The South Korean entertainment industry never lets you down. One of their offerings, Korean dramas or K-dramas, have successfully grabbed the attention of mainstream fans over the last few years.
With time, they have changed in terms of themes, genre, and style. From history buffs to fantasy lovers, there is something for practically everyone. In recent years, the Korean drama industry has capitalized on its huge popularity, creating some of the best big-budget fantasy, historical, romantic, and twisted survival tales out of thin air.
Each year has seen the industry evolve to greater heights with storytelling techniques, cinematography, and more. This has led to the creation of certain shows that have inked a place for themselves in the heart of the community. Prepare to live, laugh, and love as we take a look at the seven best K-dramas that fans can entertain themselves with within 2023.
Disclaimer: This article is subjective and reflects the writer’s opinions.
Hellbound, Navillera, and 5 more Korean dramas that showcase the industry’s best work
1) Hellbound
Genre: Dark fantasy
Release date: November 19, 2021
Number of episodes: 6
Platform: Netflix
What would people do if massive demons started torturing and killing everyone on the streets while openly “condemning them to hell?” Well, this is what Hellbound is about. It is a terrifying and thought-provoking Korean drama about religion gone wrong. The series is dark, full of harsh explorations of faith, and has a contagious social frenzy.
Hellbound, directed by Yeon Sang-ho, is a slower and more sombre drama than his zombie smash film, Train to Busan. However, he has used his storytelling ability to address uncomfortable questions about humanity without skipping a beat. So, if you are in the mood for something scary and terrifying, Hellbound is a great choice.
2) The Silent Sea
Genre: Science fiction
Release date: December 24, 2021
Number of episodes: 8
Platform: Netflix
The Silent Sea is a science fiction-horror K-drama set in space. It revolves around a few people investigating an abandoned research facility where a tragedy has occurred. When the crew fearfully enters Balhae station, with the mission of obtaining valuable samples that could help create water, trouble starts to unfold. This series features stunning and realistic visuals, ranging from the scene of the future Earth to the strange moon where the research base is situated.
This show features the talented Bae Doona and Gong Yoo. Furthermore, this drama is a small stride for humanity, but a giant leap for the K-drama. So if you love suspense, it has plenty of mysteries and thrill to offer you. Moreover, with all the betrayals and plot twists scattered throughout the dystopian story, The Silent Sea is binge-worthy.
3) Navillera
Genre: Feel good
Release date: March 22, 2021
Number of episodes: 12
Platform: Netflix
One of the most recent Netflix Original K-dramas, Navillera was released in 2021. It stars Park In-hwan as Shim Deok-chul, a recently retired mailman who has just turned 70. Deok-chul decides to pursue his ambition of becoming a ballet dancer since he is feeling unfulfilled in life. Yet, in addition to struggling with his Alzheimer’s getting worse, he also has to contend with starting late. One day, he discovers Lee Chae-rok (Song Kang), a young guy rehearsing ballet for a competition.
When Chae-rok and Deok-chul cross paths, they become friends and support one another in doing what makes them happy. Furthermore, Navillera tackles difficult subjects like mortality, ageing, Alzheimer’s, and the difficulties people may face due to their gender, class, or age in pursuing their goals. The primary reason why you may like the K-drama is due to the compelling plotline that enables viewers to experience the emotions and aspects of Korean culture.
4) All of Us Are Dead
Genre: Zombie apocalypse
Release date: January 28, 2022
Number of episodes: 12
Platform: Netflix
All of Us Are Dead is a zombie horror drama that is based on Now at Our School, a webtoon by Joo Dong-Geun. It tells the tale of a zombie virus causes an accident, leaving South Korean high school students unable to communicate with the outside world. As they don’t have any supplies or other means of getting help, they need to rely on each other and find whatever resources they can to survive.
Even though the program is a horror thriller, it touches on many social issues. The Netflix series All of Us Are Dead, which premiered on January 28, 2022, has quickly gained the love of all Korean drama fans. So, do you want to watch a great horror show with a compelling story that will hold your interest from the opening scene? Then this one is definitely for you.
5) Alchemy of Souls
Genre: Fantasy
Release date: June 18, 2022
Number of episodes: 28
Platform: Netflix
Set in the fictional nation of Daeho, the story revolves around the “alchemy of souls” magic spell, which permits a spirit to transfer bodies. It is classified as dark magic that people are forbidden from using. This drama follows the love and development of young mages as they fight their twisted fates.
This series has a delightful balance of friendship, love, magic, action, and humor. Moreover, Alchemy of Souls is special because it offers Korean drama fans a fresh flavor to try. Romance, adventure, or fantasy – this show has everything to offer. So, if you want to know more about Uk’s relationship with Mu Deok-i, Naksu’s fight with the soldiers, and how Uk got his powers back, you need to binge-watch Alchemy of Souls.
6) Crash Landing on You
Genre: Romantic comedy
Release date: December 14, 2019
Number of episodes: 16
Platform: Netflix
Crash Landing on You is a K-drama that features a love story between a North Korean soldier and a South Korean heiress. A young, beautiful, and wealthy Yoon Seri (Son Yejin) decides to paraglide on a weekend. Unfortunately, she gets caught up in a cyclone that takes her to North Korea. There, she meets the dashing Captain Ri Jeong Hyeok (Hyun bin). As the K-drama progresses, Se-ri tries to avoid being captured by North Korean soldiers, while Captain Ri Jeong Hyeok tries to keep her safe.
Meanwhile, they can’t resist their growing feelings for each other, even though Jeong-hyeok tries his best to help Se-ri get back to South Korea. Crash Landing on You, a classic Korean drama, is a great way to get to know the rom-com subgenre. Furthermore, even though it was released three years ago, it is still one of the most well-known shows on Netflix.
So, if you love a typical trope of grumpy meets sunshine and want to gush over their chemistry, then you can watch this one with your best friend, your partner, or even alone.
7) Squid Game
Genre: Thriller
Release date: September 17, 2021
Number of episodes: 9
Platform: Netflix
Given the high status of Squid Game, you have likely heard about this one. It’s a great K-drama with a stellar cast that puts a clever spin on genre clichés. Furthermore, this Netflix original shot to the top of the platform’s most-watched series list and grabbed social media traction soon after its release. This makes it an extremely popular choice for binge-watching.
This Korean drama features a group of talented actors like Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon, and Jung Ho-yeon. The nine-episode series follows 456 debt-ridden contestants as they play in a series of children’s games with the hope of winning a life-changing prize. It is action-packed, scary, and interwoven with human emotions. So, if you enjoy an entertaining, unique, and thought-provoking series, then you shouldn’t miss out on Squid Game.
Related news: Netflix: Upcoming Korean film this February 2023
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