Korean Drama Year in Review: 2022's Top Picks

The selection is limited to dramas with 24 episodes or fewer, chosen entirely based on my preferences. If your opinions differ, you’re absolutely right!

Alchemy of Souls + Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow

l   Platform and Broadcast Start Month: tvN, June & December 2022

l   Main Characters:

Ø  Jang Wook (played by Lee Jae-wook)

Ø  Mu-deok (played by Jung So-min)

Ø  Jin Bu-yeon (played by Go Youn-jung)

Ø  Seo Yul (played by Hwang Min-hyun)

Ø  Park Jin (played by Yoo Jun-sang)

Ø  Go Won (played by Shin Seung-ho)

Ø  Kim Do-joo (played by Oh Na-ra)

l   Plot:
This fantasy romance drama dives deep into the lives of those whose fates are intertwined by the magical practice of "soul-shifting" known as hwanhonsul. Against a backdrop of power struggles, love, and conspiracies, the characters fight for survival, uncovering secrets and forging unexpected bonds.

Work Later, Drink Now 2

l   Platform and Broadcast Start Month: TVING, December 2022

l   Main Characters:

Ø  Ahn So-hee (played by Lee Sun-bin)

Ø  Han Ji-yeon (played by Han Sun-hwa)

Ø  Kang Ji-goo (played by Jung Eun-ji)

Ø  Kang Book-goo (played by Choi Si-won)

l   Plot:
This hilarious and heartwarming series follows three friends united by their shared love for alcohol as they navigate life’s challenges at work, in love, and through their unshakable friendship. With fresh trials and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, this season promises even more chaos and camaraderie.

Extraordinary Attorney Woo

l  Platform and Broadcast Start Month: ENA, June 2022

l  Main Characters:

Ø  Woo Young-woo (played by Park Eun-bin)

Ø  Lee Jun-ho (played by Kang Tae-oh)

Ø  Jung Myung-seok (played by Kang Ki-young)

Ø  Choi Soo-yeon (played by Ha Yoon-kyung)

Ø  Kwon Min-woo (played by Joo Jong-hyuk)

l  Plot:
Woo Young-woo, a brilliant attorney on the autism spectrum, embarks on a journey of personal and professional growth. She builds meaningful relationships with her colleagues by tackling diverse legal cases with her unmatched intellect and unique perspective. In this touching and inspiring drama, she discovers what it means to belong.

Thirty-Nine

l  Platform and Broadcast Start Month: JTBC, February 2022

l  Main Characters:

Ø  Cha Mi-jo (played by Son Ye-jin)

Ø  Jung Chan-young (played by Jeon Mi-do)

Ø  Jang Joo-hee (played by Kim Ji-hyun)

Ø  Kim Sun-woo (played by Yeon Woo-jin)

l  Plot:
Three lifelong friends face the trials and tribulations of nearing 40, from career crossroads to relationship hurdles. Through unwavering friendship, they confront life’s uncertainties, seek love, and rediscover their dreams in this heartfelt, beautifully relatable series.

Reborn Rich

l  Platform and Broadcast Start Month: JTBC, November 2022

l  Main Characters:

Ø  Jin Do-joon (played by Song Joong-ki)

Ø  Seo Min-young (played by Shin Hyun-bin)

Ø  Jin Yang-cheol (played by Lee Sung-min)

Ø  Jin Sung-joon (played by Kim Nam-hee)

l  Plot:
A loyal employee of a powerful conglomerate family meets an unjust end, only to be reborn as the youngest son of the same family. Armed with knowledge of the future, he devises a masterful plan of revenge and redemption, blending fantasy with nail-biting corporate drama.

Twenty-Five Twenty-One

l  Platform and Broadcast Start Month: tvN, February 2022

l  Main Characters:

Ø  Na Hee-do (played by Kim Tae-ri)

Ø  Baek Yi-jin (played by Nam Joo-hyuk)

Ø  Ko Yu-rim (played by Kim Ji-yeon)

Ø  Moon Ji-woong (played by Choi Hyun-wook)

Ø  Ji Seung-wan (played by Lee Joo-myung)

l  Plot:
Set during the IMF financial crisis of the late 1990s, this poignant coming-of-age romance captures youth's dreams, struggles, and love. With evocative storytelling, it explores how adversity shapes friendships and ambition, leaving an indelible mark on the heart.

My Liberation Notes

l  Platform and Broadcast Start Month: JTBC, April 2022

l  Main Characters:

Ø  Yeom Mi-jung (played by Kim Ji-won)

Ø  Mr. Gu (played by Son Seok-gu)

Ø  Yeom Ki-jung (played by Lee El)

Ø  Yeom Chang-hee (played by Lee Min-ki)

l  Plot:
Yearning to escape their monotonous lives, three siblings each search for a sense of purpose and freedom. This drama explores self-discovery and connection through nuanced characters and quiet yet powerful storytelling.

The Good Detective 2

l  Platform and Broadcast Start Month: JTBC, July 2022

l  Main Characters:

Ø  Kang Do-chang (played by Son Hyun-joo)

Ø  Oh Ji-hyuk (played by Jang Seung-jo)

Ø  Cheon Na-na (played by Kim Hyo-jin)

Ø  Woo Tae-ho (played by Jung Moon-sung)

Ø  Cheon Sang-woo (played by Choi Dae-hoon)

l  Plot:
Brimming with suspense, this crime drama follows a team of determined detectives fighting corruption and uncovering truths buried by powerful forces. Each case not only tests their skills but also their moral fortitude in their relentless pursuit of justice.

