K-dramas have long been known for their emotional depth and social relevance. Over the years, numerous Korean dramas have thoughtfully incorporated sign language as well as deaf and mute representation, shining a light on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) community. These portrayals not only foster greater awareness but also celebrate sign language as a rich and visually expressive form of connection and communication.
Let’s delve into ten notable K-dramas that stand out for highlighting sign language in meaningful ways.
'Twinkling Watermelon,’ one of the most popular hit K-dramas of recent years, is known for its praiseworthy portrayal of the Deaf community. It tells the story of a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) with a passion for music who time-travels back to 1995, where he befriends his teenage parents and even forms a band with his father. The drama seamlessly weaves Korean Sign Language (KSL) into the narrative with multiple characters learning and using it, making it an integral part of the story.
‘When the Phone Rings’ is another recent hit that showcases the beauty of sign language and the isolation felt by individuals who rely on sign language in a world built for sound. The female lead is a sign language interpreter whose use of KSL isn’t just a communication tool—it’s part of her identity. The drama explores both internal struggles and external prejudices in a concise yet powerful format.
A remake of a 1995 Japanese series, ‘Tell Me That You Love Me’ follows Cha Jin Woo, a hearing-impaired painter who is used to expressing his emotions through drawing rather than words, as most are unwilling to learn sign language. Jung Mo Eun, an aspiring actress, starts learning sign language and falls in love with him. The drama portrays the emotional nuances of their romance through visual expression and Korean Sign Language.
The 2011 K-drama classic ‘Can You Hear My Heart’ revolves around Cha Dong Joo, who is hearing-impaired due to a childhood accident but pretends not to be, and U Ri, a dutiful daughter who does her best to accommodate the needs of her deaf mother and mentally challenged stepfather. The drama sensitively portrays disability, and sign language plays a central role as the characters learn to understand and support one another.
Though none of the leads portray disability, ‘18 Again’ highlights sign language, portraying the male lead Hong Dae Young’s mother as a sign language teacher, which explains why he is fluent in sign language. The entire family is fluent in KSL, and the show uses this to emphasize the importance of inclusive communication and emotional intelligence within families.
In the premiere episode of ‘The Beauty Inside,’ lead star Seo Hyun Jin shows off her Korean sign language skills in a heartwarming scene conversing with a little foreign deaf fan. The story follows Hyun Jin as Han Se Gye, a top actress with numerous rumours who suddenly disappears from public view. Every month, she transforms into someone else for a week, and only a few are aware of her secret and do their best to cover for her.
The action-packed thriller drama ‘A Shop For Killers’ features Honda, played by Park Jeong Woo, a silent and skilled killer who uses sign language. While the genre is far from traditional family dramas, ‘A Shop for Killers' uniquely integrates sign language into the life of a strong, capable character, challenging stereotypes and expanding the context in which KSL appears.
In 'My Mister,' IU’s character Lee Ji An takes care of her deaf grandmother. While the grandmother doesn’t have many lines, the use of sign language between them brings emotional texture to their relationship. These scenes emphasise silent care and intergenerational connection in a hard world.
The mystery drama ‘Lucifer’ includes a supporting but essential character— the female lead’s mother—who is deaf. While her screen time is limited, her presence adds depth to the drama. The family scenes of her communicating with her daughter through sign language give weight to their relationship and add complexity to the female lead's background.
A global hit, ‘The Heirs’ also includes a quieter storyline involving the female lead's mother, who is deaf. Kim Min Kyung portrayed the character with grace and authenticity. The mother-daughter bond, expressed through sign language, provided a touching contrast to the drama’s high-stakes, elite world.
From romance and mystery to action and slice-of-life, these ten K-dramas show that sign language can be a powerful storytelling tool. These dramas remind us that communication goes beyond words - and that connection, understanding, and love can flourish in silence.
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