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Gyeongseong Creature, Death's Game, and more: New Korean dramas for 2023

The most highly anticipated Korean show offerings of 2023 include Doona! starring Suzy, and Disney+'s Vigilante with Nam Joo-hyuk

By Cheryl Lai-Lim - 

Credit: Netflix
Credit: Netflix
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Fans of Korean dramas, rejoice – for the 2023 schedule is packed with promising new titles. Some of the shows slated for release this year are second instalments of popular and critically acclaimed series, while others are original dramas with new stories and concepts.

There’s something for every palate, whether you’re a fan of action-packed shows with gripping storylines, fantasy period dramas, or a light-hearted comedy romance.

Below, some titles that we’re most looking forward to.

Gyeongseong Creature

The plot: Popular stars Park Seo-Joon and Han So-Hee feature in Netflix’s Gyeongseong Creature, which is set in the spring of 1945. Centred in the city of Gyeongseong (the colonial name for the city of Seoul while South Korea was under Japan’s rule), the series follows their struggle for survival while fighting monsters born out of human greed. What dark secrets and conspiracies lie ahead for the duo in this shadowy era? When: The series will be split into two parts: Part 1 will premiere on December 22, 2023, while Part 2 is scheduled for January 5, 2024. Where to watch: Netflix
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The plot: Popular stars Park Seo-Joon and Han So-Hee feature in Netflix’s Gyeongseong Creature, which is set in the spring of 1945. Centred in the city of Gyeongseong (the colonial name for the city of Seoul while South Korea was under Japan’s rule), the series follows their struggle for survival while fighting monsters born out of human greed. What dark secrets and conspiracies lie ahead for the duo in this shadowy era?

When: The series will be split into two parts: Part 1 will premiere on December 22, 2023, while Part 2 is scheduled for January 5, 2024.

Where to watch: Netflix

Death's Game

The plot: Adapted from the popular webtoon Ije God Jukseubnida by writer Lee Won Sik and illustrator Gul-chan, this highly-anticipated drama is actress Park So-dam's first role since recovering from a cancer diagnosis – the Parasite actress underwent surgery for papillary thyroid cancer in December 2021. She stars as Death, who punishes Choi Yi-jae (portrayed by Seo In-guk), a man who decides to end his life after failing to find a job, by making him live through 12 lives in 12 bodies, all meant for gruesome deaths. If he can escape death in any of these reincarnations, he gets to live the remainder of his life in that body. When: The series is divided into two parts: Part 1 was released on December 15, 2023, and Part 2 is scheduled to be released on January 5, 2024. Where to watch: Amazon Prime
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The plot: Adapted from the popular webtoon Ije God Jukseubnida by writer Lee Won Sik and illustrator Gul-chan, this highly-anticipated drama is actress Park So-dam's first role since recovering from a cancer diagnosis – the Parasite actress underwent surgery for papillary thyroid cancer in December 2021.

She stars as Death, who punishes Choi Yi-jae (portrayed by Seo In-guk), a man who decides to end his life after failing to find a job, by making him live through 12 lives in 12 bodies, all meant for gruesome deaths. If he can escape death in any of these reincarnations, he gets to live the remainder of his life in that body.

When: The series is divided into two parts: Part 1 was released on December 15, 2023, and Part 2 is scheduled to be released on January 5, 2024.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime

Like Flowers in Sand

The plot: In this heartwarming drama, Kim Baek-doo (Jang Dong-yoon) is a ssireum player contemplating retirement from the sport. One day, he finds his life taking an unexpected turn when he reconnects with his childhood friend Oh Yoo-kyung (Lee Ju-myoung). Yoo-kyung assumes the role of the management team leader for Baek-doo's ssireum team, which is on the brink of disbanding. To salvage the team, they rally support from individuals such as Min Hyun-wook (Yoon Jong-seok), Joo Mi-ran (Kim Bo-ra), the new coach Kwak Jin-soo (Lee Jae-joon), and Baek-doo's close friend Jo Seok-hee (Lee Joo-seung). Together, they rescue the team from its impending dissolution. When: December 20. Where to watch: Netflix
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The plot: In this heartwarming drama, Kim Baek-doo (Jang Dong-yoon) is a ssireum player contemplating retirement from the sport. One day, he finds his life taking an unexpected turn when he reconnects with his childhood friend Oh Yoo-kyung (Lee Ju-myoung). Yoo-kyung assumes the role of the management team leader for Baek-doo's ssireum team, which is on the brink of disbanding. To salvage the team, they rally support from individuals such as Min Hyun-wook (Yoon Jong-seok), Joo Mi-ran (Kim Bo-ra), the new coach Kwak Jin-soo (Lee Jae-joon), and Baek-doo's close friend Jo Seok-hee (Lee Joo-seung). Together, they rescue the team from its impending dissolution.

When: December 20.

Where to watch: Netflix

Soundtrack #2

The plot: A follow-up to Han So Hee and Park Hyung Sik’s Soundtrack #1, the second season of the Soundtrack series continues the same narrative with a different cast: Geum Sae Rok takes on the role of Do Hyeon Seo, a piano tutor deeply immersed in her current reality, prioritising it over matters of the heart. Starring opposite her is Noh Sang Hyun, portraying Ji Su Ho, her ex-boyfriend turned affluent and accomplished CEO since their separation. The romantic drama explores the reconnection of a former couple brought together by serendipity. When: December 6. Where to watch: Disney+
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The plot: A follow-up to Han So Hee and Park Hyung Sik’s Soundtrack #1, the second season of the Soundtrack series continues the same narrative with a different cast: Geum Sae Rok takes on the role of Do Hyeon Seo, a piano tutor deeply immersed in her current reality, prioritising it over matters of the heart. Starring opposite her is Noh Sang Hyun, portraying Ji Su Ho, her ex-boyfriend turned affluent and accomplished CEO since their separation.

