Never miss out on any series in the roster of 2023 Korean dramas!
Bookmark this feature as KDRAMADIARY will constantly update this throughout the year along with the monthly list.
Our team follows a slightly different calendar in consideration of some dramas aired in the month of December that crosses over to the new year.
Our coverage includes 01 December 2022 to 30 November 2023 Korean dramas plus all series ending before the 31st of December but may extend up to the second Sunday of January 2023.
Additionally, daily/weekend family dramas and some web dramas our team doesn’t have video source access to are not included.
In case you missed it, below is our 2021 list of must-watch Korean dramas, yearly drama picks, and 2021 monthly list.
2021 Best Korean Dramas: The Year of Imaginative Thrillers and Historical Dramas’ Resurgence
Best Korean Drama List: 2000 – 2005 | 2006 – 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
2023 Monthly K-Drama List: December 2022 | January 2023 |
Now, here are confirmed 2023 Korean Dramas to keep tabs on this season.
Note that we do a weekly recap, catch-up recap (3 episodes and more), and regular review coverage (opening-mid-series-review).
We usually preview all dramas. But to keep our sanity, we follow a rule to watch all the series up to its middle part, especially those with bad premieres. If there’s really no potential to improve, we give up on it and move on.
Also, to comply with DMCA rules, there are dramas that we cannot recap. Thus, we can only write a review.
March 2023 Korean Dramas
Delivery Man | ENA | Mar 01
- Streaming Site: Viu
The series follows the story of a taxi driver named Young-min who drives ghosts as his customers. He chances upon Ji-hyun a wandering soul who lost her memories. Anticipation is expected on what kind of special guests will take a ride to the strange ghost taxi.
It stars Yoon Chan Young and Bang Minah.
“Delivery Man” Displays Dynamic Relationship Between Yoon Chan Young and Bang Minah
Divorce Attorney Shin | Mar 04 | JTBC
- Streaming Site: Netflix
Divorce Attorney Shin tells the story of a 45-year-old piano artist turned divorce lawyer, Shin Sung-han, played by Cho Seung Woo.
He will encounter different disputes in marriage and brings back together married couples and solves their family problems. It will also show stories he shared with his two best friends.
Han Hye Jin will take on the role of Lee Seo-jin, the female lead in the drama. Rounding up the lead cast are Kim Sung Kyun and Jung Moon Sung who will be playing the roles of Cho’s friends in the series.
“Divorce Attorney Shin” Drives Interest With Newly Released Teasers
Oasis | KBS2 | Mar 06
- Streaming Site: TBA
Oasis depicts the story of three young people who fiercely work hard to protect their dreams, friendship, and once-in-a-lifetime first love against the backdrop of a turbulent Korea from the 1980s to the 1990s.
In the drama, Jang Dong Yoon plays Lee Du-hak, a poor young man with kind intentions and a pure soul. He embraces a heartfelt love affair when he fell in love at first sight with a transfer student from Seoul. Along with that, he confronts a tumultuous life as he gets caught up in an unexpected incident.
Seol In Ah plays Oh Jung-jin who can’t stand injustice so she fights against it. She has a candid and confident personality to work toward achieving her dream. After transferring to a new school, she forms a strong friendship and young love with Lee Du-hak and Choi Cheol-woong, creating unforgettable memories of her school days.
Rookie actor Choo Young Woo takes on the role of Choi Cheol-woong, a friend of Du-hak. They grew up together since childhood. He is an elite who is also at the top of the class. Ambitious and driven, he doesn’t like losing. While he seems to have almost everything, he cannot win the heart of the only girl he likes
“Oasis” Marks Out Beautiful Shining Moments Of Youth With Unveiled Poster
The Glory Part 2 | Mar 10 | Netflix
- Streaming Site: Netflix
Circling Yeon-jin and other perpetrators sinking into the pits of hell created by Dong-eun as payback; The Glory Part 2 will mark the finale of Dong-eun’s masterful revenge, which she has plotted for her lifetime.
