Kapanlagi.com - Korean Dramas about childhood trauma often highlight the journey of characters who must confront inner wounds due to bitter experiences in the past. The stories illustrate how events in childhood can affect personality, relationships with others, and how someone lives their life as an adult.
Various dramas from Korea present different perspectives in exploring childhood trauma. Some wrap it in the genres of romance, family, psychology, and even thriller, while still focusing on the characters' struggles to face the past and move on with their lives.
Not only do these dramas offer emotional conflicts, but they also depict the healing process, the importance of support from loved ones, and the courage to make peace with experiences that have left scars. Therefore, the series of dramas about childhood trauma summarized by KapanLagi below can be a touching and meaningful viewing choice. Let's take a look, KLovers!
1. WHAT'S WRONG WITH SECRETARY KIM (2018)

lee young joon traumatis/mydramalist.com
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Business
Platform: tvN, Netflix, Viu, Apple TV, Viki, Hulu, WeTV, iQIYI
Rating: 8.5/10 | Duration: 60 Minutes
Cast: Park Seo Joon, Park Min Young
The chemistry between Park Seo Joon and Park Min Young in this film truly brings to life a seemingly perfect office romance that hides dark secrets. The character Lee Young Joon (2018) showcases the shadows of childhood kidnapping trauma through his acute fear of plastic strings and excessive narcissistic behavior as a form of self-defense.
For those of you tired of typical romantic tropes, this series offers a fresh blend of tickling humor and a gradual healing process for childhood trauma. The sweet yet emotional viewing experience of WHAT'S WRONG WITH SECRETARY KIM is perfect for romantic comedy lovers who desire a light story while still having a strong depth of psychological conflict.
2. FAMILY BY CHOICE (2024)

each child has trauma/mydramalist.com
Genre: Youth, Romance, Drama, Family
Platform: JTBC, Viu
Rating: 8.7/10 | Duration: 70 Minutes
Cast: Hwang In Youp, Jung Chae Yeon, Bae Hyeon Seong
If you enjoy dramas that focus on family bonds without blood relations, this show offers a warm story about three young people who help each other heal their inner wounds. The character Kim San Ha in FAMILY BY CHOICE (2024) displays deep guilt due to a childhood tragedy that caused his mother to leave him behind.
There are rarely family dramas that dare to explore the trauma of parental abandonment with such a delicate and heartfelt approach. The series FAMILY BY CHOICE presents a touching viewing experience that is perfect for fans of healing dramas and stories of true friendship that evoke strong emotions.
3. FAMILY MATTERS (2024)

Han Yeong Soo has childhood trauma/mydramalist.com
Genre: Mystery, Drama, Sci-Fi
Platform: Coupang Play
Rating: 8.2/10 | Duration: 50 Minutes
Cast: Bae Doona, Ryu Seung Bum, Baek Yoon Sik
In the midst of a flood of thriller dramas, this title emerges as a thrilling watch that brings together strangers with special abilities into a dysfunctional family. The character Han Yeong Soo in FAMILY MATTERS (2025) depicts the trauma of childhood exploitation that alters his mindset and ability to edit other people's memories for survival.
The drama FAMILY MATTERS has the most satisfying tension in the psychological mystery genre as it successfully stirs the audience's emotions from the beginning to the end of the episode. This intense, puzzle-filled viewing experience is perfect for fans of dark stories, mind manipulation, and complex family conspiracies.
4. HYPER KNIFE (2025)

the doctor has childhood trauma/mydramalist.com
Genre: Medical, Thriller, Crime, Drama
Platform: Disney+, Hulu
Rating: 8.3/10 | Duration: 60 Minutes
Cast: Park Eun Bin, Sol Kyung Gu
The chemistry between Park Eun Bin and Sol Kyung Gu in this medical rivalry series presents the most intense teacher-student relationship dynamics and ignites the audience's emotions. The character Jeong Se Ok in HYPER KNIFE (2025) showcases the fracturing of mental conditions due to the pressures of genius and betrayal from his youthful mentor, ultimately transforming him into a cold shadow doctor.
For those who are tired of the conventional medical hero trope, the story of HYPER KNIFE offers a dark side of perfectionism and obsession born from emotional neglect. This thrilling series is perfect for viewers who enjoy complex anti-hero characters as well as high-level intellectual competition in the medical field.
5. QUEEN MANTIS (2025)

the child of a serial killer has childhood trauma/mydramalist.com
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller
Platform: SBS
Rating: 8.4/10 | Duration: 60 Minutes
Cast: Go Hyun Jung, Jang Dong Yoon
There are rarely any crime dramas that dare to explore the dark bond between a serial killer and their own child in depth and with moral dilemmas. The character Cha Soo Yeol in QUEEN MANTIS (2025) clearly depicts the suffering caused by childhood trauma from growing up under the shadow of their mother, a heinous serial killer.
Amid the surge of investigative dramas, QUEEN MANTIS brings extraordinary psychological tension that keeps viewers guessing the direction of the story. This series is the perfect recommendation for mystery-loving audiences who enjoy crime analysis, psychological dilemmas, and surprising serial murder plots.
6. CONFIDENCE QUEEN (2025)