The romantic drama explores the reconnection of a former couple brought together by serendipity.

When: December 6.

Where to watch: Disney+

Welcome to Samdal-ri

The plot: This rom-com stars Ji Chang-woo as Jo Yong Pil, a man who has faithfully stayed in his hometown on Jeju Island all his life in order to protect its residents. In contrast, his childhood friend Jo Sam-dal (played by actress Shin Hye Sun) pursues her aspirations of becoming a successful fashion photographer in Seoul. When her life takes an unexpected downturn, she returns to her roots, reconnecting with Yong-pil. Despite a past incident that drove them apart, the enduring affection between the two friends proves unyielding and as potent as ever. When: December 2. Where to watch: Netflix
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The plot: This rom-com stars Ji Chang-woo as Jo Yong Pil, a man who has faithfully stayed in his hometown on Jeju Island all his life in order to protect its residents.

In contrast, his childhood friend Jo Sam-dal (played by actress Shin Hye Sun) pursues her aspirations of becoming a successful fashion photographer in Seoul. When her life takes an unexpected downturn, she returns to her roots, reconnecting with Yong-pil. Despite a past incident that drove them apart, the enduring affection between the two friends proves unyielding and as potent as ever.

When: December 2.

Where to watch: Netflix

Sweet Home Season 2

The plot: Sweet Home returns with its highly anticipated second season, continuing its gripping narrative set in a world where desires take monstrous forms. The second season will introduce a shift in the story, as the Green Home survivors are compelled to leave their familiar confines and confront new challenges in an unfamiliar environment. Amid ongoing threats from both external monsters and their own inner desires, the survivors band together, creating a sense of community at a makeshift stadium refuge. Actor Song Kang reprises his role as Cha Hyun-su, who finds himself in a mysterious and perilous situation, raising questions about his role as a potential saviour in this nightmarish world. Director Lee Eung-bok, along with writer Kim Kanbi, collaboratively explores the expanded narrative beyond the original webtoon, offering viewers a compelling apocalyptic drama that departs from the first season's confined setting. The introduction of new characters and monsters in an open world provides a fresh and intriguing dimension to the series, promising significant character development and captivating storytelling in the upcoming season. When: December 1. Where to watch: Netflix
Credit: Netflix
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The plot: Sweet Home returns with its highly anticipated second season, continuing its gripping narrative set in a world where desires take monstrous forms. The second season will introduce a shift in the story, as the Green Home survivors are compelled to leave their familiar confines and confront new challenges in an unfamiliar environment. Amid ongoing threats from both external monsters and their own inner desires, the survivors band together, creating a sense of community at a makeshift stadium refuge.

Actor Song Kang reprises his role as Cha Hyun-su, who finds himself in a mysterious and perilous situation, raising questions about his role as a potential saviour in this nightmarish world. Director Lee Eung-bok, along with writer Kim Kanbi, collaboratively explores the expanded narrative beyond the original webtoon, offering viewers a compelling apocalyptic drama that departs from the first season's confined setting.

The introduction of new characters and monsters in an open world provides a fresh and intriguing dimension to the series, promising significant character development and captivating storytelling in the upcoming season.

When: December 1.

Where to watch: Netflix

Vigilante

The plot: Actor Nam Joo-hyuk returns to the small screen in Vigilante, a Disney+ original Korean series. He portrays Kim Ji-yong, the titular vigilante who is a police academy recruit motivated by the traumatic murder of his mother in his youth. Under the moniker "Vigilante", he becomes a media sensation, taking it upon himself to address the inadequacies of Korea's legal system. As he lives a double life, excelling as a student by day and seeking justice for unpunished criminals at night, he is aided by his admirer, Jo Gang-ok, portrayed by Lee Joon-hyuk. Meanwhile, police investigator Jo Heon, played by Yoo Ji-tae, is determined to apprehend the enigmatic Vigilante. This thrilling series delves into the complex world of a vengeful yet conflicted young man on a mission for justice. When: November 8. Where to watch: Disney+
Credit: Disney+
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The plot: Actor Nam Joo-hyuk returns to the small screen in Vigilante, a Disney+ original Korean series.

He portrays Kim Ji-yong, the titular vigilante who is a police academy recruit motivated by the traumatic murder of his mother in his youth. Under the moniker "Vigilante", he becomes a media sensation, taking it upon himself to address the inadequacies of Korea's legal system. As he lives a double life, excelling as a student by day and seeking justice for unpunished criminals at night, he is aided by his admirer, Jo Gang-ok, portrayed by Lee Joon-hyuk.

Meanwhile, police investigator Jo Heon, played by Yoo Ji-tae, is determined to apprehend the enigmatic Vigilante. This thrilling series delves into the complex world of a vengeful yet conflicted young man on a mission for justice.

When: November 8.

Where to watch: Disney+

Daily Dose of Sunshine

The plot: Actress Park Bo-young returns to the small screen in Daily Dose of Sunshine, a heartwarming series that aims to destigmatise mental health. The K-drama – derived from a 2017 webtoon of the same name by former psychiatric nurse Lee Ra-ha, who wrote the series based on her real-life experience – is exactly what its title promises: delivering a dose of sunshine with valuable perspectives on mental health and addressing the associated stigma prevalent in Korea. Park Bo-young stars as a kind-hearted psychiatric ward nurse who's finding her footing in her new workplace. The show is equally empathetic and enlightening, portraying individuals dealing with diverse disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It's remarkably refreshing to watch a K-drama that avoids pigeonholing these characters into violent and antagonistic stereotypes – instead, it presents them as multi-dimensional individuals who are far more than their illnesses might suggest. When: November 3. Where to watch: Netflix
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The plot: Actress Park Bo-young returns to the small screen in Daily Dose of Sunshine, a heartwarming series that aims to destigmatise mental health. The K-drama – derived from a 2017 webtoon of the same name by former psychiatric nurse Lee Ra-ha, who wrote the series based on her real-life experience – is exactly what its title promises: delivering a dose of sunshine with valuable perspectives on mental health and addressing the associated stigma prevalent in Korea.

