Top 20 Highest Rated Kdramas of 2023 So Far [Ft. HappySqueak]

Summary

The script revisits the top 20 highest-rated Korean dramas of 2023, offering a diverse mix of genres from romance and comedy to action and supernatural thrillers. Highlights include 'Divorce Attorney Shin' with its strong lead and relatable friendships, 'King the Land' featuring a workplace romance, and 'Uncanny Counter Season 2' with its action-packed fight against evil spirits. Time-travel, reincarnation, and medical dramas also make the list, showcasing the rich storytelling and talented casts that captivated audiences. The list is topped by 'Moving,' a supernatural action thriller about high school students with extraordinary abilities, reflecting the year's trend of compelling narratives and dynamic characters.

Takeaways

• 📚 The script lists the top 20 highest-rated Korean dramas (kramas) of 2023, providing a brief overview of each drama's plot and characters.
• 🏆 The dramas span various genres, including romance, action, supernatural, thriller, and fantasy, showcasing the diversity of Korean television content.
• 🎬 The list includes sequels such as 'Uncanny Counter Season 2', 'The First Responders Season 2', 'Taxi Driver Season 2', and 'Dr. Romantic Season 3', indicating the continued popularity of these series.
• 💑 Many dramas feature romantic storylines, often with a comedic twist or a backdrop of unusual circumstances, such as 'King the Land' and 'Love to Hate You'.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Several dramas incorporate elements of mystery and crime-solving, like 'Blood Hounds' and 'Revenant', where the protagonists are involved in solving cases or fighting against crime.
• 🎭 The script mentions adaptations of webtoons, such as 'See You in My 19th Life' and 'Blood Hounds', highlighting the trend of turning popular webcomics into live-action dramas.
• 🌟 Notable actors and actresses star in these dramas, with some dramas featuring well-known actors like Kim Dong-uk and Jinu in 'My Perfect Stranger'.
• 🏆 'Moving' is listed as the number one highest-rated drama of 2023, focusing on high school students with superhero-like abilities and the adults who wish to use them.
• 👥 The dramas often depict strong bonds between characters, such as friendships and teamwork, which are central to the storylines and resonate with viewers.
• 🎉 The script concludes by inviting viewers to share their favorite dramas from the list and whether they have seen all of them, encouraging engagement and discussion.

Q & A

What is the theme of the drama 'Divorce Attorney Shin'?

The drama 'Divorce Attorney Shin' revolves around a multi-talented lawyer known for thinking outside the box and winning seemingly impossible cases, supported by his best friends. It explores their bond and the challenges they face in their personal and professional lives.

Who are the main characters in 'King the Land'?

'King the Land' features a diligent and ambitious female lead who rises in her career and a rich, somewhat arrogant male lead with ties to a famous hotel and the wealthy King group.

What is the premise of 'Uncanny Counter Season 2'?

'Uncanny Counter Season 2' continues the story from the first season, where a team of 'counters' fights against evil spirits causing havoc on Earth, using their unique powers and abilities.

How does 'A Time Called You' incorporate time travel into its plot?

In 'A Time Called You', the young female lead, grieving the loss of her boyfriend, is transported back in time to the late '90s where she encounters a doppelganger of her boyfriend, setting the stage for a potential love triangle.

What is unique about the romance in 'Crash Course in Romance'?

The romance in 'Crash Course in Romance' is unique as it focuses on an older pairing: a former Olympic athlete turned side dish shop owner and a popular genius math instructor, offering a fresh take on K-drama romance.

What is the concept of 'See You in My 19th Life'?

'See You in My 19th Life' is based on a webtoon and explores the concept of reincarnation, following a girl who remembers her past lives and seeks to reconnect with those she was closest to in her 18th life.

What is the central conflict in 'The First Responders Season 2'?

The central conflict in 'The First Responders Season 2' is the joint operations and teamwork between a police station and a fire station, as well as the personal lives and struggles of the first responders.

How does 'Duty After School' blend youth drama with sci-fi action?

'Duty After School' blends youth drama with sci-fi action by having students at a high school who are preparing for university admissions suddenly fast-tracked into military training due to the appearance of alien monsters threatening the planet.

What is the main plot of 'Love to Hate You'?

'Love to Hate You' is a romantic action drama where a lawyer with street fighting skills crosses paths with a celebrity actor, initially disliking him but eventually ends up teaching him combat fighting for his role, leading to a chemistry-fueled fake relationship that blossoms into real love.

What is the main storyline of 'My Perfect Stranger'?

In 'My Perfect Stranger', a journalist and a hopeful writer are brought together and transported back to 1987, where they work together to solve the truth behind a serial murder case, realizing their goals might be the same.

What is the main conflict in 'Blood Hounds'?

'Blood Hounds' follows the thrilling adventure of a young boxer who must defend his mother and others victimized by a notorious crime boss and loan shark, with the help of a once legendary money lender and his newly acquainted best friend.

What supernatural elements are present in 'Revenant'?

'Revenant' features supernatural horror elements where a part-tim who is studying to become a public officer begins to change after receiving items left by her late father, and mysterious deaths start occurring around her.

What is the main focus of 'DP Season 2'?

'DP Season 2' continues to follow the arrest squad and military deserters, focusing on the different situations they face, the emotional struggles of the characters, and the strong performances that resonate with viewers.

What historical setting does 'My Dearest' take place in?

The romantic historical drama 'My Dearest' is set in the 1600s, where the main couple crosses paths and a romance ensues amidst a backdrop of war and societal expectations.

What fantasy elements are included in 'Tale of the Niled 1938'?

'Tale of the Niled 1938' includes fantasy elements with the famous Gumiho role, where the leading actor encounters one of the female characters in a time period setting, mixing historical with fantasy.

What is the central theme of 'Taxi Driver Season 2'?

The central theme of 'Taxi Driver Season 2' is justice and revenge, where an honest special forces officer and the Rainbow Taxi crew carry out justice against criminals while protecting victims.

What is the main plot of 'The Good Bad Mother'?

In 'The Good Bad Mother', an overly strict mother is disconnected from her son but reconnects when he suffers an accident, leading to a plot that involves uncovering a mystery linked to the accident in their small village.

What challenges does the medical team face in 'Dr. Romantic Season 3'?

In 'Dr. Romantic Season 3', the medical team faces new challenges when a North Korean ship drifts into South Korean waters, leading to complications and the need to provide efficient care to those on board.

What is the main storyline of 'The Glory Part Two'?

The main storyline of 'The Glory Part Two' follows a female lead who encounters severe trauma due to school bullies and later seeks justice through a calculated series of events, delivering a gripping performance that captivates audiences.

What is the central theme of 'Moving'?

'Moving' is a supernatural action thriller focusing on high school students with superhero-like abilities and the adults who wish to use them for their powers, exploring themes of secrecy, protection, and the struggle against dark forces.