Directed by Ahn Gil Ho and written by Kim Eun Sook, The Glory follows the elaborate revenge planned by Moon Dong-eun (Song Hye Kyo), whose youth was ruined by perpetrators who trampled on her soul through violence.
“The Glory Part 2” Peeks At The Roaring Excitement Of Song Hye Kyo’s Vengeance Realization
Pandora: Beneath The Paradise | Mar 11| tvN |
- Streaming Site: Disney+
When Hong Taera’s lost memories begin to return, the illusion of her perfect life will shatter, leaving her with a singular focus – revenge.
Pandora: Beneath the Paradise is created by Kim Sunok, the mastermind behind the hit series The Penthouse: War in Life and Return, and is directed by Choi Younghoon (One the Woman, Good Casting).
“Pandora: Beneath The Paradise” Vaunts Life-Risking Revenge of Lee Ji Ah
The Secret Romantic Guesthouse | Mar 20 | SBS
- Streaming Site: Viu
The Secret Romantic Guesthouse tells the story of a boarding house owner and three handsome scholars.
Penning the script are writers Kwon Eun Mi (Woman With A Suitcase, Gapdong, Royal Family) and Kim Ja Hyun (Bukchon Banseonbi’s Path to Success); the drama will be directed by Kim Jung Min of Royal Secret Agent, Grand Prince and The Princess’ Man fame.
Billed as a mystery romance among close-knit four youths, the series stars Shin Ye Eun as the boarding house owners while Ryeoun, Kang Hoon and Jung Gun Joo take the roles of the three scholars.
“The Secret Romantic Guesthouse” Hints At Furtive Romance In Released Teaser Poster
Joseon Lawyer | Mar 31 | MBC
- Streaming Site: TBA
Joseon Lawyer depicts the story of a Joseon-era lawyer who takes revenge on enemies who killed his parents by utilizing his trial skills. Moreover, his character also grows into a real lawyer for the people.
It is a delightful and exhilarating Joseon Dynasty court retribution action drama that shows that true payback is valuable when doing righteous things.
“Joseon Lawyer” Presents Character Stills Of Woo Do Hwan, Cha Hak Yeon and Kim Ji Yeon
Duty After School | March TBA | TVING
- Streaming Site: Viu | tvN Asia
What would you do if your school’s extracurricular activity was mandatory military service amid a real war? A class of students undergoes training to form a platoon of soldiers to fight against alien invaders during a sudden apocalyptic event.
Sci-fi aficionados will be thrilled to catch the anticipated Duty After School, a dystopian drama about high school students who were tasked to join the world’s first war against extraterrestrial forces.
Putting aside their stationery for weapons, the students bravely put up a fight against the invasion of bizarre creatures.
“Duty After School” Announces Cast Lineup Headlined By Shin Hyun Soo and Im Se Mi
2023 MBC Korean Dramas
Flowers That Bloom At Night
Flowers That Bloom At Night tells the story of a widow who lives a double life and goes beyond the wall at night to help people with an officer admired by many.
Lee Ha Nee plays the role of Jo Yeo-hwa, a widow with two faces who is the daughter-in-law of a powerful noble family. She lives quietly without seeing the world outside as a modest virtuous woman during the day. At night, when the sun goes down, she jumps over the fence and takes care of those in need without anyone knowing.
Living a spectacular double life, she accidentally gets entangled with Park Su-ho, and dreams of a tomorrow she has never imagined. Lee Jong Won plays the role of Su-ho, a junior officer labeled as a “renaissance man” for his excellent martial arts skills and genius brain.
Numbers
A thrilling underdog workplace story will unfold in Numbers!
Scheduled to air in the first half of 2023, Numbers presents an office drama featuring a high school graduate accountant who fights against the absurdities of a giant accounting firm.
Realizing justice in a way that is unlikely for an accountant; Numbers explores the world of accounting firms and accountants, foreshadowing the birth of a drama that will provide a riveting adventure.
MBC Drama “Numbers” Taps Kim Myung Soo and Choi Jin Hyuk In Main Leads
KBS2 2023Korean Dramas
My Heart Beats
My Heart Beats (LT) foretells the cohabitation story between a half-human-half-vampire and a recluse woman who somehow starts living together and finds true warmth.
