I watched twice as much Korean content as I did Western content in 2023. K-dramas are able to convey complete, sharply-written, and affecting tales in a manner unlike anything found stateside. These dramas represent the best of what I watched that was released in 2023:

1. Twinkling Watermelon (16 episodes – Viki) – An emotionally touching tale that explores themes of family, sacrifice, and embracing the full brilliance of one’s life journey. The narrative is truly captivating, and Ryeoun’s exceptional performance, along with the rest of the young cast, adds to the beauty of this heartwarming experience.
2. The Eighth Sense (10 episodes – Viki) – Exceptional character development, with Ji Hyung’s evolution standing out. The leads exhibit incredible chemistry, and the unique lo-fi style and pacing make for an engaging viewing experience. It ends in surprisingly optimistic fashion.
3. Moving (20 episodes – Hulu) – Exceptionally well-crafted with outstanding acting, this show boasts a fascinating yet peculiar overall structure. The intricate plot is incredibly satisfying as it seamlessly comes together. The characters are superbly fleshed out, with even minor ones benefiting from succinctly told backstories. I did end up enjoying the journey more than the destination, though.
4. Bloodhounds (8 episodes – Netflix) – Incredibly violent yet compelling, this consistently kept me on edge about the fate of the characters. Despite some illogical protagonist actions, the (good) characters are very easy to root foot. The series, starting with a potential 10/10, ends at a very good 8.5/10.
5. King the Land (16 episodes – Netflix) – Light and frothy – this one doesn’t seem to be reinventing the wheel at any point (except when it comes to consent in K-dramas). I imagined that Lee Jun-ho’s involvement meant that this would be well-written and would be satisfying in the end (it was!). I enjoyed it for what it was and really loved both leads.
6. D.P. – Season 2 (6 episodes – Netflix) – Significantly improved and less somber than the first season, with Episode 3 standing out as the series’ high point. The chilling atmosphere of Episode 4 at the remote outpost is also noteworthy. The bromance between the leads is a highlight, and the side characters are more well-developed in this season.
7. Duty After School – Part 1 (6 episodes – Viki) – Impressive production quality and it effectively manages a large cast, offering distinct character portrayals. The action is gripping and intense, and it capturing the essence of high schoolers convincingly. Despite a promising start, Part 2 turns out to be a significant letdown.
8. A Time Called You (12 episodes – Netflix) – All I kept hearing was that the original Taiwanese version was far superior, but since I couldn’t watch that anywhere I was happy to use this as my frame of reference for the story. The main leads, especially Jeon Yeo Been, handle their roles well. While the chemistry may be lacking, everyone’s doing interesting work. The ending was satisfying, and overall, it was an enjoyable ride. Jeon Yeo Been stood out, and Sun Hyo Seop was very charming—I’d definitely watch more of his work.
9. The Worst of Evil (12 episodes – Hulu) – Hulu dramas are definitely measuring up to Netflix in terms of top-tier production design. Episode 9’s hallway fight scene is mind-blowing. I was impressed with both the main lead and the second male lead—and they excel in their respective roles. The narrative around the Korea-China-Japan drug trade is a bit convoluted. Despite a not entirely satisfying ending, the overall execution is commendable, and I enjoyed my time with it.
10. Lies Hidden in My Garden (8 episodes – Viki) – Eerie and atmospheric, with a deliberate pacing. The cinematography is exceptionally beautiful, showcasing top-notch framing and production quality. The acting is very good, but the story and plotting are just okay.
11. Castaway Diva (12 episodes – Netflix)
12. Soundtrack #2 (6 episodes – Disney+)
13. My Dearest – Part I (10 episodes – Viki)
14. Our Blooming Youth (20 episodes – Viki)
15. The Interest of Love (16 episodes – Netflix)
16. Doona! (9 episodes – Netflix)
17. Shadow Detective – Season 2 (8 episodes – Hulu)
18. Black Knight (6 episodes – Netflix)
19. My Dearest – Part 2 (11 episodes – Viki)
20. Duty After School – Part 2 (4 episodes – Viki)
21. Bo Ra! Deborah (14 episodes – Amazon)
22. Jun & Jun (8 episodes – Viki)

Still watching: Gyeongsang Creature, Call it Love, Crash Course in Romance