Top 7 Most Entertainment K-Drama Movies To Watch In 2023
Korean dramas releasing in January
January spells excitement for fans of Korean dramas and movies with an exciting slate of releases lined up.
After an eventful 2022, which saw amazing content, eyes are now on 2023, which promises to be an entertaining one for K-drama fans.
While there have been several big announcements for the year like new seasons of popular Korean dramas like D.P. Dr Romantic, and Uncanny Encounter, along with new offerings like Vigilante, Gyeongseong Creature, among several others. These Korean dramas and movies are confirmed for release in January.
Top 7 Most Watch Korean Dramas 2023
- JUNG_E — NETFLIX
- CRASH COURSE IN ROMANCE — NETFLIX
- PHYSICAL: 100 — NETFLIX
- POONG, THE JOSEON PSYCHIATRIST 2 — NETFLIX, VIKI RAKUTEN
- BRAIN COOPERATION / BRAIN WORKS — VIKI RAKUTEN
- KOKDU: SEASON OF DEITY — VIKI RAKUTEN
- INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES — VIKI RAKUTEN
1. JUNG_E — NETFLIX
Release date – Jan 20
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This upcoming South Korean movie promises to be a thrilling sci-fi adventure and is the swansong of veteran actress Kang Soo-yeon, often called ‘Korea’s first world star’.
The movie is set in 22nd Century post-apocalyptic dystopian world, with Earth being rendered inhabitable due to war and climate change – almost like what we saw in Wall-E.
It opens at an AI lab with researchers working on cloning the brain of a warrior. Labelling her Jung_E, their first ever AI soldier, who is created to end a civil war. This fascinating action-drama is directed by Hellbound director, Yeon Sang-ho and also stars Kim Hyun-joo and Ryun Kyung-soo.
2. CRASH COURSE IN ROMANCE — NETFLIX
Release date — Jan 14
The narrative follows Nam Haeng-sun (Jeon Do Yeon), the owner of a shop that sells Korean side dishes, and Choi Chi-yeol (Jung Kyung Ho), a charismatic tutor at a private educational institute.
Their worlds collide when Haeng-sun, preparing for a university entrance exam to complete her studies, runs into Chi-yeol, a boisterous instructor who’s popular for his teaching techniques.
The romcom promises to be an epic journey of love and laughs.
3. PHYSICAL: 100 — NETFLIX
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Release date – Jan 24
This South Korean reality show will feature 100 contestants pushing their physical boundaries and competing in a series of strenuous games. The winner will take home the trophy and a cash prize.
The reality show will put to test not just the contestants’ fitness levels, but also their determination and willpower to face the most exhausting and gruelling challenges to claim the winning spot.
4. POONG, THE JOSEON PSYCHIATRIST 2 — NETFLIX, VIKI RAKUTEN
The lovable Yoo Se-poong (Kim Min-jae) returns with the second season of the endearing superhit period drama. The first season saw Se-poong re-establishing his career as a doctor after being expelled from the Royal court following the King’s death.
During his efforts to restart his career, he meets the widow Seo Eun-woo (Kim Hyang-gi) and a teacher Gye Ji-han (Kim Sang-kyun), and relocates to Gyesu village.
The second season takes off from where the first one left, where we saw Se-poong and Eun-woo’s relationship moving beyond the ‘just friends’ stage. It will be interesting to see what new adventures Se-poong takes us on as he navigates his personal and professional life.
5. BRAIN COOPERATION / BRAIN WORKS — VIKI RAKUTEN
This funny, medical mystery drama stars singer Jung Yong-hwa as the neuroscientist Shin Ha-ru. He has a high IQ level and is forced to work with detective Geum Myung-se (ChaTwe-hyun).
The series funnily classifies them as ‘extraordinary brain’, which is Yong-hwa, and ‘altruistic brain’, Myung-se. The two have polar opposite personalities and are often at loggerheads while solving the complex crime they have teamed up for.
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Their lives are further complicated when they meet Seol S-jung (Kwak Sun-young), an ‘anxious brain’, and the detective’s ex-wife, Kim Mo-ran (Ye Ji-won), a ‘sexual brain’. Full of twists, turns, and comic moments, the K-drama definitely looks like an interesting watch.
6. KOKDU: SEASON OF DEITY — VIKI RAKUTEN
Kokdu/Do Jin-woo is a Grim Reaper (Kim Jung-hyun), who visits the mortal realm every 99 years to unleash his wrath and punish immoral humans he deems unfit to live.
During his visit to Earth, he meets Han Gye-jeol (Im Soo-hyang), a doctor. Gye-jeol possesses mysterious powers and Kokdu gets drawn to her and starts working with her as a doctor.
This fantasy drama brings to the screen yet another mythical being-human love story. It will be interesting to see how Jung-hyun pulls off the character of a Grim Reaper – Lee Dong-wook did a fab job as one in the popular drama Guardian: The Lonely and Great God.
7. INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES — VIKI RAKUTEN
This queer romance revolves around the two exes – Ha Yeon-woo, a filmmaker, and Seong Woo-jae, a writer. The two are separated due to unfortunate circumstances and reunite years later at a time when both are at crossroads again.
The reunion brings on memories of old times as the two slowly heal each other and find love once again. There are very few South Korean dramas about queer romance, thus making this one a much-needed break from regular heterosexual romances.
