Top 10 Most Awaited Korean Dramas of the First Half of 2017

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Web Drama. Number of Episodes: 5. Premiere Date: January 18, 2017. Broadcast Schedule: Wednesdays. Plot Summary: The story follows Ruby (Seohyun), an exceptional jewelry designer with a unique talent. Despite her brilliance, Ruby suffers from social anxiety and has only one friend - Lee Chul Woo, a charming and kind-hearted guy. He also happens to be the rival of Lee Yi Kyung, the director of a famous fashion brand, who is secretly the object of Ruby's affection.

Genre: Romance, Comedy. Number of Episodes: 20. Premiere Date: January 18, 2017. Broadcast Schedule: Wednesdays and Thursdays. Plot Summary: Missing Nine begins with a plane crash that leaves 9 individuals stranded on a deserted island. With no communication to the outside world and limited resources, panic sets in as their true personalities emerge. After four months of being missing, the only survivor is Ra Bong Hee (Baek Jin Hee), who holds the key to unlocking the horrifying events that occurred on the island and the fate of each character.

Genre: Legal, Crime. Number of Episodes: 16. Premiere Date: January 23, 2017. Broadcast Schedule: Mondays and Tuesdays. Plot Summary: The story follows Park Jung Woo (Ji Sung), a prosecutor working at the Seoul Prosecutor’s Office. One day, Park Jung Woo is unexpectedly sentenced to death. Suffering from temporary amnesia, he cannot remember the events that led to his imprisonment and conviction. Determined to clear his name and restore his memory, Park Jung Woo embarks on a fierce battle to uncover the truth. Will he succeed?

Genre: Historical, Romance, Drama. Number of Episodes: 30. Premiere Date: January 25, 2017. Broadcast Schedule: Wednesdays and Thursdays. Plot Summary: This drama centers around the historical figure of Queen Saimdang and Seo Ji Yoon, a university professor specializing in Korean Art History, who is considered a modern-day counterpart of the Queen. Played by Lee Young Ae, she portrays both roles in this gripping tale. The series also explores the enduring love of Lee Kyung, a man who once met Saimdang in his youth and has loved her all his life.

Genre: Comedy, Workplace. Number of Episodes: 16. Premiere Date: January 25, 2017. Broadcast Schedule: Wednesdays and Thursdays. Plot Summary: The story revolves around Kim Sung Ryong, a highly skilled accountant who works for a notorious crime syndicate. His goal is to embezzle money from TQ Group by getting a job as the head of their accounting department. However, once he gets the position, he finds himself dragged into a corporate power struggle. Instead of fulfilling his original plan, he begins to fight for justice on behalf of his colleagues. Will Kim Sung Ryong succeed in his unexpected battle for fairness?

Genre: Historical. Number of Episodes: 30. Premiere Date: January 30, 2017. Broadcast Schedule: Mondays and Tuesdays. Plot Summary: This drama follows Hong Gil Dong (Yoon Kyun Sang), the illegitimate son of a noble family, who becomes a legendary thief. He steals from the wealthy to give to the poor. The show also traces his journey to becoming the first revolutionary figure in Joseon history. With an exceptional cast including Yoon Kyun Sang from Doctors, the renowned Lee Honey, and rising star Chae Soo Bin, Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People promises to be an exciting ride.

Genre: Drama. Episodes: 1 episode. Premiere Date: January 4, 2017. Plot Summary: The story revolves around three main characters: Hyo Joo (Kim Ha Neul), a contract teacher at an all-boys school; Hye Young (Yoo In Young), a student-teacher at the school; and Jae Ha (Lee Won Geun), a handsome student at the school. The plot thickens when Hyo Joo discovers a secret relationship between Hye Young, the principal's daughter, and Jae Ha, the student she secretly admires. Despite its familiar theme, the film manages to captivate audiences with its engaging twists.

Genre: Melodrama. Number of Episodes: 4. Premiere Date: January 11, 2017. Broadcast Schedule: Wednesdays and Thursdays. Plot Summary: Kang Chul Soo (Lee Joon Hyuk) is a talented and dedicated firefighter who also works as a nude model to raise money for his sick friend’s treatment. However, he becomes the prime suspect in a 10-year-old arson and murder case. With the help of Han Jin Ah (Jung In Sun), an enigmatic heir, Kang Chul Soo sets out to uncover the true culprit and clear his name.

Genre: Crime, Thriller. Episodes: 16. Premiere Date: January 14, 2017. Broadcast Schedule: Saturdays and Sundays. Plot Summary: The series follows a criminal investigation team led by Moo Ji Hyuk (Jang Hyuk) and Kang Kwon Joo (Lee Ha Na), who are hunting a serial killer responsible for the deaths of their loved ones. Moo Ji Hyuk's life is turned upside down after the murder of his wife, while Kang Kwon Joo's father, a voice recognition expert, is also murdered by the same killer. Together, they work at the 112 emergency call center to track down the real killer.

Genre: Romance, Comedy. Episodes: 20. Premiere Date: January 16, 2017. Broadcast Schedule: Mondays and Tuesdays. Plot Summary: Introverted Boss follows Eun Hwan Ki (Yun Woo Jin), a mysterious man known as "The Silent Monster," who is also the CEO of a public relations firm. Though he appears cold, aloof, and distant, Eun Hwan Ki is actually an introvert who struggles with social interactions. This intriguing personality makes his employees curious, especially Chae Ro Woon (Park Hye Soo), a dynamic and talented young woman who seeks to uncover the truth behind his strange behavior.