Korean web series, also known as K-dramas, have gained immense popularity in recent years and have become a global phenomenon. With their engaging storylines, well-developed characters, and high-quality production values, Korean dramas have captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
From romance to action to thriller, Korean dramas offer a wide range of genres that cater to everyone’s tastes. With so many K-dramas out there, it can be overwhelming to choose which ones to watch. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 33 best Korean web series to watch in 2023, so you don’t have to spend hours searching for the perfect drama. Get ready to laugh, cry, and fall in love with these captivating stories.
This list features some of the best Korean web series that you might want to add to your watchlist for 2023:
1) Itaewon Class
Itaewon Class tells the story of Park Saeroyi (Park Seo-joon), who opens a bar-restaurant in Itaewon, a district in Seoul, after being expelled from school for punching a bully who had harassed his father. The series explores themes of class, discrimination, and revenge as Saeroyi seeks to succeed in his business and take down a powerful food conglomerate. The series has received critical acclaim for its portrayal of social issues and the excellent performances of its cast.
2) Vincenzo
Vincenzo is an action-comedy series that follows the story of Vincenzo Cassano, a Korean-Italian lawyer and Mafia consigliere who moves to South Korea to retrieve hidden gold. He gets entangled in a power struggle between a ruthless conglomerate and a group of tenants who refuse to leave their homes. Vincenzo uses his wit and skills to outsmart his enemies and protect the innocent.
3) Hotel Del Luna
Hotel Del Luna is a fantasy-romance series set in a hotel for ghosts who cannot move on to the afterlife. The hotel’s owner, Jang Man-wol, is a beautiful and enigmatic woman who has been trapped in the hotel for centuries. She meets Goo Chan-sung, a human who becomes the hotel’s manager, and they develop a romantic relationship. The show explores the themes of love, redemption, and forgiveness.
4) My Love from the Star
My Love from the Star is a fantasy romance that follows Do Min-joon (Kim Soo-hyun), an alien who has been living on Earth for 400 years and falls in love with top actress Cheon Song-yi (Jun Ji-hyun). The series explores the themes of love, time, and destiny, and became a cultural phenomenon in Korea and Asia. It also features a memorable soundtrack and a cameo appearance by actor Cha Tae-hyun.
5) Start-Up
Start-Up tells the story of Seo Dal Mi, a young woman who dreams of becoming the next Steve Jobs, and Nam Do-san, a genius tech entrepreneur who is struggling to succeed. They join forces with Han Ji-pyeong, a successful investor, to start a new company. This coming-of-age drama explores the challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship and romance.
6) Crash Landing on You
Crash Landing on You is a romantic drama about a wealthy South Korean heiress who accidentally crash-lands in North Korea and is rescued by a soldier. As they try to find a way for her to return home, they fall in love despite the political tensions between their countries. The series explores the cultural and political differences between the two Koreas, and features a star-studded cast that includes Seo Ji-hye, Kim Jung-hyun, and Oh Man-seok.
7) Reply 1988
Set in the late 1980s in a neighborhood in Seoul, Reply 1988 is a coming-of-age drama that follows five childhood friends and their families. The series captures the nostalgia and everyday life of the era, and explores themes of family, friendship, and love. It stars Lee Hye-ri, Park Bo-gum, Ryu Jun-yeol, Go Kyung-pyo, and Lee Dong-hwi.
8) Kingdom
This historical horror-thriller series is set in Joseon-era Korea, where a mysterious plague turns people into flesh-eating zombies. The crown prince Lee Chang is on a mission to investigate the outbreak and save his people from the undead. He uncovers a political conspiracy that threatens to destroy the kingdom.
9) The Fabulous
The Fabulous is a Korean web series that follows the story of a group of fashion industry insiders who are struggling to succeed in a cutthroat business. The series explores themes of ambition, friendship, and betrayal, as the characters navigate their way through the challenges of the fashion world. The series stars Joo Sang-wook and Kim Hyang-gi in the lead roles, and has been praised for its stylish production design and compelling storyline.
10) Signal
Signal is a crime thriller about a detective who discovers a walkie-talkie that allows him to communicate with a detective from the past. They work together to solve cold cases and prevent crimes from happening in the past and future. The series explores the themes of justice, corruption, and fate, and features a talented cast that includes Lee Je-hoon, Kim Hye-soo, and Cho Jin-woong. It received critical acclaim for its storytelling, direction, and performances.
