So it was a little surprising to hear that there would be a season two of the series this year. But what’s even more surprising is that Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938 (구미호뎐1938) may actually be better than the first season. By a lot!
If I could, I would include His Man Season 2 (남의연애 시즌2) on my year-end list of favorite Korean dramas. But this series actually isn’t a Korean drama, even if it very much feels like it. Actually, His Man is a Korean reality dating show featuring eight men living together in a house for one week with the hopes of finding a love connection.
Netflix’s Doona! (이두나!) is an interesting melodrama focusing on the rocky romance between the titular Doona, a former idol and Won Jun, a boy next door university student. The series relies heavily on its dreamy visuals and appealing main cast as its narrative floats through predictable scenarios and contrived tension. And yet, the relatively short nine episodes never feels like the series is moving too fast. Nor does it feel like the series is moving too slow. But that brings up what might be the series’ biggest shortcoming.
GMA Network’s Magandang Dilag has come to an end. And its 99 episodes have been a fun, enjoyable ride. Though the series featured some familiar themes and scenarios as many Filipino teleseryes, it was able to set itself apart in many ways. It was able to blend in comedy and humor with the heavy drama. And as a revenge story, Magandang Dilag was unrelenting in dishing out sweet karma to the series’ antagonists. But perhaps the biggest outcome from the series is how it was able to showcase Herlene Budol as a lead actress.
Overall, a fine, easy watch of a series. And again, wonderful to see Perth and Chimon in lead roles. But Dangerous Romance definitely leaves a lot of potential sadly on the table.
Overall, Only Friends has been a fun ride. The kind of great, soapy drama that makes you come back for more. And the great cast and satisfying conclusion are just cherries on top of the delicious, juicy soap cake! Lol
Disney+ has had a couple of original Korean drama offerings so far. But Moving (무빙) just might be their best yet. And not only that, this webtoon adaptation from artist and screenwriter Kang Full has a very strong case for being named the year’s best overall. Moving is a thrilling, imaginative and emotionally affecting series that boasts an incredible ensemble cast and stunning direction.
Season 2 of Netflix’s D.P. (디피) picks up right where the first left off. And that’s not merely referring to the story itself, but also to the incredible performances, top-notch production and captivating, compassionate writing. Just like the first season, Jung Hae In and Koo Kyo Hwan deliver masterful, nuanced performances as they help bring to life the story of two military police officers tasked with pursuing deserters and in turn hoping to fight the injustices in a system that seems to be untouchable.
JTBC’s The Good Bad Mother (나쁜엄마) might just be my favorite Korean drama of 2023. I challenge anyone to not shed some tears at least once during the series’ excellent 14 episodes. And that’s tears from the series’ many emotional stories or from laughing so much at its welcome and well-placed humor. Ra Mi Ran and Lee Do Hyun deliver masterful and captivating performances, leading a strong ensemble cast as they help bring to life a truly breathtaking and beautiful story.
Niji no Hebi leader Amakusa Shirou Tokisada has taken over Konjou Company and captured Rentarou’s sister Iroha. Unfortunately, Rentarou has used up all his shinobi power trying to force his way into the castle to save her.