Korean dramas, riding on the ‘Hallyu’ wave are just going high with stronger scripts and engaging storytelling and makers made sure to continue this streak in 2023 as well. From swoon-worthy romance to vengeful revenge and slice-of-life stories to the dark tales of glamorous lives of social media influencers, this year’s dose of k-dramas had all of us covered.
The hallyu, or the Korean wave is expected to only grow more after online streaming service Netflix announced, in April this year, to invest $2.5 billion in South Korea over the next four years to produce Korean TV series, movies, and unscripted shows.
But it may not come easy for Netflix as rising popularity of k-dramas has flagged off a race between streaming services also with Rakuten Viki and Disney+ claiming their share in some of the top rated shows this year.
Here is a list of top 10 k-dramas of 2023 in no particular order but many spoilers.
Crash Course In Romance
This one show would resonate well with the Indian audience for its depiction of the education system in South Korea which is very similar back home. Amid private educational institutions minting on fear of cut-throat competitive exams and parents with unexpectedly high hopes, celebrity maths teacher Choi Chi-yeol (Jung Kyun-ho) offers to tutor Nam Hae-yi (Roh Yoon-seo) and in the process crosses path with Hae-yi’s aunt Nam Haeng-son (Jeon Do-yeon).
Where to watch: Netflix
The Good Bad Mother
Young soon (Ra Mi-ran), a single mother, raises his son Choi Kang-ho (Lee Do-hyun) to be a prosecutor to ensure justice for his slain husband. The harsh treatment meted out by Young soon during Kang-ho’s childhood only grows them apart but an accident involving Kang-ho changes everything and what follows are startling revelations. The show offers a mixed-bag of emotions, dynamic support cast, and a tight script, thus making its way to the list of top dramas of 2023.
Where to watch: Netflix
The Glory
Song Hye-kyo returns to the screen as Moon Dong-eun in this savage revenge drama who is at the receiving end of merciless bullying at school. The dark tone sets the mood right topped with on-point performance by the cast. The prelude is disturbing and heavy but Dong-eun’s cold vengeance is satisfying. The drama sits at the crossroads of social exploitations borne out of class differences.
Where to watch: Netflix
D.P. Season 2
Deserter Pursuit (D.P.) was renewed for a second season this year delving into the ugly realities of Korean military, but season 2 also focused on development of the characters
Where to watch: Netflix
Celebrity
This k-drama takes you behind the screens and into the dark world of glitzy social media influencers driven by algorithms. The top shots of the social media industry in Seoul fall off the chair after Seo A-ri (Park Gyu-young), who was otherwise assumed dead, starts a live stream days later unravelling their unpleasant secrets. The show aptly layers glamour of the influencers with sleek fashion, beeline of high-end luxury brand endorsements with ugly world of greed, drugs, and extortion.
Where to watch: Netflix
Daily Dose Of Sunshine
The Korean title of the show which loosely translates to “morning comes even in the mental ward” appropriately describes the plot. The story follows the life of young nurse Jung Da-eun (Park Bo-young) working in the mental ward of a hospital until ending up at one. Each episode is a story of a different patient facilitating a perspective into the intricacies of various mental health issues with encapsulating visuals, making the show a must watch.
Twinkling Watermelon
You know you are watching a good show if you are left with tears but can’t decide whether it's because you laughed too hard or cried profusely, and Twinkling Watermelon is that one drama. Ha Eun-gyeol (Ryeoun) is the youngest son and the only hearing member of a family who time travels to the past and has the chance to change the fortunes of his parents, which would in turn change his. A young cast with top-notch acting and engaging storyline makes it one of the best k-dramas of 2023.
Where to watch: Rakuten Viki, Viu
Destined With You
Lee Hong-jo (Jo Bo-ah) wants her crush to like her back but in her attempts entangles with Jang Sin-yu (Rowoon) in this fantasy rom-com. Although, the duo crossing paths is not a coincidence but a way for Shin-yu to end centuries-old curse on him.
Where to watch: Netflix
Behind Your Touch
This suspense rom-com will keep you hooked till the end as a psychic veterinary Bong Ye-bun (Han Ji-min) and detective Jang Yeol (Lee Min-ki) join forces to catch a serial killer in a small-town. The pace of the show — also featuring Suho from boyband EXO — is complemented with compelling background scores and topped with witty scenes amid the chaos of serial murders.
Where to watch: Netflix
If you have already watched the above shows, like the author of this article, don’t worry, there’s more of them.
Here are some other k-dramas from 2023 that make for a good watch: Doctor Cha, Mask Girl, King The Land, See You In My 19th Life, Strong Girl Nam soon, Love To Hate You, Moving, Good Day To Be A Dog, Worst of Evil, Perfect Marriage Revenge, Castaway Diva among others.