11) My Mister
My Mister is a realistic drama about three brothers who are struggling with their personal and professional lives. Their lives change when they meet a young woman who works as a temp at their company. They develop an unlikely friendship that helps them overcome their struggles and find hope.
Recommended: Best Korean Thriller Movies
12) Doctor Stranger
Doctor Stranger is a Korean web series that follows the story of a North Korean doctor who is forced to defect to South Korea. While working at a prestigious hospital, he becomes embroiled in a high-stakes conspiracy involving his own past and the future of the two Koreas. The series stars Lee Jong-suk and Jin Se-yeon in the lead roles, and has been praised for its compelling storyline and emotional depth.
13) Extracurricular
Extracurricular is a dark and gritty drama about a high school student who gets involved in illegal activities to make money. He must navigate the dangerous underworld while keeping his secret from his classmates and family. The series explores themes such as youth crime, social inequality, and the pressures of academic success, making it a gripping watch. Extracurricular is another Korean web series that is worth checking out.
14) Something in the Rain
Something in the Rain follows Yoon Jin-ah (Son Ye-jin), a 30-something woman who works in a coffee company. She falls for her best friend’s younger brother, Seo Joon-hee (Jung Hae-in), who returns to Korea after living abroad for several years. However, they face social stigma and criticism from their friends and families due to their age gap.
15) Sisyphus: The Myth
This science-fiction Korean web series tells the story of Han Tae-sul, a genius engineer who uncovers a dangerous truth about his family’s past. He crosses paths with Kang Seo-hae, a warrior from the future who has come to save him from a dystopian world. Together, they embark on a journey to stop a villain from destroying the world.
16) It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
This romantic drama follows Moon Gang-tae, a caregiver at a psychiatric hospital, who has dedicated his life to his autistic older brother. He meets Ko Moon-young, a popular children’s book author who suffers from antisocial personality disorder. As they heal each other’s emotional wounds, they fall in love.
17) Run On
This romantic drama follows Ki Sun-gyeom, a former sprinter who becomes a sports agent, and Oh Mi-joo, a subtitle translator for movies. They meet each other by chance and develop a mutual attraction. The show explores their journey to find love and happiness in a world full of obstacles.
18) Stranger
Stranger is a critically acclaimed Korean web series that premiered in 2017. The show follows a prosecutor named Hwang Shi-mok, who suffers from a rare condition that prevents him from feeling emotions. When a case involving corruption in the prosecutor’s office comes to light, Shi-mok must work with a police detective named Han Yeo-jin to uncover the truth and bring the corrupt officials to justice. The series was praised for its intricate plot, strong performances, and nuanced exploration of corruption and morality in Korean society. With its gripping plot, nuanced characters, and stunning cinematography, Stranger has become one of the most critically acclaimed Korean dramas of all time.
19) Record of Youth
This coming-of-age drama follows the lives of three young adults as they pursue their dreams of becoming models and actors in the entertainment industry. Starring Park Bo-gum, Park So-dam, and Byeon Woo-seok, Record of Youth explores themes of ambition, friendship, and family.
20) D.P.
D.P. is a South Korean web series based on the webtoon of the same name by Kim Bo-tong. The series follows An Joon-ho, a South Korean Army private who is tasked with tracking down and arresting soldiers who have gone AWOL. While on the job, he discovers the harsh realities and injustices of military life. The series stars Jung Hae-in, Koo Kyo-hwan, and Kim Sung-kyun.
21) The Sound of Magic
The Sound of Magic is a South Korean fantasy web series that follows a young girl named Park Ju-yeon who discovers she has magical powers. She is then recruited by a group of magical beings called the “Magicas” to help them save their world from destruction. The series stars Kim So-hyun, Cha Eun-woo, and Park Bo-gum.
Recommended: Best Spanish Movies
22) All of Us Are Dead
All of Us Are Dead is a Korean horror-thriller web series based on the webtoon Now at Our School by Joo Dong-geun. The series follows a group of high school students who are trapped in their school during a zombie apocalypse. As they fight for survival, they uncover dark secrets about their school and each other. The series stars Yoon Chan-young, Park Ji-hu, and Cho Yi-hyun.
23) Dr. Brain
Dr. Brain is a sci-fi thriller web series based on the webtoon of the same name by Kim Tae-woong. The series follows a neuroscientist named Lee Kang-hoon, who is on a mission to find a way to revive his dead wife. However, his experiments take a dangerous turn when he starts to uncover a conspiracy that threatens the safety of humanity. The series stars Lee Sun-kyun, Lee Yoo-young, and Kwak Si-yang.
