The popularity of doramas is in their bright visuals, emotional actors, subtle Asian humor, unusual plots and, of course, in the kindness and cuteness, which is so lacking in harsh Western film productions.
The year 2023 is generous with new Asian projects. Love, battles, mysticism, detectives, divine powers, ghosts, political intrigue – an incredible mosaic of the most addictive stories with attractive actors awaits us.
We offer you a collection of the already released in 2023 best doramas with high ratings and incredible plot, able to captivate any skeptic.
Love to Hate You (Yeonaedaejeon)
- Rating IMDB – 7.9
- Genre: Melodrama, comedy
- South Korea production / 2023
- Directed by Kim Jong-gwon
- Cast: Kim Ok-pin, Theo Yu, Kim Ji-hoon, Ko Won-hee, Kim Do-young, Lee Joo-bin, Kim Seong-nyong
The simple title conceals a tense and incredibly exciting duel between a man and a woman. One of the main roles is taken by actor Theo Yu, known from the 2018 Russian film Summer, where he played Viktor Tsoi.
Lawyer Ye Mi Ran (Kim Ok-pin) is a young lawyer, a rabid feminist who hates losing to men. She has dates, which she sees as yet another way of seeing the unsightliness of men’s ways.
Nam Kang-ho (Theo Yu) is a popular actor who is praised for his kindness and romance. In fact, he can’t stand women and has no intention of creating a lasting relationship. These two don’t know yet that fate has plans for them.
The drama has 10 episodes and was released on Netflix in February 2023.
Agency (Daehaengsa)
- Rating IMDB – 8.1
- Genre: Drama
- South Korea production / 2023
- Directed by Lee Chang-min
- Cast: Lee Bo-young, Jo Sung-ha, Song Na-eun, Han Joon-woo, Jung Hye-jin, Lee Chang-hoon, Yoon Bog-in, Jung Guk-hwan, Ki Hwan, Kim Mi-kyung
An incredibly motivating office drama that touches on many aspects of human relationships, career ambitions, and family conflicts. This wonderful film shows in every episode how important it is to be yourself and strive for happiness.
Go Ah-in (actress Lee Bo-young) grew up in a poor family that could not give her daughter an education. But thanks to her hard work, self-discipline, and dreams, the girl achieved amazing heights and became the leader of a successful advertising agency.
Her team are excellent professionals with their own complicated destinies. And Goh herself is not going to stop there, ambitiously setting new heights for herself.
Almost immediately after its premiere, the series became a box office hit and the highest-rated drama on cable television.
Delivery Man (Dillibeorimaen)
- Rating IMDB – 7.0
- Genre: Comedy, fantasy, melodrama
- South Korea production / 2023
- Directed by Kang Seol, Park Tae-hee
- Cast: Yoon Chang-yeon, Pan Min-ah, Kim Min-seok, Shin Eun-soo
A light, supernatural drama starring 21-year-old actor Yoon Chang-yeon and the cute 29-year-old Pan Min-ah in the lead roles. Seo Young-min is a cab driver. He has a sick grandmother, debts, and a car left by his murdered mother. The police have no way of finding the culprit, and the debts could lead to the guy having his house taken away.
He works hard, not hoping for anything good in his life, and one day a ghost girl, Ji Hyun, inexplicably turns up in his cab and is inexplicably attracted to the guy, but she does not remember anything about herself. The two of them will have incredible adventures between the worlds of the living and the dead.
The project is based on the Taekbaegisa webtoon series.
The Heavenly Idol (Seongseureoun aodol)
- Rating IMDB – 6.8
- Genre: Comedy, music, fantasy
- South Korea production / 2023
- Directed by Lee So-young
- Cast: Kim Min-gyu, Go Bo-gyul, Lee Jang-woo, Ye Ji-won, Oh Jin-seok
A head-scratching, fantastically musical story! One day a powerful pontiff Lembriarius (actor Kim Min-gyu) with divine powers finds himself on Earth during another battle with demons, in the body of a young boy Woo Young-woo, an unlucky idol from Wild Animal group.
