As we are in the second month of a new year, here’s a little throwback post to recap on the Best Korean Drama that was aired completely in 2023.
For those who are curious what are the best K-dramas in 2022, check it out here.
Alchemy of Souls 2
Definitely the best fantasy drama of the year! Even though it premieres in December of 2022, the drama ended on a high in 2023.
Some might differ, but I prefer the second season compared to the first. Mainly because the chemistry between Lee Jae Wook and Go Yoon Jung is unbeatable! But of course, without laying the fundamental in season one there won't be this.
No. of episodes: 10
Genre: Fantasy, Historical, Action, Romance
Native title: 환혼
Original network: tvN, Netflix
Continuing the story from the prequel Alchemy of Souls. Naksu/ Mu Deok stabbed Jang Uk in his heart but he was revived by the power of the Ice Stone. 3 years later, he is the most powerful yet feared Mage. Naksu known as Jin Bu Yeon now, was kept in Jinyowon by her mother after she found her. Jinyowon closed its doors for 3 years to keep the secret which caused the marriage between Park Dang Gu and Jin Cho Yeon to call off.
Twinkling Watermelon
Pretty unexpected to catch such a good drama before the year ended. Twinkling Watermelon sounds cliche, but the storyline is not was absolutely heartwarming.
Chemistry between all the four lead cast just made watching so enjoyable. Ryeoun, Choi Hyun Wook, Seol In Ah, and Shin Eun Soo, all of you did really well on this!
No. of episodes: 16
Genre: Fantasy, Youth, Friendship, Family, Romance
Native title: 반짝이는 워터멜론
Original network: tvN, TVING
The drama started in 2023, a high schooler who is a model student and the angel of the family hides his passion for music. Ha Eun Gyeol was born into a family of deaf, both his parents as well as his brother. He felt guilty about enjoying music. Stumbled upon a music store, he walked in and came out in 1995. He met the 18-year-old version of his father, and he can talk. Yi Chan’s crush is not his mother but a cellist Choi Se Kyeong.
Moving
A drama that span over 1 whole year in filming and producing. Moving is definitely one of the best mystery, action, thriller drama in 2023.
No. of episodes: 20
Genre: Action, Supernatural, School, Fantasy
Native title: 무빙
Original network: Disney+
The story begins with 3 high school students attending an ordinary school with supernatural powers. All three individuals inherited special abilities from their parents who struggled to protect them from being used by others.
King the Land
Best Rom-Com of 2023 goes to King the Land! The chemistry between these two 2nd Gen idols is insanely good! Im Yoona and Lee Jun Ho spread so much love and adore that made every audience envy.
No. of episodes: 16
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Business
Native title: 킹더랜드
Original network: JTBC, Netflix
The romantic comedy is set in Seoul, South Korea. The romance between a passionate hotelier Cheon Sarang, and the son of the owner of the hotel, Gu Won.
Dr. Romantic 3
3rd installment of Dr. Romantic, still set in Doldam Hospital but the story continues and even better!
Using the original cast with new blood did not throw off the story but seeing even better chemistry onscreen.
No. of episodes: 16
Genre: Medical, Romance
Native title: 낭만닥터 김사부3
Original network: SBS, Disney+
The drama is set in Doldam Hospital, far off from the city of Seoul. They built a Trauma center right next to it. 3 years later, the new building is ready and equipped with the latest medical facilities.
However, it is Kim Sa Bu will not be leading the trauma center but bringing in new blood to the Doldam family.
Taxi Driver 2
The second season of Taxi Driver went even above and beyond my imagination. I love how it went another level but still not losing the essence of the show.
No. of episodes: 16
Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller
Native title: 모범택시
Original network: SBS, VIU
The Rainbow Taxi is back in service! Five members of the Rainbow Taxi are back in business after parting ways for 2 years. Finding a meaningful purpose to seek revenge on behalf of victims who are unable to seek justice through law.
