New Korean dramas 2024: Love Next Door, Queen Woo, Pachinko S2 (2024)

Cast: Jeon Jong-seo, Ji Chang-wook, Kim Mu-yeol, Lee Soo-hyuk

The plot: Set in the Goguryeo Kingdom, The Queen ‘Woo’ is a gripping tale of power and survival. After the sudden death of King Gogukcheon, Queen Woo finds herself caught in a deadly struggle as rival factions vie for control. With just 24 hours to establish a new king, she must navigate treacherous political waters and outmanoeuvre five powerful tribes determined to seize the throne. Her story marks a historic journey as she becomes the first woman to claim the title of queen twice, forging her legacy amidst bloodshed and betrayal.

When: August 29

Where to watch: Viu

Cast: Kim Min-ha, Lee Min-ho, Youn Yuh-jung

The plot: Pachinko returns for a much-anticipated second season, continuing the sweeping multigenerational saga of a Korean family’s struggles and triumphs in Japan. Based on Min Jin Lee’s bestselling novel, the show captivated audiences with its powerful storytelling and striking visuals. This season delves deeper into the family’s journey as they navigate identity, resilience, and legacy in the face of societal challenges.

When: August 23

Where to watch: Apple TV+

Cast: Jung Hae-In, Jung So-min

The plot: Choi Seung-Hyo (Jung Hae-In) is a star architect running his own atelier, “In,” in Korea. Handsome, talented, and personable, his life seems perfect on the outside, but he harbors embarrassing memories involving Bae Seok-Ryu (Jung So-Min), his childhood acquaintance. The two have known each other since their mothers became friends when they were just four years old, leading to many awkward moments together, including shared baths at a women’s bathhouse. As adults, they meet again, but now Bae Seok-Ryu is at a crossroads. Despite once being an academic star and holding a successful corporate job, she’s now unemployed, struggling to find her next step in life—until she reconnects with Seung-Hyo.

When: August 17

Where to watch: Netflix

Cast: Cha Seung-won, Kim Seon-ho, Kim Kang-woo, Jo Yoon-su

The plot: The series delves into a high-stakes pursuit involving a stolen bioweapon created by the South Korean government, intended to enhance human capabilities. Originally dismantled at the insistence of the US, the weapon was meant to be handed over quietly—until it was intercepted by an unknown assailant. As tensions rise, government operatives Ja-gyung and Mo-yong are dispatched to recover the weapon, while US agent Paul races to retrieve it for his own country. Former agent Lim Sang also enters the fray, tasked with eliminating anyone linked to the project, leading to a dangerous chase where no one’s true motives are clear.

When: August 14

Where to watch: Disney+

Cast: Kim Jae-Joong, Jin Se-Yun, Lee Jong-Won, Yang Hye-Ji

The plot: JYJ’s Kim Jae-Joong returns to the small screen as Lee Goon, a former tennis star who had it all until an injury shattered his confidence and derailed his career. Enter a cutting-edge memory eraser, giving him a fresh start and a new sense of self-assurance. His artificially-crafted first love is Kyung Joo-Yeon (Jin Se-Yun), a psychiatrist at a brain research centre, while his younger brother, Lee Shin (Lee Jong-Won), is the world’s top-ranked tennis player. As Lee Goon begins to rediscover his life, he encounters Jeon Sae-Yan (Yang Hye-Ji), Lee Shin’s translator, leading to a tangled web of relationships influenced by his altered memories.

When: August 2

Where to watch: Viki

Cast: Kim Ha-nuel, Rain

The plot: Red Swan follows Oh Wan-soo (Kim Ha-nuel), a woman who defied the odds, rising from poverty to become a renowned golfer and eventually marrying Kim Yong-guk, the heir to a powerful conglomerate. Despite her success, Wan-soo’s life is far from perfect as she struggles with her husband’s infidelity. After years of trying to maintain her marriage, her life takes a dramatic turn during a trip to Manila, where she survives a gunfight thanks to Seo Do-yoon (Rain), who becomes her bodyguard. As their connection deepens, Wan-soo begins to question Do-yoon’s true intentions while reflecting on the choices that have led her here.