The guys from this group have been on stage for three years, but they can’t achieve popularity. Finding himself in the idol’s shoes, the pontiff acts completely unpredictable at first, not knowing what to do next. But he is kind and free of many prejudices, and his eccentricities become the impetus for the mad popularity of the young performers.
The series is traditionally based on the popular webtoon of the same name.
Kwinmeikeo
- Rating IMDB – 7.8
- Genre: Drama
- South Korea production / 2023
- Directed by About Jin-seok
- Cast: Kim Hee-ae, Moon Soo-ri, Ryu Soo-yeon, Kwon Yul, Koo Ja-sung, Seo I-suk, Kim Tae-hoon, Sung-hoon, Kim Sung-yeon
A 12-episode Netflix ongoing with the tandem of actresses Kim Hye-ae and Moon Seo-ri tells the story of two women capable of changing the world. Hwang Do-hee (Hye-ae) is one of the executives of a large South Korean company, a manager of strategic management who skillfully copes with any crisis. Oh Kyung Suk (Seo-ri) is a human rights lawyer who has successfully led several human rights movements for 20 years and has earned a high-profile reputation as a champion of justice.
On the eve of Seoul’s mayoral election, Oh Kyung Suk turns to Hwang Do Hee to make her a true queen among her rivals and help her win the mayoral office that will allow the woman to change the world for the better.
The release date of the drama is April 14, 2023.
Kokdu: Season of Deity (Kkotduui gyejeol)
- Rating IMDB – 6.7
- Genre: Melodrama, fantasy
- South Korea production / 2023
- Directed by Baek Soo-chan, Kim Ji-hoon
- Cast: Kim Jong-hyun, Lim Soo-hyun, Kim Da-som, Ahn Woo-young, Chha Cheon-hwa, Kim In-gwon, Lee Jong-joon, Sung Chae-yun, Jung Ah-mi, Park Hee-un
In January, a curious 16-episode South Korean mystery project by Baek Soo-chan was released. The story goes like this: Once upon a time, a young man who persisted in love was turned by an angry deity into Kkok-tu, a death reaper destined to move into the body of an ordinary mortal, already doomed to die, every 99 years and kill bad people.
Another incarnation didn’t go so well – right in front of Han Gejul, an energetic female doctor, Kkok-tu ends up in the body of her colleague Do Jin-woo, who just jumped off a roof. A dazed Jool tries to make sense of Jin’s mystical resurrection, and he suddenly begins to have serious feelings for her, suspecting that there’s some mystery behind the attraction.
This drama marked the return of actor Kim Jong-hyun (he played Kkok-tu) to MBC.
Pale Moon (Jongidal)
- Genre: Drama, Detective
- South Korea production / 2023
- Directed by Yoo Jeong-sung, Jung Won-hee
- Cast: Kim So-hyun, Yoo-sung, Seo Young-hee, Lee Cheon-hee, Kon Jong-whan, Yoon Bo-ra, Park Jong-un
Tired of her indifferent husband, unsuccessful attempts to have a child, and the monotonous chores at home, housewife Yoo Yi Hwa takes a job at a bank.
She helps the elderly, who begin to trust her immensely. She meets a man who gives her a new passion, observes the frustrating relationships of those around her, and one day gets to embezzle a rich customer’s money…
The drama is based on the Japanese novel «Kami no Tsuki» by Mitsuyo Kakuta.
Till the End of the Moon (Chang Yue Jin Ming)
- Rating IMDB – 8.6
- Genre: Melodrama, fantasy
- China production / 2023
- Directed by Kook Kok-Lyung
- Cast: Leo Lo, Bai Lu, Chen Dulin, Deng Wei
A Chinese drama in the xianxia genre is already breaking popularity records after the first episodes were released. The world is plunged into darkness and chaos, perishing under the ruthless rule of demons. A girl named Lee Susu is sent back in time 500 years by human elders to kill a demon lord while he is in mortal form.