Park Bo-young stars as a kind-hearted psychiatric ward nurse who's finding her footing in her new workplace. The show is equally empathetic and enlightening, portraying individuals dealing with diverse disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It's remarkably refreshing to watch a K-drama that avoids pigeonholing these characters into violent and antagonistic stereotypes – instead, it presents them as multi-dimensional individuals who are far more than their illnesses might suggest.

When: November 3.

Where to watch: Netflix

Castaway Diva

The plot: This heartwarming romantic comedy tells the tale of Seo Mok-ha, portrayed by Extraordinary Attorney Woo's Park Eun Bin, who embarks on a journey to Seoul to pursue her dreams of becoming a singer but instead finds herself stranded on a deserted island for 15 years. Her eventual rescue marks the beginning of her struggle to adapt to the world she left behind, all while she tenaciously continues her quest to achieve her dream of becoming a diva against all odds. When: October 28. Where to watch: Netflix
Credit: Netflix
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The plot: This heartwarming romantic comedy tells the tale of Seo Mok-ha, portrayed by Extraordinary Attorney Woo's Park Eun Bin, who embarks on a journey to Seoul to pursue her dreams of becoming a singer but instead finds herself stranded on a deserted island for 15 years.

Her eventual rescue marks the beginning of her struggle to adapt to the world she left behind, all while she tenaciously continues her quest to achieve her dream of becoming a diva against all odds.

When: October 28.

Where to watch: Netflix

Doona!

The plot: Adapted from the popular webtoon "The Girl Downstairs", Doona! features real Korean idol Suzy as Lee Doona, a fictional K-pop idol residing in a share house near a university. Actor Yang Se Jong stars as Lee Won-joon, a college freshman opting for independent living to avoid a lengthy commute. Initially, Won-joon is surprised by his famous neighbor, Doo-na, and attempts to keep his distance. However, their increasing time together leads to an unexpected romantic connection as Won-joon finds himself falling for the enigmatic idol. This series, produced by Studio Dragon, promises to deliver a heartwarming tale of love and discovery. When: October 20. Where to watch: Netflix
Credit: Netflix
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The plot: Adapted from the popular webtoon "The Girl Downstairs", Doona! features real Korean idol Suzy as Lee Doona, a fictional K-pop idol residing in a share house near a university. Actor Yang Se Jong stars as Lee Won-joon, a college freshman opting for independent living to avoid a lengthy commute.

Initially, Won-joon is surprised by his famous neighbor, Doo-na, and attempts to keep his distance. However, their increasing time together leads to an unexpected romantic connection as Won-joon finds himself falling for the enigmatic idol. This series, produced by Studio Dragon, promises to deliver a heartwarming tale of love and discovery.

When: October 20.

Where to watch: Netflix

Strong Girl Namsoon

The plot: Strong Girl Namsoon, a spin-off of the popular drama Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, humorously portrays three generations of incredibly strong women living in Gangnam. Kang Nam-soon (Lee Yoo-mi), born with superhuman strength, returns to Seoul in search of her family, reconnecting with her mother Hwang Geum-joo (Kim Jung-eun) and grandmother Gil Joong-gan (Kim Hae-sook), who have become wealthy Gangnam residents. The three generations inadvertently become embroiled in a drug-related crime and must collaborate with Detective Kang Hee-sik (Ong Seong-wu) to clear their names while navigating the challenges of their extraordinary abilities and newfound situation. When: October 7. Where to watch: Netflix
Credit: Netflix
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The plot: Strong Girl Namsoon, a spin-off of the popular drama Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, humorously portrays three generations of incredibly strong women living in Gangnam. Kang Nam-soon (Lee Yoo-mi), born with superhuman strength, returns to Seoul in search of her family, reconnecting with her mother Hwang Geum-joo (Kim Jung-eun) and grandmother Gil Joong-gan (Kim Hae-sook), who have become wealthy Gangnam residents.

The three generations inadvertently become embroiled in a drug-related crime and must collaborate with Detective Kang Hee-sik (Ong Seong-wu) to clear their names while navigating the challenges of their extraordinary abilities and newfound situation.

When: October 7.

Where to watch: Netflix

The Worst of Evil

The plot: Set in the 1990s, the highly-anticipated The Worst of Evil stars popular actor Ji Chang-wook as Park Joon Mo, a detective who undertakes an undercover mission to infiltrate a major cartel based in Gangnam and earn the trust of mob boss Jung Ki Chul, portrayed by Squid Game's Wi Ha Joon. However, Jun-mo's mission takes an unexpected turn when he realises that his wife and fellow narcotics officer, Yoo Eui-jeong (played by Im Se-mi), is also undercover on the same assignment, and it becomes apparent that she shares a mysterious history with Gi-cheol. As their paths converge on the frontlines of this high-stakes operation, tensions escalate, setting the stage for an intense showdown. When: September 27. Where to watch: Disney+
Credit: Disney+
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The plot: Set in the 1990s, the highly-anticipated The Worst of Evil stars popular actor Ji Chang-wook as Park Joon Mo, a detective who undertakes an undercover mission to infiltrate a major cartel based in Gangnam and earn the trust of mob boss Jung Ki Chul, portrayed by Squid Game's Wi Ha Joon.

