11 Best K-Dramas Of 2023

Korean television dramas in the year 2023 commenced with an exhilarating note, primarily attributable to the heartwarming romantic series, Crash Course in Romance. This show marked the much-anticipated return to the small screen by the acclaimed actress Jeon Do-yeon. Following a remarkable year in 2022, this addictive K-drama swiftly raised the standards for what viewers could anticipate in the current year, and as it stands, 2023 has not failed to live up to those expectations.

In just the initial half of the year, the realm of K-dramas has graced us with new seasons of beloved favorites. These include the return of the fantasy fan-favorite, Tale of the Nine Tailed, the emotionally resonant The Good Bad Mother, and the captivatingly melodramatic revenge saga, The Glory. While a myriad of promising new releases looms on the horizon, such as the live-action adaptation of Moving and Gyeongseong Creature, starring the charismatic Park Seo-joon, let us take a retrospective look at the ten most outstanding K-dramas of 2023 thus far.

11 best k-drama of 2023

• Agency
• Crash Course in Romance
• Dr Romantic (Season 3)
• Love To Hate You
• Oasis
• Queenmaker
• Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938
• Taxi Driver (Season 2)
• The Glory Part 2
• The Good Bad Mother
• Bloodhounds

1. Agency

In the workplace drama Agency, we follow the journey of Go Ah-in, portrayed by Lee Bo-young, as she becomes the first female executive at a prominent advertising agency. Her ambition knows no bounds, as she sets her sights on the CEO position, challenging her work rival for the title. This refreshing drama deviates from romantic subplots, choosing instead to focus solely on Ah-in's pursuit of success. Along the way, it delves into her struggle with childhood trauma, the delicate balance between work and life, and the unique pressures faced by women in the corporate world. Agency is not just relatable but also captivating, drawing viewers into Ah-in's circle of workplace supporters.

2. Crash Course in Romance

In Crash Course in Romance, two romantic storylines intertwine, creating a delightful equation for K-drama enthusiasts. The plot follows the budding romance between private math tutor Choi Chi-yeol, played by Jung Kyung-ho, and the former athlete turned banchan shop owner, Nam Haeng-seon, portrayed by Jeon Do-yeon, all thanks to Haeng-seon's daughter, Nam Hae-yi. This series skillfully blends classic rom-com elements, such as intertwined destinies, heartwarming narratives, enemies-turned-lovers, and friends-turned-lovers, with insightful societal commentary and unexpected thriller elements. The evolving romances among the main characters, their best friends, and their offspring make for an exceptionally enjoyable and comforting viewing experience.

3. Dr Romantic (Season 3)

Amidst a sea of medical soap operas, Dr. Romantic stands out as a beacon of excellence. Now in its third season, this inspirational K-drama continues to follow the brilliant surgeon, Master Kim, played by Han Suk-kyu, and the dedicated staff of Doldam Hospital. Together, they combat healthcare injustices to provide unwavering care for their ailing patients, no matter the cost. With the return of a beloved character from the first season, riveting interpersonal conflicts, intense medical emergencies, and fresh challenges at the new Trauma Centre, Dr. Romantic remains essential viewing.

4. Love To Hate You

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From Love To Hate You presents a somewhat unconventional rom-com premise. Yeo Mi-ran, portrayed by Kim Ok-vin, is a lawyer who employs heartbreak as a form of justice, while Nam Kang-ho, played by Teo Yoo, is a top actor with a strong aversion to women. Their paths cross when Mi-ran joins the law firm representing Kang-ho, leading to an enemies-to-lovers storyline crafted around a faux relationship. While it flirts with familiar tropes, the series offers an entertaining and thought-provoking take on misogyny in Korea, exploring Mi-ran's perspective on men and addressing issues like the gender pay gap and workplace culture.

