Top 10 Must-See Korean Films of 2023

Vigilante is based on the popular webtoon of the same name, starring Nam Joo-hyuk, Kim Ji Yong, and Lee Joon Hyuk. The film, currently in production, is adapted from the novel by Kim Gyu Sam, and is expected to release in 2023. This action-packed crime drama will be released simultaneously as a movie and a TV series. Nam Joo-hyuk, who has recently become a rising star, is set to lead the show in the role of a police officer. His character quickly catches the attention of reporter Choi Mi-ryeo and investigator Cho Heon, as well as powerful figures in business and politics. Ji Yong, portrayed by Kim Ji Yong, is a passionate young man who dreams of joining the police force. After a family tragedy, he transforms into a vigilante, hunting down criminals by night and earning the nickname 'Vigilante.' Nam Joo-hyuk will be joined by Lee Joon Hyuk, who plays Cho Kang Ok, a character who aids him in his quest and has the ability to influence the media. If the film follows the original story closely, Vigilante will offer a unique narrative where no one is entirely good or evil, with each character holding their own beliefs and motivations, creating surprising twists and turns. This project is expected to mark a significant transformation for Nam Joo-hyuk's acting career.

D.P. 2 is a South Korean online drama directed by Han Jun-hee, with a script written by Kim Bo-tong and Han Jun-hee, based on the webtoon DP Dog's Day by Kim Bo-tong. The series stars Jung Hae-in, Koo Kyo-hwan, Kim Sung-kyun, and Son Seok-koo.

From its introduction, the series has become a hot topic, sparking intense debates both in South Korea and internationally. D.P. 2 has garnered positive reviews for its gritty, unprecedentedly realistic portrayal of life in the South Korean military. It follows two soldiers, Ahn Jung Ho (Jung Hae In), a private who enlisted to escape his oppressive reality, and Han Ho Yeol (Koo Gyo Hwan), a sergeant. D.P. 2 focuses on their mission to apprehend deserters, uncovering the darker side of the military that has been hidden behind barbed wire. The release of D.P. 2 has been seen as a powerful voice for the new generation, tackling social issues head-on and breaking traditional norms in the Korean film industry. Netflix’s socially conscious Korean films have achieved tremendous success, and this one is expected to do the same.

Director Han expressed his excitement about working with Netflix, as he revisits the unresolved storylines from season one in this second season. With Jung Hae In returning, audiences can look forward to an impactful show in 2023.

The Uncanny Counter 2 is a South Korean drama set to release in 2023, starring Jo Byung-gyu, Kim Se-jeong, and Yum Hye-ran, based on the Daum webtoon Amazing Rumor by Jang Yi. Directed by Do Yoo Sun-dong, the show follows a group of demon hunters called the Counters, who descend from the afterlife to Earth to prevent evil spirits from achieving eternal life.

The news of a second season of The Uncanny Counter has sparked significant interest, particularly regarding the return of the original cast. Recently, Jellyfish Entertainment revealed that Kim Se-jeong is seriously considering the lead role for the new season, igniting excitement among fans. Many are thrilled at the prospect of her continued involvement in the series, while some viewers suggest that the actress' recent roles have lacked diversity, making this return a timely and welcome move. In addition to Kim Se-jeong, the star-studded cast includes Jo Byung-gyu, Yoo Joon Sang, and Yeom Hye-ran. The Uncanny Counter 2 is making history as it garners unprecedented anticipation, becoming one of the most highly anticipated series in OCN’s history.

Gyeongseong Creature is an upcoming South Korean drama featuring Park Seo-joon, Han So-hee, Soo Hyun, Kim Hae-sook, Jo Han-chul, and Wi Ha-joon. Set in the spring of 1945, during the darkest days of Gyeongseong, the series tells the story of individuals battling for survival at the edge of life and death.

In the spring of 1945, in Japanese-occupied Korea, two young people face off against a mysterious creature born from greed, fighting to survive. Gyeongseong Creature is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated Korean dramas of 2023, set to premiere on Netflix. The show depicts the fierce struggle of humanity, teetering between life and death, against a monster spawned by human greed. Park Seo Joon plays Jang Tae Sang, a wealthy and influential man in Bukchon, who leads the Golden Jade House market. Despite his ruthless focus on money and power, everything changes when he meets Yun Chae Ok, portrayed by Han So Hee. Chae Ok is a skilled bounty hunter, renowned for her ability to find missing people, dead or alive. Having survived harsh conditions in Manchuria and Shanghai, she is a resilient survivor with expertise in weapons like guns and knives.

Gyeongseong Creature promises to be a hit with its star-studded cast and gripping storyline. Fans are eagerly waiting to see the dynamic chemistry between the leading duo in 2023.

An exciting new thriller from South Korea, Kill Bok Soon, is coming soon to Netflix. Directed by Byun Sung Hyun, the film stars Jeon Do Yeon, and is set to premiere in 2023.

The story follows Bok Soon, a single mother who is also one of the most dangerous assassins in the world, with a 100% success rate in contract killings. She works for M.K. Ent, a company run by Cha Min Kyo, her mentor and close ally. While they share a deep respect for each other, Bok Soon knows that a single misstep could cost her everything. As her contract renewal approaches, her loyalty is put to the test when she becomes entangled in a mission where the line between victim and killer becomes dangerously blurred. Bok Soon struggles to balance her deadly career and motherhood, especially with her 15-year-old daughter. Meanwhile, Min-gyu, the new CEO of M.K. Ent and the man who taught her everything about the craft, must navigate the growing competition within the company. The series explores themes of corporate rivalry, personal relationships, and the challenges of maintaining a double life.