Ok Taecyeon portrays Seon Woo-hyul, a trendsetter who ensures he’s the first to try novelty items that come into the land as soon as it becomes available. He is also desperate to become a human.
Ok Taecyeon and Won Ji An Team Up For A Living-Together Fantasy-Romance Drama
Pure Boxer
WINNER’s Kim Jin Woo (also known as JINU) takes on a role in KBS 2TV’s new Sports-themed series. On January 10, YG Entertainment confirms JINU’s appearance in the drama Pure Boxer. The network’s upcoming series is a Sports drama based on the novel Pure Boxer Lee Kwon Sook.
Kim Jin Woo will portray Han Jae Min. He is a “face genius” that everyone acknowledges. Interestingly, he also works as the Deputy Principal of a kindergarten.
He is the first love of genius boxer Lee Kwon Sook. Portraying Jae-min’s love interest is actress Kim So Hye (Best Chicken, Her Bucket List).
WINNER’s JINU To Star In KBS Sports Drama
SBS 2023 Korean Dramas
Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim 3
is a drama depicting the story of a pragmatic doctor taking place in a poor local Doldam Hospital. The first season, broadcast in 2016, recorded the highest rating of 27.6%, and the second season, broadcast in 2020, recorded the highest rating of 27.1%, receiving great love for two consecutive seasons.
At the center of the story is Doctor Kim, played by Han Suk Kyu. Correspondingly, in the 3rd season, he reprises his role along with Ahn Hyo Seop and Lee Sung Kyung who both joined in the second season.
The Devil | June 2023
The Devil traverses the story of a woman possessed by evil spirits and a man who can see demons. It is a cryptic thriller that would delve into mysterious deaths surrounding five people.
Notably, this will be writer Kim’s return to SBS after nine years since Three Days. Her recent acclaimed works include Jirisan, Kingdom and Signal.
She will work together with Director Lee Jung Rim who previously worked on lauded series, VIP.
“The Devil” Drops Eerie Teaser Video Featuring Kim Tae Ri and Oh Jung Se
The First Responders 2
Following its engaging first season, Taewon Police and Firefighters will meet the audience when the second season commences.
7 Escape
7 Escape narrates the story of seven people who are involved in the disappearance of a girl. Lies and desires intertwine leading to the girl’s vanishing.
Directed by Joo Dong-min, and penned by Kim Soon Ok – the duo famous for The Last Empress and Penthouse; the series aims at another hit drama. Backing up the production is the production company Chorokbaem Studio.
JTBC 2023 Korean Dramas
Doctor Cha Jeong Suk
Starring Uhm Jung Hwa and Kim Byung Chul, the series depicts the conflicted life of Cha Jeong-suk who became a first-year resident doctor after being a 10-year housewife. Confronting a life reboot challenge after her husband’s betrayal, the story brings thrilling laughter and empathy.
Hip
Top-billed by Han Ji Min who plays veterinarian Ye-bun with psychometric powers, she intertwines with hot-blooded detective Jang Yeol, portrayed by Lee Min Ki. They solve minor crimes in a small town called Mujin.
King the Land
Stoic chaebol heir meets cheerful hotelier in the new JTBC series, King The Land! To launch in 2023, the series is billed as a romantic comedy about a man who despises laughter and a woman who needs to keep smiling because of her job.
“King The Land” Top-Billed By Lee Jun Ho and Im Yoon Ah Unfurls Interesting Character Sketches
Bad Mother
Chronicling the moving and healing comedy life of Young-soon, a mother who had no choice but to become a bad mother to her children, and Kang-ho, a prosecutor’s son who became her child one day, restoring the mother-child relationship. Ra Mi Ran, Lee Do Hyuna and Ahn Eun Jin star in the series.
Miracle Brother
A stubborn aspiring writer named Dong-ju (Jung Woo) who has only debt meets Kang-san (Bae Hyun Sung), a young man with mysterious powers.
