deep & serious melodrama romance that’s not too makjang + green flag MLs like Hwang Hee Tae from Youth of May, Eugene Choi from Mr. Sunshine, Baek Yi Jin from 2521 or Choi Dal Po from Pinocchio + good cinematography + no filler scenes & episodes + poetic and/or thought provoking lines like the ones from 2521, Mr. Sunshine, Goblin, or Pinocchio + inspiring (but not pretentious or overly cliché) message/theme that doesn’t tiptoe around social issues + no annoying or ridiculous side characters with 1D personalities + premise that doesn’t use cringy, overly abused tropes like “enemies to lovers” or “rich ML & poor naïve but stubborn, hard to get FL” + highlights the importance of familial & friendship bonds like Reply 1988 or 20th Century Girl + FL isn’t a damsel in distress but doesn’t have to be masculine ‘strong,’ a FL who knows how to be vulnerable when the time calls for it like Na Hee Do from 2521 or Kim Myung Hee from Youth of May + subplots that aren’t overly complicated but well directed enough to keep the central storyline going + character development is realistic enough that it doesn’t feel rushed + smart and/or resilient leads + superb acting & chemistry between the leads + it makes me cry &  leaves a bittersweet aftertaste & makes me deeply reflect abt the story + 24 or less episodes = PERFECT DRAMA

bonus if the leads already start out as people with strong justice-driven morals and/OR who firmly stand their grounds like Go Ae Shin from Mr. Sunshine, Park Sae Ro Yi from Itaewon Class, Na Hee Do from 2521, the leads from Pinocchio. Bonus if the ML is extremely self-sacrificial when it comes to (mainly) love and/or those around him like Lee Jang Hyun from My Dearest, Hwang Hee Tae, or Eugene Choi.