Mercy for None (June 6th)
Following The Trauma Code and Karma, Netflix unveils another webtoon-to-screen adaptation with Mercy for None, marking So Ji Sub’s long-awaited return to the action genre after 13 years. The story follows a man who once walked away from the brutal underworld, only to return after 11 years when his younger brother—second-in-command of the organization—is killed. So Ji Sub plays the lead role of Gi Jun, unleashing a raw and ruthless revenge saga. His brooding charisma aligns perfectly with the gritty backdrop of the story. Love Scout star Lee Jun Hyuk makes a special appearance as the late brother, while The Trauma Code‘s Choo Young Woo shows a whole new side as an ambitious prosecutor. The series runs for 8 episodes.
The First Night With the Duke (June 11th)
Can Seohyun and Ok Taecyeon breathe new life into KBS’s struggling Wednesday-Thursday roster that’s been stuck in the 1% ratings zone? The First Night With the Duke, based on a popular web novel, tells the story of an ordinary college student who suddenly wakes up inside a romance novel—and unexpectedly spends the night with the story’s male lead. Seohyun plays both K, an avid novel reader and college student, and Cha Seon Chaek, a minor background character, while Ok Taecyeon plays Yi Bun, the cold but perfectly handsome and capable male lead. This fantasy setup recalls Extraordinary You, starring Kim Hye Yoon and Rowoon. The drama will run for 12 episodes.
Our Movie (June 13th)
Get ready for a rare tear-jerking romance in primetime. Our Movie tells the heartfelt love story between a once-promising film director and an aspiring actress with a terminal illness, as they heal each other’s wounds. Namkoong Min stars as Lee Jae Ha, a director who made a splash with his debut film but hasn’t released a follow-up in five years. Jeon Yeo Been plays Lee Da Eum, an aspiring actress who continues pursuing her dreams of leading roles despite battling illness. Since the trailer dropped, early reactions have been buzzing with anticipation: “Their chemistry looks incredible,” “I like its whole romance movie vibe,” and “I’m already tearing up.” Streaming available on Disney Plus, 12 episodes total.
Hunter with a Scalpel (June 16th)
After Nine Puzzles, Disney Plus continues its crime thriller streak in June with Hunter with a Scalpel. The story follows a genius forensic pathologist who discovers traces of her long-thought-dead serial killer father while performing an autopsy—and launches a personal manhunt to keep her past buried before the police uncover it. Park Ju Hyun stars as the daughter desperate to erase the past, while Park Yong Woo plays her estranged father, now back in pursuit of his daughter, delivering a dark and twisted father-daughter dynamic. Kang Hoon adds depth to the mix as a detective, offering a fresh break from his usual soft image. The series spans 16 episodes.
Salon de Holmes (June 16th)
Lee Si Young returns with a delightful “womance” drama. Salon de Holmes follows four women as they unravel mysterious happenings within their apartment complex. Known for her recent tough-as-nails characters, Lee Si Young shows a lighter side this time as sharp-witted Gong Mi Ri. She’s joined by Jung Young Ju, Kim Dasom, and Nam Kee Ae, each portraying women with unique abilities as they team up to crack neighborhood cases. The series runs for 10 episodes.
Running Mate (June 19th)
Running Mate marks the directorial debut of Parasite co-writer Han Jin Won. The film premiered at the 2023 Busan International Film Festival and earned positive reviews. It follows No Se Hoon (Yoon Hyun Soo), who becomes the subject of school-wide ridicule after an unfortunate incident. Given the chance to be a running mate in the student council election, he gets swept up in an unexpected turn of events. Running Mate promises a fresh and engaging take on the high-stakes world of student politics with its mix of ambition, sharp conflicts, and moments of friendship and growth.
Head Over Heels (June 23rd)
Korean shamanism meets coming-of-age school romance in Head Over Heels, based on a beloved webtoon of the same name. The drama follows a doomed boy and a teenage shaman girl who fight fate together and ultimately save each other. Cho Yi Hyun plays Park Seong Ah, a high school student living a double life—teenager by day, shaman by night. Choo Young Woo plays Bae Gyeon Woo, born cursed with bad luck that endangers not just himself but everyone around him. Expect a fresh blend of ghosts, talismans, rituals, and spirit possession, all wrapped in a tender first love story. For fans of The Great Shaman Ga Doo-shim, starring Kim Sae Ron, this 12-episode series is one to watch.
Squid Game 3 (June 27th)
The iconic Squid Game returns with its final chapter. What will be the fate of Gi Hun (Lee Jung Jae), who led a rebellion in the previous season but witnessed his friend’s death, and the remaining participants? The teaser released on May 6th showed tense new players entering the arena, sparking a wave of speculation about who will survive. Particular attention focuses on the confrontation between the Front Man (Lee Byung Hun), who has returned from Participant #1 to game overseer, and the rage-filled Gi Hun. While Season 2 was met with mixed reactions, expectations are sky-high for this 6-episode finale to deliver a strong finish to one of Korea’s biggest hits.
Edited by Hong Hyun Jung
Translated by Kim Hoyeun
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.