When: July 3

Where to watch: Disney+

Cast: Jung Eun-Ji, Choi Jin-Hyuk, Lee Jung-Eun, Baek Seo-Hoo

The plot: This quirky tale follows Lee Mi-Jin (Jung Eun-Ji), a job-seeker in her 20s, whose life takes a bizarre turn when she suddenly begins transforming into her 50-year-old self every morning. By day, she adopts the identity of Lim Sun (Lee Jung-Eun), using this chance to land an internship at the Seohan District Public Prosecutors’ Office, where she works for the perfectionist Prosecutor Gye Ji-Ung (Choi Jin-Hyuk). As a night owl, she returns to her younger self when the sun sets. This unique dual life leads her into unexpected situations as she navigates her secret while catching the eye of the demanding prosecutor, blurring the lines between her two identities.

When: June 15

Where to watch: Netflix

Cast: Song Kang-ho, Byun Yo-han, Lee Kyu-hyung, Jin Ki-joo, Seo Hyun-woo

The plot: Legendary Korean film star Song Kang-ho, whom many might remember from the popular hit movie Parasite, makes his highly anticipated Korean drama debut in the Disney+ original series Uncle Samsik.

Set in the early 1960s, Uncle Samsik follows the story of Sam-Sik (Song Kang-ho), a cunning fixer, and his unlikely alliance with Kim San (played by Byun Yo-han), an idealistic young man who dreams of transforming South Korea into a major industrial power. Kim San, a graduate of the Korean military academy, furthered his studies in economics in the United States before returning to his homeland with grand aspirations. Just as he begins his ambitious journey, he encounters Sam-Sik, who promises to support his vision.

When: May 15

Where to watch: Disney+

Cast: Jung Ryeo-won, Wi Ha-joon

The plot: Actress Jung Ryeo-won stars as Seo Hye-jin, a dedicated instructor in Daechi-dong, a renowned area in Gangnam for its fiercely competitive after-school academies.

Wi Ha-joon, meanwhile, plays Lee Joon-ho, Hye-jin’s former student from ten years ago. She once helped him gain admission to a prestigious university, boosting her reputation as a top instructor. Now, having left his job at a major company, Joon-ho returns as a rookie instructor at her side, reigniting old feelings and new challenges.

When: May 11

Where to watch: Viu

Cast: Jang Ki-yong, Chun Woo-hee

The plot: Bok Gwi-joo (Jang Ki-yong) belongs to a unique family where each member possesses a different supernatural power. His ability allows him to revisit happy moments from his past, though he cannot alter them.

After going through a series of difficult events, Gwi-joo becomes plagued by modern afflictions such as depression and smartphone addiction. He and his family eventually start losing their powers.

Enter Do Da-hee (Chun Woo-hee), who becomes entangled with this extraordinary family and moves in as their new house guest. Her arrival sparks unexpected changes within the household.

When: May 4

Where to watch: Netflix

Cast: Lee Je-hoon, Lee Dong-hwi

The plot: Lee Je-hoon returns to the small screen as the lead in the period investigation series Chief Detective 1958. This series serves as a prequel to the original Chief Detective, one of South Korea’s most beloved classic shows, which aired nearly 900 episodes during the 1970s and 80s and was featured in Bong Joon-ho's acclaimed film Memories of Murder.

Lee Je-hoon portrays Detective Park Young-han, who, along with three colleagues, is dedicated to apprehending petty criminals. As he tackles corruption, Park Young-han is on his journey to becoming the “detective of the people” for which he will later be renowned.

When: April 19

Where to watch: Disney+

Cast: Suho, Hong Ye-ji

The plot: Set in the Joseon Era (1392-1894) in Korea, EXO’s Suho stars as Yi Geon, who is thrust into the role of crown prince after his father's rebellion secures control of the kingdom.

However, Geon's fate takes a dramatic turn when he is abducted by Choi Myung-yoon (Hong Ye-ji), the woman destined to be his wife. Even though they start on a wrong note, an unexpected bond forms between them, sparking a forbidden romance.

When: April 13

Where to watch: Viu

Cast: Ju Ji-hoon, Han Hyo-joo

The plot: Actress Han Hyo-joo is back with yet another Disney+ drama after her hit show Moving, which aired last year.

