The narrative of Korean dramas in 2022 set a profoundly high benchmark with shows like Extraordinary Attorney Woo and Little Women captivating audiences worldwide, leaving a legacy of quality and high expectations for their successors. The dawn of 2023 saw the K-drama evolution continue, albeit with fewer standout shows, but those that emerged were nothing short of genre-defining moments in television history.
As the year commenced, fans were treated to the highly anticipated ‘The Glory Part 2’. In her reprisal of the role of Moon Dong-eun, actress Song Hye-kyo delivered a powerful and measured performance that earned acclaim as a career-defining act. The series dug deep into a sensitive social issue – school bullying in South Korea – with a rare finesse and stark realism, elevating Dong-eun’s quest for justice and challenging the notion that retribution is an unachievable dream in a reality marred by socio-economic disparities.
On a different note, ‘Moving’ soared as a remarkable addition to the superhero genre, eclipsing the ongoing debates and concerns about the stagnation of superhero content from the West. It broke the mold with its intricate storyline and grounded characters, exploring the societal ramifications faced by those endowed with extraordinary abilities. The dual narratives of Jo In-sung and Han Hyo-joo’s budding romance and the coming-of-age journey of Lee Jung-ha and Go Yoon-jung provided depth and relatability to a narrative laden with action and spectacle.
Ji Chang-wook’s painstakingly selected project, ‘The Worst of Evil,’ saw him portray a conflicted undercover officer embedded within a drug cartel. His nuanced take on a character torn by ethical dilemmas and personal turmoil brought a level of psychological complexity that spoke volumes of his deliberate shift towards scripts that matched his acting prowess.
Period dramas, naturally embedded in the DNA of K-drama storytelling, found a new favorite in ‘My Dearest’. Set against the Qing invasion backdrop, the series was a poignant exploration of love and duty, driven by impressive performances by Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun-jin.
2023 was also marked by romantic fantasies, notably with ‘A Time Called You’ avoiding the pitfalls of forced thriller elements that have become almost formulaic in the genre. The cast delivered, particularly in the time-traveling ‘See You In My 19th Life’, with grounded and transformative performances. Shin Hye-sun displayed her versatility post ‘Mr Queen’, while Ahn Bo-hyun surprised audiences with a tender, understated rendition of his character.
The integrity of nostalgia and the sweetness of youth were encapsulated in ‘Twinkling Watermelon’. It rose as a standout, featuring CODA protagonist Eun-gyeol and his whimsical journey back to his parents’ teenage years. This series was not only heartwarming but also highlighted the important aspect of representation in media.
‘The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract’ and ‘My Demon’ both ventured to reintroduce the contract marriage narrative with fresh zeal and demonstrated that the trope still held the potential to captivate and charm.
The year also brought forward mature and thought-provoking K-dramas. ‘Crash Course in Romance’ and ‘Doctor Cha’ navigated the complexities of romantic entanglements, academic pressures, and the pursuit of personal independence with an impressive degree of authenticity and sensitivity.
Among the underappreciated gems, ‘Behind Your Touch’ brilliantly married comedy and suspense, delivering a series that did not lose steam and proved that the well-written script could sustain across an entire season.
Despite the overwhelming influx of new titles, many failed to sustain the narrative vigour past their first halves. This was emblematic of a growing trend where quantity did not equate to quality. The challenge for the upcoming 2024 roster of K-dramas will be to defy this trend, ensuring a consistent standard of writing that resonates throughout their onscreen lifespans.
As K-dramas march forward, the desires for coherent storylines, diversified themes, and romances devoid of gratuitous plot devices are high on viewer wish lists. The clamor for content that enthralls from start to finish without resorting to worn-out narratives remains strong, keeping anticipation high for what the next year of K-drama entertainment will bring.
