Lookback 2023: From The Glory 2 to A Time Called You, Best K-Dramas That Gushed Fans With Emotions

Kdramas 2023: The year 2023 has been a successful year for the K-entertainment industry as this year, several kdramas took center stage and became highly acclaimed for their terrific storyline and unexpected twists and turns. Starting in January, we got Jung Kyung-Ho and Jeon Do-yeon starrer Crash Course in Romance, leading to a blast of best kdramas as the year passed with top-tier action, romance, horror, and mind-boggling stories. The international popularity of Korean dramas has been fuelled by their availability on numerous streaming platforms. This year also, we witnessed a plethora of outstanding Korean dramas offering innovative narratives, compelling performances, and breathtaking cinematography.

The Glory Part 2

While the earlier episodes present some harrowing events with unflinching realism, the second part focuses on the calculated actions of a woman as she navigates the complexities of seeking retribution. Dong-eun (played by Song Hye-kyo), who was brutally bullied during her high school years by a group of affluent and sadistic classmates, experienced various forms of brutal physical and emotional abuse, including acts of physical violence and sexual assault. Not only the traumatic consequences but also the systemic failures that allowed this to occur, with teachers, parents, and authorities turning a blind eye to the severity of the situation. Song Hye-kyo's exceptional portrayal further underscores the emotional resonance of the narrative, offering viewers a nuanced exploration of trauma, resilience, and the pursuit of justice.

Destined With You

'Destined With You' weaves a compelling story around the intertwined destinies of two people: Jang Shin-yu, a renowned lawyer burdened by a centuries-old curse, and Lee Hong-jo, a loyal civil servant who holds the key to his redemption. Shin-yu, despite his legal brilliance and charisma, lives as a loner, alienated by his illness. Despite her unwavering ethical compass, Hong-jo faces social conflict as a result of her outspoken nature. Their unlikely pairing blossoms into an irresistible romance as fate entwines them as a forbidden book, sealed for three centuries passes onto Hong-jo's possession, the heart of their connection. Its cursed legacy, on the other hand, binds Shin-yu, inseparably connecting their fates and setting the stage for a risky yet fascinating journey toward breaking the curse.

Worst of Evil

The outstanding acting of Ji Chang Wook and Wi Ha Jun is the main attraction of this drama. Though Wi has a harsh personality, his need for human connection leaves him open to attack. Despite his viciousness, he never tells lies about who he is. Ji plays an undercover cop impersonating a gangster who manipulates, lies, and attacks people to keep his connection intact. 

Tale of The Nine Tailed 1938

In the second season, former mountain god Yeon (Lee Dong-wook) is sent back in time to recover evidence that will affect the future. However, the best parts of this show revolve around Yeon and his half-brother Rang (Kim Bum). While attempting to return to the present, Yeon encounters other characters from his past. The Kdrama also stars Penthouse actress Kim So-yeon. 

Bloodhounds

Two young boxers, Kim Geon-woo (Woo Do-hwan) and Hong Woo-jin (Lee Sang-yi), are the focus of the action K-drama series. In an effort to gain funds to deal with a greater threat, the two make friends with a loan shark. 

Doctor Cha

Despite having higher grades in medical school than her husband, Jeong-suk (Uhm Jung-hwa) decided to give up her career as a doctor and become a stay-at-home mother to their children because her husband wanted her to have a “simpler life.” She looks after her mother-in-law, prepares all of the meals, and cleans the house, relegating her to the position of a benevolent family servant. Finally, after pushing past years of silent resentment, Jeong-suk threatened divorce. Her husband asserted her lack of financial contribution invalidated her claim to a fair settlement from his money. It was only upon re-entering the workforce that Jeong-suk shed the invisible shackles of wife and mother, reclaiming her identity and gaining recognition beyond familial roles. 

A Time Called You

Director Kim Jin-Won takes us on a time-traveling romantic journey in this 2019 remake of the popular Taiwanese TV drama Someday Or One Day, starring Jeon Yeo-Been and Ahn Hyo-Seop. Grieving over her boyfriend’s passing, Han Jun-Hee (Jeon) manages to travel back in time and take on the role of Kwon Min-Joo, a high school student. She runs into Nam Si-Heon (Ahn), a fellow student, and he reminds her of her late boyfriend. This Netflix series, which is both romantic and poignant, investigates whether true love is capable of bridging a gap that cannot be overcome.

D.P. Season 2

The second season returns with the fan-favourite soldier dup, Corporal Han Ho-yeol (Koo Gyo-hwan) and Private An Jun-ho (Jung Hae-in), back on the field with the Deserter Pursuit unit. The unit experiences a new tragedy in the second season, which prompts a convoluted investigation and a surprising turn of events as the unit looks for potential defectors. D.P. Joon-ho (Jung Hae-in) is morally torn about having to bring back victims of extreme military bullying, such as a gay soldier who is subjected to constant abuse and is made to engage in sexual acts with his superiors. This K-drama is based on Kim Bo-tong's webtoon D.P. Dog's Day.