Strong Girl Nam Soon
The series broadens the worldview of the 2017 JTBC hit series Strong Girl Bong Soon. It is regarded as the first series to feature the first female superhero in a Korean drama. The spinoff focuses on a drug-crime story in Gangnam among Bong-soon’s relatives: cousin Nam-soon and her mother Geum-ju and grandmother Joong-gan.
Kim Jong Eun, Lee Yoo Mi, Kim Hae Sook, Ong Seong Wu and Byeon Woo Seok will appear in the series written by Baek Mi-kyung.
Lee Yoo Mi, Ong Seong Wu and Byeon Woo Seok To Appear In “Strong Woman Kang Nam Soon”
Playing Woman
A reversal and thrilling romance between Ji-hwan, the older brother who cleared a dark past, and Eun-ha, the mini-sister who plays with the children. Ji-hwan will be played by Uhm Tae-goo, and Eun-ha will be played by Han Sun Hwa.
Accordingly, three dramas are also underway. Going to the End (WT) threads on a refreshing justice collaboration between a man and a woman who reunited as divorce solvers.
In This Love Is Force Majeure – an irresistible romance between a woman who obtained a forbidden book that was thoroughly sealed 300 years ago and a man who became a victim of the forbidden book blossoms.
Lastly, Welcome to Samdali narrates the story of a protagonist who looks like a dragon that ascends to heaven one day after losing everything and then comes back to life. It features healing time given to the lives of still fragile and inexperienced characters and is expected to evoke warm sympathy and laughter among viewers.
tvN 2023 Korean Dramas
Family
Family chronicles the story of a NIS black agent husband who disguises himself as an ordinary office worker and a sweet but secretly fierce wife who dreams of a perfect family.
Jang Jung-do, who oversaw a number of box office hits such as the dramas What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim, Our Blues, and The Crowned Clown, is in charge of directing with Lee Jung Mook. Penning the script is Jung Yoo-sun. Rounding up the lead cast are Chae Jung An and Kim Nam Hee.
In the drama, Jang Hyuk takes on the role of Kwon Do-hun, a black agent of the National Intelligence Service who disguises his identity as an employee of a trading company. He is a veteran sniper with a quick, accurate and neat one-shot, one-kill skill. He estranges himself from his family due to his busy schedule, but he is a husband full of love for his wife.
Next, Jang Nara portrays Kang Yoo-ra, the wife of Do-hun. After meeting her husband, and creating the perfect family she had dreamed of her whole life, she is a housekeeper who tries to protect her family and hides her secret behind her lovely appearance.
Stealer The Treasure Keeper
Stealer: Seven Joseon Coins is a caper comic action series in which a mysterious cultural property thief and an unofficial cultural property recovery team unite against people who cannot be judged by the law. It is scheduled to be organized in April.
Joo Won takes on the role of Hwang Dae-myung, a civil servant belonging to the Cultural Heritage Administration. He is negligent at work and does not seem to have any ambition or passion, but his daily life is greatly shaken as he begins to suspect that he is secretly interacting with an infamous thief specializing in cultural assets.
Joining the actor in the lead cast is Lee Joo Woo who plays the role of Choi Min-woo, an elite police officer full of passion and justice. Next, Jo Han Chul takes the role of Jang Tae-in, the founder of the team ‘Karma’ with a brilliant history as a competent drug squad leader.
Kim Jae Won plays Shin Chang-hoon, a former violent detective with tremendous stamina, and Choi Hwa Jung plays Lee Chun-ja, a secret helper of the sneaky thief who possesses unrivaled hacking skills.
Sword of Aramun: Arthdal Chronicles
Making its return to the small screens after three years, Arthdal Chronicles Season 2 reveals reprisal of roles for Jang Dong Gun and Kim Ok Bin.
Meanwhile, Lee Joon Gi and Shin Se Kyung join the lead cast as Eunsom/Saya and Tanya, respectively.
The sequel to Arthdal Chronicles picks up from the initial premise. Lee Joon Gi transforms into the characters of Eunsom and Saya who both have become a force to reckon with in the eastern part of the kingdom of Arth. Shin Se Kyung plays the role of Tanya who rose from a powerless slave of the Wahan tribe to the position of a high priestess. She obtains the unimaginable power of Arthdal.
