So it’s nice to do a check in on how the K-dramas of 2023 have been so far. There has been quite a few hits in ratings and buzz but in terms of post airing long term quality and recommendation potential a few titles keep repeating in audience lists. The first by the wide margin is The Glory, which premiered Part 1 on the last day of 2022 and then Part 2 in March so it’s for sure a 2023 drama. After The Glory, these four dramas keep making the list and cropping up on worth watching commentary – Taxi Driver 2, Moving (midway through airing), The Good Bad Mother, and Revenant. This is a solid list actually though Moving could collapse at the end with no mention of trendy dramas during its airing like Crash Course in Romance or King the Land. If you’re bored during the end of summer lull here’s five good recs across genres to binge watch.
They might be across genres, but they’re not across moods. With the possible exception of Moving, they’re all dark in tone.
Moving is also dark tone. Episode 10-11 were brutal. Blame OTT platforms for all the dark Kdrama these days. Light romcom isn’t appreciated anymore.
Fluffiness is not longer in style especially with heroine who only think of nothing else but love for chaebols and become a damsel in distress.
The problem lies in thinking romance needs to be all fluffy. Urgh chaebol romance is thing of the past, I’m surprised people stil buy it. (Stupid drama king of the land)
Feels like kdrama are going into extreme now, extreme dark or extreme fluff.
I miss Taxi Driver
Han Hyo Joo and Jo In Sung backstory/loveline on Moving is soo swoony. It just gives you the feels. Rewatch is real!
Mi:
I love their “meet cute” story — elevator and coffee. Haha!
This is the first time that I find Zo in Sung’s female partner a perfect for him (save for Ha Ji Won in Memories in Bali).
He and Han Hyo Joo look visually compatible.
Also, Monster’s meet cute in Episodes 10-11 with his wife was endearing as well.
Love how Moving chose a well-rounded cast for this series, including supporting actors in each episode.
I don’t think Taxi Driver 2 is a Good drama. I think It’s because is popular and dark they call it good drama. Still a solid list.
I consider, Moving, the best drama of the year, based on the 11 episodes aired thus far. It’s a rare blend of superhero, families, and very swoony romance with heart and soul delivered in space by its multi-generation cast. It excels in all departments of writing, character development, directing, music, set design – matching up its big budget tag.
I would have chosen these dramas.
Moving is too different from one episode to another, it’s like watching different dramas. There is a lot of gratuit violence too.
People reacted like The Glory was the drama about bullying when there are a lot of them with a better message at the end.
The Good Bad Mother was in fact just the very bad mother.
Taxi Driver 2 wasn’t as good as the first season. The message was more interesting in the season 1.
I didn’t watch Revenant but from the critics, it looked like the best writting one with a great casting.
The Glory wasnt my cup of tea. I think Moving was very fresh and different from the usual k dramas.
My vote for #1 goes to Mask Girl. From a concept and execution standpoint, it blows all of these dramas out of the water.
Mask girl is good though not exactly my type. I wonder if they have more time would they get into the list?
I’ can’t say that i was addicted to a drama this year ! but 4 month are left ! I watched a lot but nothing made me feel angsty for the next épisode .Some began great ans went downhill others were more about as meeting with old buddies ( Taxi driver, Dr romantic )
I agree.
DP2 was good, different from the first season but the same quality.
For me, Revenant has the best plot and castings among them. Besides, this is not really a typical horror series. There was a lot twist and it wasn’t shallow. Also that knocking on door, my country’s culture can relate to that since in the past we believe you shouldn’t open your door unless the one who’s knocking on the door will declare himself/herself as a human. Evil creatures can’t declare themselves as human. skl.
BTW, Moving and The Glory are also good. Han Hyo Joo and Song Hye Kyo are really good actresses.
I couldn’t reply to Yuhyi’s comment above, but I agree entirely. Not only does romance not need to be fluffy, Dramas can tackle other topics without revelling in darkness as all the Dramas in this list do. The influence of global streamers means that Dramas which don’t conform to algorithm-driven formulae are doomed to obscurity, which I find sad.