With its intense and thrilling plot, Kill Bok Soon is sure to keep Korean drama fans on the edge of their seats when it debuts in 2023.

The Roundup: No Way Out is an upcoming Korean action-crime film directed by Lee Sang-yong, starring Ma Dong-seok and Lee Jun-hyeok.

This is the third installment in the crime saga, following The Outlaws (2017) and The Roundup (2022). The plot follows Detective Ma Seok-do, who has shifted from the Geumcheon Police Station to the urban investigation team, with a mission to dismantle the Japanese mafia infiltrating South Korea to carry out heinous crimes. The film's appeal lies in the intense action sequences and fight scenes, with Ma Dong-seok delivering fast and brutal blows. One memorable moment includes him kicking a man off a bus, and another features a knockout punch that floors an opponent. Much of the film's tension builds as Detective Seok Do chases criminals through thrilling high-stakes pursuits, and long dialogues add to the suspenseful pacing of the story.

The Roundup: No Way Out will be the third chapter in this action-packed franchise, set to release in 2023. Following the massive success of The Roundup (2022) at the Asian box office, fans are eager to see if the third installment can live up to its predecessors' success.

Queen Maker, produced by Netflix, marks an exciting collaboration between two of Korea's most prominent actresses, Kim Hee Ae and Moon So Ri.

Queen Maker revolves around two women whose lives were once completely different, but both share a strong-willed nature that leads them to join forces in the pursuit of creating a fair and honest world. Kim Hee Ae plays Hwang Do Hee, a brilliant strategic consultant at Eunsung, one of the top three domestic conglomerates in South Korea. Using her sharp analysis of appearance, voice, habits, preferences, rumors, and vulnerable spots, she helps Eunsung navigate through numerous challenges. On the other hand, Moon So Ri portrays Oh Seung Sook, a labor rights lawyer nicknamed the 'mad rhino.' Unlike Do Hee, Oh Seung Sook has spent two decades fighting a lonely battle from the rooftop of Eunsung's department store to protect the powerless. After experiencing significant changes, Do Hee decides to leave everything behind to help Oh Seung Sook become the mayor of Seoul. These two women, strong and resolute in their beliefs, may have different methods and ideologies, but together they fight for justice.

Queen Maker is one of the most highly anticipated Netflix K-dramas of 2023. Let's see how these two women, with their contrasting backgrounds, clash and collaborate in their journey toward change.

A Time Called You is a South Korean online drama featuring Ahn Hyo-seop, Jeon Yeo-Been, and Kang Hoon. Based on the Taiwanese drama Someday Or One Day, it is set to premiere in 2023.

On February 22, 2021, NPIO Entertainment and Lian Contents announced that Taiwan's Fox Network Group had secured the rights to remake the popular Taiwanese drama Someday Or One Day, with a Korean version slated for serious production. By March 31, 2022, Netflix confirmed its involvement in producing A Time Called You and cast Ahn, Jeon, and Kang for leading roles. Ahn Hyo-seop, having gained recognition from his role in Business Proposal, plays Kang Tae Moo, a wealthy CEO with a deep affection for the female lead. However, his role as Li Zi Dui, based on the character from the Taiwanese version, presents a much more complex challenge. The love story between Li Zi Dui and Huang Wu Xuan, the female lead, isn't a typical fairy tale, but rather a journey through tumultuous events across different time periods within a complex narrative. The original story focuses on time travel, where every time a character travels through time, their original body remains outside while their consciousness is trapped within the body of their past self.

Actor Huo Guang Han effectively portrays Li Zi Dui at three different life stages: a 17-year-old full of youthful energy, a 20-year-old brimming with passion, and a 37-year-old mature and composed individual. He also gives an outstanding performance as Wang Xuan Sheng.

Mask Girl is an upcoming South Korean drama directed by Kim Yong-hoon, starring Go Hyun-jung, Ahn Jae-hong, and Yeom Hye-ran.

Based on the popular webtoon of the same name, Mask Girl falls under the 18+ genre. However, it's uncertain whether the show will tone down its content for a wider audience when adapted for television. The series follows Kim Mo Mi, an ordinary office worker who struggles with her self-image. To hide her facial imperfections, she wears a mask while live-streaming on social media. Meanwhile, Joo Oh Nam, her colleague, harbors a one-sided crush on her. He also feels insecure about his own appearance and tends to be overlooked by others. His only joy is watching Kim Mo Mi's live streams. The plot takes an intriguing turn when Joo Oh Nam becomes involved in an unexpected incident with Kim Mo Mi. After he goes missing, his single mother, Kyung-ja, embarks on a frantic search to find him.

Mask Girl is one of the most highly anticipated K-dramas, with a reported 7 episodes. Set to premiere in 2023, the show is expected to make a huge splash among young audiences and on social media.

The Girl Downstairs, a Netflix series based on the webtoon Lee Doona by Min Songah, tells the romantic story of a university student who moves into a new apartment and meets a beautiful woman living downstairs. Little does he know, she is a former idol who gave up her career to focus on her studies.

On March 10, media outlets reported that actress Suzy has been cast in the lead role for this Netflix original. Suzy will play Lee Du Na, the former lead singer of the girl group Dream Sweet, who suddenly decides to retire from her music career to pursue a degree in theater at Minsong University. With her dazzling beauty and quirky personality, Du Na catches the eye of everyone she meets. Directed by Lee Jung Hyo, who has previously worked on successful shows like Crash Landing On You, Life On Mars, and Romance Is A Bonus Book, this series is expected to draw significant attention from fans. With Suzy in the lead, the show is poised to be a hit on Netflix in 2023.

The Girl Downstairs explores how two people from completely different worlds can unexpectedly develop a special bond after spending time together. The show is set to release in early 2023.