Unlock My Boss
Very underrated drama in 2022/2023. The storyline is beautiful and meaningful. The eureka at the end of the show was really good. The duo male lead chemistry between Park Sung Woong and Chae Jong Hyeop was great!
No. of episodes: 12
Genre: Business, Life, Drama, Sci-fi
Native title: 사장님을 잠금해제
Original network: ENA
Adapted from the webtoon by Park Seong Hyun. The story begins when the 39-year-old CEO Kim Seon Ju’s soul is trapped in a smartphone after an accident that claimed his life. The phone is then picked up by a 29-year-old job seeker, Park In Seong and both of them join forces to find the murderer.
Under the Queen’s Umbrella
Kim Hye Soo's acting is really impressive. We can see how much she adore his prince, be it her flesh or not. The motherly love she has for all the prince, chemistry with Moon Sang Min, Yoo Sun Ho was really good.
No. of episodes: 16
Genre: Historical, Palace, Family
Native title: 슈룹
Original network: tvN, Netflix
Set in the Joseon Dynasty, Im Hwa Ryeong is not an ordinary Queen, she is feisty, hot-tempered, and sensitive. However, she has a gentle, warm, and embracing side which makes her a tiger mother with an understanding and smart personality. Protecting her 5 sons including the Crown Prince at all cost, her every day is filled with surprises and never-ending problems.
See You in My 19th Life
It was painful to have good memories, to remember all your past lives. Through this drama, I really learn that.
You need courage to let go.
No. of episodes: 12
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Native title: 이번 생도 잘 부탁해
Original network: TVING, tvN, Netflix
The story of Ban Ji Eum, a woman who possesses the ability to remember all the memories from her past lives. In her 18th life, she met Moon Seo Ha whom she felt a special connection. However, one car accident ended it. She vows to find him in her 19th life.
The Glory
A drama that uncover the dark truth happening in the society. Song Hye Kyo's role in this drama is really intense, her emotions and trauma can be felt even through the screen.
Genre: Revenge, Dark, Investigation
Native Title: 더 글로리
Original network: Netflix
Moon Dong Eun dreams of being an architect but it ends shortly when she goes through a terrible high school bully from a group of chaebols and her homeroom teacher who turn a blind eye to the entire situation. She swears to make them pay back.
Strong Girl Namsoon
For those souls out there who did not catch Strong Woman Do Bong Soon, there isn't a worry that you cannot relate to this sequel. Even though there is a connection, but the cast and storyline seems entirely different.
Overall, it is an enjoyable drama to catch with unexpected mystery element to it.
No. of episodes: 16
Genre: Supernatural, Fantasy, Romance, Comedy, Action, Mystery
Native title: 힘쎈여자 강남순
Original network: JTBC, Netflix, TVING
Kang Nam Soon has possessed superhuman strength, speed, and eyesight since birth. She went missing in Mongolia when she was around 5-6 years old. Grew up in a good environment, and she is now old enough to find her birth parents in South Korea.
Doona!
Doona! is an unexpected drama. For those who loves series like Imitation and interested in K-pop industry will find this interested and engaging.
No. of episodes: 9
Genre: Showbiz, Romance, Friendship
Native title: 이두나!
Original network: Netflix
The drama is adapted from a webtoon The Girl Downstairs by Min Song Ah. Story of Doona, a member of the K-pop girl group Dream Sweet suddenly leaves and ends up living alone in a shared house. Lee Won Joon is a university student who moved to Seoul and met Doona in the shared house and was mistaken for a Sasaeng fan.
Night Has Come
Really interesting and intense drama to catch at the end of the year.
No. of episodes: 12
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, School, Youth
Native title: 밤이 되었습니다
Original network: Viki, Studio X+U
The drama is set in Yooil High School when students are forced to play a real-life mafia game during their retreat. The class of year 2 students faces intense psychological warfare as they enter the survival mode.
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