K-Dramas We’re Currently Watching

Here are the Korean dramas that we’re currently enjoying. This list was last updated on August 23, 2022.

‘Alchemy of Souls’

Welcome to Daeho, a fictional country where mages, nobles, and royals rule. The world of magic will certainly give you the Hogwarts feels while the conflicting houses will sort of remind you of a tame “Game of Thrones.” Join Mudeok/Naksu, Jang Uk, Seo Yul, Park Dang-gu, and Prince Go Won as they navigate their twisted fates due to the alchemy or switching of souls.

‘Big Mouth’

In his first K-drama since his military discharge, Lee Jong-suk takes on the challenging role of a lawyer who’s accused of being the notorious con-artist called Big Mouse. While trying to prove his innocence, Park Chan-ho is forced to embody Big Mouse in order to survive. Meanwhile, Yoona plays his wife who bravely tries to solve the case behind her husband’s incarceration.

‘Today’s Webtoon ’

Kim Se-jeong is back with another quirky and fun character as On Ma-eum, a former judo athlete turned webtoon producer. If you’re a fan of webtoons, you will definitely enjoy this drama, which tackles the lives of the people behind them. It’s an office drama that reminds us of how important it is to have true passion for our work.

‘If You Wish Upon Me’

Joining the list of healing dramas this year is this heartwarming story starring Ji Chang-wook. Yoon Gyeo-ree is an ex-convict who ends up doing community service at a hospice. He joins Team Genie, a group of volunteers who grant the last wishes of patients nearing their death. Aside from the heart wrenching stories of the patients, it’s interesting to see Gyeo-ree’s transformation from the grouchy wounded person of his past.

And here are the ones we’ve also watched:

‘Why Her’

If “Law School” was your jam last year, you will definitely like this legal drama with a dash of romance. Seo Hyun-jin is the cold and competent lawyer Oh Soo-jae who reluctantly teaches at the university. Hwang In-youp takes on the male lead role as Gong Chan, Oh Soo-jae’s student with a mysterious past. Together, they take on cases that are linked to a powerful law firm.

‘Jinxed at First’

Na In-woo proves that he is more than just a reliable back-up actor in this romcom drama. He flexes his comedic skills in “Jinxed at First” as the unlucky seafood vendor Gong Soo-kwang. His life changes when he meets Lee Seul-bi, played by Seohyun, whose special ability can turn around misfortune. Seul-bi’s innocence and beauty will surely remind you of “The Little Mermaid.”

‘Extraordinary Attorney Woo’

From her role as the woman-king in “The King’s Affection” last year to Korea’s first lawyer with autism spectrum disorder, Park Eun-bin proves that there’s no role she couldn’t play. She surely is extraordinary as Woo Young-woo whose love for the law (and whales!) will amuse and inspire you. Meanwhile, Kang Tae-oh serves the “kilig” as the kindhearted Lee Joon-ho. This K-drama is fast becoming one of our favorites this year.

‘Cafe Minamdang’

They’re cool, suave, and a bunch of fraudsters. The “Cafe Minamdang” squad will remind you of the guys in “Taxi Driver” except that they hide their private investigation work in a cafe that doubles as a shaman house. Seo In-guk is the narcissistic Nam Han-jun, a former criminal profiler who now uses his skills as a fake shaman. Together with the gang, they solve cases while scamming clients for money. This drama is fun(ny), exciting, and satisfying when the bad guys finally get what they deserve.

‘Twenty-Five, Twenty-One’

90s kids will love this drama, starring Kim Tae-ri and Nam Joo-hyuk, about two people who push each other to reach their dreams. It’s a story of hope amidst adversity, a true healing drama we all need right now.

‘Thirty-Nine’

Son Ye-jin, Jeon Mi-do, and Kim Ji-hyun star as best friends who prove that family isn’t always about blood. It’s also a drama that reminds us that age is just a number and that it’s never too late to live your best life.

‘Forecasting Love and Weather’

Park Min-young and Song Kang are two people who share the same love for weather and office romance. After being burned by love, both are determined not to make the same mistakes again, even if it means dating covertly.

‘Business Proposal’

A blind date with your hot CEO boss may not be as romantic as it seems, especially if you’re pretending to be another person. Ahn Hyo-seop and Kim Se-jong star in this drama adaptation of a popular webtoon.

‘Jirisan’

Mystery, suspense, action, and fantasy are all the elements that make new episodes of this K-drama worth the wait. Jirisan’s park rangers are like your average superheroes with mountain climbing gear instead of capes. Watch them save lives and solve the mysteries behind the deaths in Jirisan.

‘Now, We Are Breaking Up’

Jang Ki-yong proves that noona love does work with his sexy on-screen chemistry with Song Hye-kyo. Despite the circumstances, the force of attraction is strong in this one. It’s a modern romance drama set in the fashion world.

‘Happiness’

Set post pandemic, “Happiness” foretells that another health crisis is just around the corner. There’s a “human rabies” virus spreading that makes one thirst for human blood and flesh. Han Hyo-joo and Park Hyung-sik play cops who investigate the source of the zombie-like disease.

‘Inspector Koo’

Koo Kyung-yi is a former police officer turned private investigator. She’s also an alcohol and video game addict who’s only redeeming factor is her amazing deductive skills. Watch Lee Young-ae play cat and mouse with a young serial killer in “Inspector Koo.”