However, Jun-mo's mission takes an unexpected turn when he realises that his wife and fellow narcotics officer, Yoo Eui-jeong (played by Im Se-mi), is also undercover on the same assignment, and it becomes apparent that she shares a mysterious history with Gi-cheol. As their paths converge on the frontlines of this high-stakes operation, tensions escalate, setting the stage for an intense showdown.

When: September 27.

Where to watch: Disney+

Song of the Bandits

The plot: Set in the 1920s during the tumultuous era of Japanese occupation, the people of Joseon find themselves forcibly displaced from their homeland and exiled to Japan. Those who make their way to Gando, a lawless territory, join forces to safeguard the Korean homeland. In the lawless expanse of Gando, these bandits will stop at nothing to defend their cherished homeland and loved ones, even at the risk of their lives. Actor Kim Nam-gil takes the lead in the series, portraying Lee Yoon, a former Japanese army soldier turned bandit, who dedicates himself to protecting his fellow countrymen in the region. The show also features Girls' Generation's Seohyun as Nam Hee-shin, who conceals her true identity as an official working under the Japanese-run Korean government. Yoo Jae-myung plays Choi Chung-soo, an ardent independence activist and the leader of a Korean village. Additionally, Lee Ho-jung, known for her role in 'Nevertheless,' portrays a skilled gunman hired with the task of assassinating Lee Yoon. When: September 22. Where to watch: Netflix
Credit: Netflix
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The plot: Set in the 1920s during the tumultuous era of Japanese occupation, the people of Joseon find themselves forcibly displaced from their homeland and exiled to Japan. Those who make their way to Gando, a lawless territory, join forces to safeguard the Korean homeland. In the lawless expanse of Gando, these bandits will stop at nothing to defend their cherished homeland and loved ones, even at the risk of their lives.

Actor Kim Nam-gil takes the lead in the series, portraying Lee Yoon, a former Japanese army soldier turned bandit, who dedicates himself to protecting his fellow countrymen in the region. The show also features Girls' Generation's Seohyun as Nam Hee-shin, who conceals her true identity as an official working under the Japanese-run Korean government. Yoo Jae-myung plays Choi Chung-soo, an ardent independence activist and the leader of a Korean village. Additionally, Lee Ho-jung, known for her role in 'Nevertheless,' portrays a skilled gunman hired with the task of assassinating Lee Yoon.

When: September 22.

Where to watch: Netflix

Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun

The plot: Popular K-drama Arthdal Chronicle returns for its second season with The Sword of Aramun. Set eight years after the first season, The Sword of Aramun reintroduces several familiar characters, albeit with some notable changes in the casting. Among the most prominent differences are the replacements of Song Joong-ki and Kim Ji-won by Lee Joon-gi and Shin Se-kyung. This fresh season commences with consecutive catch-up segments, each guided by different narrators. These segments serve as poignant reminders of the intricate network of characters within the show and the underlying mythology that shapes the world of Arth. When: September 9. Where to watch: Disney+
Credit: Disney+
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The plot: Popular K-drama Arthdal Chronicle returns for its second season with The Sword of Aramun. Set eight years after the first season, The Sword of Aramun reintroduces several familiar characters, albeit with some notable changes in the casting. Among the most prominent differences are the replacements of Song Joong-ki and Kim Ji-won by Lee Joon-gi and Shin Se-kyung.

This fresh season commences with consecutive catch-up segments, each guided by different narrators. These segments serve as poignant reminders of the intricate network of characters within the show and the underlying mythology that shapes the world of Arth.

When: September 9.

Where to watch: Disney+

Destined With You

The plot: Destined With You might have a young star cast led by SF9's Rowoon and actress Jo Bo-ah, but don't let that fool you: the stellar acting and intriguing storyline will definitely have you hooked. At its core, the plot revolves around a forbidden book that had been tightly sealed for three centuries. This ancient tome unexpectedly falls into the hands of Lee Hong-jo (Jo Bo-ah), setting in motion a chain of events where Jang Shin-yu (Rowoon) becomes entangled in the book's curse. When: August 23. Where to watch: Netflix
Credit: Netflix
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The plot: Destined With You might have a young star cast led by SF9's Rowoon and actress Jo Bo-ah, but don't let that fool you: the stellar acting and intriguing storyline will definitely have you hooked. At its core, the plot revolves around a forbidden book that had been tightly sealed for three centuries. This ancient tome unexpectedly falls into the hands of Lee Hong-jo (Jo Bo-ah), setting in motion a chain of events where Jang Shin-yu (Rowoon) becomes entangled in the book's curse.

When: August 23.

Where to watch: Netflix

Moving

The plot: Acting veterans Ryoo Seung-ryong, Han Hyo-joo, Zo In-sung and Cha Tae-hyun return to the small screen as part of an ensemble cast for supernatural drama Moving. Adapted from the popular webtoon by Kang Full, this series chronicles the journey of three high school teenagers and their parents as they unravel the mysteries of their superhuman abilities and fight to stay alive from mysterious villians. As they prepare to face the world, the supernatural series delves into the complex dynamics between power, secrecy, and the unbreakable bonds of family. When: August 9. Where to watch: Disney+
Credit: Disney+
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The plot: Acting veterans Ryoo Seung-ryong, Han Hyo-joo, Zo In-sung and Cha Tae-hyun return to the small screen as part of an ensemble cast for supernatural drama Moving. Adapted from the popular webtoon by Kang Full, this series chronicles the journey of three high school teenagers and their parents as they unravel the mysteries of their superhuman abilities and fight to stay alive from mysterious villians. As they prepare to face the world, the supernatural series delves into the complex dynamics between power, secrecy, and the unbreakable bonds of family.

