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Edited by Hong Hyun Jung
Translated by Kim Hoyeun
Brain Cooperation (January 2nd)
Jung Yong Hwa and Cha Tae Hyun will be opening the year 2023 with a delightful bromance. Brain Cooperation (literal title) is the new police procedural comedy show about two men at each other’s throats, solving criminal cases related to a rare brain disease. Jung Yong Hwa steps into the role of Shin Ha Ru, a neuroscientist who lacks touches of humanity, and Cha Tae Hyun plays Geum Myung Se, an altruistic detective, showing perfect chemistry as frenemies. Joining them in the cast is Behind Every Star actress Kwak Sun Young as Seol So Jung, a timid hypnosis investigator. Attention focuses on what Cha Tae Hyun will present in this upcoming series that takes a similar format as his previous works such as Team Bulldog: Off-duty Investigation and Police University.
Run Into You (TBA)
Kim Dong Wook and Jin Ki Joo turn into time travelers. KBS’s new Wednesday-Thursday series Run Into You follows the strange but beautiful time travel of a man and a woman trapped in 1987. Kim Dong Wook and Jin Ki Joo become Yoon Hae Jun and Baek Youn Young who set out to find the truth behind a serial murder case in the past after their fateful encounter. While the teaser catches the eye with its impressive visuals and mysterious mood, concerns have been raised over the fact that a similar story of time travel failed to attract viewers’ attention and the fact that Mr. Trot 2 airs in the same time slot.
Payback (January 6th)
Lee Sun Kyun and Moon Chae Won teamed up with The Gangster, The Cop, The Devil director Lee Won Tae for a new revenge drama. SBS’s new Friday-Saturday series Payback tells the story of those fighting against the cartel of law and money. Lee Sun Kyun steps into the role of Eun Young, an investor wrapped in a mystery, and Moon Chae Won plays Judge Park Joon Kyung. What kind of fun will Payback provide that’s different from other familiar revenge stories? Director Lee asked for viewers’ expectations, explaining that the topic might be heavy but the character Lee Sun Kyun plays is attractive.
Agency (January 7th)
Lee Bo Young takes the baton from Song Joong Ki. JTBC’s new weekend drama Agency follows Go Ah In, a woman with nothing becoming the managing director of an agency. Lee Bo Young takes on the role of Go Ah In, who was raised by her aunt after her parents abandoned her. Despite her lacking resume, she rose to become the first female executive of VC Group with only her skills. Interest arises if Lee Bo Young, who’s playing her first-ever spiteful character, will be able to continue the success of Reborn Rich. Son Naeun‘s transformation into the youngest member of the VC Group is also drawing attention.
Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist 2
Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist is coming back with season 2. The story of the three people who touched the hearts of those with pain has moved to Hanyang, the capital of Joseon. The romance between Yoo Se Poong (Kim Min Jae) and Seo Eun Woo (Kim Hyang Gi), which failed to see a happy ending, will be facing a crisis with the addition of a new character. Woo Da Bi and Kang Young Seok will spice up the romance of “PoongWoo Couple.” Season 2, which will return after 4 months, hopes to impress viewers with a heartwarming story once again.
Crash Course in Romance (January 14th)
Jeon Do Yeon is returning with a rom-com. tvN’s new weekend series Crash Course in Romance depicts the romance between a former nations handball player who is now the owner of a side dishes store and a famous math instructor. Will Jeon Do Yeon, who hasn’t made any recent hits, get to capture the viewers’ hearts again with a friendly image she hasn’t shown in a while? Expectations for Jung Kyung Ho, who’ll lead the drama alongside her, are also high.
Can We Be Strangers? (January 18th)
Kang So Ra, who’s been on a hiatus due to her marriage and pregnancy, is coming back to the small screen with a new romance drama. Can We Be Strangers? (literal title) portrays the life and love of divorce lawyers. Kang So Ra plays Oh Ha Ra, star divorce lawyer Oh Ha Ra, nicknamed the goddess of lawsuits, and works with Gu Eun Bum (Jang Seung Jo), a lawyer with charms and skills.
Kokdu: Season of Deity (January 27th)
Will Kim Jung Hyun and Im Soo Hyang be able to revive MBC’s weekend drama which has been stagnant since Big Mouth? Kokdu: Season of Deity is the new fantasy romance series about the grim reaper who comes down to this world to punish humans every 99 years meeting a doctor with a special ability. Attention focuses on whether Kim Jung Hyun, who’s suspended his activities due to conflicts with his agency and controversy over his private life with Seo Ye Ji, will be able to make a successful comeback with a heart-fluttering romance drama.
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.