Correspondingly, Jang Dong Gun as Tagon has taken the throne and the narrative continues on the premise that eight years already passed.
For 8 years, Arthdal succeeded in suppressing the massive rebellion of the tribes slaughtered by Tagon in Season 1, and the Ago tribe finally achieved the grand unification of 30 clans under the command of Eunseom. Additionally, the story follows Tagon’s Arthdal Kingdom and Eunseom’s Ago Alliance facing an unavoidable great war with the Astral Continent.
Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938
As hinted by the title, the Lee brothers are set to embark on a new challenge in the year 1938. This news piques interest because we can see a retro vibe mixing the signature Korean folklore in Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938.
Reprising their roles are popular actors Lee Dong Wook and Kim Bum as Lee Yeon and Lee Rang respectively. Joining them in the lead cast are Kim So Yeon and Ryu Kyung Soo.
This time, Lee Yeon is set to embark on an adventure in an era of chaos in 1938, thus providing a different feel from the first season.
Still, the second season incorporates the trademark plot which exquisitely weaves Korean folklore featuring indigenous deities, native ghosts and fairy tale characters.
Also returning as the creative team members are Director Kang Shin Hyo and writer Han Woo Ri.
The Uncanny Counter 2
Boasting a more powerful cast; Jo Byung Gyu, Yoo Jun Sang, Kim Sejeong, and Yeom Hye Ran, who showed fantastic chemistry in Season 1 reprise their roles in the eagerly-awaited superhero series. Joining them in the cast are Jin Sun Kyu, Kang Ki Young, Kim Hee-ra, and Yoo In Soo.
The Uncanny Counter 2 predicts upgraded exhilarating adventures of demon-breaking heroes as the diligent “counters” face stronger demons. Exciting action sequences are predicted along with the expected craze.
See You In My 19th Life
See You In My 19th Life traces the story of Ban Ji-eum, played by Shin Hye Sun, who remembers her past lives after repeated rebirths. In her 19th life, she’s on a mission to find Moon Seo-ha whom she met first in her 18th life.
Ahn Bo Hyun portrays Moon Seo-ha, a man who carries trauma after losing loved ones as a child. His first love Yoon Joo-won (Ban Ji-eum’s 18th life) helped him overcome that trauma. Living a recluse life, Ji-eum appears changing Seo-ha’s life dramatically.
Beneficial Fraud (LT)
The series tells the collaboration between two completely different people, a fraudster who cannot empathize and an overly sympathetic lawyer. It is a revenge story against absolute evil.
Director Lee Soo-hyun and Kim Dong-wook, reunite from their series Find Me in Your Memory.
Chun Woo Hee plays Yi-rum, a genius with a brilliant brain and tremendous memorization, but carries deep wounds within.
Queen of Tears
Starring Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won, Queen of Tears is a collaboration between the writer Park Ji Eun (My Love from the Star, Legend of the Blue Sea, Crash Landing on You) and directors Jang Young Woo (Crash Landing on You) and Kim Hee Won (Vincenzo, Little Women).
For the cast, Kim Soo Hyun (It’s Okay Not To Be Okay) and Kim Ji Won (My Liberation Notes) have been selected for the lead roles. They will portray a couple in the drama, and their scenes together will bring laughter and inspiration to the audience.
2023 tvN Dramas Promise High-Quality Stories For Viewers’ Enjoyment
Netflix 2023 Korean Dramas
Doona!
Marking her drama comeback since her lauded performance in the series Anna, Bae Suzy will draw a romantic story with Yang Se Jong. Notably, this will be Yang’s post-military service drama.
Billed as a romance-cohabitation drama, the series promises to set the viewers’ hearts fluttering. It is also based on a webtoon of the same name by Min Song-ah. Anticipate the delicate emotional depiction of a dream-like campus romance featuring an idol-turned-housemate.