When: August 9.

Where to watch: Disney+

A Time Called You

The plot: Han Joon-Hee (played by actress Jeon Yeo-bin, known for her role in Vincenzo) is still deeply grieving the loss of her boyfriend, Ku Yeon-Joon (portrayed by Ahn Hyo-Seop), who passed away a year ago. However, one fateful day, a mysterious twist of fate transports her back in time to the year 1998, where she finds herself inhabiting the body of a high school student named Kwon Min-Joo (also portrayed by Jeon Yeo-Bin). As she navigates her new life in school, she crosses paths with another high school student named Nam Shi-Heon, who bears an uncanny resemblance to her late boyfriend. When: September 8 Where to watch: Netflix
Credit: Netflix
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The plot: Han Joon-Hee (played by actress Jeon Yeo-bin, known for her role in Vincenzo) is still deeply grieving the loss of her boyfriend, Ku Yeon-Joon (portrayed by Ahn Hyo-Seop), who passed away a year ago.

However, one fateful day, a mysterious twist of fate transports her back in time to the year 1998, where she finds herself inhabiting the body of a high school student named Kwon Min-Joo (also portrayed by Jeon Yeo-Bin). As she navigates her new life in school, she crosses paths with another high school student named Nam Shi-Heon, who bears an uncanny resemblance to her late boyfriend.

When: September 8

Where to watch: Netflix

Mask Girl

The plot: By day, Kim Mo-Mi (who is portrayed by both Go Hyun-jung and Nana) is a modest office worker grappling with insecurities about her appearance. However, as the sun sets, she becomes an enigmatic internet personality, masked and anonymous, captivating audiences in the digital realm. Kim is satisfied with hiding behind her mask as an armour, until one day, when a chain of unexpected, ill-fated events causes her life to take a twist. When: August 18 Where to watch: Netflix
Credit: Netflix
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The plot: By day, Kim Mo-Mi (who is portrayed by both Go Hyun-jung and Nana) is a modest office worker grappling with insecurities about her appearance. However, as the sun sets, she becomes an enigmatic internet personality, masked and anonymous, captivating audiences in the digital realm.

Kim is satisfied with hiding behind her mask as an armour, until one day, when a chain of unexpected, ill-fated events causes her life to take a twist.

When: August 18

Where to watch: Netflix

Zombieverse

The plot: What would you do in a zombie apocalypse? In Zombieverse, ten participants are put to the test to find out. This unique hybrid immersive reality series, produced by Kakao Entertainment, adds another gem to Netflix's growing collection of Korean unscripted content, a category that already boasts successes like Physical 100. The show's contestants, ranging from K-pop idols to viral YouTubers, are introduced to a world where there's an actual zombie apocalypse taking place. They have to collaborate and team up in order to survive against a relentless wave of zombies. Their ultimate objective? Reaching safety on Wolmi Island (located 35 kilometers from Seoul) to board an evacuation vessel. However, getting bitten equals transformation into a zombie and an exit from the high-stakes game, and so participants have to make their choices carefully as survival is unscripted and every choice matters. When: August 8 Where to watch: Netflix
Credit: Netflix
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The plot: What would you do in a zombie apocalypse? In Zombieverse, ten participants are put to the test to find out.

This unique hybrid immersive reality series, produced by Kakao Entertainment, adds another gem to Netflix's growing collection of Korean unscripted content, a category that already boasts successes like Physical 100.

The show's contestants, ranging from K-pop idols to viral YouTubers, are introduced to a world where there's an actual zombie apocalypse taking place.

They have to collaborate and team up in order to survive against a relentless wave of zombies. Their ultimate objective? Reaching safety on Wolmi Island (located 35 kilometers from Seoul) to board an evacuation vessel. However, getting bitten equals transformation into a zombie and an exit from the high-stakes game, and so participants have to make their choices carefully as survival is unscripted and every choice matters.

When: August 8

Where to watch: Netflix

The Uncanny Counter 2: Counter Punch

The plot: The Uncanny Counter has unveiled its highly anticipated second season, titled The Uncanny Counter 2: Counter Punch. This season marks a slightly shorter run of twelve episodes instead of sixteen, and joining the cast is actor Yoo In Soo, Kim Hyun Wook, Kang Ki Young and actress Kim Hieora. Cho Byeong Kyu will once again reprise So Mun to life, while Yoo Joon Sang returns as Ga Mo Tak. Other ensemble cast members set to return include Kim Se Jeong as the spirit-sensing Do Ha Na, Yeom Hye Ran as Chu Mae Ok, a healer with an unwavering compassion, and Ahn Suk Hwan as the charmain Choi Jangmul. The first season of The Counters concluded on an exhilarating note, as our heroes embarked on expanding their network throughout South Korea. The second season holds the promise of witnessing So Mun's continued evolution as a crucial figure in the ongoing battle against darkness. Anticipate the introduction of new Counters hailing from different corners of the world, alongside a deeper engagement from So Mun and his comrades as they face more powerful and terrifying demons. When: July 29 Where to watch: Netflix
Credit: Netflix
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The plot: The Uncanny Counter has unveiled its highly anticipated second season, titled The Uncanny Counter 2: Counter Punch. This season marks a slightly shorter run of twelve episodes instead of sixteen, and joining the cast is actor Yoo In Soo, Kim Hyun Wook, Kang Ki Young and actress Kim Hieora.

Cho Byeong Kyu will once again reprise So Mun to life, while Yoo Joon Sang returns as Ga Mo Tak. Other ensemble cast members set to return include Kim Se Jeong as the spirit-sensing Do Ha Na, Yeom Hye Ran as Chu Mae Ok, a healer with an unwavering compassion, and Ahn Suk Hwan as the charmain Choi Jangmul.