24) The Silent Sea
The Silent Sea is a Korean sci-fi mystery web series that takes place in a future where Earth’s water resources have dried up. A team of scientists is sent on a mission to a distant planet to retrieve a mysterious sample of water that could save humanity. However, they soon discover that they are not alone on the planet, and they must fight to survive against a deadly threat. The series stars Gong Yoo, Bae Doona, and Lee Joon.
25) Strong Woman Do Bong-soon
This romantic comedy tells the story of a young woman with superhuman strength, Do Bong-soon (Park Bo-young), who lands a job as a bodyguard for a rich heir, Ahn Min-hyuk (Park Hyung-sik). As they work together to catch a serial kidnapper, they develop feelings for each other. The show has been praised for its humorous and lighthearted tone.
26) Mouse
Mouse is another highly rated Korean web series that aired in 2021. The series is a psychological thriller that follows a rookie police officer named Jung Ba-reum, who discovers a series of gruesome murders taking place in his neighborhood. He soon realizes that the killer is someone he knows and trusts, leading to a game of cat and mouse that tests his morality and sanity. The show features strong performances by Lee Seung-gi and Park Joo-hyun and has received praise for its suspenseful plot and unexpected twists.
27) Beyond Evil
Beyond Evil is a dark and brooding Korean web series that premiered in 2021. The show follows two detectives, Lee Dong-sik and Han Joo-won, who team up to solve a series of murders that have haunted their small town for decades. As they delve deeper into the case, they begin to uncover a web of secrets and corruption that threatens to destroy their careers and their lives. The series features intense performances by Shin Ha-kyun and Yeo Jin-goo and has been praised for its atmospheric tone and intricate plot.
28) Vagabond
Vagabond is a Korean web series that follows the story of a stuntman who discovers a corrupt conspiracy while investigating a mysterious plane crash that killed his nephew. The series stars Lee Seung-gi and Bae Suzy in the lead roles, and has received praise for its intense action sequences and gripping plot.
29) Snowdrop
Snowdrop is a Korean web series set in 1987, during a period of political turmoil in South Korea. The series follows the story of a college student who falls in love with a mysterious girl who takes shelter in his dorm during a brutal crackdown on student protests. The series stars Jung Hae-in and Kim Ji-soo, and has been praised for its beautiful cinematography and powerful performances.
30) The King: Eternal Monarch
The King: Eternal Monarch is a Korean web series that blends romance, drama, and science fiction. The series follows the story of a Korean emperor who discovers a parallel universe where he meets a detective from modern-day Seoul. The series stars Lee Min-ho and Kim Go-eun in the lead roles, and has been praised for its stunning visuals and imaginative storyline.
31) Doctor Prisoner
Doctor Prisoner is a Korean web series that tells the story of a skilled doctor who is unjustly accused of medical malpractice and sentenced to prison. While behind bars, he uncovers a corrupt conspiracy involving the hospital where he used to work. The series stars Namgoong Min and Kim Byung-chul, and has been praised for its suspenseful plot and strong performances.
32) The Heirs
The Heirs is a Korean web series that explores the lives and loves of a group of privileged high school students. The series follows the story of a poor girl who is enrolled in a prestigious school and becomes entangled in a complex web of rivalries, secrets, and scandals. The series stars Lee Min-ho and Park Shin-hye in the lead roles, and has been praised for its addictive plot and memorable characters.
33) Flower of Evil
Flower of Evil is a Korean web series that tells the story of a man who has been living a lie for years. He is a devoted husband and father, but his past is shrouded in mystery and danger. When his wife begins to suspect that he may not be who he claims to be, their perfect life begins to unravel. The series stars Lee Joon-gi and Moon Chae-won in the lead roles, and has been praised for its complex characters and suspenseful plot.
Recommended: Best Turkish Dramas
In conclusion, the world of Korean web series is vast and diverse, with something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood for a heartwarming romance, a thrilling crime drama, or a thought-provoking social commentary, there’s a Korean web series out there for you. The above list of 33 best Korean web series to watch in 2023 is a great starting point for anyone looking to explore this exciting genre. With their emotional depth, intricate storylines, and captivating performances, these series are sure to keep you entertained and engaged.