DryedMangoez recaps, reviews and commentary of Korean drama series.
For a quick, easy watch, look no further than Individual Circumstances (각자의사정). This BL drama starring MYNAME’s Kim Junkyu and Mister International Korea 2021 Han Jung Wan is a breezy and light series about two young men reconnecting after time apart and needing to deal with their unresolved feelings for each other.
This year, I decided to single out some wonderful ensemble performances in Korean drama from 2023. Sometimes it takes an entire cast to come together to help make a show so good, or even elevate a show beyond what it would otherwise end up being.
Last year, I decided to put together my K-Drama All-Stars list. That is, actors who I might have seen the most in my drama watching during the year. Though I watched less Korean dramas in 2023, I wanted to single out these performances as my favorites from the year!
Here are my 10 favorite Korean dramas of 2023!
Strong Girl Bong Soon was a popular series when it aired in 2017 and has been well-loved since. So it was no surprise when a sequel was first announced. Strong Girl Nam Soon (힘쎈여자 강남순/Strong Woman Kang Nam Soon) is essentially a loose sequel, set in the same universe as the former series. It stands on its own in many ways, but perhaps shares many of the same hurdles as well.
Thankfully, the first three episodes of season 3 show some interesting new twists that help to refresh what at its core is still a good premise.
tvN’s Stealer: The Treasure Keeper (스틸러: 일곱 개의 조선통보) is a refreshingly creative series. Though the series misses some strong potential to be something much more, the solid cast and fun action make for a brisk and ultimately worthwhile watch.
When Big Bet devolved into some of the typical facets of the genre, it turned the series from being a refreshingly bold take on familiar themes into “just another one of those” in the end. The talented cast and the unique setting deserved much better material.
Jang Hyuk and Jang Na Ra, both on their own or when together, will always deliver. Their experience, especially together as an on-screen pair is definitely needed in tvN’s Family: The Unbreakable Bond (패밀리). And that’s because an interesting concept and lots of potential are unfortunately held back by a strong tonal imbalance that does what it can to pull you out of the action instead of reel you in for the ride.
Choco Milk Shake (사랑은 댕냥댕냥) is an absolutely sweet and fluffy BL series in all the best ways possible. A charming cast, a magical story and its dreamy aura make for a heartwarming and feel-good viewing experience.