The first season of The Counters concluded on an exhilarating note, as our heroes embarked on expanding their network throughout South Korea. The second season holds the promise of witnessing So Mun's continued evolution as a crucial figure in the ongoing battle against darkness. Anticipate the introduction of new Counters hailing from different corners of the world, alongside a deeper engagement from So Mun and his comrades as they face more powerful and terrifying demons.

When: July 29

Where to watch: Netflix

D.P. 2

The plot: Anticipation is high for the return of military police drama D.P., and rightfully so – the first season was a resounding success, having spent weeks in the top position of Netflix's top 10, and ended on a series of jaw-dropping events. Jung Hae-in is set to reprise his role as An Jun-ho, a young soldier assigned to apprehend deserters, together with Corporal Han Ho-yeol (Koo Kyo-hwan). Season 2 will likely see him on his journey from being the hunter to the hunted, and we can't wait to see what's in store. When: July 28 Where to watch: Netflix
Credit: Netflix
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The plot: Anticipation is high for the return of military police drama D.P., and rightfully so – the first season was a resounding success, having spent weeks in the top position of Netflix's top 10, and ended on a series of jaw-dropping events.

Jung Hae-in is set to reprise his role as An Jun-ho, a young soldier assigned to apprehend deserters, together with Corporal Han Ho-yeol (Koo Kyo-hwan). Season 2 will likely see him on his journey from being the hunter to the hunted, and we can't wait to see what's in store.

When: July 28

Where to watch: Netflix

Celebrity

The plot: In Celebrity, the thirst for validation is put to the ultimate test. Over the course of 12 episodes, the series takes a deep dive into the lives of trendy individuals, entangled in a world of cutthroat competition and Instagram-driven intrigue. Portrayed by the talented rising actor Park Gyu-young (who was also recently announced as part of the cast for Season 2 of Squid Game), A-ri is an ordinary cosmetic salesperson whose life takes an extraordinary turn when she becomes an overnight social media sensation. As she amasses a rapid following and comes to terms with her newfound celebrity status, her overwhelming success reveals the darker side of fame and consequences concealed beneath the glitz. When: June 30 Where to watch: Netflix.
Credit: Netflix
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The plot: In Celebrity, the thirst for validation is put to the ultimate test. Over the course of 12 episodes, the series takes a deep dive into the lives of trendy individuals, entangled in a world of cutthroat competition and Instagram-driven intrigue.

Portrayed by the talented rising actor Park Gyu-young (who was also recently announced as part of the cast for Season 2 of Squid Game), A-ri is an ordinary cosmetic salesperson whose life takes an extraordinary turn when she becomes an overnight social media sensation. As she amasses a rapid following and comes to terms with her newfound celebrity status, her overwhelming success reveals the darker side of fame and consequences concealed beneath the glitz.

When: June 30

Where to watch: Netflix.

Shadow Detective Season 2

The plot: Actor Lee Sung-min returns as veteran detective Kim Tae-rok in Shadow Detective 2. The first season saw his character drawn into a gripping murder mystery after a strange phone call from an anonymous “Friend”, with the mysterious caller disappearing and never identified. In this new season, Tae-rok postpones his retirement and is transferred to the police force’s Women and Juveniles Unit. Soon, he finds himself drawn into a new investigation, and one has to wonder – is "Friend" back? When: July 5 Where to watch: Disney+.
Credit: Disney+
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The plot: Actor Lee Sung-min returns as veteran detective Kim Tae-rok in Shadow Detective 2. The first season saw his character drawn into a gripping murder mystery after a strange phone call from an anonymous “Friend”, with the mysterious caller disappearing and never identified.

In this new season, Tae-rok postpones his retirement and is transferred to the police force’s Women and Juveniles Unit. Soon, he finds himself drawn into a new investigation, and one has to wonder – is "Friend" back?

When: July 5

Where to watch: Disney+.

Heartbeat

The plot: Singer-actor Taecyeon from 2pm returns to the small screen as a half-human, half-vampire who longs to become fully human. Unfortunately, he misses his opportunity, which only comes once every 100 years. But destiny has its way, and he ends up living with Joo In Hae (Won Ji-An), a seemingly cold-hearted woman who, despite being fully human, seems to lack any sense of humanity. When: June 26 Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video.
Credit: KBS
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The plot: Singer-actor Taecyeon from 2pm returns to the small screen as a half-human, half-vampire who longs to become fully human. Unfortunately, he misses his opportunity, which only comes once every 100 years. But destiny has its way, and he ends up living with Joo In Hae (Won Ji-An), a seemingly cold-hearted woman who, despite being fully human, seems to lack any sense of humanity.

When: June 26

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video.

King the Land

The plot: Need a dose of rom-com? Check out this classic enemies-to-lovers romance drama featuring Lee Jun-ho from Korean boy band 2pm, and Yoona from Girls Generation. Gu Won (Junho), a wealthy chaebol heir to a luxury hotel empire, he crosses paths with Cheon Sa Rang (Yoona), a hotelier working in one of his family’s hotels. Gu Won immediately dislikes her, for Sa Rang constantly has a smile on her face due to the nature of her job, and he believes that she conceals her true self behind fake smiles. When their paths cross, well...you can probably guess what happens next – cue the romantic music and flower blossoms dancing across the screen. When: June 17 Where to watch: Netflix.
Credit: Netflix
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The plot: Need a dose of rom-com? Check out this classic enemies-to-lovers romance drama featuring Lee Jun-ho from Korean boy band 2pm, and Yoona from Girls Generation. Gu Won (Junho), a wealthy chaebol heir to a luxury hotel empire, he crosses paths with Cheon Sa Rang (Yoona), a hotelier working in one of his family’s hotels. Gu Won immediately dislikes her, for Sa Rang constantly has a smile on her face due to the nature of her job, and he believes that she conceals her true self behind fake smiles. When their paths cross, well...you can probably guess what happens next – cue the romantic music and flower blossoms dancing across the screen.

