The stream of K-dramas was overflowing on every OTT service this year and we could not have been happier! 2023 saw a diverse range of K-dramas being released. With hits and misses alike, it has been an interesting year for K-drama fans who got almost equal shares of romances, thrillers, slice-of-life dramas, and much more. It also makes it all the more difficult to narrow it all down to a list like this. But we have bravely taken on this task!
Our top picks feature the ones we think are the best mixes of good acting and nuanced plotlines, are easily accessible, and worth a binge-watch. The list also does not feature the currently ongoing K-dramas, although many of them promise to be phenomenal watches, as well as sequels released this year. In no particular order, here are 12 of our best K-dramas of 2023:
Twinkling Watermelon
Refreshing, sensible, and featuring time travel, Twinkling Watermelon is a must-watch coming-of-age drama. Ha Eun-gyeol (Ryeoun) is a CODA (child of a deaf adult) and the only one with hearing in his family. From a young age, he has had to bear the great responsibility of communicating for his other family members — his father, mother, and elder brother. Although he is a talented musician, he is also burdened with his father’s expectations. However, after a heated debate with his dad, he gets transported back to the 1990s when his parents were still teenagers. All is not glum though, as Eun-gyeol himself discovers his youth and learns to enjoy life. Although the theme of time travel is not novel, the way the plot unfolds draws you in and makes you laugh and cry. It highlights the importance of family and the strength and support they can provide. It also emphasises the importance of enjoying youth. As Eun-gyeol rushes to make everything right, we cheer him on!
Daily Dose of Sunshine
Jung Da-eun (Park Bo-young), a nurse of internal medicine, faces a major learning curve when she suddenly shifts to the psychiatric ward in this webtoon-adapted K-drama. As she navigates the complexities of caring for patients with mental health issues, she is left to face realities about herself as well as her surroundings. It only gets more difficult when Da-eun herself starts to struggle with depression. But, she’s not alone! She’s guided by the wise head nurse, Song Hyo-jin (Parasite actress Lee Jung-eun) and a supportive team, including colorectal surgeon Dong Go-geun (Yeon Woo-jin). Instead of portraying mental health patients as one-dimensional figures, the show depicts them as varied and nuanced individuals, each with various challenges and emotions. Park Bo-young delivers a stellar performance, capturing Da-eun’s empathy, optimism, and personal struggles perfectly. What’s most remarkable is how Daily Dose of Sunshine strikes a beautiful balance between the heavy emotional moments and the lighter ones.
Mask Girl
This Netflix K-drama screams gripping, thrilling, and absolutely unhinged. The plot delves into the complexities of beauty standards, obsession, and the impact of societal pressures. Based on Mae Mi and Hee-se’s webcomic of the same name, the show has a multi-layered narrative. At the heart of the series is Kim Mo-mi, an office worker plagued by insecurities about her appearance. Her desire to become an idol was shattered by bullying from a young age. However, Mo-mi reinvents herself as a masked live-streamer, finding an online community that adores her while she remains hidden behind her mask. What sets Mask Girl apart is its three-fold portrayal of Mo-mi by actresses Lee Han-byul, Nana, and Go Hyun-Jung. Each actress masterfully portrays different facets of Mo-mi’s character at each of her life stages — her vulnerabilities, transformation, and internal conflicts, creating a rich and dynamic central figure. The show also approaches sensitive subjects like sexual assault and domestic abuse, often in graphic detail. Mask Girl is a testament to the intricate storytelling and nuanced character development that make K-dramas so interesting.
Good Bad Mother
Netflix’s The Good Bad Mother explores the complexities of motherhood through Jin Young-soon (Ra Mi-ran) and her son, Choi Kang-ho (Lee Do-hyun). Their compelling journey, filled with tragedy, strict upbringing, and unexpected twists, highlights their relationship with each other as well as others. The brilliance of The Good Bad Mother lies in its layered characters and intricate storytelling. The complexities of Young-soon and Kang-ho’s bond, rife with emotions and tension, captivate audiences. Each character’s past influences their present choices, shaping their compelling narratives. Ra Mi-ran’s powerhouse performance as Young-soon and Lee Do-hyun’s portrayal of Kang-ho’s duality is sure to captivate any audience. It is definitely one of the most emotional, gripping, and memorable K-dramas of the year.
My Lovely Liar
Ever wondered what would happen if you could hear lies? Well, Mok Sol-hee (Kim So-hyun) can do exactly that in this K-drama. Although she considers it an inconvenience and a curse, her skills come in handy in many cases. While helping others detect lies, she encounters Kim Doha (Hwang Min-hyun) who is a brilliant but anonymous music producer and a murder suspect. My Lovely Liar expertly ties a sweet romance and an intricate but well-executed thriller. Doha and Sol-hee’s blossoming romance is tooth-achingly sweet and is sure to make anyone root for them. Doha is also a huge green flag and gives total boyfriend goals! It is an uncomplicated fantasy romance that is at once relaxing but with just the right amount of mystery to make it an interesting watch.