Netflix Confirms Bae Suzy and Yang Se Jong Teaming Up For A Campus Romance Series
Gyeongseong Creature
Set to deliver thrill and action, Gyeongseong Creature follows individuals going up against monstrous creatures that were born out of human greed. Set in the spring of 1945, in the city of Gyeongseong, the series is highly anticipated due to the sheer amount of talent tied to it.
The eagerly-awaited series stars Park Seo Joon, Han So Hee, Wi Ha Jun and Claudia Kim.
Netflix Gears Up For “Gyeongseong Creature” Starring Park Seo Joon and Han Soo Hee
All Of Us Are Dead 2
All of Us Are Dead follows the stories of Hyosan High juniors with their struggles in their lives and studies. However, their normal lives turn upside down as they found themselves fighting for survival in a zombie outbreak.
Netflix Announces “All Of Us Are Dead” Season 2
Queen Maker
A master of image-making and controlling the strategic planning office of a large corporation jumps into the election campaign to make a human rights lawyer attacking a conglomerate company.
Headlining the series are notable actresses Kim Hee Ae and Moon So Ri. The screenplay will be written by Moon Ji Young (Style, Who Are You) with director Oh Jin Seok (Yongpal, My Sassy Girl) calling the shots of the production.
Black Knight
Taking a futuristic concept, Black Knight threads on the premise of an air-polluted world in 2071, where people depend on respirator masks to breathe. Only one percent of the human race has survived and a strict social stratification has been established in the deserted lands of the Korean Peninsula.
The series stars Kim Woo Bin, Esom and Kang Young Seok.
Netflix Decks New Series “Black Knight” Starring Kim Woo Bin, Esom and Kang You Seok
Goodbye Earth
Grabbing attention with the collaboration of director Kim Jin Min of My Name and Extracurricular and writer Jeong Seong Ju, which will undoubtedly be a work worth anticipating for the series.
Goodbye Earth tells the story of people living in a world in chaos in the last 200 days. This leads up to the foretold apocalypse when the Earth collides with an asteroid.
Web Dramas | Other 2023 Korean Dramas
Death’s Game | TVING
Death’s Game traverses the life transition drama of Choi Yi-jae, who confronts 12 lives and deaths, right before going to hell.
Confirmed in the lead cast of the series based on the Naver webtoon are Seo In Guk and Park So Dam.
In the drama, Seo In Guk portrays Choi Yi-jae who lost the will to live after failing to get a job for seven years. Growing up underprivileged, he has faced cruel treatment, often bearing the bitter taste of life.
Park So Dam plays the role of Death, a mysterious being who judged Choi Yi-jae with 12 deaths and lives before falling to hell. The actress is expected to breathe life into a compelling character.
“Death’s Game” Piques Interest With Puzzling Plot Starring Seo In Guk and Park So Dam
Bad Luck Day | TVING
Based on a Naver webtoon of the same name, Bad Luck Day draws attention with a lineup of remarkable actors including Lee Sung Min, Yoo Yeon Seok, and Lee Jung Eun.
Bad Luck Day (LT) is a thriller series about an ordinary taxi driver who picks up a customer who offers a lot of money to Mokpo, but realizes that he is a serial killer and begins to drive in fear.
TVING Affirms Lee Sung Min, Yoo Yeon Seok and Lee Jung Eun In New Thriller Series
The Mysterious Candy Store
Based on a popular novel, the two actresses are billed to bring warmth to a new fantasy story.
The series is a fantasy drama depicting the magical story of the cryptic candy store Jeoncheondang, where the mysterious owner Hong-ja sells wishes-granting sweets to the people who visit.
This is a work inspired by the popular novel The Strange Sweets Shop Jeoncheondang by Reiko Hiroshima.
Director Park Bong-seop of The Uncanny Counter and Eve is in charge of the series.
Goosebumps | kakao TV
Billed as an 8-episode omnibus drama, Goosebump tells the story of the horrors that are often encountered in everyday life. It has previously announced Choi Ji Woo and Choi Min Ho as part of the lead characters in varying episodes.
Make sure to update your watch list of 2023 Korean dramas.
Photos: Respective agencies of aforementioned actors
[wpedon id=”2271″ align=”center”]
