Eul, a detective, and together they work to stop an evil that plagues both worlds.

An Epic Combination of Fantasy and Romance

Back in 2020, The King: Eternal Monarch became the most popular Korean drama across the globe. It featured lavish production values, sweeping action, and spectacular performances from stars like Lee Min-ho and Kim Go-eun. But beyond the obvious reasons for its success, it was the series’ ambitious parallel universe premise and the epic combination of fantasy and romance that had an astonishing effect on the audience.

Stream The King: Eternal Monarch on Netflix

3 Live Up to Your Name (2017)

When a Joseon era doctor named Heo Im finds himself in modern-day Korea, almost 400 years into the future, he is stunned by the medical practices being followed currently. His unmatched traditional knowledge is suddenly dated.

Soon, he clashes with modern doctor Yeon Gyung and she mocks his invaluable medical know-how. Despite their differences, Yeon Gyung travels back with him to the Joseon era and realizes just how challenging ancient techniques can be.

Related: 10 Medical Drama TV Shows That Are Absolute Tearjerkers

Medical Drama Meets Time Travel

Finding its charm in the delicate examination of traditional Eastern medicine and Western practices, Live Up to Your Name is a humorous period drama. The development of clashes and eventual admiration between both protagonists makes the heart of the show, with the entertaining cast consisting of Kim Nam-gil and Kim Ah-joong. Every episode feels rich in Korean history and character development — no wonder it became such a fan favorite.

2 Life on Mars (2018)

Known to be the best in his profession, with the reputation of having solved the hardest of cases, detective Han Tae Joo is very close to rising up the ranks. However, while chasing a serial killer, he gets into an accident and finds himself transported back to 1988. Appointed as a rookie detective in a small city, Tae Joo must navigate the retro world of payphones and tape recorders. He soon realizes that he must solve a case of the past to get back to the future.

One Detective's Surreal Journey To The Past

Life on Mars drew a lot of praise and applause for its creative blend of crime thriller, mystery, and comedy. The drama is based on the 2006 British series of the same name , and suffice it to say, it does not disappoint. Whether it is the nostalgia of its late-80s setting or the impressive production design, there are elements that keep you engaged and guessing till the very end. Plus, Jung Kyung-ho, who you may know from Netflix's Crash Course in Romance , delivers a charming performance.

1 Marry My Husband (2024)

Despite only having four episodes premiered so far, Marry My Husband has shown great potential for becoming one of the best K-dramas of the year. The series starts off strong, with Kang Ji Won experiencing a troubled married life with her neglectful husband and abusive mother-in-law.

Things only get worse when she's diagnosed with cancer. And then on a fateful afternoon, Ji Won witnesses her husband Park Min Hwan in bed with her best friend Jung Soo Min. The two end up murdering her, and Ji Won surprisingly wakes up 10 years into the past, determined to exact revenge on them.

Modern Woman's Chaotic Attempts At Redoing The Past

Marry My Husband is based on the web novel of the same name written by Sung So-jak, and much like the source material, the series does a fantastic job at setting up the intrigue and tone by making us root for the protagonist.

Starring Park Min-young in an unabashedly endearing role, the series puts a more poignant spin on time travel tropes. Watching the protagonist moving past manipulation for genuine love and self-realized narrative has audiences eagerly waiting for another episode.

Stream Marry My Husband on Prime Video

The 35 Best Korean Time Travel Dramas

Korean dramas have captured the hearts of viewers worldwide with their unique storytelling and captivating narratives.

One particular theme that has always had immense popularity is time travel.

These dramas skillfully weave together the complexities of the past, present, and future, inviting viewers on a thrilling journey through time.

The allure of time travel lies not only in the imaginative plotlines but also in the emotional depth it adds to the narratives.

Characters find themselves facing extraordinary circumstances as they grapple with the consequences of altering the course of history or attempting to rectify past mistakes.

This exploration of the human condition, accompanied by a touch of fantasy, creates a profound and thought-provoking viewing experience.

