Not long ago, Parasite won the Oscar award, catapulting the Korean movie industry into the global spotlight. K-Dramas are so addictive and there is no denying the massive amount of popularity they are gaining. n this article, we have compiled a list of the best K-dramas of 2023 including feel-good shows, gripping courtroom dramas, heartwarming love stories, and thrilling suspenseful series. Here is a list of all the highest-ranking and best Korean Dramas of 2023 (so far):
1. Agency | Netflix
Agency is a workplace drama about a woman’s journey up the ladder of corporate success. The show follows the story of a woman named Go A-in (Lee Chang-min) who comes from a humble background and works hard to secure a position in an advertising agency. However, she faces the challenge of being the first female executive in her agency and must establish rapport with her peers. Directed by Lee Chang-min, the show features stars such as Lee Bo-young, Jo Sung-ha, and Son Na-eun in prominent roles. It was released on January 7 on JTBC and is also available for streaming on Netflix. The show has been both a commercial hit and critically acclaimed. If you’re looking for a show that is worth every minute of your time, watch Agency.
2. Crash Course in Romance |Netflix|
Crash Course in Romance is a romantic comedy that was an instant commercial success and has received a 7.9 IMDb rating! The story revolves around Nam Haeng-Sun (Jeon Do-Yeon), an ex-national level athlete and owner of a side-dish shop, and Choi Chi-Yeol (Jung Kyung-ho), a top teacher. Haeng-Sun aims to get her daughter enrolled in top colleges in Seoul. What will happen when the two meet? The story depicts the students’ fierce competition to secure college placements and how these two characters navigate their lives and relationship amidst the everyday hustle. Directed by Yoo Jae-Won and released on January 14, the show is available on Netflix. You might just fall in love with the show!
3. Our Blooming Youth |TvN|
“Our Blooming Youth” is a period drama set in a time of princes and princesses, where not every love story is a fairytale. The show portrays the story of Min Jae-yi, a young aristocratic woman accused of killing her own family, and Lee Hwan, a crown prince afflicted by a peculiar curse. When these two characters cross paths, they attempt to assist each other, face hardships together, and even develop feelings for one another. Directed by Lee Jong-Jae and featuring Park Hyung-Sik, Jeon So-nee, and Pyo Ye-jin in important roles, this series is a must-watch for those who enjoy Korean period dramas.
4. Love to Hate You |Netflix|
This show belongs to the romantic comedy genre and revolves around an ambitious lawyer and a handsome actor who have conflicting views. Yeo Mi-ran is a skilled attorney working at Gilmu Law Firm, handling entertainment industry cases regularly. On the contrary, Nam Gang-Ho is a renowned actor who lacks belief in love and struggles with trust issues concerning women. When their paths intersect, it certainly doesn’t lead to a fairytale romance! Will they undergo a change of heart? Watch to find out. The show offers a lighthearted romantic comedy experience that can uplift your mood on a long day!
5. Call it Love |Disney+Hotstar|
Call It Love is a romance drama series and has received much love since its release. It is about Sim Woo-joo (Lee Sung-Kyung), a lady in distress as she is thrown out of her house by her father’s mistress after his demise. Woo-Joo is hurt and wants to take revenge. So, she approaches Han Dong-jin (Kim Young-Kwang), who is her father’s former mistress’ son. Han, who is lonely and a complete workaholic, also needs someone. But, will they take revenge? How will they heal their broken hearts? We can only know after watching the series. The series is like a healing patch for your soul. It is directed by Lee Kwang-young and is available to watch on Disney+Hostar.
6. Delivery Man |Rakuten Viki|
“Delivery Man” is a fantasy show with a lot of comedy and romance! The series focuses on the life of a taxi driver, Seo Young-min (Yoon Chan-young), who has the ability to see ghosts. He uses his ability to grant the last wishes of his ghost passengers! One fine day, he finds another female ghost, Kang Ji-Hyun (Bang Min-ah), who sits in his taxi. However, she has forgotten about her mortal life and is also stuck with the cab. Now, Ji-Hyun and Young-min grant wishes of dead souls together and even catch a serial killer! The show is directed by Choi Hyeong-Hun and has a very high IMDb rating of 8.1.
7. The Glory Part 2
“The Glory” is a psychological thriller Netflix series that was released in 2022. It is directed by Ahn Gil-ho and stars Song Hye-Kyo, Lee Do-hyun, and Lim Ji-yeon in the main roles. The series revolves around a woman who was bullied during her school years, and the horrific experiences of her school life left her mentally, physically, and emotionally shattered. Years later, she plans to take revenge on all those who bullied her and made her suffer. The second part continues the story depicted in the first part. The show is a dark drama, and if you enjoy watching dark psychological thrillers, then this show is for you. The first part of the series was a huge success, and now its second part is finally here!
8. Oasis |Rakuten Viki|
Oasis is considered one of the best K-dramas of 2023 so far! The show is a coming-of-age drama that is set in South Korea in the 1980s and 1990s when the country was facing political upheaval. It follows the story of two childhood frenemies Lee Du-hak and Choi Cheol-woong. While the former belongs to a poor family, the latter has a wealthy background. They both compete through life’s battles only to take it to an extreme level! The show has beautifully captured the essence of the forgone era and the life story of the two friends-cum-rivals. Oasis is directed by Han Hee and stars Jang Dong-Yoon, Seol In-a, and Choo Yeong-woo in the leading roles.
9. Pandora: Beneath the Paradise |Disney+Hotstar|
You are living a happy and contented life. Suddenly, one day, you realize that you have lost your memories, and now they are coming back to you, revealing horrific incidents. What will you do? Well, this is the whole plot of “Pandora: Beneath the Paradise.” It is a revenge thriller where Hong Tae-ra forgets about her past but later becomes Korea’s first lady and seeks vengeance against all those who have harmed her in the past. The show is directed by Choi Hyeong-Hun and stars Lee Ji-ah, Lee Sang-Yoon, Jang Hee-jin, and Park Ki-Woong in the lead roles.
10. Divorce Attorney Shin |Netflix|
The show is a legal drama based on the webcomic called “Shinsunghan, Yihon” written by Kang Tae-Kyung. It revolves around a professional pianist and music professor who becomes a divorce lawyer due to some tragic circumstances. He encounters numerous eccentric clients on his journey as a lawyer and is determined to help them win at any cost. Watching the journey of a divorce lawyer would be an interesting experience. The show is directed by Lee Jae-hoon and stars Cho Seung-woo, Han Hye-jin, and Kim Sung-Kyun in the main roles.
Pick the genre of your choice and start watching the shows! Meanwhile, we are collecting more such beloved Korean dramas of 2023 and bring to you!