October 2023 is poised to be a smorgasbord of Korean dramas that will cater to a wide array of tastes and preferences. Whether you’re into pulse-pounding crime sagas or swoon-worthy romantic comedies, the K-drama universe is gearing up to deliver an enthralling lineup of shows that you won’t want to miss.
For seasoned K-drama enthusiasts and newcomers alike, this month promises a rich tapestry of storytelling that will not only capture your imagination but also tug at your heartstrings. So, it’s time to stock up on your go-to binge-watching snacks, settle into your comfiest spot, and gear up for a viewing marathon that promises to be nothing short of epic.
The Deal
In a gripping narrative, Yoo Seung-Ho, known for his role in Moonshine, and Kim Dong-Hwi from Missing: The Other Side, portray two young men at the crossroads of life. Yoo Seung-Ho plays a once-promising football player whose career took a nosedive, while Kim Dong-Hwi is a medical student grappling with a life-altering crisis.
Together, they concoct a daring plan to kidnap a former classmate, who is the offspring of wealthy parents. Yoo Su-Bin of D.P. fame takes on this role, and Lee Joo-Young, recognized for her work in Itaewon Class, rounds out the ensemble cast. The Deal premieres Oct 5.
Strong Girl Nam-Soon
Strong Girl Nam-Soon is a much-anticipated South Korean drama that serves as a spin-off to the 2017 sensation Strong Woman Do Bong-Soon. This comedy-crime drama orbits around Gang Nam-Soon, a distant cousin of Bong-Soon who was lost in Mongolia as a child.
The series will delve into her journey back to Korea in search of her family. The show is slated for a Netflix release on Oct 7, 2023, and the excitement is palpable.
A Good Day to Be a Dog
This romantic fantasy drama is a star-studded affair featuring Park Gyu-Young, Cha Eun-Woo, and Lee Hyun-Woo. Directed by Kim Dae-Woong, the show is an adaptation of a popular Naver webtoon of the same name.
The plot centres around Han Hae-Na, a woman cursed to transform into a dog whenever she receives a kiss. The series will premiere on MBC TV and will also be available on Viki starting Oct 11.
My Dearest Part 2
Amidst the turmoil of the Qing invasion that ravaged the Joseon era from January 3 to February 24, 1637, a unique love story unfolds. Lee Jang-Hyun, portrayed by Namkoong Min, emerges as a perplexing figure in high society. On the surface, he exudes cheerfulness, but this masks a labyrinth of dark secrets he dares not share. His life takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Yoo Gil-Chae, played by Ahn Eun-Jin.
Yoo Gil-Chae hails from a distinguished noble family and radiates self-assurance and charm. As she navigates the chaos of the Qing invasion and finds herself falling for the enigmatic Lee Jang-Hyun, she undergoes a transformative journey of personal growth.
The show will continue to air on MBC starting Oct 13.
Evilive
Evilive is another K-drama to look out for, starring Shin Ha-Kyun, Kim Young-Kwang, and Shin Jae-Ha. Directed by Kim Jung-Min and Kim Sung-Min, the series follows a struggling lawyer who adopts unconventional methods to take on cases, often visiting prisoners erratically.
The show will premiere on ENA and Genie TV on Oct 14.
Doona!
Once a main vocalist and the star attraction of her idol girl group, Lee Doo-Na (played by Bae Suzy) shocked fans by abruptly retiring. She now lives a quiet life in a shared residence near a university, seldom venturing outside.
On the other hand, Lee Won-Joon (portrayed by Yang Se-Jong) is a university student with an ordinary background but a warm heart. He moves into the same shared house where Lee Doo-Na lives. His genuine warmth provides her with a sense of comfort, and the two find themselves increasingly drawn to each other.
Directed by Lee Jung-Hyo and penned by Min Song-Ah, Doona! will be available on Netflix starting Oct 20, 2023.
Castaway Diva
Once a vibrant and optimistic island girl, Seo Mok-Ha (played by Park Eun-Bin) had always aspired to be a singer. Setting out for an audition in Seoul, she unexpectedly finds herself marooned on a deserted island.
Fast forward 15 years, she’s finally rescued and returns to a world that’s entirely foreign to her. Despite the challenges of readjusting, her spirit remains unbroken, and she continues to chase her lifelong dream of becoming a diva.
The show also stars Chae Jong-Hyeop, Kim Hyo-Jin, and Cha Hak-Yeon. Castaway Diva will be available for streaming on Netflix starting Oct 21.
High Cookie
Nam Ji-Hyun portrays a part-time factory worker who has forsaken her education to care for her younger sibling. Choi Hyun-Wook plays a brilliant but impoverished student.
Kim Moo-Yeol is a high-profile university admissions exam instructor who resorts to illicit means to achieve his goals. Their lives intersect when they encounter magical cookies that grant wishes. The series will air on KBS2 starting Oct 23.