Moreover, K-dramas often infuse time travel narratives with elements of romance, heightening the emotional stakes and adding a layer of the dramatics that we’ve all come to know and love with K-dramas.

The intricate relationships that develop between characters across different time periods lend an air of mystery and longing, making these dramas all the more captivating.

In this article, we will delve into the world of K-dramas that feature time travel! So fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a thrilling journey through time and discover the enchanting realm of Korean dramas about time travel.

Mr. Queen, tvN (2020 – 2021)

Mr. Queen is a historical fantasy drama series that tells the story of Jang Bong-hwan, a womanizing, free-spirited chef working in the Blue House who gets transported back in time and finds himself inhabiting the body of Queen Cheorin in the Joseon dynasty.

Jang Bong-hwan must negotiate the complicated world of the royal court, where political intrigue and power struggles are common while coping with the confusion of being in a woman’s body.

In his role as Queen Cheorin, he is forced to rely on his resourcefulness and uncanny partnerships to survive after becoming embroiled in a plot to depose the king.

Queen and I, tvN (2012)

Queen and I is a fantasy romantic comedy-drama that revolves around Kim Bung-do, a scholar in the Joseon dynasty.

He is also one of the supporters of the rightful Queen In-Hyun, who had previously been deposed by a royal concubine.

A magical talisman somehow transports Bung-do to the present where he encounters the famous Queen In-hyun – who happens to just be a character in a new K-drama – and ends up falling in love with the actress who plays her, Choi Hee-jin.

However, their romance faces numerous challenges and Bong-gu must navigate the complexities of the unknown future, all while striving to find a way back to the past.

Splash Splash Love, MBC (2015)

Splash Splash Love is a Korean time-travel romantic drama that follows the story of Danbi, a high school student who, in a bid to escape a major mathematics exam, uses her time-travel abilities to transport herself to the Joseon era during a rainstorm.

Despite hating math in her own timeline, she becomes known as the smartest in this kingdom!

She and the King inexplicably fall in love, but Danbi makes the hard choice to return to her own time.

King Lee Do swears that he will find her again and once again during a rainstorm, the two are reunited through Lee’s reincarnation.

The King: Eternal Monarch, SBS TV (2020)

The King: Eternal Monarch is a fantasy romance drama that follows the parallel worlds of the modern-day Republic of Korea and the Kingdom of Corea.

Emperor Lee Gon of Corea discovers a portal connecting the two worlds and crosses over to find detective Jung Tae-eul, who is a familiar face associated with his father’s murder.

As they navigate their differences and the political tensions in both worlds, they uncover a dangerous conspiracy and strive to protect their loved ones.

Love blossoms between them, but they face immense challenges, including a power-hungry villain who seeks to exploit the portal for his own gain.

Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938, tvN (2023)

One of the most recently aired series on the list is Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 , which actually just recently wrapped up its 12th and final episode.

It serves as the second season of the popular supernatural fantasy drama Tale of the Nine Tailed , but the storyline is also somewhat of a prequel.

Following the events with Nam Ji-ah in the original series, protagonist Lee Yeon is transported back in time to 1938 and the then Japanese occupation of Korea.

Dr. Jin, MBC (2012)

Dr. Jin is a historical medical drama that follows the story of Jin Hyuk, a brilliant neurosurgeon in the present day who, because of his highly analytical mind, can sometimes be cold and indifferent.

After suffering from a personal tragedy involving his girlfriend, he gets transported back in time to the Joseon dynasty.

Struggling to adapt to the primitive medical practices of the era, Jin Hyuk uses his modern knowledge to save lives and make advancements in medicine and even medical devices.

He meets people who help him, but his actions soon start interfering with the course of history.

Rooftop Prince, SBS (2012)

In a complex story of intersecting fates and (possible) reincarnations across timelines and generations, Rooftop Prince weaves romance into comical misunderstandings and heartwarming moments.

Crown Prince Lee Gak and his three loyal servants time-travel from the Joseon era to present-day Seoul in a bid to solve the mysterious death of his beloved Crown Princess.

