From heartfelt romance to spine-chilling thrillers, check out the list of the top 10 K-Dramas this year had to offer.
In 2023, the realm of entertainment witnessed a huge shift as audiences moved to Korean dramas. For those in search of the perfect mix of romance, drama, and thrilling narratives that also tackle real-life issues, K-dramas emerged as the first choice for all.
As we say goodbye to 2023, let's look at the top 10 K-dramas that captivated audiences across OTT platforms, listed in no particular order.
Cast: Lee Jun-ho, Im Yoon-ah
Episodes: 16
Genre: Romantic, Comedy
The series revolves around the heir of a luxury hotel franchise, Goo Won, who is facing an inheritance war with his own blood. Meanwhile, there is Cheon Sa-rang, who is a hotelier and works at Goo Won’s hotel, and is always seen smiling, until she crosses paths with Goo Won. Despite their polar opposite personas and multiple ego clashes, they end up falling for each other and blossom their romance in secrecy.
Cast: Song Hye-kyo, Lee Do-hyun, Lim Ji-yeon, Yeom Hye-ran, Park Sung-hoon, Jung Sung-il
Episodes: 8
Genre: Revenge, Psychological Thriller
Inspired by the real-life events of a bullying incident that occurred in 2006, this spine-chilling story revolves around Moon Dong-eun, a former victim of abuse in school, who returns to her traumatic past after 18 odd years, only to take revenge and ruin the lives of those who destroyed hers. Her violent and bloody vengeance started in Part 1 and continues in Part 2, only depicted in a much better manner.
Cast: Park Gyu-young, Kang Min-hyuk, Lee Chung-ah, Lee Dong-gun, Jun Hyo-seong
Episodes: 12
Genre: Thriller
The series showcases the realities of people, who deem themselves to be social media influencers, or so-called celebrities. Seo Ah-ri finds herself being one of them, surrounded by fame, wealth, and curiosity as she uncovers this new world behind camera lenses. As she discovers the truths of this harsh world with her reputation beginning to go for a toss, Ah-ri slowly exposes the scandalous lives of these influencers, which is full of scams, harassment, drugs, and of course, murder.
Cast: Ra Mi-ran, Lee Do-hyun, Ahn Eun-jin, Yoo In-soo
Episodes: 14
Genre: Family, Comedy Drama, Slice-of-Life
The main leads of the series are Young-soon and her son Kang-ho, whose supposedly loving relationship takes a wrong turn due to his rigorous and harsh upbringing. As Kang-ho grows older, he ends up becoming a cold-hearted prosecutor who chooses to live in the posh side of the city and ignores his mother, no matter what it takes. However, a tragic accident takes place, which leads the mother-son to step forward and heal their broken relationship.
Cast: Ryu Seung-ryong, Han Hyo-joo, Zo In-sung, Cha Tae-hyun, Ryoo Seung-bum, Kim Sung-kyun, Lee Jung-ha, Go Youn-jung, Kim Do-hoon
Episodes: 20
Genre: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural, Sci-fi, Romance, Family Drama
The show sheds light on three high school students — Kim Bong-seok, Jang Hee-soo, and Lee Gang-hoon — and their parents who shockingly find out about their super powers. One can fly, one has exceptional athletic power and quick recovery and the other has uncalculated amount of strength and speed. As they try to hide their so-called gifts from the world, their parents battle to protect them from being exploited by others, drawing a fine line between protection and secrecy.
Cast: Kim Yoo-jung, Song Kang, Lee Sang-yi, Kim Hae-sook
Episodes: 10 (as of today)
Genre: Fantasy, Romantic Comedy
The series is a story of a contract marriage between Do Do-hee, the heiress of a big franchise, and Jeong Gu-won, a demon that has been on Earth for almost 200 years and survives by making deals with commoners. Their paths cross and their love story eventually begins when Gu-won’s demonic powers temporarily transfer to Do-hee. This journey of solving personal challenges brings them unexpected happiness but also doesn’t end too well.
Cast: Jo Bo-ah, Rowoon, Ha Jun, Yura
Episodes: 16
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
The storyline revolves around a wealthy lawyer who has a hidden family curse, and a mere civil servant, who unexpectedly encounters paths with him. The romance between Lee Hong-jo and Jang Shin-yu eventually blossoms, against the backdrop of a forbidden book that was tightly sealed over 300 years ago which holds the family’s secrets. Together, they embark on a journey to figure out the root cause of the mysterious curse.
Cast: Jeon Do-yeon, Jung Kyung-ho
Episodes: 16
Genre: Romantic Comedy
The series follows the most bittersweet relationship between a side-dish shop owner, and a top world-class famous Math tutor. This captivating drama is sure to get the attention of romance enthusiasts, making everyone wanting more from the enchanting love story between the single mother and the celebrity tutor. Despite one having a chirpy personality, and the other, a toned-down life, their relationship blossoms in the most beautiful way.
Cast: Namkoong Min, Ahn Eun-jin, Lee Hak-joo, Lee Da-in, Kim Yun-woo, Lee Chung-ah
Episodes: 21
Genre: Historical Drama, Melodrama, Romance
Set against the realistic backdrop of the time of the Qing invasion of Joseon, the plot is about a man, who has a dark secret, which he has kept hidden from everyone. Upon encountering a horrific accident, he swore to never get hitched to anyone. However, this one already-married woman, who is on a path to finding love, captures his heart. The show goes on to showcase the inspiring and brave stories of the common people who look for hope and positivity even in such tough times.
Cast: Seo In-guk, Park So-dam
Episodes: 4 (as of today)
Genre: Fantasy, Reincarnation
This thrilling narrative, divided into two parts, revolves around Choi Yi-jae, who decides to end his life, giving into his inner demons. However, the embodiment of Death puts forth a challenge for him to experience death through 12 different lives. Over the course of time, he has a sudden realization over his wrong-doing. However, if he can manage to survive any one person's death, he can live as that person for the rest of his life and continue to exist.
If you are someone who is new to the world of Korean dramas, the above mentioned are some of the must-watches of 2023. Let me tell you that once you start, there's no stopping!