See You in My 19th Life
In the mood for electrifying chemistry and toe-curling romance? Then, See You in My 19th Life is a must-watch! Delving into fantasy and romance, this series follows Ban Ji-eum (Shin Hye-sun), who has the ability to remember all her past lives. In her 19th life, she reconnects with Moon Seo-ha (Ahn Bo-hyun), whom she had also met during her 18th life, which had been abruptly cut short due to an accident. Determined to win Seo-ha over in this life too, Ji-eum pursues him with all her might. Seo-ha, on the other hand, traumatised by the death of his mother and Ji-eum in her previous life, initially wards away all advances. Things are not all smooth as Ji-eum discovers more about the people from her previous lives as well as the reason behind her abilities. With a slew of relevant side characters, sweet romances (not only between the main leads but also the second leads!), and fantastical complications, this series is the perfect watch if you are looking for a nuanced romantic K-drama.
Crash Course in Romance
There is a certain delight that comes with watching people in their 40s, like the protagonists of Crash Course in Romance, fall in love. There are no pretences, or any grand charade, and yet, a happiness that comes from finally meeting someone who understands you. Starring Jung Kyung-ho and Jeon Do-yeon, Crash Course in Romance is simple but leaves one with a feeling of contentment. Choi Chi-yeol (Jung), a revered math teacher, and Nam Haeng-son (Jeon), a side-dish shop owner and guardian to her brother and niece, clash initially but find themselves constantly crossing paths. Their contrasting personalities get them annoyed and they end up arguing. While the subtle romance takes centre stage, intriguing subplots also emerge. A serial killer’s presence adds suspense, with victims connected by a shared dislike for Chi-yeol. The drama also delves into South Korea’s competitive academic culture, revealing cutthroat school dynamics and pressure-cooker environments. The series shines in depicting evolving relationships, school dynamics, and the perils of academic pressure.
The Worst of Evil
Ji Chang-wook fans were in for a treat this year as the actor was back in an action-centric role after many years. This riveting crime drama, set in the 1990s, unfolds the tale of Park Jun-mo (Ji Chang-wook), a rural police officer turned undercover detective infiltrating the notorious Gangnam Union, a powerful gangster organisation operating a rising drug cartel. In parallel, Jung Gi-cheol (Wi Ha-joon), once a DJ turned gangster, ascends through the criminal ranks to control Gangnam, leaving a trail of violence and domination in his wake. However, The Worst of Evil doesn’t merely observe from the outside; it immerses viewers into the gang’s inner workings and Gi-cheol’s quest for power, painting a nuanced portrayal of its characters. The series meticulously explores the emotional and moral dilemmas faced by these characters, reflecting their inner conflicts and mirrored experiences. The intricate interplay of emotions, evident in the interactions between Jun-mo, Gi-cheol, and Eui-jeong, Jun-mo’s wife, adds depth and intensity to the narrative. The series also features some absolutely fantastic action series that are gritty and yet, coordinated and balanced.
Moving
Undoubtedly one of the biggest K-dramas this year, Moving is another series that deals with parental ties. Set in a world where select individuals possess superpowers, it’s far from the typical superhero tale. Instead, it delves into complex family dynamics, bravery, sacrifice, and political corruption, transcending the superficiality of superhero productions. Kim Bong-seok (Lee Jung-ha), gifted with the ability to fly, conceals his powers under his mother’s (played by Han Hyo-joo) instructions. His encounter with Jang Hui-soo (Kim Yoo-jung), a new student in his school, unravels connections between their parents who were former elite government agents exploited for their powers. The drama masterfully weaves multiple intricate plots, leaving audiences craving more. There are many meaningful sequences that emphasise the characters’ struggles, like Bong-seok’s determined attempts to fly independently. The ensemble cast breathes life into their roles, exploring diverse human relationships — be it parental sacrifices, romantic entanglements, or deeper human values within a world of extraordinary abilities. Moving is an extraordinary series that’s both captivating and relatable, with its unique plot and emotionally resonant storytelling, blending thoughtful emotion into an action-packed thriller.
Queenmaker
There is a thin line and an equally powerful intersection between the corporate world and that of governance politics. Queenmaker stands at this margin. It follows a human rights lawyer Oh Kyung-sook (Moon So-ri) and former corporate strategist Hwang Do-hee (Kim Hee-ae), as they navigate the grisly world of politics through a majestic web of lies, crimes, and cover-ups. If you are looking for something quick and thrilling, this is the perfect watch! Do-hee, once a key figure at the Eunsung Group, discovers horrifying truths about the conglomerate and its involvement in silencing sexual assault allegations. Teaming up with Kyung-sook, and although initially at odds due to their differing ideologies, the two then aim to dismantle the group’s influence and stop the corrupt Baek Jae-min’s ascent to power. The series delves into family cover-ups, scandals, and corruption, confronting contemporary sociopolitical issues and moral ambiguities. The bond between Do-hee and Kyung-sook is especially compelling. Their sisterhood, coupled with powerful performances, makes Queenmaker an amazing female-centric series.
Dr. Cha
Another powerful female-centric K-drama, Dr. Cha follows the life of Cha Jeong-suk (Uhm Jung-hwa), a talented doctor, who sacrifices her career aspirations to become a stay-at-home mom due to societal pressures and her husband’s preferences. Within the confines of her home, however, she is left feeling undervalued and constrained. A pivotal moment occurs when Jeong-suk realises the need for change. Challenging the status quo, she re-enters the workforce and becomes a resident doctor at her husband’s hospital, asserting her independence and self-worth. She transcends the limitations of societal norms, avoiding the fate of being overshadowed and undervalued solely as someone’s mother or wife. Jeong-suk’s resilience and self-realisation show the importance of acknowledging and asserting one’s worth, ultimately breaking free from the shackles of patriarchy.
Which is your fave K-drama of 2023? Tell t2@abp.in