He poses as the lost grandson of a wealthy CEO – who he happens to resemble exactly – and encounters a woman who also looks exactly like his late wife.

Getting closer to her might help solve the mystery of her death back in their timeline, but he may end up hurting someone else along the way.

Live Up to Your Name, tvN (2017)

In the historical medical drama Live Up to Your Name , Heo Im is a respected doctor and acupuncturist in the Joseon era, tending to the poor by day and the nobles by night.

However, he is mistakenly charged with treason and supposedly killed. Instead he wakes up in present-day Seoul!

In the modern era, he meets and forms an unlikely partnership with Choi Yeon-kyung, a pragmatic and ambitious cardiothoracic surgeon.

Together, they navigate the clash between traditional and modern medical practices while overcoming personal obstacles and gradually developing a deep bond.

Faith, SBS TV (2012)

Also known as The Great Doctor , Faith begins in a historical setting where the King’s wife is fatally injured in an accident.

He orders his Captain of the Royal Guard, Choi Young, to enter a portal to retrieve the “Heaven’s Doctor” that they heard of in their legends.

Choi Young travels to modern-day Seoul and brings back Eunsoo, an actual doctor, who then saves the queen.

He had promised to bring her back once her duty was done, but they both soon get embroiled in schemes to keep Eunsoo in the past as more and more people become selfishly interested in her medical prowess.

Life on Mars, OCN (2018)

In a slightly different theme from the previous shows on the list, Life on Mars is a crime thriller series that follows a talented forensic scientist who also leads a crime investigation team.

After an accident, Taejoo awakens to find himself transported back to 1988 with no idea how he got there or why.

Now a detective in the past, he works with his current team to solve a serial murder case with the antiquated technology and methods of the era in order to also solve the mystery behind his time travel.

Signal, tvN (2016)

Signal is yet another crime thriller series that is less about actual physical time travel and more about a mysterious connection between past and present that stems from a seemingly innocuous object: a walkie-talkie.

Park Hae-young is a young criminal profiler from the present day who stumbles upon a mysterious walkie-talkie that helps him solve a murder cold case through its ability to connect him to a detective from the past, Lee Jae-han.

Through the walkie-talkie, they collaborate to solve cold cases and prevent crimes from happening, but consequences soon follow.

Times, OCN (2021)

Similar to Signal , OCN’s political thriller series Times connects the past and present, but this time through a phone and between two journalists : Jinwoo in 2015 and Jungin in 2020.

They work together at first to prevent the murder of Jungin’s father, who is the current president of South Korea.

Along the way, they uncover a dangerous conspiracy involving political corruption and manipulation of time and work together to fight against the forces that seek to control the future so they can preserve their nation’s tomorrow.

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, SBS TV (2016)

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo is a historical drama series based on a Chinese novel.

Like many of the previous shows on this list, the series features the protagonist (named Hajin) traveling way back in time but this time, to the Goryeo dynasty to the year 941.

On top of that, she finds herself in the body of Haesoo, one of the many male princes of the current ruling family who are all fighting for the crown.

As she navigates political rivalries and intense love triangles, Ha-jin discovers her own destiny and the tragic fate that awaits those around her.

Chicago Typewriter, tvN (2017)

In the popular fantasy drama series Chicago Typewriter , viewers will meet three central characters whose stories unfold over the course of time – specifically, two different timelines.

There’s Sejoo, a handsome and renowned writer with many fans who suffers from depression; Seol, a veterinarian and fan of Sejoo; and Jinoh, a talented ghostwriter.

As their paths converge, a mysterious typewriter helps them discover how their past lives were connected during the Japanese occupation of Korea in the 1930s , and how their friendship then crossed decades into the present.

Manhole, KBS2 (2017)

If we could time travel, we’d always be tempted to go back in time to prevent the things that we don’t want to happen.

In Manhole , Bongpil does just that when he discovers a manhole that allows him to travel back in time.

What does he do when he gets to the past? Well, anything to stop his dream girl’s wedding from happening!

However, his efforts often lead to hilarious and chaotic consequences.

