Korean dramas have successfully crossed international borders, captivating audiences worldwide. The anticipation for more Korean television remains high, thanks in part to Netflix’s public commitment to invest $2.5 billion in South Korean film and TV production over the next four years.
This substantial investment aligns with the evident demand, as demonstrated by the success of Netflix’s original series, “The Glory.” Launched on December 30 last year, the show gained significant popularity and became the fifth most-watched non-English program to premiere on the platform.
Recently revealed data from Netflix indicates that “The Glory” secured the third spot as the most-watched show globally in the first half of 2023, accumulating over 622 million hours of viewership during that period.
The year 2023 has also brought forth a plethora of noteworthy shows spanning various genres, catering to audiences with diverse preferences. From medical procedurals to period Westerns, political thrillers to time-traveling romances, there’s a wide array of options for both avid K-drama enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Whether you consider yourself a dedicated K-drama “stanner” or a first-time viewer, there’s likely a show tailored to suit your tastes.
Here are the top ten Korean dramas in 2023;
Crash Course in Romance
Romantic Korean dramas typically target the adolescent or young professional audience. A kind of Crash Course in Romance, the 16-episode series that tells the story of the love affair between Choi Chi-yeol (Jung Kyung-ho), a popular and attractive math teacher at a private tutoring center, and 49-year-old former national handball player Nam Haeng-seon (played by Jeon Do-yeon), who is also ten years senior to Nam. With the exception of a subplot involving a serial attacker, the series presents a love tale that is neither obscenely dramatic nor uncomfortable, but it also offers a perceptive critique of the intense rivalry found in South Korea’s educational system.
Doctor Cha
For twenty years, Cha Jeong-suk (portrayed by Uhm Jung-hwa), a graduate of medical school, sacrificed her career to become a dedicated homemaker, supporting her spouse, mother-in-law, and children after becoming pregnant. However, when diagnosed with acute liver failure, Cha becomes aware of her family’s selfishness, reaching its peak when her husband refuses to be her liver donor. Determined to break free from being a doormat, she takes a bold step and applies to become a first-year medical resident in her late forties. “Doctor Cha” is a captivating 16-episode series that explores the journey of rediscovering independence and meaning in life as one grows older.
Bloodhounds
Looking for a well-coordinated fistfights and impressive knife skills, then this series, based on a webtoon, is tailor-made for you. Meet Kim Gun-woo (Woo Do-hwan), a determined high-school dropout set on settling his family’s debts. Gun-woo befriends Hong Woo-jin (portrayed by Lee Sang-yi from Hometown Cha-cha-cha), a former boxing adversary. When a loan shark imperils Gun-woo’s family and leaves his face severely scarred, he joins forces with Woo-jin to mete out justice to the powerful lenders responsible for exacerbating the plight of the less fortunate. Beyond the adrenaline-pumping action, what sets Bloodhounds apart is the engaging camaraderie and empathetic dynamic between its two protagonists, prompting audiences to cheer for their success.
The Good Bad Mother
The Good Bad Mother revolves around the central theme of motherhood in its substantial yet somewhat predictable narrative. Following the murder of her pig-farming husband, pregnant Jin Young-soon (Ra Mi-ran) relocates to a small town and gives birth to her son, Choi Kang-ho (portrayed in adulthood by Lee Do-hyun). Jin’s tough parenting drives a wedge between them, leading Kang-ho to collaborate with those responsible for his father’s death. However, a car crash causing amnesia becomes a turning point, offering Jin an opportunity to mend their fractured relationship. The compelling performances by Ra and Lee elevate The Good Bad Mother, making it a worthwhile and poignant viewing experience.
Castaway Diva
In Castaway Diva, Park Eun-bin takes the lead in this 12-episode drama depicting the story of Seo Mok-ha, an aspiring teenage pop singer who becomes stranded on a deserted island while escaping her abusive father. Rescued 15 years later, Mok-ha, portrayed with a beautiful singing voice by Park, forges a friendship with her childhood idol (played by Kim Hyo-jin) and rises to stardom. The series unfolds Mok-ha’s nearly unhindered ascent into fame, slightly hindered by a complex subplot involving the family she stayed with after her rescue.
The Glory
Despite its late-2022 release, The Glory remains a significant inclusion in the 2023 list as the streaming platform’s fifth most-viewed non-English language show of all time. Over 16 gripping episodes, it narrates the tale of a woman seeking revenge on those who tormented her during high school. Song Hye-kyo delivers a compelling and at times disturbing performance as Moon Dong-eun, the emotionally scarred protagonist orchestrating her revenge plot two decades later. The Glory’s impact is intensified by its basis on real-life events, shedding light on a country plagued by bullying and school violence.
Daily Dose of Sunshine
Daily Dose of Sunshine follows Nurse Jeong Da-eun (Park Bo-young) as she transfers to the psychiatric ward of a hospital, initially naive about the complexities of mental health care. Each episode functions as a procedural while offering informative insights into various mental health disorders. With empathetic and sometimes humorous scenes, the series carries both entertainment value and a social message, particularly relevant in the context of South Korea’s mental health crisis.
Divorce Attorney Shin
In Divorce Attorney Shin, a piano prodigy turns into a divorce litigation specialist driven by the quest for justice following his sister’s untimely death after a divorce. Cho Seung-woo, portraying Shin Sung-han, captivates viewers with a character blending playfulness and empathy. The series delves into the messy aftermath of divorce proceedings, portraying them as opportunities for new beginnings.
Queenmaker
Queenmaker features Kim Hee-ae as Hwang Do-hee, a ruthless corporate fixer and imagemaker in this binge-worthy political thriller. Teaming up with civil rights lawyer Oh Kyung-sook (played by Moon So-ri), Hwang faces challenges after the death of a fired colleague and her subsequent dismissal from her job. Together, they confront the notorious firm fielding a candidate for the Seoul mayoral elections, navigating through the sleek world of dirty politics.
D.P. (Season 2)
D.P. (Season 2) continues the exploration of the traumatizing abuses in South Korea’s military. Picking up from the first season, the new episodes delve into the cover-up of military scandals. While some themes may feel familiar, the second season maintains the unapologetic, visceral, and thought-provoking nature of its predecessor, introducing nuanced standalone episodes that add depth to the narrative.
