Edited by Hong Hyun Jung
Translated by Yu Jin Kim
My Perfect Stranger (5/1)
My Perfect Stranger is set to be the first K-drama to premiere in May after having its original release date postponed in the past. This upcoming drama involves time travel, where the lead character Paek Yoon Young (played by Jin Ki Joo) travels back to her mother’s high school days and becomes friends with her. The other main character, Yoon Hae Jun (Kim Dong Wook), embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind a serial murder case that took place 30 years ago. With multiple time-travel dramas set 20 to 30 years in the past recently gaining popularity among viewers, there is growing anticipation over whether this new sci-fi and mystery genre drama will also capture audiences’ hearts.
All That We Loved (5/5)
EXO member Sehun will soon grace the screen with his presence in a refreshing youthful drama titled All That We Loved. The drama tells the story of two best friends who both fall for a mysterious transfer student. Additionally, the plot explores the unique theme of “cellular memory syndrome,” which suggests that organ transplant recipients may inherit certain traits of the organ donor. As Sehun takes on the role of Go Yoo, the basketball prodigy who is immensely popular among other students, viewers are eagerly anticipating what kind of charm he will bring to the show.
Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 (5/6)
Tale of the Nine Tailed is making a comeback. Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938, which garnered a lot of attention with its Season 2 production, tells the story of Lee Yeon, a nine-tailed fox who crash-landed in 1938 and seeks to return to the present day. Lee Dong Wook will return along with Kim Bum, Kim Yong Ji, and Hwang Hee, while Kim So Yeon and Ryu Kyung Soo will join as new characters. Jo Bo Ah will make a special appearance in the new season to ease the disappointment of fans who were hoping for her return. Viewers are curious about why Lee Yeon, who had a happy ending with the human-turned-Nam Ji Ah (played by Jo Bo Ah) in the previous season, landed in Gyeongsung and whether he will be able to safely return to the present time in Season 2.
Race (5/10)
Disney Plus, which achieved notable success with their shows Casino and Call It Love, is now introducing a new office drama called Race. The drama stars Lee Yeon Hee, Yunho, Hong Jong Hyun, and Moon So Ri. Written by Kim Roo Ri, the screenwriter behind the hit drama Hyena, Race tells the story of Park Yoon Jo, a passionate but inexperienced employee who lands a job at a conglomerate and becomes involved in a recruitment scandal. Fans are looking forward to seeing Lee Yeon Hee’s transformation into a passionate new employee in the show.
Black Knight (5/12)
Kim Woo Bin is set to star in a new apocalyptic sci-fi series where he plays the lead. Titled Black Knight and set in a future Korean Peninsula where severe air pollution has made it impossible for people to survive without oxygen, the series follows the story of a legendary courier named 5-8 and a refugee named Sa Wol as they fight against the Chun Myung Group, which dominates the new world. Kim Woo Bin will play the role of legendary courier 5-8, who delivers oxygen during the daytime and works as a black knight at night. Notably, the show features a dystopian philosophy rarely seen in South Korean dramas and provides unique visuals for audiences to enjoy.
Oh! Young-shim (5/15)
The beloved animated series Young Sim from the 1990s is getting a live-action adaptation in the form of a romantic comedy drama called Oh! Young-shim (working title). It revolves around childhood friends, Young Shim and Kyung Tae, reuniting after a gap of 20 years. The role of Young Sim will be played by Fight for My Way star Song Ha Yoon and is sure to stir up nostalgia for the viewers. Meanwhile, Super Junior’s Dong Hae, who has been missing in action from dramas since God’s Quiz 4, will take on the role of Wang Kyung Tae, revealing a fresh new perspective from the original comic. Will this rom-com version of Young Shim and Kyung Tae’s story leave you grinning from ear to ear?
One Day Off (5/24)
Lee Na Young is back on the small screen after a four-year hiatus since The Bonus Book, and this time she’s bringing us One Day Off. Join Park Ha Kyung, a Korean language teacher who embarks on exciting Saturday trips, as she takes us on a journey of unexpected events and heartwarming encounters in new and unfamiliar destinations. With an all-star cast featuring Koo Kyo Hwan, Sunwoo Jung A, Park Se Wan, Han Ye Ri, and Shim Eun Kyung, Lee Na Young’s latest slice of life drama is sure to be a healing balm for the soul.
Delightfully Deceitful (5/29)
tvN’s new drama Delightfully Deceitful follows the story of a swindler who lacks empathy and an overly sympathetic lawyer seeking revenge against evil. The contrasting roles of swindler and lawyer will be played by Chun Woo Hee and Kim Dong Wook, respectively. While the concept of a swindler and lawyer cooperating sounds intriguing, there are concerns about Kim Dong Wook’s double appearance as his other drama, My Perfect Stranger, is also set to premiere on May 1st. Thankfully, the two shows will air consecutively in the nighttime slot, but viewers are curious whether both dramas will be able to satisfy them.
Battle of Happiness (5/31)
ENA has been consistently producing dramas since the success of Extraordinary Attorney Woo but has yet to achieve notable ratings. Will their upcoming drama, tentatively titled Brattle of Happiness (literal title), which is set to premiere on May 31st, be able to achieve significant success? Starring Lee El and Jin Seo Yeon, the drama tells the story of a group of mothers who engage in intense competition to present their happiness on social media. However, the plot takes an unexpected turn when one of them dies under suspicious circumstances, setting off a mysterious and intriguing chain of events.
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.