Alongside his loyal friends, he navigates the challenges of altering the past and learns valuable lessons about love, friendship, and the importance of living in the present.

Hit the Top, KBS2 (2017)

Hit the Top is a combination of humor and nostalgia, and takes place primarily in the constantly evolving world of K-pop.

Back in the early 1990s, popular K-pop idol Hyunjae accidentally time travels to 2017, where he soon discovers that he had been in the news for mysteriously disappearing and subsequently presumed dead.

As he adjusts to his vastly different life in the future, he tries to investigate the cause of his time travel.

At the same time, an aspiring K-pop trainee crosses his path – one who he is more connected with than either of them expected.

My First Love, OCN (2018)

The South Korean romantic fantasy drama My First Love centers on Kang Shinwoo, a man in his 30s who goes back in time to his high school years.

Shin-woo runs into his younger self and his first love, Han Jisoo, when he travels back in time. Shin-woo makes an effort to rewrite their fate and win Jisoo’s affection in an effort to alter the tragic course of their history.

At the same time, Shinwoo discovers important lessons about love, regret, and the value of honoring the present as he wrestles with the repercussions of changing the past.

Tomorrow, with You, tvN (2017)

Tomorrow, with You is a romance series that follows the story of Yoo Sojoon, a time-traveling CEO of a real estate agency who can foresee his future through subway rides, and his wife Marin, a cheerful and optimistic amateur photographer.

To change his impending tragic fate that he accidentally glimpses, he marries Marin and together, they navigate the complexities of marriage while battling against their own personal struggles.

Eventually, Sojourn learns to truly love her amidst the consequences of altering destiny.

Marry Him If You Dare, KBS (2013)

Yet another romance drama on the list is KBS’ Marry Him If You Dare , which is set in the world of television broadcasting.

It follows the story of Na Mirae, a young woman who receives a mysterious opportunity to travel back in time to change her future.

The present Mirae is married to news anchor Kim Shin but travels to visit her 32-year-old self to prevent that from happening.

This causes her to go down a completely different path to really pursue the dreams she had always wanted.

Familiar Wife, tvN (2018)

The decisions we make impact the road our lives go down; one different decision could catapult things in a direction we never would have expected.

That’s what happens in Familiar Wife , a romantic fantasy drama that tells the story of Joohyuk, a married man who regrets the choices he made in his life.

One day, he encounters a mysterious opportunity to travel back in time and change his past.

In the blink of an eye, the life he knew with his wife Woojin and best friend Joonghoo is gone and his first love Hyewon comes back into the picture.

Go Back Couple, KBS2 (2017)

It’s complicated enough when a person goes back in time to change their previous decisions, but what happens when two people time travel together? Especially when these two people have a life together in the present?

Go Back Couple follows married couple Bando and Jinjoo, who are parents to a young boy and have become deeply unsatisfied with their lives – family, career, and relationship-wise.

Suddenly, the couple is transported 18 years back to when they were university students, where they make different choices and learn the enduring power of love.

The Light in Your Eyes, JTBC (2019)

The Light In Your Eyes is also known as Dazzling  and emphasizes the importance of valuing the people who cause the lights in our eyes to shine throughout our lives.

In the drama series, we meet a young woman named Hyeja who possesses a special watch that allows her to manipulate time. However, using the watch causes her to age rapidly.

After having used it one too many times, Hyeja is now passing the time at an elderly care center where she meets Joonha, an employee who looks like the young Hyeja’s husband.

Nine: Nine Time Travels, tvN (2013)

A news anchor named Park Sunwoo finds nine magical incense items that enables him to travel 20 years back in time in the fantasy thriller drama entitled Nine: Nine Time Travels .

Sunwoo makes numerous trips to the past in an effort to change the tragic events that have occurred in his life, changing both his decisions and the course of history.

He soon learns, though, that every change has unintended consequences both for himself and those he loves around him, and he is forced to deal with the moral dilemmas that follow.

Sisyphus: The Myth, JTBC (2021)

In the dystopian science fiction series Sisyphus: The Myth , engineer and brilliant quantum physicist Taesul crosses paths with a mysterious woman from the future named Seohae.

