Edited by Hong Hyun Jung
Translated by Cho EK
Happiness (11/5)
Storyline: It is a thriller set in the near future, depicting the desperate struggles for survival inside a closed-off building amid a new infectious disease.
What to look for: In the midst of the pandemic that has lasted for two years, a rare TV apocalyptic thriller series came out. With its star-studded cast of Han Hyo Joo, Park Hyung Sik, and Jo Woo Jin, we will have to wait and see how realistically the drama will portray the desperate struggles for survival and how the characters’ story will win our hearts.
Let Me Be Your Knight (11/7)
Storyline: It’s a romance between a popular idol (Lee Jun Young) who sleepwalks at night and a fake doctor (Jung In Sun) who has to treat him in secret.
What to look for: The drama presents an idol group as its main character but focuses on the secret romance that happens in their dorm. Previously, Imitation suffered a painful failure telling a growth story of various idol singers. However, the concept of an idol having a romantic affair may attract new interest from the viewers. Still, since it only airs once a week at late night, so we might have to wait and see how it’ll turn out.
Idol: The Coup (11/8)
Storyline: It’s a story of an unsuccessful idol group, Cotton Candy, which needs one last success before disbanding.
What to look for: It is about an idol group that was never successful for the last six years since its debut. Will their story steal the hearts of viewers? EXID’s Hani became an instant star after years of struggles thanks to their viral performance video uploaded on YouTube. The drama is drawing attention because it deals with stories similar to those she has experienced.
Secret Royal Inspector Joy (11/8)
Storyline: It is a historical comedy drama starring Ok Taecyeon as a young gourmand who is appointed as a secret royal inspector against his will. The series also features Kim Hye Yoon as a divorced lady who sets out on a journey to find her happiness.
What to look for: Like the Royal Secret Agent, starring Kim Myung Soo and Kwon Nara, it is a historical drama that focuses on the comedy created by unique characters rather than romance, with the subject of a secret inspector that fights corruption. If you are tired of watching the existing historical romance dramas, you will be happy to watch this cheerful and lively comedy series.
Melancholia (11/10)
Storyline: Set in a private school where corruption is systemic, the upcoming drama will follow a passionate math teacher named Ji Yoon Soo (Im Soo Jung) and a math prodigy named Baek Seung Yoo (Lee Do Hyun) as they work together to overcome prejudices and social stigma.
What to look for: Would it be a dangerous romance between a teacher and a student or, would it show a dramatic relationship between a teacher and student like it did in the movie Good Will Hunting? The writer Kim Jee Woon once explained, “I wanted to explore the joy of fully committing to something rather than the joy of solving a difficult math problem.” Looking back on what he said, the new drama will likely depict a beautiful human connection between a math genius and his teacher.
Now, We Are Breaking Up (11/12)
Storyline: It is a romance drama that depicts the relationships between Ha Young Eun (Song Hye Kyo), the head of a design team at a fashion company, and Yoon Jae Guk (Jang Ki Yong), a well-known freelance photographer.
What to look for: It is one of the most anticipated dramas of the year, starring Hallyu star Song Hye Kyo and famous actor Jang Ki Yong. As it talks about the romance between a successful older woman and an attractive younger man, it reminds us of Song’s previous work, Encounter. With that in mind, the show’s success will likely depend on how well it will portray the emotions within a relationship. Jang Ki Yong finished filming before enlisting and had its production report in advance.
The Red Sleeve (11/12)
Storyline: It is an emotional romance series that depicts a tragic love story between a royal maid (Lee Se Young), who wants to live the life of her choice, and a king (Junho) who chose his country before his love.
What to look for: Would this romantic historical drama continue the success of period shows? It is a series adaptation of a novel written based on a true love story between king Jeongjo and his concubine Uibin Seong of the Joseon Dynasty. It is garnering attention as it will be the first serious historical drama in years. The stills and trailers are raising expectations featuring beautiful costumes and cinematography that gives a glimpse at the elegance and beauty of the bygone era.
Hellbound (11/19)
Storyline: It is a story about unearthly beings delivering condemnations, sending individuals to hell, and giving rise to a religious group founded on the idea of divine justice.
What to look for: Following D.P., Squid Game, and My Name, it is one of the most anticipated series that will be on Netflix this month. It is based on the popular webtoon of the same name written by director Yeon Sang Ho of Train to Busan, and he participated in directing and co-writing. The series both premiered at Toronto Film Festival and the Busan International Film Festival, receiving positive reviews on its original settings, interesting story, and passionate actors.
One Ordinary Day (11/27)
Storyline: It is a crime series that revolves around an ordinary college student (Kim Soo Hyun) who became a murder suspect overnight and a third-rate lawyer (Cha Seung Won) who reaches out to help him.
What to look for: This drama is a remake of the British series Criminal Justice, starring Ben Whishaw. Previously, Kim Soo Hyun received good reviews on It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, the series he starred in after being discharged from the military. This time, he will play a college student who got himself in trouble. Attention is focused on whether Coupang Play will achieve satisfactory results featuring Kim Soo Hyun in their first drama series.
Show Window: The Queen’s House (11/29)
Storyline: It is about a story of a woman (Song Yoon Ah) who supports another woman’s (Jeon So Min) love affair without knowing that the woman is cheating on her husband (Lee Sung Jae).
What to look for: It is one of those Korean dramas that talks about secret love affairs. Expectations are already high for the series since this drama features an unconventional main character who roots for someone’s secret affair. Also, many wonders if Jeon So Min, widely known as a Running Man member, would win the viewers’ hearts playing a woman who dates a married man.
Edited Hong Hyun Jung: I am a K-content guide who publishes various articles for people to enjoy Korean movies and dramas deeper and richer. I’ll introduce you to the works that you can laugh, cry and sympathize with.
Translator Cho EK: I’m a big fan of Korean dramas and movies
