8 K-Dramas to Watch Out for in the Second Half of 2023
Jul 18, 2023 • Andy Flores
We are now halfway through the year—and not without exciting K-dramas to look forward to! As South Korean TV shows that started towards the tail end of the first half of 2023 wrap up, we are, yet again, faced with a long list of series to watch out for. From much-anticipated sequels to new releases, here are the K-dramas that we are excited to catch *very, very* soon:
D.P. 2
When: 28 July
Where to watch: Netflix
Following an eye-opening first season that exposed the forms of abuse being experienced by young men undergoing South Korea’s mandatory military enlistment, D.P. 2 brings back Jung Hae-in and Koo Kyo-hwan as “deserter pursuit” soldiers tasked to track down and capture those who’ve abandoned their military duties.
The Uncanny Counter 2: Counter Punch
When: 29 July
Where to watch: Netflix
K-drama Land’s favorite demon-hunting squad returns in The Uncanny Counter 2: Counter Punch! The original main cast, composed of Jo Byeong-gyu, Kim Se-jeong, Yoo Joon-sang, and Yeom Hye-ran, is set to reprise their roles as “counters,” who get another shot at life in exchange for carrying out the duty of saving humanity from evil.
This season will also introduce viewers to new characters, including a new counter to be played by Yoo In-soo (All of Us Are Dead) as well as new villains in the faces of Kang Ki-young (Extraordinary Attorney Woo) and Kim Hieora (The Glory).
Moving
When: 9 August
Where to watch: Disney+
Based on the webcomic of the same title by Kang Pool, Moving follows the story of three high school students with supernatural abilities that they inherited from their parents. As they try to hide their powers from others, their parents do their best to give them a normal life while protecting them from exploitation. This thrilling 20-episode drama features hallyu heavyweights Jo In-sung, Han Hyo-joo, Cha Tae-hyun, and Ryoo Seung-ryong.
Behind Your Touch
When: 12 August
Where to watch: Netflix
A veterinarian (Han Ji-min) working in the quiet town of Mujin hides a pretty cool secret: She is able to look into the past of any person or animal simply by touching their rear. Warm-hearted but nosy, she crosses paths with a demoted detective from Seoul (Lee Min-ki) and a part-time convenience store worker (EXO’s Suho) who recently moved into town. Soon, the peace of Mujin is shaken as serial murders occur in the area. Promising hilarious hijinks and a good mystery, Behind Your Touch is sure to excite viewers.
A Time Called You
Image via Netflix
When: Third quarter of 2023
Where to watch: Netflix
The South Korean remake of the 2019-2020 Taiwanese drama series Someday or One Day, A Time Called You stars Jeon Yeo-bin as a grief-stricken woman who travels back in time, only to meet a high school student (Ahn Hyo-seop) who looks exactly like her deceased boyfriend. She later finds herself caught in a love triangle as the best friend (Kang Hoon) of her late boyfriend’s look-alike falls for her.
Sweet Home Season 2
Image via Netflix
When: Last quarter of 2023
Where to watch: Netflix
The wait is almost over for the fans of this webtoon-based Netflix original, as it is scheduled to air towards the end of the year! Sweet Home Season 2 brings back Song Kang as the hero of the series, Cha Hyun-soo, a once-suicidal teen who helps save residents in his rundown apartment complex from a horrific invasion of monsters.
Original cast members Lee Jin-uk, Lee Is-young, Go Min-si, and Park Gyu-young are also confirmed to appear in the second season, which is expected to explore new locations within the series’ universe.
Doona!
Image via Netflix
When: Last Quarter of 2023
Where to watch: Netflix
In Doona!, South Korea’s sweetheart Bae Suzy plays the role of a popular idol who suddenly announces her retirement from the industry. Lying low, she decides to live in a share house near a university where she meets an extraordinarily ordinary student with a warm heart (Yang Se-jong). Finding comfort in his presence, she finally experiences falling in love away from the limelight. Based on the webtoon Lee Doo-Na! by Min Song-ah, this small-screen adaptation will be directed by Lee Jung-hyo, whose most recent directorial hit is the record-breaking series Crash Landing On You.
Gyeongseong Creature
Image via Netflix
When: Last Quarter of 2023
Where to watch: Netflix
Park Seo-jun and Han So-hee pair up for the first time in Gyeongseong Creature, a period thriller set in 1945, just before the end of the Second World War and the Japanese rule over Korea, which is known as the darkest era of Gyeongseong (present-day Seoul). In this Netflix Original Series, they battle monsters borne out of human greed.
Gyeongseong Creature also stars Wi Ha-joon (Squid Game), Claudia Kim (Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald), and veteran actress Kim Hae-sook (Hospital Playlist).
Are you ready for these K-dramas? We know we are!