The Third Marriage
The Third Marriage explores the intricate dance of truth and deception between two women—one living a life of illusion and the other striving to expose falsehoods. Oh Seung-Ah portrays Jung Da-Jung, a woman yearning for marital bliss with Baek Sang Chul (Mun Ji-Hu), only to face an unforeseen betrayal from her closest friend.
The series will air on MBC starting Oct 23.
Moon in the Day
Han Joon-O, portrayed by Kim Young-Dae, is a Korean superstar who appears to have it all—good looks, height, and fame. However, he’s plagued by a deep-seated sense of inadequacy.
Managed by Beginning Entertainment, a company run by his older brother Han Min-O (On Joo-Wan), Han Joon-O’s life takes an unexpected turn. He collaborates on a public service advertisement with firefighter Kang Young-Hwa, played by Pyo Ye-Jin. During the shoot, they’re involved in a car accident. Miraculously, Kang Young-Hwa manages to rescue Han Joon-O, and subsequently becomes his personal bodyguard.
But the twist comes when Han Joon-O awakens post-accident to find himself possessed by the spirit of Do Ha, also portrayed by Kim Young-Dae. Do Ha was an aristocrat from the ancient Silla kingdom who met a tragic end at the hands of his beloved wife, Han Ri-Ta (Pyo Ye-Jin). Now, his vengeful spirit has returned, setting the stage for a complex and intriguing narrative.
This K-Drama will premiere on Viki on Oct 25 October 2023.
Perfect Marriage Revenge
Painter Han Yi-Joo (portrayed by Jung Yoo-Min) grew up in a wealthy household, led by her adoptive parents Han Jin-Woong and Lee Jung-Hye (played by Lee Min-Young). Despite her father’s successful financial empire, Han Yi-Joo was always the outcast in her family, receiving little love from her parents or her younger sister, Han Yoo-Ra (Jin Ji-Hee). Now married to Jung Se-Hyeok, she discovers that her husband is actually in love with her sister, not her. On the same day, she tragically dies in a car accident.
However, Han Yi-Joo awakens to find herself transported back to the time when she was merely engaged to Jung Se-Hyeok. Seizing this second chance to rewrite her destiny and seek revenge on her family, she calls off her engagement.
She then sets her sights on Seo Do-Kook (Sung-Hoon), the man her sister Han Yoo-Ra desires and the heir to the Taeja Group. Seo Do-Kook, a smart and attractive young man, agrees to a contract marriage with Han Yi-Joo. But there’s a twist: he wants their contractual union to evolve into a genuine marriage.
Perfect Marriage Revenge follows Han Ye-Jo as she discovers her husband’s affair with his sister, Yoo-Ra. After a fatal accident, she finds herself back in time. The K-drama will premiere on MBN on Oct 28.
BARGAIN
In Bargain, appearances can be deceiving. Touted as one of 2023’s most intense Korean dramas and a potential successor to Squid Game, the story kicks off with what seems like a straightforward yet morally dubious deal. High schooler Joo-Young (portrayed by Jun Jong-Seo) arranges to meet middle-aged Hyung-Soo (played by Jin Sun-Kyu) in a motel room, intending to sell her virginity for US$1000.
However, as time passes, a web of lies and deceit unravels, culminating in Hyung-Soo being bound, blindfolded, and gagged as a crowd begins to auction off his organs. The bidding endures through conflicts and deceit but ultimately falls apart when a massive earthquake brings the building down.
Bargain is a dark thriller involving an organ-buying deal that goes awry during an earthquake. Both shows will premiere on Oct 28.
The Matchmakers
Sim Jung-Woo (played by Rowoon) is a brilliant and strikingly good-looking young man who achieved the remarkable feat of being the youngest to top the state examination.
However, his life takes a tragic turn when he is chosen to marry the princess, who unexpectedly dies during their wedding ceremony. Due to the customs of the Joseon era, this leaves him unable to hold a government position or remarry, making him one of the most unfortunate men of his time. His path then crosses with Jung Soon-Deok (portrayed by Cho Yi-Hyun).
Jung Soon-Deok is a widow whose late spouse was the second son of the first vice-premier. She lives a double life, known by the alias Yeojoo-daek. In this alternate identity, she excels as a matchmaker and also sells women’s products like cosmetics and accessories.
She has earned a reputation as the most sought-after matchmaker in Hanyang, the capital city. Sim Jung-Woo and Jung Soon-Deok find themselves entangled in each other’s lives, and together they embark on a mission to help older singles find marital bliss.
The Matchmakers will air on KBS2 starting Oct 30.
This list of K-drama shows is set to release in October 2023 and is a must-add to your watchlist. Prepare for a binge-watching extravaganza this October and bookmark this page as your go-to guide for Korean Entertainment.
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Read | The Ultimate K-Drama Binge List for September 2023
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