The Top 6 Most Promising Korean Dramas for the Second Half of 2018

This series is based on the webtoon 'Dangshinui House Helper' by Seung Jung Yeon.

Cast: Ha Seok Jin, Bona, Lee Ji Hoon

Premiere Date: July 4, 2018

Network: KBS2

'Your House Helper' follows Kim Ji Woon, played by Ha Seok Jin, a man from a wealthy family. His father works in law, and his mother is a doctor. After working at a major company, Ji Woon unexpectedly quits his job and starts a new career as a housekeeper in a woman's home. While performing his duties, he listens to his clients' troubles and offers advice to help them solve their problems.

Though the housekeeper concept is not new in Korean dramas, this show adds a unique twist. Ji Woon not only takes care of the house, but also offers counsel to the women he works for. Along the way, he meets Lim Da Young, a young woman struggling to make it in the advertising industry, leading to a sweet romance between the fastidious housekeeper and the clumsy intern.

Cast: Park Hae Jin, Nana, Lee Ki Woo

Scheduled to air this fall

In 'Four Man,' Park Hae Jin takes on the challenge of playing four distinct roles for the first time. His characters are Kang Il Hoon, Chen, Dong Jin, and Michael.

'Four Man' is a mysterious, romantic drama that follows Yeo Rin (played by Nana from Afterschool), a dedicated, enthusiastic policewoman with a warm heart. After her boyfriend Dong Jin (Park Hae Jin) dies unexpectedly in an accident, Yeo Rin uncovers a series of strange and cryptic events surrounding his death. She embarks on a quest to uncover the truth, and during her investigation, she encounters two men who look exactly like Dong Jin.

Each character in the drama has their own unique motivations. Chen struggles to survive in the world, while Kang Il Hoon searches for answers about love. And at the center of it all is Yeo Rin, whose journey binds the entire story together.

Alongside Park Hae Jin and Nana, the cast features notable actors such as Lee Ki Woo, Kwak Si Yang, Kim Chang Wan, and the popular singer Ren (from Nu'est W).

The exact premiere date and broadcasting network are still uncertain, but MBC is expected to acquire the rights and air the series this fall.

Writer: Jo Gyu Won

Director: Yoon Sang Ho

Cast: Lee Young Ae

Network: KBS

After the less successful 'Saimdang, Light's Diary,' the iconic Dae Jang Geum, Lee Young Ae, returns with an epic historical drama. Produced by the team behind high-budget hits like 'Jumong,' 'The King’s Face,' and 'Doctor Stranger,' and directed by Yoon Sang Ho, known for 'The King’s Four Gods' and 'Saimdang,' this drama is one of KBS’s major projects this year.

'Different Dreams' is a melodrama with espionage themes, set in 1910-1945 during the Japanese occupation of Korea. It follows Lee Young Jin, a Korean surgeon raised by the Japanese, who becomes a spy for the Shanghai Provisional Government, deeply involved in the Pacific War. The series is expected to make a huge impact, featuring the legendary Lee Young Ae and boasting a massive production budget. The espionage storyline adds to the allure, capturing a wide audience's attention.

'Different Dreams' is penned by Jo Gyu Won, a renowned writer behind 'IRIS' and 'IRIS 2.'

Writer: Kim Eun Sook

Director: Lee Eung Bok

Cast: Lee Byung Hun, Kim Tae Ri, Yoo Yeon Seok, Byun Yo Han

Broadcast Date: July 7, 2018

Network: tvN

'Mr. Sunshine' is the latest television project from renowned writer Kim Eun Sook and director Lee Eung Bok, following their massive successes with 'Descendants of the Sun' and 'Goblin.' Set in the final years of the Joseon Dynasty during the early 1900s, when Japan was asserting its dominance over neighboring countries, particularly Korea, the drama stars Lee Byung Hun, Kim Tae Ri, Yoo Yeon Seok, and Byun Yo Han. Lee Byung Hun's return to the small screen after nine years has generated great expectations, while Kim Tae Ri promises to bring a fresh dynamic to Korean television with her successful role in 'The Handmaiden.'

Lee Byung Hun plays a soldier whose character was taken to the United States as a child following the 1871 Shinmiyangyo incident, a diplomatic mission that turned into a violent conflict between the U.S. and Joseon, leaving over 200 Korean soldiers dead, while only three Americans lost their lives. His character returns to Joseon during the chaotic final years of the dynasty and falls in love with a noblewoman, played by Kim Tae Ri.

The cast also includes notable names such as Choi Jin Ho, Kim Hye Eun, Jo Woo Jin, and Kim Sa Rang. With a star-studded cast, a prestigious writer and director team, and a massive production budget, 'Mr. Sunshine' is one of the most anticipated dramas of the year.

Writer: Lee Soo Yeon

Director: Hong Jong Chan

Cast: Lee Dong Wook, Cho Seung Woo, Won Jin Ah, Moon So Ri

Broadcast Date: July 23, 2018

Network: jTBC

'Life' is a medical drama set in a university hospital, where power struggles and heartfelt stories unfold among doctors, nurses, and patients. The series delves into the challenges faced by healthcare professionals while exploring the emotional depths of their lives.

In the drama, Lee Dong Wook portrays Ye Jin Woo, an emergency medicine doctor. Cho Seung Woo plays Koo Seung Hyo, the hospital's director. Won Jin Ah takes on the role of Lee No Eul, a pediatrician known for her warmth and passion for helping children. Her character is deeply committed to her work, driven by her responsibility to care for others. Moon So Ri plays Oh Se Hwa, the head of the neurosurgery department, a proud and ambitious surgeon who strives to be the best in her field.

'Life' is penned by Lee Soo Yeon, the writer behind the hit tvN series 'Stranger' in 2017. The show is directed by Hong Jong Chan, known for his work on 'Live Up To Your Name' (2017) and 'Dear My Friends' (2016). With its compelling storyline and talented cast, 'Life' is expected to captivate audiences.

Director: Park Joon Hwa

Cast: Yoon Doo Joon, Baek Jin Hee

Broadcast Date: July 16, 2018

Network: tvN

The third season of 'Let’s Eat 3' continues the story with Yoon Doo Joon returning as the lead, this time joined by Baek Jin Hee in the female lead role. Yoon Doo Joon, who has already won hearts in the previous two seasons, brings his familiar charm to the series. While the earlier seasons focused on the cold winter and spring, the third installment is set against the backdrop of a vibrant summer. It revolves around the lives of single people and their passion for enjoying endless summer meals.

In the first released still, Yoon Doo Joon is dressed in a suit, enjoying a bowl of cold Pyongyang-style noodles. As the show airs during the summer, he shared his hope that viewers would feel refreshed by watching the characters indulge in delicious summer dishes. Expect mouthwatering meals and exciting food adventures as the characters explore the delights of summer eating in 'Let’s Eat 3'.

Additionally, Seo Hyun Jin will make a guest appearance in the series.