This time, she’s starring in Disney+'s near-future dystopian sci-fi series Blood Free as Yoon Ja-yu, who is at the helm of a biotechnology firm that has revolutionised the world with its groundbreaking product, BF (blood free) – an artificially grown meat substitute that rapidly dominates the market. Her decisions, along with their ethical implications, attract a diverse cast of characters, including ex-soldier Woo Chae-woon, played by Ju Ji-hoon.

When: April 10

Where to watch: Disney+

Cast: Kim Hye-yoon, Byeon Woo-seok, Song Geon-hee, Lee Seung-hyub

The plot: Kim Hye-yoon stars in this bright and spirited high-school fantasy romance as Im Sol, a woman whose dreams of becoming a filmmaker were shattered by an accident that left her paralyzed. Her only solace is the music of idol Ryu Sun-jae (Byeon Woo-seok), but tragedy strikes again when he dies in an accident.

One morning, Sol wakes up to find herself back in a high school classroom, 15 years in the past. Given this miraculous second chance, she resolves to change both her destiny and that of her beloved musician.

When: April 8

Where to watch: Viu

Cast: Jeon So-nee, Koo Kyo-hwan, Lee Jung-hyun

The plot: Train to Busan’s director Yeon Sang-ho’s newest project is a fresh take on the beloved Japanese manga "Parasyte." Already a sensation through its anime and film adaptations in Japan, Parasyte: The Grey transports the story to Korea, where parasitic aliens descend upon humanity, taking over their hosts.

In this reimagined world, Jeon So-nee portrays a cashier partially infected by the parasites. Teaming up with a low-level gangster played by Koo Kyo-hwan, they must navigate the treacherous landscape, evading both the flesh-eating aliens and the government's ruthless Team Grey, tasked with eradicating them.

When: April 5

Where to watch: Netflix

Cast: Ryu Seung-ryong, Ahn Jae-hong, Kim Yoo-jung

The plot: Director Lee Byeong-heon makes his Netflix debut with the highly anticipated high-concept comedy Chicken Nugget. Actor Ryu Seung-ryong portrays Choi Sun-man, the owner of a small machine-manufacturing company, while Ahn Jae-hong takes on the role of his intern, Go Baek-joong, who harbours feelings for Sun-man’s daughter, Choi Min-a, played by Kim Yoo-jung.

When Min-a visits her father's office, she stumbles upon a mysterious machine that unexpectedly turns her into a fried chicken. Now, Sun-man and Baek-joong must embark on a hilarious journey to restore her humanity.

When: March 15

Where to watch: Netflix

Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Kim Ji Won, Park Sung Hoon, Kwak Dong Yeon, Lee Joo Bin

The plot: This buzzing Korean drama is set within the prestigious Queens Group conglomerate. Kim Soo-hyun stars as Baek Hyun Woo, a countryside native turned legal director at Queens Group; he is also the pride of his humble rural village. Starring opposite him is Kim Ji Won as Hong Hae-in, heiress to the conglomerate. Their fairy-tale romance takes a tumultuous turn after a picture-perfect wedding, unveiling the cracks in their relationship and the complexities of marriage.

When: March 9

Where to watch: Netflix

Cast: Lee Jae-wook, Lee Jun-young, Hong Su-zu, Lee Ji-hoon

The plot: Growing up poor, Kang In-ha (played by Lee Jun-young) is determined to change his life when he discovers that his father is the chairman of the Kangho Group. However, joining his newfound wealthy family proves challenging, and he teams up with his smart childhood friend, Han Tae-ok (portrayed by Lee Jae-wook). Together, they plot to take over the company, determined to climb to the top of society.

When: February 28

Where to watch: Disney+

Cast: Choi Woo-sik, Son Suk-ku, Lee Hee-joon

The plot: In this dark comedy thriller, acclaimed actor Choi Woo-sik of Parasite fame returns to the small screen and takes centre stage as Lee Tang, an ordinary university student whose life takes an unexpected turn while working the night shift at a convenience store.

He becomes entangled in a physical altercation with a drunken old man, and accidentally murders him. However, it is soon unveiled that the deceased man was, in fact, a notorious serial killer. As he grapples with the revelation, he begins to realise a latent skill within him – an uncanny ability to identify individuals who deserve to die.

Detective Jang Nan-gam (portrayed by actor Son Suk-ku) is determined to chase Lee Tang down, and embarks on a relentless pursuit of the truth. Adding to the intrigue is the presence of Song Chon, a stern ex-police officer brilliantly portrayed by actor Lee Hee-joon, who joins the investigation with his own unique perspective.

