Top 11 Most Popular Korean Dramas of 2023

Payback is an intense action thriller that plunges the audience into a tense battle between the protagonists and their enemies. The film follows Eun Yong, a wealthy and secretive businessman who returns to Korea after a decade, knowing the dark secrets of a major financial conglomerate, Hojoong. Alongside him is Park Joon Kyung, a talented lieutenant seeking revenge for the death of her mother. Together, they uncover a common enemy and join forces to expose the crimes of Hojoong.

At its core, Payback isn’t just about revenge and justice—it delves into the corrupting influence of power and money, where the powerful can manipulate reality to their advantage, making the fight against them an uphill battle. The series, praised for its gripping action and thrilling plot, is also lauded for its deeper messages. With heart-pounding action sequences and impressive performances from Lee Sun Kyun and Moon Chae Won, the show has left a lasting impact on viewers.

Ultimately, Payback is a thrilling ride that masterfully blends high-stakes drama with intense personal struggles. The characters’ desperate desire for justice and their relentless pursuit of revenge culminate in a powerful and unforgettable story.

Kokdu: Season of Deity is a heartfelt and emotional romance from South Korea that has captivated millions of viewers worldwide with its gripping plot and charming characters.

The story follows Kokdu, a death god who resides in the afterlife and only returns to the human world once every 99 years. During his 49 days as a mortal, he must punish the wicked. However, this time, he encounters Han Gye Jeol, a talented young doctor. Their blossoming romance forms the core of the drama, bringing sweet, romantic, and deeply emotional moments to the screen. The chemistry between Kokdu and Han Gye Jeol is delicately portrayed, offering viewers a beautifully inspiring love story that is both adventurous and sincere.

With stellar performances by Im So Hyang and Seo Kang Joon, the two lead actors bring their characters to life with natural charm and deep emotion. The film’s heartfelt scenes are complemented by a unique and moving musical score, making it not just a well-received romantic story but also a visual and auditory treat. Kokdu: Season of Deity is a shining example of high-quality Korean romantic drama and a standout in recent Asian cinema, offering a perfect blend of love, fantasy, and human connection.

Crash Course in Romance is a unique South Korean drama that has captured the attention of viewers with its compelling plot and engaging storyline. The series centers around a talented yet quirky teacher and a charming, successful food entrepreneur.

Choi Chi Yeol, with his natural teaching abilities and striking appearance, becomes a highly sought-after educator whose classes students dream of attending. However, Chi Yeol struggles with an eating disorder that leads him to battle with food for an extended period. Determined to overcome this challenge, he begins learning to embrace the foods he once rejected. The story takes an unexpected turn when he meets Nam Haeng Son, a food stall owner, who becomes his personal cook. The two discover they share a similar palate, sparking a connection that deepens through their shared meals. As they bond over food, they also learn about each other’s thoughts, feelings, and dreams. Their journey of discovering new foods together leads to playful, often hilarious moments, allowing them to grow closer while uncovering surprising aspects of each other’s personalities.

Crash Course in Romance is a delightful blend of romance and humor, making it an entertaining watch for anyone who loves food or is navigating personal struggles with eating. The show offers meaningful moments and delivers a heartfelt message about love, sharing, and understanding each other in a relationship.

Can We Be Strangers is a 2023 South Korean drama that has won over audiences with its strong performances, captivating storyline, and heartfelt music.

The plot follows Soo-ho and Ye-jin, two young lawyers who were once deeply in love. After dating for some time, they decided to marry, but their relationship eventually faltered, leading to a painful divorce. Ten years later, both have moved on with their careers and lives, becoming strangers to one another. However, fate brings them back together when they end up working at the same company. As they interact daily, they begin to rediscover old emotions and uncover secrets from their past. Their reconnection leads them to realize that their feelings for each other never truly disappeared, and they must confront unresolved issues in their relationship.

Can We Be Strangers is more than just a love story. It explores themes of personal success, the quest for happiness, and the complexity of modern relationships. The drama also offers insightful commentary on society today, making it a deeply resonant show that many can relate to. It’s a film about love that reawakens, demonstrating that sometimes, even when we think we’re strangers, we’re still deeply connected to those from our past.

Our Blooming Youth is one of the most highly anticipated historical dramas of 2023. With meticulous attention to script, casting, and direction, the show promises to deliver an unforgettable experience to its viewers.

The story of Our Blooming Youth revolves around two main characters, Min Jae Yi and Lee Hwan. Jae Yi, the daughter of a wealthy family, is forced to marry a powerful nobleman to protect her family. However, just before the wedding, her family is mysteriously assassinated, and Jae Yi becomes the prime suspect. Thus begins her quest for the truth. During her search, she meets Lee Hwan, the prince cursed by an ancient spell. With Jae Yi's help, Lee Hwan breaks the curse, and together they unravel the mystery behind the assassination of her family. The twists and turns of the plot will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. As Jae Yi and Lee Hwan grow closer, their bond deepens, and their shared journey to overcome obstacles leads to a blossoming romance.

