Get ready for an electrifying dose of Korean drama magic this August 2023! From heartwarming romances that tug at your heartstrings to gripping thrillers that keep you on the edge of your seat, this month’s offerings are set to cater to every avid K-drama enthusiast’s taste.
This month’s lineup includes K-dramas featuring the endlessly charming Rowoon and Han Hyo-joo in more fierce and gutsy roles. Apart from these popular faves, we also have the maestro Ra Mi-ran returning with a slice-of-life drama immediatelt after the success of The Good Bad Mother.
Read on to find out more about these exciting new K-dramas of August 2023!
The First Responders Season 2
Release Date: 4th August
Lead Cast: Kim Rae-won, Son Ho-jun, Gong Seung-yeon
Network: SBS, Disney+
Plot: The second instalment of The First Responders is almost here! The second season will continue with the adventures and lives of the three responders — one from the police force, one from the fire department and one from the paramedic team. Episodes will air every Friday and Saturday at 10pm KST.
My Dearest
Release Date: 4th August
Lead Cast: Namgoong Min, Ahn Eun-jin, Lee Hak-joo, Lee Da-in
Network: MBC
Plot: A period drama, My Dearest is a love story set during the Qing invasion of Joseon. The tale will follow the life of the daughter of a noble family and the events that occur when she comes across a stranger, a man who holds a dark secret. The historical drama is divided into two parts with each consisting of 10 episodes. Episodes of Part 1 will release every Friday and Saturday at 9.50pm KST.
Elegant Empire
Release Date: 7th August
Lead Cast: Han Ji-wan, Kim Jin-woo, Kang Yul
Network: KBS2
Plot: An intense revenge drama, Elegant Empire will follow the lives of a man and a woman who have both lost their families at the hands of injustice. In their drive to get revenge, they end up crossing paths with each other. This is one of the longer dramas with about 100 episodes that will be released daily from Monday to Friday.
Moving
Release Date: 9th August
Lead Cast: Lee Jung-ha, Ryu Seung-ryong, Han Hyo-joo, Jo In-sung, Kim Sung-kyun, Go Yoon-jung, and Kim Do-hoon
Network: Disney+
Plot: Based on a webtoon of the same name, Moving will follow three teenage high school students who have inherited superpowers from their parents. The fantasy drama will look at how the three kids learn to use their powers while their parents try and protect them from being used by others.
The National Penalty Vote / The Killing Vote
Release Date: 10th August
Lead Cast: Park Hae-jin, Park Sung-woong, Lim Ji-yeon
Network: SBS, Amazon Prime Video in selected regions
Plot: The country is stirred up when a mysterious person takes the law into his own hands. When criminals avoid their punishment, a poll is sent out to all the citizens. Based on the result, the masked stranger murders the criminals. Two police officers then team up with a prison inmate to try and catch the killer. Episodes of this drama will air every Thursday at 9pm KST.
Cruel Intern
Release Date: 11th August
Lead Cast: Ra Mi-ran, Uhm Ji-won
Network: TVING
Plot: A woman in her forties takes a leap of faith and restarts her career after a long gap of raising her kids and being a homemaker. The series will follow her journey as she joins a company as an intern! This comedy-drama is set to have 12 episodes.
Behind Your Touch
Release Date: 12th August
Lead Cast: Han Ji-min, Lee Min-ki, Suho
Network: Netflix and JTBC
Plot: An off-beat fantasy drama, Behind Your Touch follows a veterinarian who has the unique power of being able to sense a person or animal’s thoughts if she touches their behind. She ends up teaming up with a hot-blooded detective in order to solve crimes. The show will be part comedy, part thriller and part romance — plenty to love for everyone! Episodes will air every Saturday and Sunday at 10.30pm KST.
Mask Girl
Release Date: 18th August
Lead Cast: Go Hyun-jung, Nana, Ahn Jae-hong, Yeom Hye-ran, Choi Daniel
Network: Netflix
Plot: Kim Mo-mi is a regular office worker who is insecure about her appearance. At home, she puts on a mask and live streams on the internet. But this soon takes a dark turn and people begin to lose their lives. Tune in to this thriller on August 18th when all 7 episodes should drop on Netflix, making it a perfect weekend binge-watch.
My Lovely Boxer
Release Date: 21st August
Lead Cast: Lee Sang-yeob, Kim So-hye
Network: KBS2
Plot: Lee Kwon-sook was a boxing star at the age of 17. But three years ago she disappeared from the profession to live a quiet life. Now, a ruthless, money-minded sports agent named Kim Tae-young comes looking for her, leading both of them to a turning point in their lives. Episodes of this sports drama will air every Monday and Tuesday at 9.45pm KST.
Destined With You
Release Date: 23rd August
Lead Cast: Rowoon, Jo Bo-ah
Network: JTBC, Netflix
Plot: Another fantasy drama, Destined With You is a love story between a civil servant named Lee Jong-ho and a lawyer named Jang Shin-yu. The twist comes in the form of a 300-year-old forbidden book that lands Shin-yu under a curse. Will Jong-ho be able to help him out of it? Find episodes of this drama every Wednesday and Thursday at 10.30pm KST.
Which Korean drama are you most looking forward to in the month of August? Which do you think could become the best of 2023? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!