When: June 17

Where to watch: Netflix.

Bloodhounds

The plot: Netflix’s latest action K-drama follows promising boxers Kim Geon-woo (Woo Do-hwan) and Hong Woo-jin (Lee Sang-yi), who are best friends. As they look to pay off Geon-woo’s mother’s debt, the duo dive head-first into the murky underground world of money-lending and private loans in South Korea. Packed with thrilling action, the drama sees the duo partnering with a benevolent moneylender (Park Sung-Woong) to take down a callous loan shark together. When: June 9 Where to watch: Netflix.
Credit: Netflix
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The plot: Netflix’s latest action K-drama follows promising boxers Kim Geon-woo (Woo Do-hwan) and Hong Woo-jin (Lee Sang-yi), who are best friends. As they look to pay off Geon-woo’s mother’s debt, the duo dive head-first into the murky underground world of money-lending and private loans in South Korea. Packed with thrilling action, the drama sees the duo partnering with a benevolent moneylender (Park Sung-Woong) to take down a callous loan shark together.

When: June 9

Where to watch: Netflix.

Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938

The plot: Actor Lee Dong-wook returns as Lee Yeon, a gumiho (nine-tailed fox), in the Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938, which serves as the second season to the 2020 series Tale of the Nine Tailed. The new series is a prequel of sorts to the former, where Lee Yeon is dragged back in time to the year 1938 during the Japanese Occupation of Korea. Lee Yeon meets his younger brother, Lee Rang (Kim Bum), and Ryu Hong-joo (Kim So-yeon), who was once a guardian spirit of a mountain in the west but is now the owner of a high-end restaurant. As Lee Yeon struggles to go back to the present day where his eternal first love lives, he embarks on an eventful adventure – especially when he crosses paths with Ryu Hong-joo, whom he once confessed his feelings to a long time ago but was rejected, once again. When: May 6 Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Credit: Amazon Prime Video
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The plot: Actor Lee Dong-wook returns as Lee Yeon, a gumiho (nine-tailed fox), in the Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938, which serves as the second season to the 2020 series Tale of the Nine Tailed. The new series is a prequel of sorts to the former, where Lee Yeon is dragged back in time to the year 1938 during the Japanese Occupation of Korea.

Lee Yeon meets his younger brother, Lee Rang (Kim Bum), and Ryu Hong-joo (Kim So-yeon), who was once a guardian spirit of a mountain in the west but is now the owner of a high-end restaurant. As Lee Yeon struggles to go back to the present day where his eternal first love lives, he embarks on an eventful adventure – especially when he crosses paths with Ryu Hong-joo, whom he once confessed his feelings to a long time ago but was rejected, once again.

When: May 6

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Dr. Romantic 3

The plot: The well-loved medical drama returns for its highly anticipated third season, which promises to be as thrilling and heartwarming as the previous two seasons. Actor Han Suk-kyu returns as the lead role Dr. Kim Sa-bu. Ahn Hyo-seop and Lee Sung-kyung, who played GS specialist Seo Woo-jin and CS specialist Cha Eun-jae, respectively in the second season, will be reprising their roles as well. Season three follows Dr. Kim’s long-time wish to set up Doldam Hospital’s Trauma Center, which increases the scale of incidents and accidents that the hospital has to deal with. Coupled with new doctors in the team, a new antagonist, and heart-fluttering romance, the drama is definitely making a strong return. When: April 21 Where to watch: Disney+.
Credit: Disney+
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The plot: The well-loved medical drama returns for its highly anticipated third season, which promises to be as thrilling and heartwarming as the previous two seasons. Actor Han Suk-kyu returns as the lead role Dr. Kim Sa-bu. Ahn Hyo-seop and Lee Sung-kyung, who played GS specialist Seo Woo-jin and CS specialist Cha Eun-jae, respectively in the second season, will be reprising their roles as well.

Season three follows Dr. Kim’s long-time wish to set up Doldam Hospital’s Trauma Center, which increases the scale of incidents and accidents that the hospital has to deal with. Coupled with new doctors in the team, a new antagonist, and heart-fluttering romance, the drama is definitely making a strong return.

When: April 21

Where to watch: Disney+.

Queenmaker

The plot: Netflix's latest original political drama offering, Queenmaker, stars actress Kim Hee-ae as Hwang Do-Hee. She’s a strategic planning team manager who experiences a crisis of conscience and joins the Seoul mayoral election campaign of human rights lawyer Oh Seung-sook, played by Moon So-ri. Hwang Do-hee and Oh Seung-sook are both headstrong and often butt heads with different opinions, but despite their differences, the two women come together to achieve justice. When: April 14 Where to watch: Netflix.
Credit: Netflix
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The plot: Netflix's latest original political drama offering, Queenmaker, stars actress Kim Hee-ae as Hwang Do-Hee. She’s a strategic planning team manager who experiences a crisis of conscience and joins the Seoul mayoral election campaign of human rights lawyer Oh Seung-sook, played by Moon So-ri.

Hwang Do-hee and Oh Seung-sook are both headstrong and often butt heads with different opinions, but despite their differences, the two women come together to achieve justice.

When: April 14

Where to watch: Netflix.