In Seohae’s present, she explores a war-torn Korea and travels back in time to both prevent Taesul’s death and his invention of the time travel device she used.

Meanwhile, Taesul is trying to investigate the strange circumstances around his brother’s death and a time-travel conspiracy where he finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game where past, present, and future collide.

Tunnel, OCN (2017)

Some crimes can span decades, with the case passing through the hands of several teams and detectives without ever getting resolved.

In the crime thriller Tunnel , we begin the story in 1986 when Detective Park Gwangho is hot on the tail of a serial killer.

He chases the perpetrator through a tunnel and ends up in 2016 where the same killer is still on the loose and just beginning to continue his murder spree.

Gwangho teams up with Detective Kim Seonjae and criminal profiler Shin Jaeyi to race against time and apprehend the killer before they can commit further crimes.

Alice, SBS TV (2020)

Science fiction drama series Alice weaves a complex tale of love, fate, and the consequences of tampering with time.

The title is a reference to the time-traveling agency in 2050 that sends clients to the past in order to find peace and closure with dead loved ones and also makes sure these trips are done properly.

Viewers meet Alice agents Taeyi and Minhyuk as they travel almost 60 years to the past on a mission, but their personal lives get intertwined and affect the present – 2020.

My Perfect Stranger, KBS2 (2023)

My Perfect Stranger is one of the newest shows on this list, having just finished airing in June of this year!

The romance mystery tells a beautiful story of two strangers who time travel back to 1987.

Haejun is a seemingly aloof newscaster who is trying to seek the truth behind a serial killing case; Yoonyoung is an editor at a publishing company who wants to prevent the marriage of her parents.

They find themselves in the past and also discover that their goals are more intertwined than they think.

Kairos, MBC TV (2020)

Kairos is similar to a few other shows as the time travel occurs in parallel timelines that connect characters instead of actually traveling through time.

However, it is also a rare one as the timelines are only one month apart!

Seojin is a company executive whose daughter suddenly goes missing while Aeri is a young woman living one month behind and whose mother also disappears.

When Seojin and Aeri meet through a phone call, he asks the latter to help find his daughter while helping to find her mother in his future timeline.

God’s Gift: 14 Days, SBS (2014)

God’s Gift: 14 Days tells the story of Kim Soohyun, a distraught mother whose daughter is abducted and killed, who miraculously gets the chance to travel back to the two weeks prior to the tragedy.

Soohyun is in a race against time to find the kidnapper and stop terrible things from happening because she is determined to change the outcome.

She discovers that the truth is much more complicated and perilous than she had anticipated as she digs deeper into the murky secrets surrounding her daughter’s death.

365: Repeat The Year, MBC TV (2020)

If you could repeat the last year of your life, would you?

In the mystery thriller 365: Repeat The Year , 10 people are given the opportunity to reset their lives by going back one year in time.

They participate in a time-traveling experiment, hoping to change their fates and undo their regrets.

However, they soon realize that altering the past has dire consequences, and they must unravel the mystery behind the experiment to save their lives.

Reunited Worlds, SBS (2017)

In Reunited Worlds , a man named Sung Haesung mysteriously reappears 12 years after his untimely death.

While he hasn’t aged, he finds that everyone around him has changed and gone on with their lives.

Haesung reconnects with his childhood friends, including his first love Jung Jungwon, as he navigates the difficulties of his new reality.

Together, they learn the truth about his time travel and work to mend relationships, sever old wounds, and find happiness in the present.

See You in My 19th Life, tvN (2023)

See You in My 19th Life is based on the webtoon of the same name that was published on Naver.

It tells the story of Jieum, who has lived out several lifetimes through reincarnation and has the supernatural ability to remember all of her past lives.

Her 18th life is tragically cut short due to an accident, and as she lives out her 19th, she knowingly heads down a path that will lead her to reconnect with a man from her previous life.

A Time Called You, Netflix (2023 – present)

Then there is the romance drama A Time Called You , which premiered on Netflix relatively recently – on September 8th, 2023.

