Korean Drama Year in Review: 2023's Top Picks

Korean dramas continue to captivate global audiences with compelling storylines, talented actors, and stunning visuals. If you’re looking for your next binge-worthy show, here’s a list of the hottest Korean dramas released in 2023. Each series offers something unique, from thrilling mysteries to heartfelt romances. Let's dive in!

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!

The Good Detective Season 2

Platform: Disney+ (Released: July 2023)

Main Cast:

l  Kim Taek-rok (Lee Sung-min)

l  Choi Do-hyung (Jung Jin-young)

l  Yeon Joo-hyun (Kim Shin-rok)

Plot:
After the shocking events of Season 1, Detective Kim Taek-rok is demoted to the youth crime division. However, his sharp instincts as a detective remain intact. He gets entangled in a case involving runaway teens, which leads him to uncover larger conspiracies, including a redevelopment office explosion. Facing powerful figures like former colleague Choi Do-hyung and politician Lee Young-ho, Kim fights to reveal hidden truths.

 

Dr. Romantic Season 3

Platform: SBS (Released: April 2023)

Main Cast:

l  Kim Sa-bu (Han Suk-kyu)

l  Seo Woo-jin (Ahn Hyo-seop)

l  Cha Eun-jae (Lee Sung-kyung)

Plot:
The iconic Doldam Hospital returns with a new trauma center, where Kim Sa-bu and his students tackle increasingly intense medical emergencies. Through conflicts and collaborations with new team members, the series portrays the struggles and triumphs of pursuing the true essence of being a doctor.

 

The Glory

Platform: Netflix (Released: December 2022 - March 2023)

Main Cast:

l  Moon Dong-eun (Song Hye-kyo)

l  Joo Yeo-jeong (Lee Do-hyun)

l  Park Yeon-jin (Lim Ji-yeon)

Plot:
This series is a tale of revenge and resilience. It follows Moon Dong-eun, a victim of brutal school bullying, as she meticulously plans her revenge against her tormentors. As Dong-eun's carefully constructed scheme unfolds, the drama explores themes of justice and healing.

 

King the Land

Platform: JTBC (Released: June 2023)

Main Cast:

l  Goo Won (Lee Jun-ho)

l  Cheon Sa-rang (Im Yoon-ah)

Plot:
It is an enchanting romantic comedy about Goo Won, a chaebol heir who despises fake smiles, and Cheon Sa-rang, a cheerful hotelier. Set in the luxurious "King the Land" lounge, the series explores their journey to finding genuine happiness and love.

See You in My 19th Life

Platform: tvN (Released: June 2023)

Main Cast:

l  Ban Ji-eum (Shin Hye-sun)

l  Moon Seo-ha (Ahn Bo-hyun)

l  Yoon Cho-won (Ha Yoon-kyung)

l  Ha Do-yoon (Ahn Dong-goo)

Plot:
With memories of 18 past lives, Ban Ji-eum embarks on her 19th life, determined to reconnect with Moon Seo-ha, a significant figure from her previous life. This romantic fantasy explores how fate and reincarnation intertwine.

The Shining Watermelon

Platform: tvN (Released: September 2023)

Main Cast:

l  Eun-gyeol (Ryeoun)

l  Lee Chan (Choi Hyun-wook)

l  On Eun-yu, Choi Se-kyung (Seol In-ah)

l  Yoon Chung-ah (Shin Eun-soo)

Plot:
Eun-gyeol, a musically gifted teen, accidentally travels back in time to encounter his young parents and other unique characters. Together, they form a band, leading to personal growth and unforgettable moments. This coming-of-age drama explores music, relationships, and self-discovery.

Delightful Fraud

Platform: tvN (Released: May 2023)

Main Cast:

l  Lee Ro-um (Chun Woo-hee)

l  Han Moo-young (Kim Dong-wook)

Plot:
Lee Ro-um, a genius con artist who lacks empathy, teams up with Han Moo-young, a lawyer with excessive compassion. Together, they navigate the murky waters of societal corruption, blending wit and justice in a thrilling and unconventional partnership.