Black Knight

The plot: Actor Kim Woo-bin takes on his first action role on a small screen since his recovery from cancer. Set in the year 2071 where pollution has become so severe that people can’t survive without respirators, Kim stars as the legendary delivery knight 5-8. As Korea undergoes desertification, the remaining 1 per cent of humanity left is increasingly stratified, and delivery knights have come to play an extremely important role in society. When: May 12 Where to watch: Netflix.
Credit: Netflix
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The plot: Actor Kim Woo-bin takes on his first action role on a small screen since his recovery from cancer. Set in the year 2071 where pollution has become so severe that people can’t survive without respirators, Kim stars as the legendary delivery knight 5-8. As Korea undergoes desertification, the remaining 1 per cent of humanity left is increasingly stratified, and delivery knights have come to play an extremely important role in society.

When: May 12

Where to watch: Netflix.

The Glory (Part 2)

The plot: Song Hye-kyo returns to the small screen with The Glory, a thrilling revenge-based show that’s vastly different from her usual melodramas. The storyline follows a former victim of brutal school violence (played by Song) who hatches an elaborate revenge scheme against her childhood bullies who have traumatised her. When: The Glory first debuted on December 30; part 2 of the series is expected to be released starting March 10. Where to watch: Stream it on Netflix.
Credit: Netflix
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The plot: Song Hye-kyo returns to the small screen with The Glory, a thrilling revenge-based show that’s vastly different from her usual melodramas. The storyline follows a former victim of brutal school violence (played by Song) who hatches an elaborate revenge scheme against her childhood bullies who have traumatised her.

When: The Glory first debuted on December 30; part 2 of the series is expected to be released starting March 10.

Where to watch: Stream it on Netflix.

Call It Love

The plot: Revenge is complicated in Call It Love, which stars Lee Sung-kyung and Kim Young-kwang. Kim, who plays a Cinderella-esque role, is kicked out of her home by her father’s mistress after his death. She decides to take revenge by approaching Dong-jin (played by Kim), the son of her father’s mistress, but her plans fall apart when she falls in love with him. When: February 22 Where to watch: Stream it on Disney+.
Credit: Disney+
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The plot: Revenge is complicated in Call It Love, which stars Lee Sung-kyung and Kim Young-kwang. Kim, who plays a Cinderella-esque role, is kicked out of her home by her father’s mistress after his death. She decides to take revenge by approaching Dong-jin (played by Kim), the son of her father’s mistress, but her plans fall apart when she falls in love with him.

When: February 22

Where to watch: Stream it on Disney+.

Taxi Driver (Season 2)

The plot: First aired in 2021, Taxi Driver features actor Lee Je-hoo as Kim Do-Ki, a deluxe taxi driver for the Rainbow Taxi Company, which offers a special revenge service to its patrons who have been wronged. Most of the incidents that take place on the show are inspired by actual real-life heinous crimes committed in Korea, and the highly-anticipated season 2 is expected to take an even darker turn. When: February 17 Where to watch: SBS
Credit: SBS
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The plot: First aired in 2021, Taxi Driver features actor Lee Je-hoo as Kim Do-Ki, a deluxe taxi driver for the Rainbow Taxi Company, which offers a special revenge service to its patrons who have been wronged. Most of the incidents that take place on the show are inspired by actual real-life heinous crimes committed in Korea, and the highly-anticipated season 2 is expected to take an even darker turn.

When: February 17

Where to watch: SBS

Our Blooming Youth

The plot: ZE:A boyband member and actor Park Hyung-sik stars as an arrogant crown prince in this mystery-thriller and romance sageuk (the term for Korean period dramas). He crosses paths with noblewoman Min Jae-yi (Jeon So-nee) when her entire family is suddenly murdered, and she is framed as the killer. The prince offers to help her, on the condition that she helps him break a mysterious curse. When: February 6 Where to watch: Stream it on Prime Video and Viki.
Credit: Prime Video
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The plot: ZE:A boyband member and actor Park Hyung-sik stars as an arrogant crown prince in this mystery-thriller and romance sageuk (the term for Korean period dramas). He crosses paths with noblewoman Min Jae-yi (Jeon So-nee) when her entire family is suddenly murdered, and she is framed as the killer. The prince offers to help her, on the condition that she helps him break a mysterious curse.

When: February 6

Where to watch: Stream it on Prime Video and Viki.

Physical 100

The plot: It’s survival of the fittest on Physical 100, Netflix’s first Korean reality survival series. 100 contestants, ranging from athletes, fitness instructors, social media stars and actual Olympians, will be put through gruelling tests of strength and endurance with the hope of being the sole survivor of the fittest. The “final physique standing” wins 300 million won (about $300,000 SGD). Contestants include Korean-Japanese mixed martial artist Choo Sung-hoon (AKA Sarang’s father, for fans of The Return of Superman), K-pop star Sunmi’s backup dancer and Single’s Inferno contestant Cha Hyun-seung, actor Kang Han and former Korean Navy SEAL and sniper Agent H. When: January 24 Where to watch: Stream it on Netflix.
Credit: Netflix
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The plot: It’s survival of the fittest on Physical 100, Netflix’s first Korean reality survival series. 100 contestants, ranging from athletes, fitness instructors, social media stars and actual Olympians, will be put through gruelling tests of strength and endurance with the hope of being the sole survivor of the fittest. The “final physique standing” wins 300 million won (about $300,000 SGD).

Contestants include Korean-Japanese mixed martial artist Choo Sung-hoon (AKA Sarang’s father, for fans of The Return of Superman), K-pop star Sunmi’s backup dancer and Single’s Inferno contestant Cha Hyun-seung, actor Kang Han and former Korean Navy SEAL and sniper Agent H.

When: January 24

Where to watch: Stream it on Netflix.

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