It is an adaptation of a Taiwanese series and follows Junhee, who continues to mourn her boyfriend Yeonjun’s death one year later.

Somehow, she finds herself transported back to 1998 and in the body of an 18-year-old named Minju, who meets Siheon, a boy who looks like her deceased partner.

Marry My Husband, tvN (2024 – present)

The newest series on this list is Marry My Husband , which premiered on tvN on January 1st, 2024.

Marry My Husband follows Jiwon, described as a “time-limited woman” who has the opportunity to go back ten years.

In her new present, she dreams of exacting revenge on her cheating, murderous husband who killed her after having an affair with her best friend.

The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract, MBC (2023 – present)

Finally, we come to the last show in this countdown – The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract .

The fantasy romance series tells the story of Park Yeonwoo, a beautiful woman from the Joseon dynasty who loses her husband on the first night of their marriage.

She suddenly finds herself transported to the 21st century and under a modern marriage contract with Kang Taeha, who looks exactly like her husband.

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Hi, thanks for the list. There is also “Perfect marriage revenge” 2023

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32 Movies Great Movies About Time Travel With Completely Different Rules

Prepare for some serious stipulations.

Is there ever a bad time to watch a time travel movie? Some of the best sci-fi movies in history have tackled this frequently explored topic, and new wrinkles in the fabric of the concept have made the subject more exciting over time. So why don’t we take a look at the different rules these flights of fancy have introduced? Should you be stuck in a time loop, we apologize if this list is starting to get old.

Back To The Future

Everyone loves to talk about how Back to the Future’s time travel works , but there’s one aspect we take for granted throughout the whole trilogy. Doc Brown ( Christopher Lloyd ) may have given Marty McFly ( Michael J. Fox ) the keys to travel through the past, present, and future; but you seriously need to consider the exact spot you’re traveling to. Otherwise, you might find yourself altering history in some intriguing ways. R.I.P. Twin Pines Mall. 

Time After Time

A novel adventure starring the father of time travel H.G. Wells (Malcolm McDowell), Time After Time actually introduced an interesting mechanic to temporal transport. Let’s just say that if you don’t use the Time Machine properly, you could find yourself stuck in your final destination. Or worse, falling through the time-space continuum, without a way back home.

The Terminator

The Terminator's time travel will forever be a head-scratcher, as the existence of John Connor is the ultimate ontological paradox. How else can you explain Kyle Reese (Michael Biehn) being sent back to the 1980s to save the world…and make sure the person who sent him is born in the first place?

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

The oldest method of time travel in the Star Trek movies, 1986’s The Voyage Home saw Captain Kirk ( William Shatner ) and his crew trying to save the whales through a time heist. This wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the Enterprise crew using a Klingon Bird of Prey, a slingshot orbit around the sun, and a lot of engineering power to do it.

2004’s Primer is still hotly discussed among time travel aficionados, and it’s not hard to see why. The shenanigans in this test case involve multiple versions of a singular traveler (Shane Carruth) existing in a single timeline, which creates one of the most chaotic timelines ever depicted.

The Adam Project

Story-wise, The Adam Project is pretty cozy when it comes to how it handles time travel. But when it comes to traveling in style, the older Adam Reed ( Ryan Reynolds ) has a Time Jet that’s specifically coded to his DNA! Not many temporal travelers HAVE that, and it prevents so many mistakes other adventures of this sort use for story purposes.

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Avengers: Endgame

How Avengers: Endgame’s time travel works is rather unorthodox, to be honest. Instead of overwriting the past into a more pleasing result, the MCU’s finest are only allowed to use it in the name of stealing/returning the Infinity Stones. Timelines can still create tangent histories, and 2014 Gamora takes over for her slain variant in the films, but you can’t stop “The Snap.”

Lost In Space

If all time travelers had the device Older Will Robinson (Jared Harris) built in 1998’s Lost in Space , they’d have it made. While only one person can travel at a time, exact coordinates in time and space are required; so you can go to a very specific spatial location on the timeline. 