‘Secret Royal Inspector Joy’

Combine historical drama, comedy, and mystery and you got “Secret Royal Inspector Joy.” Ok Taec-yeon plays a secret royal inspector who’s more interested in making food than doing his job. He meets the divorcee Kim Joy who helps him uncover corrupt practices in Joseon.

‘Hellbound’

The concept of eternal condemnation and hell is the main focus of “Hellbound.” People are getting brutally killed by monster-like creatures after getting a prophecy of their time of death. Meanwhile, a cult gains popularity after tagging the victims as sinners condemned to hell.

‘The King’s Affection’

Can a woman become a king? “The King’s Affection” toys with the idea as Park Eun-bin plays the role of the crown prince’s twin sister forced to take over his role. The story gets heartbreakingly sweet as she falls for her royal tutor and eventually becomes a king.

‘The Red Sleeve’

Red refers to the color of the sleeves of robes worn by the court ladies, signifying that they belong to the king. However, Seong Deok-im would rather live her life than become one of the king’s women. This love story between a crown prince and a court lady will surely tickle your fantasy.

‘Reflection of You’

Deception, infidelity, jealousy, and betrayal are the overarching themes of this drama, delving on the dark side of love. Go Hyun-jung plays Hee-joo, a successful artist with a dark secret while Shin Hyun-been is a woman with a deep grudge.

‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’

This romantic comedy starring Kim Seon-ho and Shin Min-a has good vibes written all over it. Aside from the “Dimple Couple,” the star of this K-drama is the seaside village of Gongjin and its quirky townsfolk.

‘Hospital Playlist Season 2’

The 99ers are back! We’ve waited more than a year to follow through the lives of Lee Ik-jun, Ahn Jeong-won, Kim Jun-wan, Yang Seok-hyeong, Chae Song-hwa, and the rest of the doctors and patients at Yulje Hospital. The new episodes are as funny and heartwarming as the phenomenal first season.

‘Lovers of the Red Sky’

If history and fantasy are your thing, then you are up for a treat with “Lovers of the Red Sky” starring Kim Yoo-jung and Ahn Hyo-seop. It has all the elements you’re looking for in a historical-fantasy drama: politics, supernatural beings, sorcery, and romance.

‘D.P.’

The mandatory military service in South Korea may not be your typical K-drama theme, but this makes “D.P.” a truly interesting watch. This K-drama boldly tackles bullying, violence, and everything that’s innately wrong with toxic masculinity.

‘The Great Shaman Ga Doo Shim’

High school life could be difficult enough, but imagine having to deal with a demon wreaking havoc at your school. This high school fantasy drama starring former child actors Nam Da-reum and Kim Sae-ron is a light, fun watch.

‘Doom at Your Service’

Romance and fantasy are a surefire combination for a K-drama hit. Popular stars Park Bo-young and Seo In-guk star in this fantasy drama about a woman who has 100 days to live and her unexpected romance with Myul Mang, a messenger between gods and humans. If you liked the 2016 K-drama “Goblin,” then you might want to include this in your watch list.

‘Nevertheless’

Sexy might be an understatement to describe this modern K-drama. Song Kang stars as Park Jae-eon, an art student who likes to play the field. Meanwhile, Han So-hee is Yoo Na-bi, a woman who becomes cynical about love because of her past. Sparks fly when the two meet each other, but will their mutual attraction be enough for a real romance?

‘Catch the Ghost’

This 2019 mystery-crime K-drama starring Kim Seon-ho and Moon Geun-young is surprisingly entertaining. More than focusing on the romance, you would want to solve the mystery and find out who the real killer is. Bonus: Pre-“Start-Up” Kim Seon-ho is just as mighty fine in this K-drama.

‘Sisyphus: The Myth’

Imagine Katniss Everdeen going back in time and getting a K-drama reinterpretation. The time travel plot is engaging enough, combined with excellent set design, which takes us to a dystopian South Korea, post nuclear war. “Sisyphus” combines sci-fi, mystery, action, drama, and a dash of romance in each jam packed episode.

‘River Where the Moon Rises’

Ji Soo’s bullying scandal may have taken the spotlight from the drama itself, and he was eventually replaced by Na In-woo. However, “River Where the Moon Rises” is still a must watch for those who love political and historical dramas. Watch Kim So-hyun channel her inner Mulan as Princess Pyeonggang tries to reclaim the power of the throne.

‘Vincenzo’

“Vincenzo,” starring Song Joong-ki, is about an Italian mafia consigliere who fled to Seoul to recover the gold hidden under a building. But if you’re thinking “The Godfather” because of the mafia element, think again. There’s more comedy and heart to this K-drama than you would expect.

‘True Beauty’

Who doesn’t love makeovers and transformations? We do! Especially if we get to see Cha Eun-woo. “True Beauty,” starring Cha Eun-woo and Moon Ga-young, is streaming on Viu.

‘Run On’

What happens when a former national athlete (Im Si-wan) meets a film translator (Shin Se-kyung)? Sparks fly of course! We can’t help but appreciate the good visuals of these two leads. Watch “Run On” on Netflix.

‘Rookie Historian’

We’re entertained by this historical K-drama about a courageous female historian and a naughty Joseon prince who secretly writes romance novels. Binge-watch “Rookie Historian,” starring Shin Se-kyung and Cha Eun-woo, on Netflix.