Welcome to Samdalri

Platform: JTBC (Released: December 2023)

Main Cast:

l  Jo Sam-dal (Shin Hye-sun)

l  Jo Yong-pil (Ji Chang-wook)

l  Go Mi-ja (Kim Mi-kyung)

Plot:
After a dramatic fall from grace, photographer Jo Sam-dal returns to her hometown of Samdalri on Jeju Island to reset her life. There, she rediscovers love, purpose, and healing in a heartfelt journey of redemption.

Vigilante

Platform: Disney+ (Released: November 2023)

Main Cast:

l  Kim Ji-yong (Nam Joo-hyuk)

l  Jo Heon (Yoo Ji-tae)

l  Jo Kang-ok (Lee Jun-hyuk)

l  Choi Mi-ryeo (Kim So-jin)

Plot:
Kim Ji-yong is a police academy student by day and a vigilante by night, taking justice into his own hands by targeting criminals who escape the law. As detectives and journalists close in on his secret, the tension escalates in this gripping double-life drama.

Dr. Cha

Platform: JTBC (Released: April 2023)

Main Cast:

l  Cha Jeong-suk (Uhm Jung-hwa)

l  Seo In-ho (Kim Byung-chul)

Plot:
After 20 years as a housewife, Cha Jeong-suk returns to the medical field as a late-career resident. This heartfelt medical drama follows her challenges and growth, highlighting her determination to balance family, ambition, and self-worth.

Black Knight

Platform: Netflix (Released: May 2023)

Main Cast:

l  5-8 (Kim Woo-bin)

l  Sa-wol (Kang You-seok)

l  Ryu-seok (Song Seung-heon)

l  Seol-ah (Esom)

Plot:
Set in a dystopian future plagued by extreme air pollution, the drama revolves around delivery drivers who ensure survival by transporting essential goods. The story follows the legendary deliveryman 5-8 and his protégé Sa-wol as they navigate dangers and unveil conspiracies in their quest to protect humanity.

Mask Girl

Platform: Netflix (Released: August 18, 2023)

Main Cast:

l  Kim Mo-mi / Prisoner #1047 (Go Hyun-jung)

l  Joo Oh-nam (Ahn Jae-hong)

l  Kim Kyung-ja (Yum Hye-ran)

Plot:
Kim Mo-mi, an office worker with deep insecurities about her appearance, lives a secret double life as an anonymous live-streamer. When an unexpected crime turns her world upside down, her journey spirals into a thrilling and unpredictable chain of events.

Queenmaker

Platform: Netflix (Released: April 2023)

Main Cast:

l  Hwang Do-hee (Kim Hee-ae)

l  Oh Kyung-sook (Moon So-ri)

l  Baek Jae-min (Ryu Soo-young)

Plot:
Hwang Do-hee, an elite image consultant, enters the turbulent world of politics to transform labor rights lawyer Oh Kyung-sook into a viable mayoral candidate. This power-packed drama delves into intense political battles and the price of ambition.

Sweet Home Season 2

Platform: Netflix (Released: December 2023)

Main Cast:

l  Cha Hyun-soo (Song Kang)

l  Lee Eun-yoo (Go Min-si)

l  Pyeon Sang-wook (Lee Jin-wook)

l  Seo Yi-kyeong (Lee Si-young)

Plot:
Continuing from Season 1, the survivors of Green Home Apartment face new monstrous threats in the outside world. The sequel expands on the fight for survival in a post-apocalyptic landscape with intense action and gripping suspense.

Flowers Bloom Even on Sand

Platform: ENA (Released: December 2023)

Main Cast:

l  Kim Baek-doo (Jang Dong-yoon)

l  Oh Yoo-kyung (Lee Joo-myung)

Plot:
Kim Baek-doo, a former child prodigy in traditional wrestling, struggles as an adult athlete. Reuniting with his childhood friend and once neighborhood leader, Oh Yoo-kyung, their story unfolds into a heartwarming tale of youth, growth, and second chances.