The Butterfly Effect

The Butterfly Effect's time travel works on rules similar to that of Quantum Leap . Evan ( Ashton Kutcher ) can indeed change history, but it’s only within his own life’s timeline. Unfortunately, thanks to the multiple trips leading to continued alterations to the fabric of events, it all adds up in terms of severe physical wear and tear. 

Hot Tub Time Machine

Hot Tub Time Machine is a very special case when it comes to time travel. To be fair, the comedy ensemble franchise gets points for having its protagonists travel only within their own bodies. As for how one can actually travel with said titular device, apparently you need an energy drink, the right hot tub with the right temperature, and some convenient writing. 

Real-time bodily damage. That’s probably one of the most unique additions to Looper’s usage of time travel , as we see people incur damage in the past, only for it to show up on their future selves. Poor Seth ( Paul Dano ) demonstrated that lesson the hard way in Rian Johnson ’s sci-fi masterpiece. 

Star Trek: Generations

What if you could wish really hard to create an alternate timeline? Or what if you could send yourself back to your best memory, and never leave? That’s what The Nexus from Star Trek: Generations could do, and both Captains Kirk (William Shatner) and Picard ( Patrick Stewart ) got a taste of that sweet life, before ultimately using their new power to stop the villainous Dr. Soren (Malcolm McDowell). 

Bill And Ted’s Excellent Adventure

If you ever want to bring a figure from history home for dinner in the present, do it in the universe of Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure . There are little to no consequences, especially when it comes to our heroes (Alex Winter and Keanu Reeves) whisking away two medieval princesses to become betrothed in the 1980s. Seriously, how did that not start a war?

The Time Traveler's Wife

“Chrono Impairment” is a seriously rare affliction, but it’s enough of a headache that it prevents Rachel McAdams and Eric Bana’s clock-crossed lovers from ever enjoying a normal life. Such is the nature of The Time Traveler's Wife , which invented that affliction to send Bana’s character Henry on unpredictable trips at unforeseeable intervals throughout his life. 

Indiana Jones And Dial Of Destiny

For Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny's time travel to actually happen, the world of Harrison Ford’s iconic archeologist needed specific hardware. Aided by some very precise calculations to try and take the Nazis to where they were trying to go, it wasn't as simple as jumping into a car and gunning it to 88 miles per hour. 

Star Trek: First Contact

For a franchise that uses temporal transit as much as the Star Trek series does, there sure are a lot of different ways to go back in time. And if you’re not satisfied with The Voyage Home’s method of a slingshot orbit around the Sun, then you can always do what Star Trek: First Contact did. While I wouldn’t personally recommend waiting for a Borg invasion to cause a temporal wake you can just hitch a ride on; you do you. 

Ok, so technically Tenet’s shenanigans involving time is “time inversion,” rather than time travel. Which only makes the journey, and the resulting reality The Protagonist (John David Washington) lives in all the more complicated. It also makes for some classic Christopher Nolan mind melts.

Would this really be a sci-fi party if author Michael Crichton didn’t show up? Timeline’s time travel is a lot of fun, if you consider using a “human fax machine” to send yourself to medieval times “fun.” In which case, try not to abuse it too much, as every trip has the chance to leave you with transcription errors in your reassembled DNA. Again, we’re working with a fax machine here.  

Somewhere In Time

It’s the moment you’ve been waiting for Christopher Reeve fans! Somewhere in Time just had to be on this list, as it's pretty unique in how it sends a person back through the ages. In the case of Reeve’s playwright Richard, all he needs is a really powerful hypnotic focus to zoom back to 1912. 

Star Trek (2009)

It’s kind of fitting that the 2009 Star Trek reboot would use time travel, given that the series has continually danced with that concept on TV and in movies. For this J.J. Abrams-directed venture, the destructive and inexact force of a black hole is what’s used to accidentally alter time so vastly that William Shatner turns into Chris Pine.