When: February 9

Where to watch: Netflix

Cast: Kim Ji-eun, Lomon, Yang Hye-ji, Kim Ho-young

The plot: Set in South Korea’s Seongsu neighbourhood, Kang Na-eon (Kim Ji-eun) is a hardworking career woman who sacrificed friendships and love to become the youngest marketing team leader. Lomon plays So Eun-ho, who lived a carefree life until he became the oldest intern at her company. These two polar opposites clash at first, but everything changes when an unexpected kiss leads to them switching bodies. Will opposites attract?

When: February 5

Where to watch: Viu

Cast: Park Shin-hye, Park Hyung-sik

The plot: Popular stars Park Shin-hye and Park Hyung-sik, who previously shared the screen in the K-drama sensation The Heirs, are set to reunite in Doctor Slump, a medical romance comedy.

Yeo Jung-woo (played by Park Hyung-sik) is a high-achieving medical student who later gains fame as a top-notch plastic surgeon. However, a medical accident throws him into a downward spiral.

During this challenging period, he reconnects with former classmate and rival Nam Ha-neul (portrayed by Park Shin-hye), now working as an anesthesiologist. Despite being celebrated for her exceptional intelligence, she discovers that her life lacks fulfilment, revolving solely around work and study. As the two doctors come together during their respective slumps, they find solace in each other, sparking the beginnings of a heartfelt romance.

When: January 27

Where to watch: Netflix

Cast: Ahn Bo-hyun, Park Ji-hyun

The plot: After his role in the hit drama Military Prosecutor Doberman, Ahn Bo-hyun is once again returning to the small screen as a cop in this new cop-themed action-comedy drama. This time, he takes on the role of Jin Yin-soo, a third-generation chaebol who defies his family’s wealth and his own immature personality by becoming a police detective in the violent crimes division. At work, he aims to combat criminals using his financial resources and personal connections.

Joining him in the violent crimes division is the diligent and dedicated veteran detective Lee Kang-hyun (played by Park Ji-hyun). Initially viewing Yin-soo and his unconventional methods as more trouble than they're worth, she gradually begins to see him in a new light after being assigned as his partner.

When: January 26

Where to watch: Disney+

Cast: Kim Hyun-joo, Park Hee-soon

The plot: In this horror-thriller series, Hellbound actress Kim Hyun-joo plays Yoon Seo-ha, who inherits a rural cemetery following her uncle’s death. As ominous events unfold within the graveyard, Detective Choi Sung-soon (played by Park Hee-Soon) becomes suspicious, linking the recent incidents in the village to Yoon Seo-Ha’s family gravesite. He embarks on an investigation to unravel the unsettling connection.

When: January 19

Where to watch: Netflix

Cast: Lee Dongwook, Kim Hyejun, Seo Hyunwoo

The plot: When Ji-An (Kim Hyejun) was orphaned when she was a young child, her uncle, Jung Jin-Man (Lee Dong-Wook), became her guardian. Together, they shared a life. During this time, Jung Jin-Man also managed an enigmatic shopping mall. As Jung Ji-An grew up, she pursued higher education and eventually moved out to live independently.

However, news of her uncle's sudden demise reaches her one day. Returning to the home she shared with him, she unravels the mysteries surrounding the shopping mall that he operated. Finding herself in a perilous situation with a group of highly proficient assassins targeting her, Jian must tap into the invaluable lessons imparted by her late uncle before his mysterious demise.

When: January 17

Where to watch: Disney+

Cast: Seo In-guk, Park So-dam

The plot: Based off the webtoon Ije God Jukseubnida by writer Lee Won Sik and illustrator Gul-chan, this highly-anticipated drama marks actress Park So-dam’s return to the screen following her battle with papillary thyroid cancer, for which she underwent surgery in December 2021.

In this compelling show, So-dam takes on the role of Death, tasked with delivering retribution to Choi Yi-jae (played by Seo In-guk), a man driven to contemplate suicide after facing job rejections. His punishment involves experiencing 12 lives across 12 different bodies, each fated for macabre demises. Should he manage to evade death in any of these reincarnations, he earns the right to live out the rest of his days in that particular body.

