Edited by Hong Hyun Jung
Translated Yu Jin Kim
Spice Up Our Love (10/3)
Spice Up Our Love is an exciting spin-off of No Gain, No Love. The story takes place in the world of the web novel No Gain, No Love, written by Nam Jayun (played by Han Ji Hyun). Jayun wakes up to find herself as the protagonist of her own novel, Seo Yeon Seo. But she’s thrown into chaos when the male lead, Kang Ha Jun, turns out to be Bok Kyu Hyun (Lee Sang Yi), not her original muse, Yeo Ha Jun (Lee Yoo Jin). Now, as a character in her own creation, can Jayun navigate this unexpected twist? Since Jayun is a writer of 19+ web novels, viewers can expect a daring and bold storyline. Streaming now on Amazon Prime Video.
Family By Choice (10/9)
Family By Choice is a remake of Chinese drama Go Ahead and tells the story of three friends who reunite 10 years after spending their teenage years together. Hwang In Yeop, Jung Chae Yeon, and Bae Hyun Sung portray three young adults who deeply care for one another. For those who have seen the original, it will be fun to compare how the Korean version differs. Available on Rakuten Viki, Viu, and U-Next.
Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard (10/10)
Dongjae, the Good or the Bastard is Stranger‘s spin-off series featuring its unhateable villain Seo Dong Jae (played by Lee Joon Hyuk). The story follows Dong Jae, who has been branded a “sponsor prosecutor,” as he attempts to seize a dangerous once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Park Sung Woong will add tension to the drama by portraying Nam Wan Seong, the threatening CEO of a construction company. Following the trailer’s release, there has been an outpouring of anticipation for Dong Jae’s performance. The series will make its debut at the 29th Busan International Film Festival. Available on Paramount Plus.
Doubt (10/11)
Han Suk Kyu is making his comeback as a profiler, stepping away from his iconic doctor role. Doubt follows the story of a top profiler who confronts a secret about his daughter that is intertwined with a murder case he is investigating. Han Seok Kyu is known for receiving positive responses in every series he has appeared in, and he is expected to showcase his talent once again.
A Virtuous Business (10/12)
Kim So Yeon is returning to a lead role for the first time in three years since The Penthouse. The drama, titled A Virtuous Business, is a remake of the British series Brief Encounters. It follows the story of four women who venture into the adult product home sales business in 1992, a time when discussing sex was considered taboo. A Virtuous Business is attracting attention not just for its characters, but also for its bold exploration of the subject of “sex” in weekend dramas, along with the impressive performances from its talented cast. Available on Netflix.
Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born (10/12)
The highly anticipated drama Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born is set to air in the second half of the year, but can it quell the controversy and win the love of viewers? Set shortly after the Korean War in the 1950s, the story follows the journey of sound prodigy Yoon Jeongnyeon as she joins a women’s national theater troupe and grows as an artist. It is based on the popular webtoon of the same name, which garnered significant acclaim for its fresh subject matter and solid storyline. The cast includes Kim Tae Ri, praised for her strong resemblance to the webtoon character, along with Shin Ye Eun, Jung Eun Chae, and Kim Yoon Hye. However, there are concerns regarding the adaptation process, including the removal of queer characters and the less-than-smooth transition of the show’s airing from tvN to MBC. Available on Disney Plus.
Love in the Big City (10/21)
In October, writer Park Sang Young; novel Love in the Big City will be adapted into both a film and a drama by different production companies. The film stars im Go Eun and Noh Sang Hyun, while the drama features Nam Yoon Su in the lead role. The drama tells the story of a character learning about life and love through various encounters. It is gaining attention for its focus on queer characters, and expectations are high as the original author, Park Sang Young, is also writing the series’ screenplay.
Hellbound 2 (10/25).
Hellbound returns for its second season after recording 110 million viewing hours just ten days after its release. Season 2 continues the story in a world where announcements of hell are rampant, introducing a resurrected figure that intensifies the chaos. Kim Sung Cheol will take over the role of Chairman Jeong Jin Soo of the New Truth Society, replacing Yoo Ah In. The series will make its debut at the 29th Busan International Film Festival.
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.