Déjà Vu

Tony Scott’s 2006 action-thriller Déjà Vu is a big movie with a relatively limited scope. With intelligence gathering, and ultimately one human transport, that can only go as far back as four and a half days, Denzel Washington’s work was kind of cut out for him on this caper.

The Tomorrow War

The Chris Pratt-starring time travel ensemble adventure The Tomorrow War has some pretty huge stipulations when it comes to recruiting an army for the future. The largest among them was, of course, you had to be dead according to the records of the future hellscape that pitted humanity against some very nasty creatures.

X-Men: Days Of Future Past

Going from here to there in the then and now in X-Men: Days of Future Past requires a serious amount of power. With Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) going back to his past body, the key to how it all happens lies in the phasing abilities of Kitty Pryde (Elliot Page). So this story uses a very physical, and incredibly vulnerable, method to execute its vision.

Out of all the time travel universes we’ve seen on screen, perhaps the one I feel the most sorry for is the one shown in 12 Monkeys . The basic rule of this Bruce Willis epic’s temporal transit is “hope for the best,” thanks to the method of being shot through time and intending to land in the right place going wrong more often than you think.

Midnight In Paris

Reminiscent of many other vehicular-based time travel films like Back to the Future , any character that travels through time in Midnight In Paris just needs to catch the right ride, at just about Midnight. The experience is bespoke to whoever is traveling, as the period of time that suits them best also dictates the method of transportation provided.

The Final Countdown

Dropping an aircraft carrier from the 1980s into the moments before Pearl Harbor, The Final Countdown delivers a moral dilemma plenty of time travelers have tangled with. But the real difference with this underrated sci-fi movie is the fact that the time-traveling storm that is responsible for the trip is inescapable. You’re going home, whether you want to or not.

Sharing a similarity with the romantic classic Somewhere In Time , Richard Curtis’ About Time allows any potential traveler to jump into the past with merely intense concentration. However, certain caveats are in play, like the recommendation of not traveling past certain life milestones, or the fact that only the men of the Lake family can actually use this gift.

Donnie Darko

Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) can’t exactly travel through time in Donnie Darko , but he does have a special temporal ability that’s kind of funny and kind of sad. With the ability to open a wormhole between the present and the past, Mr. Darko can send objects through time; the skill that gives Richard Kelly’s movie its bittersweet ending. 

Kate & Leopold

Kate & Leopold’s usage of a localized time portal is a method as old as time. However, the big difference with this Meg Ryan/Hugh Jackman rom-com is that the journey Leopold (Jackman) takes to the “future” of 2001 robs us all of elevators. Also, there’s a ticking clock on this specific portal’s usage, which only complicates things further.

Groundhog Day

Perhaps the movie that nailed the time loop into the consciousness of the world, Groundhog Day brought us a charming Bill Murray rom-com mixed with a time travel story. Its misanthropic lead needed to change, even as the world around him stayed the same. The rest was sci-fi history in the making. 

Happy Death Day

What happens if you make a Groundhog Day-style time loop into a deadly game? You get a movie like Happy Death Day , in which our initially unlikable lead Tree (Jessica Rothe) is being stalked through a single-day time loop. The big kicker in this variant is that, unlike your standard time loop, Tree has a finite number of cycles before she possibly dies for good.

Where does one start with director Joseph Kahn’s Detention? Well, how about the fact that the teenagers in play (including a pre- Hunger Games Josh Hutcherson) use a stuffed bear as a time travel capsule? Or the fact that a mother/daughter pair can body swap on a permanent basis, and with no consequences? 

And with that, our supreme sampling of time travel trips has come to a close. Which more than likely has left you with a want to watch some of these movies again, or for the first time. That's totally natural, because this is a subgenre that always leaves us with one question: is there ever a bad time to watch a time travel movie?

Mike Reyes is the Senior Movie Contributor at CinemaBlend, though that title’s more of a guideline really. Passionate about entertainment since grade school, the movies have always held a special place in his life, which explains his current occupation. Mike graduated from Drew University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, but swore off of running for public office a long time ago. Mike's expertise ranges from James Bond to everything Alita, making for a brilliantly eclectic resume. He fights for the user.

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