park min young in the drama confidence queen/mydramalist.com
Genre: Mystery, Comedy, Crime
Platform: TV CHOSUN
Rating: 8.1/10 | Duration: 60 Minutes
Cast: Park Min Young, Joo Jong Hyuk, Park Hee Soon
The series CONFIDENCE QUEEN features the most satisfying execution of a revenge plan in the comedy crime genre through clever and bold con action strategies. The character Yoon Yi Rang in CONFIDENCE QUEEN (2025) shows how the pain and bitterness of past betrayals shape her into a top-notch con artist who skillfully exploits her opponents' weaknesses.
If you enjoy fast-paced clever heist action, this drama offers stunning con tricks wrapped in fresh humor and sweet revenge. The exciting show CONFIDENCE QUEEN is perfect for those who want an entertaining revenge story without an overly dark or heavy atmosphere.
7. MY YOUTH (2025)

soon jong ki has a childhood backstory/mydramalist.com
Genre: Romance, Life, Drama
Platform: JTBC
Rating: 8.6/10 | Duration: 60 Minutes
Cast: Song Joong Ki, Chun Woo Hee
There are rarely slice of life dramas that dare to depict the bitter reality of childhood fame and its impact on a person's future so honestly. The character Sun Woo Hae in the series MY YOUTH (2025) showcases the fragility of a former child actor traumatized by the exploitation of the entertainment industry, choosing to live in solitude as a songwriter.
Amidst the flood of romantic dramas filled with fantasy, MY YOUTH emerges bringing genuine warmth about the meeting of two people who heal each other's past wounds. This realistic yet poetic story is perfect for adult viewers seeking contemplative, calm, and touching entertainment.
8. IN YOUR RADIANT SEASON (2026)

sun woo chan has childhood trauma/mydramalist.com
Genre: Romance, Drama, Melodrama
Platform: Disney+
Rating: 8.5/10 | Duration: 60 Minutes
Cast: Chae Jong Hyeop, Lee Sung Kyung, Lee Mi Sook
The drama IN YOUR RADIANT SEASON has the most satisfying character development in the melodrama genre through a process of healing emotional wounds that is depicted very maturely. The character Sun Woo Chan in IN YOUR RADIANT SEASON (2026) shows deep anxiety due to a childhood accident that took away his hearing and separated him from the outside world.
If you enjoy romantic stories with themes of emotional healing, this drama offers a gentle storyline that successfully touches the deepest corners of its viewers' hearts. The sweet series IN YOUR RADIANT SEASON is perfect for those who love emotional romance filled with warmth, sympathy, and the struggle to rise from life's setbacks.
9. OUR UNIVERSE (2026)

woo hyeon jin has trauma/mydramalist.com
Genre: Youth, Drama, Romance
Platform: tvN
Rating: 8.3/10 | Duration: 60 Minutes
Cast: Bae In Hyuk, Roh Jeong Eui
The chemistry between Bae In Hyuk and Roh Jeong Eui in this show presents a sweet yet touching atmosphere of youthful romance. The character Woo Hyeon Jin in OUR UNIVERSE (2026) depicts a fear of commitment due to the haunting memories of his parents' messy divorce that have plagued his mind since childhood.
For those who are tired of the usual teenage love trope, OUR UNIVERSE offers an exploration of young people's mental health wrapped in enchanting visuals and beautiful cinematography. This fresh series is perfect for viewers who enjoy coming-of-age stories, self-discovery, and the process of accepting past imperfections.
10. PERFECT CROWN (2026)

Prince I-an has childhood wounds/mydramalist.com
Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama
Platform: MBC
Rating: 8.0/10 | Duration: 60 Minutes
Cast: IU, Byeon Woo Seok
Direct Hook: The chemistry between IU and Byeon Woo Seok in this royal drama presents a love story filled with political intrigue and the struggle to overcome the shadows of the past. The character of the Crown Prince in PERFECT CROWN (2025) vividly depicts severe loneliness and paranoia due to the brutal power struggles that tormented his childhood in the palace.
For those who are tired of the usual throne rivalry tropes, the series PERFECT CROWN offers a deeply emotional touch on the meaning of self-acceptance. This grand, colossal spectacle is highly recommended for fans of sageuk dramas who enjoy a blend of warm romance, royal intrigue, and emotional healing.
11. Questions About Korean Drama Childhood Trauma
1. What is the most popular Korean drama with a childhood trauma theme?
WHAT'S WRONG WITH SECRETARY KIM is the most popular drama that successfully depicts the struggle to overcome childhood trauma.
2. Why is the theme of childhood trauma often raised in dramas?
This theme provides emotional depth to the characters, making their motivations understandable and offering a healing message that resonates with the audience's lives.
3. Do all dramas with a trauma theme have heavy storylines?
Not always. Some dramas package it with romantic comedy genres (WHAT'S WRONG WITH SECRETARY KIM) or warm slice of life themes (FAMILY BY CHOICE).
4. What kind of characters usually emerge from childhood trauma?
Varied, ranging from perfectionist characters, fearful ones, cold individuals, to anti-heroes who hide emotional vulnerability behind their defenses.
5. Where can one watch these trauma-themed dramas?
Most of these dramas can be legally watched through official streaming platforms like Netflix, Viu, and Disney+.
(kpl/mda)
Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.