Li’s new appearance in the past is Ye Siu, the daughter of a general who marries the powerful prince Tan Taijin. It is Tang who is to become the leader of the demon hordes in the future. Knowing what her mission is, Li unexpectedly discovers another side to Taijin, a sad man with a wounded soul…
The series is based on the famous manga Black Moonlight Holds the BE Script.
Divorce Attorney Shin (Sinseonghan ihon)
- Rating IMDB – 7.3
- Genre: Drama
- South Korea production / 2023
- Directed by Lee Jae-hoon
- Cast: Jo Seung-oo, Han Hye-jin, Jung Moon-sung, Kim Sung-kyung, Kim Tae-hyang, Park Hee-heung
The second title is «Divorce Attorney Shin». Jo Seung-woo, a successful music professor in Germany, one day gives up his career as a pianist and returns to his homeland where he retrains as a divorce lawyer. He takes on the most difficult cases, trying to strike a balance between the claims of both parties and settle all differences.
He has the support of his childhood best friends Jang Hyun-kyung and Jo Jeong-shik, who are by his side all the time and do not let the main charmer fall into despair or despair. The friendship storyline is the most charming decoration of this gripping series.
The series is based on the popular webtoon of the same name.
Our Blooming Youth (Cheongchunwoldam)
- Rating IMDB – 7.7
- Genre: Melodrama, Comedy, Fantasy
- South Korea production / 2023
- Directed by Lee Jong-jae, Kim Jong-wook
- Cast: Park Hyun-sik, Jung So-ni, Pyo Ye-jin, Lee Tae-sung, Yoon Jeong-seok, Ho Won-so, Lee Jeong-huk, Seo Tae-hwa, Park Hyo-jun, Hong Soo-hyun
A charming fantasy series set in a historical setting that reveals a mysterious story of curse, murder and love against the backdrop of the picturesque and exquisite culture of medieval Korea.
Shy and delicate Min Jae-yi (Jung So-ni) is prepared by her family to marry a counselor and intends to be his good wife. But a few days before the wedding, her family is murdered and the girl herself is accused of the crime. She is forced to ask for protection from Prince Lee Hwan (Park Hyun-shik), the cruel ruler, and he promises a pardon in exchange for her help in breaking the curse that has been hanging over the prince for years.
The series has 20 completed episodes of 60 minutes each.
Gamyeonui yeowang
- Genre: Detective, drama, thriller
- South Korea production / 2023
- Directed by Kang Ho Jun
- Cast: Kim Seong-ah, Oh Yoon-ah, Shin Eun-jung, Yoo Seong, Oh Ji-ho
The mysterious and entertaining South Korean thriller «Gamyeonui yeowang» was released on April 24. The plot centers on four gorgeous women who were involved in the same murder 10 years ago.
Three of them escaped punishment and conviction by laying the blame on the fourth, Go Yu Na, which forced her to flee to the United States. But now Yu-Na returns to seek revenge, find her lost daughter and seek justice. Incredible intrigue, unexpected plot twists and endless lingering mysteries are included.
Stealer: The Treasure Keeper (Seutilleo: ilgop gaeui joseontongbo)
- Genre: Action, Detective, Crime
- South Korea production / 2023
- Directed by Choi Joon-bae
- Cast: Chu Won, Lee Joo Woo, Cho Han Chul, Choi Hwa Jung, Lee Dok Hwa, Kim Jae Won, Kim Hak Chul
A scintillating South Korean adventure thriller about the mysterious and elusive thief Skunk, who teams up with the mysterious Karma team, which fights against cultural property thieves.