5. Oasis

Set against the backdrop of 1980s and 1990s South Korea, Oasis unfolds a tale of friendship turning into a love triangle and eventually a rivalry. This K-drama keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with every episode, presenting fully developed characters driven by profoundly human motivations. At its core, Oasis explores flawed individuals navigating imperfect relationships, fueled by selfishness, revenge, and greed, yet still yearning for solace at the journey's end. Without revealing too much, the finale delivers one of the most gratifying conclusions to a tumultuous narrative that has ever graced the screen.

6. Queenmaker

Hwang Do-hee, portrayed by Kim Hee-ae, holds a crucial position within a colossal South Korean conglomerate. However, her life takes a drastic turn when real lives are jeopardized, and the corporation's unethical practices come to light. Seeking justice, with a dash of vengeance, she enlists human rights lawyer Oh Kyung-sook, played by Moon So-ri, to expose the harsh realities of politics, unveiling deep-seated corruption and nepotism.

Rarely witnessed in K-dramas, The Queenmaker delivers politically charged narratives with formidable female protagonists. These women confront the systemic obstacles working against them, offering a sobering and thought-provoking experience. Imperfect yet inspiring, their journey to triumph over adversity resonates profoundly.

7. Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938

Two years ago, the initial installment of Tale of the Nine Tailed left viewers with mixed reactions, as it fell short of lofty expectations regarding South Korean mythology and the supernatural. However, the second season, set in the pivotal year of 1938, exceeded all doubts. It follows Lee Yeon, an immortal nine-tailed fox portrayed by Lee Dong-wook, navigating a complex web of human politics, spiritual realms, and tensions among Japanese officials in Korea during a tumultuous era of imperialism and colonization.

1938 boldly explores fantasy, melodrama, horror, comedy, and the essence of humanity, redeeming any shortcomings of its predecessor with its captivating narrative.

8. Taxi Driver (Season 2)

Revenge narratives are a staple in K-dramas, and Taxi Driver excels in this genre. The series centers around Kim Do-gi, portrayed by Lee Je-hoon, an ex-military man seeking justice for his mother's murder. Operating as a cab driver for Rainbow, a front for vigilantes providing a revenge-call service, Do-gi returns in this thrilling second season. Rainbow reforms to aid more desperate victims, maintaining its successful procedural format by addressing real-world issues like cult leaders, child traffickers, and con artists, delivering the karmic satisfaction often lacking in reality.

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The intense rivalry between these two characters propels the series through unpredictable twists, keeping viewers engaged. Song's performance shines as she conveys her emotions with precision, delivering powerful and impactful moments

9. The Glory Part 2

“Why do the poor believe in things like poetic justice and karma? questions former high school tormentor Park Yeon-jin, played by Lim Ji-yeon, in The Glory: Part 2. Her statement underscores the class disparities central to this gripping drama, where the relentlessly determined Moon Dong-eun, portrayed by Song Hye-kyo, is focused on enacting her long-awaited revenge.

10. The Good Bad Mother

When a life-altering accident regresses her son Choi Kang-ho, mentally to the age of seven, Jin Young-soon, portrayed by veteran actress Ra Mi-ran, is granted a second chance at motherhood. Motivated by the desire to make amends for their estrangement, she embarks on a poignant journey to undo the trauma inflicted on her son.

A Mother's Redemption touches the heart with its portrayal of the complexity of repairing a fractured relationship. The series skillfully balances the perspectives of both children and adults, emphasizing the importance of seeing parents as flawed yet loving individuals. It reminds us that despite their imperfections, parents do their best with the resources they have.

11. Bloodhounds

In Jason Kim's electrifying action-crime drama The Pursuers of Justice, two determined fighters take on a malevolent loan shark. This thrilling Korean Netflix original mirrors the excitement and impact of the streaming platform's previous hits like D.P., Squid Game, and Hellbound in late 2021. While some off-screen drama involving co-star Kim Sae-ron led to last-minute script changes for the final two episodes, the series still delivers an exhilarating midseason stretch that gets the adrenaline pumping like few others.