April brings a fresh wave of Korean dramas across a variety of genres, from thrilling action to heartfelt romances. Here are the must-watch premieres this month:
Bloodhounds 2
Release Date: April 3rd
Cast: Woo Do Han, Lee Sang Yi, Rain
Synopsis: Gun Woo and Woo Jin return to face off against an illegal boxing league ruled by money and violence.
Viewing Points: Woo Do Han and Lee Sang Yi reunite for more cathartic punch-action. Rain takes on a villain role for the first time since his debut, portraying a merciless antagonist with devastating combat skills.
Episodes: 7
Network: Netflix
Where to Watch: Netflix
Perfect Crown
Release Date: April 10th
Cast: IU, Byeon Woo Seok, Noh Sang Hyun, Gong Seung Yeon
Synopsis: A romance between a woman who has everything except royal status and a prince who holds high status but can have nothing else.
Viewing Points: Perfect Crown became a must-watch from the moment the leads were announced. Starring hitmaker IU and Lovely Runner breakout star Byeon Woo Seok, the drama explores a fictional 21st-century Korean monarchy. With such a high-profile cast and a unique premise, the industry is closely watching to see if it will become the next big global sensation.
Episodes: 12
Network: MBC
Where to Watch: Disney Plus
Yumi’s Cells 3
Release Date: April 13th
Cast: Kim Go Eun, Kim Jae Won, Jun Suk Ho, Choi Daniel
Synopsis: Now a star writer, Yumi encounters an unexpected man and finds herself laughing, crying and falling in love all over again.
Viewing Points: With its unique blend of live-action and 3D animation, a relatable story centered on everyday life and romance, and Kim Go Eun’s irresistible charm, the series has built a rock-solid fanbase. Now, Kim Jae Won—who recently made a lasting impression in The Art of Sarah—joins the cast as the new male lead set to make both Yumi and viewers’ hearts flutter.
Episodes: 8
Network: TVING
Where to Watch: Disney Plus, HBO Max
Absolute Value of Romance
Release Date: April 17th
Cast: Kim Hyang Gi, Cha Hak Yeon, Kim Jae Hyun, Son Jung Hyuk, Kim Dong Gyu
Synopsis: A high school girl becomes a popular author writing BL novels about her handsome teachers, navigating a turbulent school life.
Viewing Points: The series promises an exciting experience by pairing a whimsical, creative narrative with Kim Hyang Gi’s adorable and relatable image. If you’re a fan of the BL genre, you’ll likely find yourself hooked on this heroine’s secret double life as she turns her wildest romantic fantasies into reality.
Episodes: Not specified
Network: Coupang Play
Where to Watch: Prime Video
We Are All Trying Here
Release Date: April 18th
Cast: Koo Kyo Hwan, Go Youn Jung, Oh Jung Se, Kang Mal Geum
Synopsis: An aspiring film director, struggling to find his breakthrough while surrounded by successful friends, battles with feelings of envy and resentment. This is the story of his journey to overcome those insecurities and finally find his own sense of peace.
Viewing Points: This is the latest project from Park Hae Young, the acclaimed writer behind My Mister and My Liberation Notes. Koo Kyo Hwan, who recently proved his range in the hit romance Once We Were Us, stars in the lead role to massive anticipation. Fans are eager to see if he will create another career-defining role, following the iconic performances by IU and Son Suk Ku in Park’s previous works.
Episodes: 12
Network: JTBC
Where to Watch: Netflix
The Scarecrow
Release Date: April 20th
Cast: Park Hae Soo, Lee Hee Jun, Kwak Sun Young
Synopsis: Spanning from 1988 to 2019, the story follows a veteran detective hunting for the truth behind a cold case serial murder. In his relentless pursuit, he is forced into an unlikely alliance with a prosecutor he once despised.
Viewing Points: Following in the footsteps of the film Memories of Murder, this drama is inspired by the real-life Hwaseong serial killings. The title refers to a warning once used by police during the original investigation, when they set up scarecrows bearing the message: “If you don’t come clean, you will rot to death.” Heavyweights Park Hae Soo and Lee Hee Jun star as obsessed investigators determined to track down a killer who has evaded capture for decades.
Episodes: 12
Network: ENA
Where to Watch: TBD
Sold Out on You
Release Date: April 22nd
Cast: Ahn Hyo Seop, Chae Won Bin, Kim Beom
Synopsis: A prickly young farmer falls for a top show host in this romantic story.
Viewing Points: Ahn Hyo Seop, who recently stole hearts worldwide as Jin Woo in KPop Demon Hunters, is set to transform into a charming countryside farmer. For fans who loved his role as the swoon-worthy CEO Kang Tae Mu in Business Proposal, his return to romantic comedy is a long-awaited treat. Joining him is Doubt’s breakout star Chae Won Bin. Viewers are eager to see the fresh romantic chemistry between this talented duo.
Episodes: 12
Network: SBS
Where to Watch: Netflix
If Wishes Could Kill
Release Date: April 24th
Cast: Jeon So Young, Kang Mina, Baek Sun Ho, Hyun Woo Seok, Lee Hyo Je
Synopsis: A story about students who are foretold of their deaths due to a cursed app that grants wishes, and their desperate struggle to survive.
Viewing Points: Netflix Korea’s first young adult horror series. With a clearly defined target audience, it will be interesting to see whether it captures viewers in their teens and twenties and helps its rising rookie actors gain breakout recognition.
Episodes: 8
Network: Netflix
Where to Watch: Netflix
Filing for Love
Release Date: April 25th
Cast: Shin Hye Sun, Gong Myung, Kim Jae Wook, Hong Hwa Yeon
Synopsis: An office romance between a strictly by-the-book Audit Chief hiding a scandalous secret and a top-tier auditor who has been demoted to the ‘Office Ethics’ unit, tasked specifically with cracking down on workplace misconduct.
Viewing Points: Before the lingering emotions of The Art of Sarah have even faded, Shin Hye Sun is making a swift return to her roots in romantic comedy. The drama’s provocative premise, an audit team dedicated to exposing illicit office affairs, is already sparking major curiosity. Fans are eager to see Shin’s signature wit paired with such a bold and unconventional storyline.
Episodes: 12
Network: tvN
Where to Watch: Viki, HBO Max
Gold Land
Release Date: April 29th
Cast: Park Bo Young, Kim Sung Cheol, Lee Hyun Wook, Kim Hee Won, Lee Kwang Soo
Synopsis: A woman who comes into possession of gold bars belonging to a smuggling organization fights to claim the treasure amid chaos fueled by greed and betrayal.
Viewing Points: Park Bo Young can no longer be defined solely as a romantic-comedy queen. With each project, she has continued to transform her characters and showcase a wider acting range, captivating audiences along the way. This time, she raises anticipation by portraying a character struggling between desire and survival.
Episodes: 10
Network: Disney Plus
Where to Watch: Disney Plus
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Edited by Hong Hyun Jung
Translated by Eungee Joh
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.