At the same time, civil servant Hwang Dae-myung runs into trouble when he is suspected of being involved with the very same Skunk. Hwang is an orphan who lost his parents in an accident, but he honors his archaeologist father and is proud to fight for the return of historical and cultural treasures to the country.
The series premiered on April 12.
Oasis (Oasiseu)
- Rating IMDB – 8.7
- Genre: Drama, melodrama
- South Korea production / 2023
- Directed by Han Hee
- Cast: Jang Dong-yoon, Seol In-ah, Choo Young-woo, Toh Sang-woo, Hyun Seung-hee, Kang Ji-eun, Han Jae-yoon, Ha Hye-sung
A fascinating historical drama about the events of the 1980s in South Korea. The action spans 10 years filled with tumultuous events and popular unrest. The story centers on two friends from the small town of Jeolla – the scion of a rich family, Choi Chul, and the mischievous Doo Hak, a simple peasant.
The difference in social status doesn’t keep them from being good friends, but their relationship escalates when a cute girl, Oh Jeong Shin, shows up at their school and the two boys fall in love. Years later, they find themselves on opposite sides of the barricades, and Shin suffers, unable to choose either one of them.
Playwright Jeong Hyun Soo wrote the script for the series.
Double Savage (Song Dueat Lueat Diao Kan)
- Rating IMDB – 7.4
- Genre: Action movie, drama
- Thailand production / 2023
- Directed by Tom Predaporn Buatum
- Cast: Om Pavat Chitsavandi, Perth Thanapon Sukumpanthanasan, Phim Rachanan Mahawan, Fay Patara Exankun, Baitoi Zuwapit Traiponvorakit, Satan Kittipop Serivichayasavat
A Thai drama that tells the gritty and poignant story of the irreconcilable confrontation between two siblings. Pakorn and Pawin are two sons of a Chinese trading family. The father does not spoil the first one, born in a bad year, giving all his care to Pavin.
Then one day the unloved Pakorn gets involved with a thief, after which he is accused of a crime and banished from the family. The second tries to cope with conflicting feelings. Loyalty to his family requires him to renounce his brother, but his love for him forces him to seek another way out…
The series aired on GMM25 on April 17 and is continuing now.
Brain Works (Dunoe gongjo)
- Rating IMDB – 7.4
- Genre: Detective, comedy
- South Korea production / 2023
- Directed by Lee Jin-so
- Cast: Jeong Young-hwa, Cha Tae-hyun, Kwak Sung-yeon, Ye Ji-won, Jeong Dong-hwan, Woo-hyun, Kim Soo-jin, Lim Chul-hyun, Han Soo-yeon, Lee Chang-ook
This entertaining scientific detective tells the story of three eccentric heroes who team up to solve complex crimes. And “Brainstorming” is no figurative expression for them!
Dr. Shin Ha Roux is a neurosurgeon who can tell a lot about a criminal’s motives and circumstances by examining his brain. Police officer Geum Myung-se is an incorruptible detective, a sullen altruist who doesn’t trust the doctor at all. Between these two cranks, police captain Seol Seo-jung, who is skilled in hypnosis, tries to keep her seriousness and sanity.
Strangers Again (Nami Doel Su Isseulkka?)
- Rating IMDB – 6.4
- Genre: Melodrama, Comedy
- South Korea production / 2023
- Directed by Kim Yang-hee
- Cast: Kang So-ra, Jang Seung-jo, Jo Eun-ji, Moo Jin-sung, Lee Jae-won, Kil Hae-yeon, Jung Bae-su, Jung In-yeon, Kim Young-ho, Ki So-yu
The protagonist of this legal melodrama is a female lawyer named Oh Ha Ra, a true master of divorce proceedings. She herself has recently suffered a fiasco in her personal life, unexpectedly divorcing her husband and colleague Gu Eun-Bom.
Fate gives them one more chance and they meet each other on a high-profile case. They will have to combine their professional efforts and deal with their personal relationships, which have not cooled down one bit.