When: The series is divided into two parts: Part 1 was released on December 15, 2023, and Part 2 is scheduled to be released on January 5, 2024.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Cast: Park Seo-joon, Han So-hee

The plot: Taking place in the spring of 1945 within the city of Gyeongseong (the colonial name for Seoul during South Korea's period under Japan’s rule), the series unfolds around the battle for survival against both human monsters and creatures spawned from human greed. Part 1 left viewers hanging on a cliffhanger, and Part 2 promises to bring closure to this riveting storyline.

When: The series is split into two parts: Part 1 premiered on December 22, 2023, while Part 2 is scheduled for January 5, 2024.

Where to watch: Netflix

Cast: Park Ji-hoon, Hong Ye-ji, Hwang Hee, Ji Woo

The plot: Adapted from the Naver webtoon of the same title by Vanziun, this gripping narrative revolves around the intricate dynamics of romance and obsession. Former Wanna One K-pop boy band member Park Ji-hoon takes on a dual role in this drama – he portrays crown prince Sajo Hyun during the Joseon dynastic era, concealing his royal identity to assume the guise of a fashion designer at a downtown boutique, as well as Ak-hee, a charismatic man burdened with a curse to feel extreme pain whenever anyone touches him.

Meanwhile, actress Hong Ye-ji stars as Yeon Wol, a determined woman seeking vengeance for her father's execution. Her mission to assassinate the king takes an unexpected turn when she falls into a trap orchestrated by an unknown figure. Awakening the next day devoid of any recollection of her past, she finds herself appointed as the crown prince's concubine.

When: January 2

Where to watch: Viu

Cast: Park Min-young, Na In-woo, Lee Yi-kyung, Song Ha-yoon, Lee Gi-kwang

The plot: Based on the popular romantic webtoon Nae Nampyeongwa Gyeolhonhaejweo, this romcom features Park Min-young as Kang Ji-won, an office worker who ties the knot with a colleague. Unfortunately, her story takes a tragic turn when she meets an untimely demise at the hands of her husband, Min-hwan (played by Lee Yi-kyung), who is caught having an affair with her best friend.

In a twist of fate, Ji-won gets a second chance at life, waking up in her own body but ten years in the past. Fueled by a desire for revenge against Min-hwan, she navigates the challenges of altering her destiny. Complicating matters, she realises that her colleague Yoo Ji-hyeok (portrayed by Na In-woo) harbours romantic feelings for her.

When: January 1

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

Cast: Song Kang, Go Min-si, Jinyoung, Yoo Oh-seong, Oh Jung-se, Kim Moo-yeol, Kim Si-a, and Lee Jin-uk

The plot: Good news, for fans of this gripping K-drama: you won't have to face another three-year wait. The season 2 finale concluded with substantial cliffhangers and surprises, leaving viewers eager for more. In the closing moments of the final episode of season 2, an ending card revealed that season 3 will premiere in the summer of 2024.

The swift return is attributed to the back-to-back filming of seasons 2 and 3, spanning over a year and concluding production in March 2023. Anticipating Sweet Home's final season, viewers can rejoice knowing that all surviving cast members from season 2 are set to make a comeback, including main cast member Song Kang.

When: Summer 2024

Where to watch: Netflix

Cast: From season one: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byun-hun, Wi Ha-jun, Gong Yoo
Season two new cast members: Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Sung-hoon and Yang Dong-geun, Park Gyu-young (Sweet Home), Iz*One’s Jo Yu-ri, Choi Seung-hyun (Big Bang’s T.O.P), Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Lee Jin-uk, Roh Jae-won, and actress Won Ji-an

The plot: In September 2021, there was only Netflix show everyone couldn't stop talking about: Squid Game. The Korean series swiftly became Netflix's most-watched, surpassing Bridgerton's previous record, captivating audiences in 94 countries and drawing in over 142 million member households within its initial four weeks.

The announcement of the highly-anticipated second season of the sensational series came in June 2022, and filming took place in 2023. While the exact release date remains to be confirmed, signs point to a likely launch in the latter half of 2024.

Although details about the second season are tightly guarded, it's confirmed that at least four original cast members, namely Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byun-hun, Wi Ha-jun, and Gong Yoo, are set to return. Additionally, the extensive cast list for season two includes several new actors, promising an exciting and anticipated continuation of the series.

When: Second half of 2024.

Where to watch: Netflix