2023 is an absolutely thrilling year for K-drama enthusiasts! Brace yourselves for an array of mind-blowing shows that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Choosing which ones to binge-watch is going to be a real challenge. Fear not! This list has meticulously ranked the most captivating K-dramas of 2023, featuring both fresh and ongoing series.
If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming and hilarious romantic adventure, Crash Course in Romance is an absolute gem. It revolves around a mother’s journey through the cutthroat world of Korea’s college entrance exams, all while falling head over heels for a math instructor who happens to be a famous celebrity. History buffs will be thrilled to know that the highly anticipated second season of Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist, has finally arrived! Get ready to be transported back in time. And for those who crave a thrilling and dark storyline, Payback is an absolute must-watch! This revenge-filled thriller showcases a stellar cast of top-notch Korean actors.
So, which K-dramas have won your heart in 2023? We can’t wait to hear your personal favorites! And if you’re hungry for more recent series, don’t forget to explore the top K-dramas of 2022. Happy binge-watching!
1. Bloodhounds
Two young boxers unite to defeat a heartless loan shark who targets vulnerable individuals.
Premiered: June 9, 2023
Actors: Woo Do-hwan, Lee Sang-yi, Park Sung-woong
2. The Glory (Season 2)
A woman puts an elaborate revenge scheme in motion to get back at her bullies.
Premiered: December 30, 2022
Actors: Song Hye-kyo, Lee Do-hyeon, Lim Ji-yeon
3. The Good Bad Mother
A man with the mind of a child embarks on a healing journey with his mother.
Premiered: April 26, 2023
Actors: Ra Mi-ran, Lee Do-hyeon, Ahn Eun-jin
4. Taxi Driver (Season 2)
Taxi Driver (SBS TV, 2021), or Model Taxi, is a South Korean crime TV series that takes inspiration from the webtoon The Deluxe Taxi by Carlos and Lee Jae-jin. The show follows the journey of a former Korea Naval Academy graduate who now works as a taxi driver. However, this isn’t your typical taxi service – they also offer a unique “revenge-call” service to their clients.
Premiered: 2021
Actors: Lee Je-hoon, Esom, Kim Eui-sung
5. Dr. Romantic (Season 3)
Dr. Romantic (SBS, 2016), or as it’s also called Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim, is a medical drama TV series from South Korea. It tells the story of a renowned surgeon known as the “Hand of God” who mysteriously vanishes, only to reappear as “Teacher Kim” in a humble hospital. His mission? To mentor and guide young doctors in their journey.
Premiered: 2016
Actors: Han Suk-kyu, Yoo Yeon-seok, Seo Hyun-jin
6. See You in My 19th Life
Ban Ji-eum is on a mission to reunite with her lost love from her 18th life, a life that was tragically cut short.
Premiered: June 17, 2023
Actors: Shin Hye-sun, Ahn Bo-hyun, Ha Yoon-kyeong
7. Revenant
Gu San-Yeong and Yeom Hae-Sang confront a demon about a series of mysterious deaths.
Premiered: June 23, 2023
Actors: Kim Tae-ri, Oh Jung-se, Hong Gyeong
8. Celebrity
Seo A-ri becomes a social media sensation, but faces dangerous outcomes in the influencer realm.
Premiered: June 30, 2023
Actors: Park Gyu-young, Kang Min-hyuk, Lee Chung-ah
9. Moving
A group of super-powered teenagers battles against powerful governments.
Premiered: August 9, 2023
Actors: Ryu Seung-ryong, Han Hyo-joo, Jo In-sung
10. Crash Course in Romance
A woman faces a competitive environment as she tries to enroll her daughter in a renowned instructor’s class.
Premiered: January 14, 2023
Actors: Jeon Do-yeon, Jung Kyung-ho, Lee Bong-ryun
11. Doctor Cha
A housewife returns as a first-year medical resident and struggles to find her footing.
Premiered: April 15, 2023
Actors: Uhm Jung-hwa, Kim Byung-chul, Myung Se-bin