Edited by Hong Hyun Jung
Translated by Yu Jin Kim
Red Swan (7/3)
Disney Plus has faced disappointing results with Blood Free and Uncle Samsik, but will they be able to turn things around with a new chaebol makjang drama, Red Swan? Starring Rain and Kim Ha Neul, the series centers around the inheritance battle over the Hwain Group. Kim Ha Neul plays Oh Wan Soo, the group’s daughter-in-law who faces the threat of murder, while Rain portrays Seo Do Yoon, a bodyguard who joins the group to uncover the truth behind his friend’s death. The drama is expected to feature a compelling love story, intriguing mysteries, and intense action scenes. Attention is focused on whether the drama will break the mold of tired chaebol storylines and win over viewers.
The Auditors (7/6)
Moving star Lee Jung Ha returns in The Auditors, starring alongside veteran actor Shin Ha Kyun. The new tvN Saturday drama depicts the activities of an auditing team at a construction company where embezzlement, corruption, and accidents are rampant. Shin Ha Kyun plays Shin Cha Il, the head of the auditing team who tracks down companies with embezzlement problems, while Lee Jung Ha plays Goo Han Soo, a team member who dreams of being transferred to an overseas branch. The drama’s highlights include the comedic interplay between the cynical Shin Cha Il and the loving Goo Han Soo, as well as their confrontation with Vice President Hwang Dae Woong (Jin Goo).
Good Partner (7/12)
SBS also unveils an office drama with an anticipated dynamic duo. Starring Jang Na Ra and Nam Ji Hyun, the new drama titled Good Partners delves into the world of divorce lawyers. Jang Na-ra portrays the star lawyer Cha Eun Kyung with a bold and direct personality, while Nam Ji Hyun takes on the role of Han Yu-ri, a rookie lawyer with a fiery passion for justice. The drama follows the relatable journey of these two vastly different lawyers as they gradually become “good partners” from adversaries. Kim Jun Han and Pyo Ji Hoon will add depth to the ensemble as fellow lawyers. Good Partners will be available on Netflix.
Tarot (7/15)
Invited to the Cannes International Series Festival this year, Tarot is a horror mystery series perfect for summer. The series consists of seven different stories of characters trapped in the curse of tarot cards, twisted by their momentary choices. Cho Yeo Jung, Dex, Ko Kyu Pil, Park Ha Sun, Lee Joo Bin, and Hahm Eun Jung star as the protagonists of the episodes.
Sweet Home Season 3 (7/19)
Sweet Home returns for its final chapter. Will Hyun Soo (Song Kang) be able to reclaim his humanity, which he lost in Season 2? Many other narratives are set to unfold. There is growing curiosity about the stories of Nam Sang Won, who appeared before Dr. Lim (Oh Jung Se) in the Season 2 finale wearing Pyeon Sang Wook’s (Lee Jin Wook) skin, and Eun Hyuk (Lee Do Hyun), who emerged from a cocoon with a fully developed physical body. Season 2 of Sweet Home built a vast world, but the story faltered. Can season 3 course-correct and leave fans feeling satisfied? Let’s hope the saga concludes on a high note.
>> ‘Sweet Home 2’ Review: Weak and Shaky Footing for Season 3
Serendipity’s Embrace (7/22)
Chae Jong Hyeop, who created a Hallyu boom with his Japanese drama Eye Love You, is back with a romance about first love, co-starring with Kim So Hyun. Based on a webtoon of the same name, Serendipity’s Embrace tells the story of two people who meet their first love again by chance after 10 years and fall in love again as if by fate. Kim So Hyun takes on the role of Lee Hong Joo, a woman still carrying the scars of her past relationship. Chae Jong Hyeop plays Kang Ha Young, who returns to Korea after a decade and bumps into his first love once more. The project is helmed by director Song Hyun Wook, known for his work on The King’s Affection and Beauty Inside. With a popular cast and a heartwarming premise, all eyes are on Chae Jong Hyeop to see if his success in Japan translates to a smooth return to Korean dramas.
No Way Out: The Roulette (7/31)
No Way Out: The Roulette is lifting the veil. The thriller drama garnered attention with the appearance of Taiwanese actor Greg Hsu. “No Way Out” tells the story of a high-stakes public assassination order placed on the life of a notorious criminal. The drama has captured the spotlight with its intriguing premise of a nationwide assassination order and its stellar cast, including Cho Jin Woong, Yoo Jae Myung, Kim Mu Yeol, Yum Jung Ah, Sung Yoo Bin, Greg Hsu, Lee Kwang Soo, and Kim Sung Cheol. It is based on the novel Shield of Straw by Kazuhiro Kiuchi, which was also adapted into a film by director Takashi Miike.
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.
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