As we step into the last month of the year, 2023 really gave us diverse and fantastic K-dramas spanning various genres that we thoroughly enjoyed this year.
From romantic comedies, thrillers, medical dramas, sci-fi, historical tales, and more, 2023 has indeed been a remarkable year for us K-drama fans. Now, let’s talk about the best of the best Korean dramas you can watch on KOCOWA+!
“My Dearest“
Kicking off strongly, Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun Jin’s “My Dearest” stands out as one of the year’s top K-dramas. Set against the backdrop of war, this historical melodrama has woven one of the most beautiful romance stories in Korean drama history. The experience of watching “My Dearest” is truly cinematic, following the tale of Lee Jang Hyun and Yoo Gil Chae amidst the Qing invasion during the Joseon Dynasty.
With its brilliant storytelling, exquisite cinematography, and stellar lead performances, this drama earns a solid 10/10 rating. “My Dearest” consistently garnered high ratings, leading to an extension of episodes, resulting in a 21-episode series. Most recently, the drama clinched ‘Best Actor,’ ‘Best Actress,’ and ‘Daesang (Grand Prize)’ at the “2023 Grimae Awards!”
“Taxi Driver 2“
Following the success of Lee Je Hoon’s “Taxi Driver” in 2021, the second season continues the momentum! Like its predecessor, the new season still revolves around the ‘Rainbow Taxi Company’ team, offering a “revenge-call” service to clients seeking justice for wrongdoings.
“Taxi Driver 2” continues to present various real-life stories in each episode, shedding light on different societal issues and problems that demand our attention. The revenge narratives in “Taxi Driver 2” are upgraded compared to the first season, and it still effectively portrays satisfying revenge!
“My Perfect Stranger“
The best time-traveling drama of the year definitely goes to Kim Dong Wook and Jin Ki Joo’s “My Perfect Stranger!” This time-slip drama follows a man investigating a murder case and a woman seeking to prevent her parents’ marriage, both trapped in the year 1987!
For fans of timeslip dramas, this show is a must-watch. “My Perfect Stranger” doesn’t solely focus on time traveling; it vividly depicts what it was like living in the 80s. Moreover, the series is rich in mysteries, blending seamlessly with emotional family scenes that create a deep connection to the characters.
“Joseon Attorney: A Morality“
Woo Do Hwan and WJSN Bona take us back in time with “Joseon Attorney: A Morality!” Yes, there are a lot of legal K-dramas featuring prosecutors and lawyers but what makes this drama different is it revolves around a wicked attorney who does lawsuits and a princess who cares deeply about her people and it’s all set in Joseon!
The main highlight of this drama lies in the character growth, notably Kang Han Su’s transformation. Initially seeking revenge through legal means, he evolves into a selfless attorney aiding those unfamiliar with the law and lacking representation. The drama also features a strong female lead. Yeon Ju, originating as a princess, assumes the guise of a maidservant managing a merchant house to assist commoners. This legal series intricately weaves together various cases, all interlinked with the main character’s narrative, that’s why everything is tied up in the end!
“Numbers“
K-dramas usually don’t focus on businesses, let alone accounting. Kim Myung Soo and Choi Jin Hyuk’s “Numbers” is an office thriller that follows the first high school graduate accountant to join a top accounting firm in Korea!
“Numbers” provides insight into the accounting world as we witness the main character’s journey from being overlooked by the firm to becoming a reliable accountant fighting for justice. If you find office dramas dull, fear not – this drama stands out. It garners your support for the main character and teaches various accounting terms and jargon useful in everyday life.
“One Day Off“
If we’ll be talking about the underrated hidden gem of the year it would be Lee Na Young’s “One Day Off.” The main theme of the drama is peace, comfort, and empathy as it revolves around a Korean literature teacher who goes on one-day trips to escape her ordinary days.
This drama is set in the 1990s which evokes nostalgia while showcasing the main character exploring diverse places, and cuisines, and meeting people. The beauty of this drama lies in Lee Na Young’s character engaging with others, finding solace and healing through their stories.
“The Escape of the Seven“
For lovers of makjang dramas, Kim Soon Ok’s “The Escape of the Seven” is a must-watch! Featuring an ensemble cast of Um Ki Joon, Hwang Jung Eum, Lee Joon, Lee Yu Bi, Shin Eun Kyung, Yoon Jong Hoon, Go Yoon Hee, and Jo Jae Yoon, the drama revolves around seven people involved in the case of a missing girl.
Known for producing intense dramas like “The Penthouse” and “Cruel Temptation,” Kim Soon Ok doesn’t disappoint with this one. “The Escape of the Seven” manages to show us new things we haven’t seen before in K-dramas and the best part of watching it is you won’t predict what will happen next. The first season concluded in November, with the second season expected to air in March next year!
“My Lovely Boxer“
Sports K-dramas are often hit or miss, but Lee Sang Gyeob and Kim So Hye’s “My Lovely Boxer” is a must-watch! This sports K-drama revolves around a female boxing star who disappeared three years ago to live a new life and faces a new turning point in life upon meeting a cold-blooded agent who treats sports success and athletes with match-fixing for money.
“My Lovely Boxer” is an enjoyable sports romance growth drama that talks about overcoming struggles and traumas, finding support from people around you, and learning more about the boxing industry one of the main characters is a sports agent, a job in which we don’t usually see in K-dramas.
KBS is recognized for its family weekend dramas, including Baek Jin Hee and Ahn Jae Hyeon’s “The Real Has Come,” portraying the tale of an unmarried pregnant woman and man who engage in a false contract, leading to romance, pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing. Similarly, Uee and Ha Jun’s “Live Your Own Life” focuses on a daughter who dedicated her life to her family but breaks away due to the hardship they imposed, seeking an independent life. Both of these 2023 family dramas are worth watching this year.
This year, 2023, boasts several intense dramas, known as makjangs. Park Joo Mi’s “Durian’s Affair” narrates the story of two women from a noble Joseon dynasty family entangled with men through time travel to the year 2023. Seo Ji Hye’s “Red Balloon” involves a woman and her circle striving to achieve their goals post prior setbacks. Additionally, Choi Yoon Young’s “Woman in a Veil” revolves around a woman losing her sight, experiencing ‘Locked-In Syndrome,’ and exchanging her soul with an heiress seeking truth and revenge. These makjangs are a must-watch this year.
After reaching this part we can definitely say that 2023 is a good year for us K-drama fans. The best part? All of these incredible shows are readily available on KOCOWA+!