With its talented cast and lavish production team, Our Blooming Youth is set to be one of the most captivating dramas of 2023. Viewers will be transported to an ancient world filled with intense emotion, suspense, and a romance that keeps unfolding with every passing moment.

Run Into You is an intriguing and captivating time-travel drama that has quickly won the hearts of fans who enjoy this genre. With its compelling storyline and unexpected twists, it has garnered much praise from its viewers.

The plot of Run Into You revolves around two main characters: journalist Yoon Hae Joon and writer Lee Soon Ae. Both are unexpectedly transported back to 1987, a pivotal year that holds significant memories for them. Their mission is to resolve long-standing mysteries and tensions that have haunted them for years. Soon Ae hopes to prevent her parents from marrying, fearing that it would lead to future heartbreak. Meanwhile, Hae Joon is determined to uncover the truth behind a serial murder case from that time. However, things are not as simple as they seem. As they navigate this unfamiliar time, they face new questions, unfamiliar personalities, and strange situations. The drama features a suspenseful plot with numerous twists and connections that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats, with each episode revealing new mysteries.

Run Into You is a must-watch for fans of time-travel stories. With its surprising twists, intricate connections, and talented cast, the show promises to provide thrilling entertainment and unforgettable moments.

Agency is a captivating South Korean drama that delves into the challenges faced by Go Ah In, the main character, as she strives to become a creative director at a major corporation. The series follows her journey as she navigates the competitive and demanding world of business.

Go Ah In comes from a humble background but shows determination and relentless effort in achieving her goals. After becoming the creative director of the company, Go Ah In works tirelessly to maintain her position and dreams of eventually becoming the CEO. However, in her pursuit of success, she must contend with powerful rivals and new challenges. Among them are Choi Chang Su, the planning director, and Kang Hanna, the corporate heir and head of public relations, both of whom present formidable obstacles. Agency takes viewers inside the fast-paced, high-stakes world of the corporate office, shedding light on the complexities of office life and delivering a strong message about perseverance. The show is also praised for its dramatic tension and the intricate depth of its characters. The complex relationships between the characters paint a nuanced portrait of modern corporate life.

If you're interested in the dynamics of corporate life, the challenges of rising to the top, or simply looking for an engaging drama full of tension and excitement, Agency is a must-watch. Tune in and experience the compelling stories that unfold in this thrilling series.

Speedy Love Course is one of the most popular South Korean dramas of 2023, capturing the attention of audiences worldwide. The series centers on the lives of two main characters, Nam Haeng Seon and Choi Chi Yeol, offering an emotional and heartfelt experience for viewers.

Nam Haeng Seon (played by Do Yeon Jeon) is a former handball player who had to retire early to take care of her family. After her mother's passing, Haeng Seon takes over the family’s food shop while caring for her younger brother, who has developmental disabilities, and her niece, who was abandoned by her own mother. On the other hand, Choi Chi Yeol (played by Jung Kyung Ho) is a popular math teacher suffering from eating and sleep disorders. Despite having seemingly nothing in common, their lives intersect in unexpected ways as they bond over small, shared experiences. The drama follows a lighthearted, healing narrative with a realistic touch, subtly exploring the pressures of everyday life in South Korea. Its blend of humorous moments and relatable situations resonates deeply with the audience. Moreover, the series adds intrigue with a mysterious figure attacking the teacher and several students with steel balls.

Speedy Love Course has become a global sensation, with impressive ratings. It holds an 8.3/10 rating on IMDb, and in South Korea, it has captured 2-3 million viewers per episode, with the latest episode scoring a 1% rating, making it the top show in the country. In Vietnam, since its premiere in late January, it has consistently ranked among the top 10 most-watched series.

Brain Works, a fascinating show with the tagline "Mind Power", is currently making waves on South Korean television. With a talented cast and intriguing stories surrounding the brain and neurological disorders, Brain Works has captivated audiences both domestically and internationally.

The series kicked off with an impressive nationwide viewership rating of 5.2% for its first two episodes. Brain Works offers not just entertainment but also valuable insights into the human brain and its associated disorders through the lives of its nine main characters. Shin Ha Ru (played by Jung Yong Hwa) is a neuroscientist with an extraordinary brain that makes him a standout in the medical field. However, his gifted mind is also the cause of a rare brain disease. Despite the challenges, Shin Ha Ru faces this condition with calmness and precision, thanks to his disciplined and methodical nature. Supporting him on this journey are two contrasting yet devoted companions: police officer Geum Myung Se (Cha Tae Hyun) and Seol So Jeong (Kwak Sun Young). Though they have different personalities, they share the same goal of helping Shin Ha Ru. Additionally, Brain Works features a vibrant ensemble of secondary characters, each with their own stories that bring valuable life lessons. Through its compelling storytelling and the introduction of fascinating scientific facts about the brain, Brain Works demonstrates its versatility as a series.

Brain Works - "Mind Power" provides viewers with not only entertainment but also essential knowledge about the brain and its related diseases. With a talented cast and engaging plots, the show is sure to leave audiences satisfied and enlightened.