The year 2023 has been a remarkable one for Korean dramas, with several high-quality shows across genres captivating global audiences. Ranging from poignant romantic tales to gripping thrillers, these 11 Korean dramas stood out as best with their strong writing, brilliant acting, slick production values and ability to evoke a wide range of emotions.
1. The Glory (Netflix)
The Glory is a revenge thriller starring Song Hye-kyo as Moon Dong-eun, a woman who sets an elaborate plan over 20 years to get back at her high school bullies. This intense and gripping series deals with serious issues like bullying and trauma. Dong-eun methodically ruins the lives of her tormentors, delivering a darkly satisfying payoff. With its shocking plot twists and stellar performances, The Glory is undoubtedly one of the top Korean dramas of 2023.
2. Moving (Disney+)
Moving is a groundbreaking superhero series based on a popular Korean webtoon. It follows three teenagers who inherited special powers from their parents and now face threats from a dangerous organization. With its expansive storytelling, nuanced characters, social commentary, and spectacular visual effects, Moving has been a global phenomenon, even outperforming Marvel and Star Wars content. It features ensemble cast Lee Jung-ha, Ryu Seung-ryong, Go Youn-jung and others.
3. Twinkling Watermelon (Disney+)
This charming coming-of-age drama is about Ha Eun-gyeol, a music prodigy from a deaf family who accidentally time travels to 1995. He forms a band called Watermelon Sugar and finds kinship with other young musicians. With its nostalgic setting, relatable characters, wholesome romance and fantastic soundtrack, Twinkling Watermelon tugs at the heartstrings. It stars Ryeoun, Choi Hyun-wook, Seol In-ah.
4. My Demon (iQiyi)
My Demon is a fantasy rom-com starring Song Kang and Kim Yoo-jung. It follows a 200-year old demon who loses his powers and gets entangled with a chaebol heiress. With its quirky premise, steamy chemistry between the lead couple, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, My Demon puts an entertaining spin on the immortal-mortal love story trope.
5. Mask Girl (Netflix)
Mask Girl is a dark thriller K-drama about Kim Mo-mi, an insecure woman who becomes an anonymous internet celebrity. But when her identity is revealed, her life spirals out of control. The series examines relevant themes like misogyny and violence against women. With its unpredictable twists and superb acting by leads Kim Sun-a, Yoo Sun and Nana, Mask Girl keeps viewers hooked and disturbed at the same time.
6. Crash Course in Romance (Netflix)
This romantic comedy features one of Korea’s most acclaimed actresses, Jeon Do-yeon. She plays a single mom who falls for her teenage son’s arrogant math tutor, played by Jung Kyung-ho. Though the premise seems familiar, clever writing and heartfelt performances elevate this series into an enjoyable watch. The lead couple’s quirky chemistry carries the show.
7. Behind Your Touch (Netflix)
Behind Your Touch is an offbeat romantic mystery starring Han Ji-min as a veterinarian with psychic powers who helps a detective solve crimes. With supernatural elements interwoven into a police procedural, this show offers something new to the genre. Han and her co-star Lee Min-ki display endearing chemistry, delivering plenty of comedic moments too.
8. Island (Amazon Prime)
The second season of this fantasy exorcism K-drama brings back stars Kim Nam-gil, Lee Da-hee, Cha Eun-woo and Sung Joon. Their characters continue their dark adventures, using magical powers to fight evil spirits on a mysterious island. Island brings together Korean mythology, shamans, ghosts, and action for an exciting watch. Fans will surely enjoy the new dangers the team faces.
9. Destined With You (Disney+)
Destined With You is a romantic fantasy starring SF9’s Rowoon as a cursed lawyer fated to keep repeating the same day unless he finds true love. His destined partner turns out to be a government clerk played by Jo Bo-ah. Their sweet chemistry and the supernatural premise make this an engaging watch. And the leads look stunning together!
10. My Perfect Stranger (Netflix)
My Perfect Stranger is a fantasy romance about a present-day news anchor who somehow gets connected to a man in the 1980s through a time loop across decades. Starring popular actors Kim Dong-wook and Jin Ki-joo, this melodramatic series has a nostalgic atmosphere and plenty of swoon-worthy moments as the couple tries to alter fate.
11. Death’s Game (Netflix)
Death’s Game is a Korean adaptation of the Japanese manga series “Death Note”. It follows genius psychopath Yee-jae who comes across a magical notebook that allows him to kill anyone just by writing their name. He engages in a thrilling cat-and-mouse game with a relentless detective trying to uncover his identity. Lead actors Seo In-guk and Park So-dam showcase incredible performances in this gripping, high-stakes series.
Also Read: 12 Best Korean Movies of 2023
With their expansive storytelling, gripping narratives and stellar performances, these 11 shows represent the best of Korean dramas that 2023 had to offer. As the Hallyu wave continues to sweep the world, fans eagerly await what 2024 has in store for the vibrant Korean entertainment industry.
