From heart-stopping romances and pulse-pounding thrillers to epic historical sagas, HallyuBeat curates your go-to K-drama watch list for September 2023 binge-watching.
A Time Called You (Netflix)
A Time Called You is Netflix’s K-drama set to premiere on Sept 8, 2023. Directed by Kim Jin-Won and starring Jeon Yeo-Been, Ahn Hyo-Seop, and Kang Hoon, the drama promises to be a rollercoaster of emotions.
The story revolves around Han Jun-Hee (Jeon), who is grieving the loss of her boyfriend, Ko Yeun-Jun (Ahn). In an unexpected twist, she finds herself transported back to the year 1998, where she becomes a high school student. There, she encounters Nam Si-Heon, the school’s heartthrob, who bears an uncanny likeness to her late boyfriend.
The drama is an adaptation of the 2019 Taiwanese romantic comedy Someday or One Day, which was a massive hit.
Read | A Time Called You director reveals what made him choose the cast
Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun (tvN)
The much-awaited sequel to the epic fantasy drama, Arthdal Chronicles, is set to premiere on Sept 9, 2023. The series is directed by Kim Kwang-shik and features a star-studded cast including Lee Joon-Gi, Jang Dong-Gun, Shin Sae-Kyeong, and Kim Ok-Bin. The storyline picks up eight years after Ta-Gon ascended the throne of Arthdal. Eun-Seom, now the ruler of the East, is gearing up his Ago Union for an impending war against Ta-Gon’s Kingdom. The central question looms: Can Eun-Seom fulfill his ambition of ruling Arthdal?
The Kidnapping Day (ENA)
The Kidnapping Day is a gripping K-drama set to premiere on Sept 13, 2023. Directed by Park Yoo-Young and starring Yoon Kye-Sang, the series delves into the life-altering decisions made by Kim Myung-Joon.
Myung-Joon is a desperate father willing to go to any lengths to save his ailing daughter. The drama takes a twist as Myung-Joon kidnaps 11-year-old Choi Ro-Hee, setting off life-altering events for both.
The Kidnapping Day is based on the critically acclaimed South Korean novel Yoogweui Nal by Jung Hae-Yeon. The series promises to be a thrilling dark comedy that explores the blurred lines between right and wrong.
Han River Police (Disney+)
Meet the contrasting personalities that make up the Han River Police Station in this gripping K-drama. At the heart of the team is Han Doo-Jin (Kwon Sang-Woo), a fiery officer whose sense of justice is as strong as his temper. His polar opposite is the laid-back Police Officer Lee Cheon-Seok (Kim Hee-Won), who brings a different approach to law enforcement. Rounding out the squad are the diligent Do Na-Hee (Bae Da-Bin) and the resourceful Kim Ji-Soo (Shin Hyun-Seung). Together, they face a myriad of challenges to ensure the safety of citizens frequenting the scenic Han River and its environs, all while solving the crimes that inevitably occur in the area.
If you’re looking for a drama that combines the thrill of police work with the complexities of human relationships, Han River Police is the show for you. This ensemble cast brings to life a story that is as much about the officers’ internal dynamics as it is about the external challenges they face in keeping the Han River area safe.
7 Escape (SBS)
7 Escape is an upcoming K-drama set to premiere on Sept 15, 2023. Directed by Joo Dong-Min, the series boasts an ensemble cast featuring Um Ki-Joon, Hwang Jung-Eum, Lee-Joon, Lee Yu-Bi, Shin Eun-Kyung, Yoon Jong-Hoon, and Jo Yoon-Hee.
The drama revolves around seven individuals from diverse backgrounds who find themselves implicated in the disappearance of a young girl. As they scramble to uncover the truth and clear their names, they become entangled in a web of lies, deceit, and violence. 7 Escape is a high-stakes drama where every choice could be fatal.
Hyo Shim’s Independent Life (KBS2)
Tired of being the dutiful daughter, Lee Hyo-Shim (played by UEE) takes a bold step to escape her family’s never-ending demands. She moves out, seeking a life where she can be her own person. Just when she thinks she’s navigating her newfound independence, fate has other plans. She crosses paths with Kang Tae-Ho (Ha-Joon), the man in charge at a major conglomerate’s headquarters. Sparks fly, but not without complications, as they find themselves in a love story that’s as unpredictable as it is passionate. The series will premiere on Sept 16, 2023, and will run for 50 episodes.
Bumpy Family (KBS2)
Three decades have elapsed since Kang Seon-Woo (Lee Do-Gyeom) and Yoo Eun-Seong (Nam Sang-Ji) decided their mutual animosity was grounds for divorce. But destiny has a sense of humour, compelling these former spouses to cross paths once more—this time as in-laws. Now, they must navigate the awkward terrain of unresolved issues and buried emotional wounds.
Mark your calendars for Sept 18, 2023, as KBS2 releases one of its most anticipated K-dramas of the year! Bumpy Family, also known to fans as Tumbling Family is a whopping 120 episodes. This family drama promises to keep you company for the foreseeable future.
Song of the Bandits (Netflix)
The series is set against the backdrop of the 1920s Japanese colonial era. The people of Gando find themselves stripped of their means of survival. Enter Lee-Yoon (Kim Nam-Gil), a bandit leader who joins forces with the Korean Independence Army and Joseon expatriates. United in purpose, they wage a relentless battle against Japanese forces to reclaim their homeland and protect those they hold dear.
Don’t miss the premiere on Sept 22, 2023, as you won’t want to miss this Netflix’s gripping 9-episode K-drama. With stellar cast that also includes Seohyun, Yoo Jae-Myung, and Lee Hyun-Wook, this historical drama is going to be a hit!
Twinkling Watermelon (tvN)
On Sept 25, 2023, Dive into a whimsical journey of music, time travel, and self-discovery in Twinkling Watermelon. When a young male student unexpectedly travels through time via a magical musical instrument, he finds himself in a world unlike any other. There, he meets a mysterious girl and a younger version of his own father. Together with other enigmatic youths, they form a band that transcends time and space.
With 16 episodes, Twinkling Watermelon is a melodic odyssey that explores family, love, and the power of music. Written by the talented Jin Soo-Wan and directed by Son Jung-Hyun, the series stars Ryeoun, Choi Hyun-Wook, Seol-Inah, and Shin Eun-Soo.
The Worst of Evil (Disney+)
Journey into the gritty underworld of the 1980s Korean drug trade in The Worst of Evil. The series follows Kang Joon-Mo (Ji Chang-Wook), an undercover investigator, and Yoo Eui-Jung (Lim Se-Mi), a narcotics officer, as they navigate a perilous mission to dismantle the notorious drug triangle connecting Korea, China, and Japan. Their operation is complicated by the menacing presence of Jung Ki-Cheol (Wi Ha-Joon), a criminal mastermind who proves to be a formidable adversary.
Don’t miss the premiere on Sept 27, 2023, as this intense 12-episode K-drama promises to be a runaway train of suspense, action, and high-stakes drama.
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