The series aired on January 18 on ENA
Crash Course in Romance (Ilta seukaendeul)
- Rating IMDB – 7.9
- Genre: Melodrama, Comedy
- South Korea production / 2023
- Directed by Yoo Jae-won
- Cast: Jeon Do-young, Jeon Kyung-ho, No Yun-so, Hwang Bo-ra, Oh I-sik, Jang Young-nam, Shin Jae-ha, Lee Bong-young, Kim Sung-young, Kim Mi-gyeong
The second title is “One Day’s Scandal. A love affair in private education, with humor, vivid emotions, and an unconventional plot. Choi Chi Yeol is a popular math teacher who turns his lessons into a spectacular show. His fame turned him into a cynical boy from a dreamer of yesteryear.
One day he meets a former athlete and owner of a small restaurant helping her niece to prepare for university exams. The woman’s unyielding will gets to the heart of prickly Ji Yeol. In addition to the main storyline, there is plenty of intrigue, family drama, colorful characters and a detective component, and the genre changes seamlessly from melodrama to thriller.
Some critics called the series “the best drama of the year.
Celebrity (Selleobeuriti)
- Genre: Триллер, детектив, драма
- South Korea production / 2023
- Directed by Kim Chul-gyu
- Cast: Park Kyu-yeon, Lee Cheon-ah, Jung Hyo-sung, Kang Min-hyeok
What can a person do in search of fame, and how does his life change under the influence of wide popularity? This is the story of the South Korean drama «Celebrity». Seo Ah Ri (Park Kyu-yeong) is an arrogant girl from a wealthy family who is given a chance to become a celebrity. She doesn’t hesitate to take this opportunity and gradually realizes how many strict rules popularity imposes.
Around her unfolds the fates of other celebrities, many of whom are not fond of upstart Seo. In addition to fans, famous people have many detractors and envious people, and behind the glittering façade of fame there are often ruined happiness, illnesses, tragedies, and loneliness.
The Starry Love (Xing Luo Ning Cheng Tang)
- Rating IMDB – 8.4
- Genre: Fantasy, Melodrama
- China production / 2023
- Directed by Grammy Chu
- Cast: Chen Xing Xu, Li Lan Di, He Xuan Lin, Chen Mu Chi, Cao Jie, Hu Zhan, Jiang Xiao Lin, Tang Guo Zhong, Wang Li Na, Fu Hong Sheng
Another magical drama from China. The story of two twin princesses Ye Tan and Qing Kui, whose fate is determined since childhood, unfolds against the backdrop of wonderful music. The older one is betrothed to the ruler of Heaven and the younger one is given to the Demon Clan.
When the sisters turn 18, they prepare to travel to the possessions of their suitors. However, due to an unfortunate accident, they are confused and sent to opposite clans. The righteous “Bride of Heaven” turns out to be a stumbling block in a rival demon clan, while the flighty «Demoness Consort» shocks the pious Heavens with her behavior.
The original soundtrack of the series «The Starry Love OST» was released as a separate album.
Bo-ra! Deborah
- Genre: Melodrama, comedy
- South Korea production / 2023
- Directed by Lee Tae-goon
- Cast: Yoo In-na, Yoon Hyun-min, Choo Sang-ook, Park So-jin, Hwang Chang-sung, Hong Hwa-yeon
A fascinating and a little bit sad, this is a compilation of true stories of breakups and the beginnings of new feelings. The main character is Young Bo Ra, a romance consultant who has written a bestselling book about love relationships and has not been able to build her own relationship after getting stabbed in the back unexpectedly.
Lee Soo Hyuk tries to forget his past love, which he never succeeds. Bo Ra annoys him with her positive attitude and self-confidence, but suddenly he starts to feel attracted to her. And a lot of romantic situations with other people unfold around this couple, filling the series with active and exciting action.
The series was directed by the famous Lee Tae-goon.