Summer Strike

l  Platform and Broadcast Start Month: ENA, November 2022

l  Main Characters:

Ø  Lee Yeoreum (played by Kim Seolhyun)

Ø  Ahn Dae-beom (played by Im Siwan)

Ø  Kim Bom (played by Shin Eun-soo)

l  Plot:
After experiencing severe burnout, the protagonist leaves everything behind and moves to a quiet village. This heartwarming drama portrays her journey of healing and self-discovery as she embraces a simpler life and opens her heart to new connections.

Again My Life

l  Platform and Broadcast Start Month: SBS, April 2022

l  Main Characters:

Ø  Kim Hee-woo (played by Lee Joon-gi)

Ø  Kim Hee-ah (played by Kim Ji-eun)

Ø  Cho Tae-seob (played by Lee Kyung-young)

Ø  Lee Min-soo (played by Jung Sang-hoon)

l  Plot:
A righteous prosecutor is given a second chance at life after his untimely death. Reborn with his memories intact, he embarks on a thrilling quest to bring down corrupt powers and seek justice in this gripping fantasy drama.

Our Blues

l  Platform and Broadcast Start Month: tvN, April 2022

l  Main Characters:

Ø  Lee Dong-seok (played by Lee Byung-hun)

Ø  Min Seon-ah (played by Shin Min-ah)

Ø  Lee Young-ok (played by Han Ji-min)

Ø  Park Jeong-jun (played by Kim Woo-bin)

Ø  Choi Han-su (played by Cha Seung-won)

Ø  Jung Eun-hee (played by Lee Jung-eun)

l  Plot:
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Jeju Island, this omnibus drama weaves together the lives of its diverse characters as they navigate love, heartache, and healing. Each story is a tender exploration of human connection and resilience.

Business Proposal

l  Platform and Broadcast Start Month: SBS, February 2022

l  Main Characters:

Ø  Shin Ha-ri (played by Kim Se-jeong)

Ø  Kang Tae-moo (played by Ahn Hyo-seop)

Ø  Jin Young-seo (played by Seol In-ah)

Ø  Cha Sung-hoon (played by Kim Min-kyu)

l  Plot:
A classic romantic comedy filled with misunderstandings and laughs, this drama follows a corporate CEO and an ordinary employee who accidentally enters a contract relationship. Their chemistry and hilarious antics make this a must-watch.

All of Us Are Dead

l  Platform and Broadcast Start Month: Netflix, January 2022

l  Main Characters:

Ø  Lee Cheong-san (played by Yoon Chan-young)

Ø  Nam On-jo (played by Park Ji-hoo)

Ø  Choi Nam-ra (played by Cho Yi-hyun)

Ø  Lee Su-hyeok (played by Lomon)

Ø  Yoon Gwi-nam (played by Yoo In-soo)

l  Plot:
A zombie virus outbreak traps a group of high school students inside their school. With no rescue in sight, they must rely on each other to survive in this adrenaline-fueled thriller.

 

Bloody Heart

l  Platform and Broadcast Start Month: KBS2, May 2022

l  Main Characters:

Ø  Lee Tae (played by Lee Joon)

Ø  Yoo Jung (played by Kang Han-na)

Ø  Park Gye-won (played by Jang Hyuk)

l  Plot:
Set in the Joseon dynasty, this historical drama revolves around a king caught in a web of love and conspiracy. With high stakes and shifting loyalties, it’s a gripping tale of ambition and sacrifice.

Little Women

l  Platform and Broadcast Start Month: tvN, September 2022

l  Main Characters:

Ø  Oh In-joo (played by Kim Go-eun)

Ø  Oh In-kyung (played by Nam Ji-hyun)

Ø  Oh In-hye (played by Park Ji-hoo)

Ø  Won Sang-a (played by Uhm Ji-won)

Ø  Choi Do-il (played by Wi Ha-jun)

l  Plot:
Three impoverished sisters become entangled with a powerful, wealthy family. As they fight to overcome their circumstances, they uncover secrets and navigate morally complex decisions in this intense drama.

Juvenile Justice

l  Platform and Broadcast Start Month: Netflix, February 2022

l  Main Characters:

Ø  Shim Eun-seok (played by Kim Hye-soo)

Ø  Cha Tae-joo (played by Kim Mu-yeol)

Ø  Kang Won-jung (played by Lee Sung-min)

Ø  Na Geun-hee (played by Lee Jung-eun)

l  Plot:
This courtroom drama follows a judge known for her tough stance on juvenile offenders. As she presides over various cases, her experiences lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of justice.

Café Minamdang

l  Platform and Broadcast Start Month: KBS2, June 2022

l  Main Characters:

Ø  Nam Han-jun (played by Seo In-guk)

Ø  Han Jae-hee (played by Oh Yeon-seo)

Ø  Gong Soo-cheol (played by Kwak Si-yang)

Ø  Nam Hye-jun (played by Kang Mi-na)

l  Plot:
A former profiler runs a fortune-telling café while secretly solving crimes in this unique blend of comedy and mystery. With eccentric characters and thrilling twists, this series offers nonstop entertainment.