With the rise of K-pop, Korean dramas have become somewhat of a global phenomenon in recent years, as more and more people get exposed to and become interested in exploring East Asian culture. From melodramatic romances to murder thrillers, South Korean television has it all and, in some cases, is perfectly capable of rivaling and surpassing Westerner projects in terms of storytelling, acting, and overall quality. One quick look at the amount of Korean works some U.S.-based streaming platforms have in their catalog is enough to understand the demand for K-dramas and their impact in mainstream media today.
By now, some Korean actors’ faces have become well-known to international audiences. This is the case with stars such as Gong Yoo and Joong Ki, who have been part of some of the most iconic movies and TV shows produced in the country, like Train to Busan and Descendants of the Sun, respectively. But as great as those works may be, once in a while it’s nice for viewers to set their eyes on something new. With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the best dramas set to grace our screens this July — and trust us, you won’t want to miss any of them.
Not Others
Premiere date: July 17
Based on the webcomic Namnam, this drama follows a mother and daughter duo, Kim Eun-mi and Kim Jin-hee, respectively. Although Jin-hee is already in her late 20s and has a stable job as the team leader at a police station, she still lives with her carefree mother, which can sometimes lead to some conflicts. Even so, at the end of the day, the two make a great team.
Longing For You
Premiere date: July 26
This drama takes place in the countryside town of Woojin, a peaceful land in which crime rarely occurs. After a murder is uncovered, police detective Oh Jin-seong takes it upon himself to avenge his younger brother, who was falsely accused of the crime and later died. As Jin-seong is transferred to a special team entrusted with investigating a serial killer, his life only becomes more complicated.
My Lovely Liar
Premiere date: July 24
My Lovely Liar tells the story of Mok Sol-hee, a woman with the ability to detect people’s lies. Due to this supernatural power, she learns to be distrustful of others early in life and eventually gives up any chance at happiness. Sol-hee’s life changes when she meets K, a famous Korean producer that lives in hiding after being accused of murder. Despite no one believing K’s innocence, Sol-hee might just be able to help him.
Shadow Detective 2
Premiere date: July 5
Focusing on the detective Kim Taek-rok, Shadow Detective is perfect for mystery fans. One day, the protagonist receives a strange phone call from someone who simply introduces themselves as a friend, and from then on, Taek-rok’s life takes a serious turn for the worse. With an accusation of murder looming over him, the detective must find the identity of the person who contacted him and solve the murder case he has been framed for. The task isn’t easy, but Taek-rok is up for the job.
D.P. 2
Premiere date: July 28
Adapted from the webtoon D.P. Dog’s Day, this drama is all about military life in South Korea, offering insightful commentary on the widespread abuse new recruits often face from superiors under the guise of discipline. Centering Ahn Joon-ho and Han Ho-yu, D.P. tells the story of a unit tasked with searching for and apprehending deserters.
The Uncanny Counter 2: Counter Punch
Premiere date: July 29
Following So Mun, The Uncanny Counter is based on a webtoon titled Amazing Rumor, which takes viewers to a world where evil spirits roam the Earth. Luckily, a team of hunters known as the Counters exists to protect humanity from these demons, using their supernatural abilities to banish them. After So Mun gets possessed by a spirit, he joins the Counters as the replacement for a former member who died in this line of work.
There’s a good variety of stories waiting to hit the screens in July 2023, so it should be easy to find one or two that suit your taste. The problem will be finding the time to watch so much great content.