Here are the top 11 upcoming K-Dramas that you do not want to miss this December 2022! Note: This watchlist includes dramas airing on Korean national television as well as Netflix, Disney+, and Apple+ original series. For web dramas, check out our watchlist here.
1. “Connect”
Genre(s): Thriller, Mystery, Fantasy For: Fans of psychological horror and dark futurism. When: December 7, 2022. Where: Disney+ Cast: Jung HaeIn, Ko KyungPyo, Kim HyeJun. Number Of Episodes: 6 What’s The Buzz: The stellar cast of actors is perfectly suited to the dark theme of the drama. This is also Jung HaeIn’s second collaboration with Disney+, and fans are dubbing him the “Prince of Disney+” already. In addition, viewers are noticing similarities to “Tokyo Ghoul” and “Parasyte” in the visual aesthetic of “Connect”, which is amplifying the hype even more. The general consensus about the drama so far is that it is much different from any conventional thriller you have seen before. Summary: In the distant future, a new race of immortal humans has emerged. Ha DongSu (Jung HaeIn) is one of them. After he is kidnapped by an organ trafficking racket and loses an eye to them, he starts having heinous visions of murder. Soon, he realizes that his eye has been transplanted into a serial killer. To prevent him from further carrying out his crimes, DongSu uses his vision to help the police take him down. Reasons To Watch: Jung HaeIn returns as the live-action version of another webtoon character and somehow manages to outdo himself once more. “Connect” is based on a manhwa of the same name by Shin DaeSung. Jung HaeIn plays Ha DongSu, a young man who suddenly finds one of his eyes gouged out. To make matters worse, he is now a witness to several murders. DongSu teams up with Lee YiRang (Kim HyeJun), a girl he saved in the past, to track the owner of his eye down, and it turns out to be the infamous psycho-killer Oh JinSeop (Ko KyungPyo). All three actors are incredibly versatile, and when the teasers alone are enough to send shivers down our spine, we cannot wait to see what the actual series does. “Connect” is directed by Miike Takashi (“Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable”, “Blade of the Immortal” & more), amplifying the anticipation for the drama manifold. If you’d like to watch history being made in Korean television, tune in to “Connect”.
2. “Alchemy Of Souls: Light And Shadow”
Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance For: Fans of xianxia /wuxia dramas who are looking for the peak of Korean fantasy. When: December 10, 2022. Where: tvN, Netflix. Cast: Lee JaeWook, Go YounJung, Hwang MinHyun, Oh My Girl’s Arin, Shin SeungHo, Yoo JoonSang, Oh NaRa. Number Of Episodes: 10 What’s The Buzz: “Alchemy Of Souls: Light And Shadow” is the second part of the acclaimed show “Alchemy Of Souls”. Ever since the first part ended, fans have been waiting patiently for the conclusion to the saga that was weaved with utter perfection. “Alchemy Of Souls: Light And Shadow” was also one of the most-buzzworthy dramas of the 4th week of November. Fans are excited to see how their favorite characters will transform in this 2nd part and even more so about the return of Go YounJung as Naksu. There are also several theories online about a special appearance of Jung SoMin. Summary: Jang Uk (Lee JaeWook) is back from the dead with a vengeance. Now a hunter of soul-shifters, Jang Uk is approached by a young woman with the face of Naksu (Go YounJung) who has lost her memories and wishes for nothing but freedom. Reasons To Watch: Darker, grittier, power-packed and magical, “Alchemy Of Souls: Light And Shadow” will posit Jang Uk and Naksu as thesis and antithesis. It will be nothing if not rewarding to see them create the most meaningful synthesis as fate tests their relationship once more. You can also expect to dive deeper into the background of Seo Yul (Hwang MinHyun) and the motivations of Crown Prince Go Won (Shin SeungHo). If you want to see the loose threads tied into an extraordinary knot, you do not want to miss “Alchemy Of Souls: Light And Shadow”.
3. “Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area Part 2”
Genre(s): Crime thriller For: Fans of fast-paced, action-oriented suspense dramas. When: December 9, 2022. Where: Netflix. Cast: Yoo JiTae, Park HaeSoo, Kim YunJin, Jeon JongSeo, Kim JiHoon, Jang YoonJu, Lim JiYeon. Number Of Episodes: 6 What’s The Buzz: As the title suggests, “Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area Part 2” picks up where the first part left off. The first part created quite the stir online, dividing viewers into two - one half who were highly impressed by the adaptation and the second half who were thoroughly disappointed by how rushed it seemed owing to the short number of episodes. With the second part seeking to complete the story, at least to some degree until a second season is announced, it will be interesting to see if fans’ opinions will change. Summary: “Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area Part 2” follows our favorite gang as they risk their lives one final time to carry out the ultimate heist and escape amidst the chaos. The “real thieves” will be exposed to the world, and fresh accomplices will arise, including a new character named Seoul, to be played by Lim JiYeon. Reasons To Watch: The Korean remake of the globally lauded Spanish series “Money Heist” is a culturally significant work of art, regardless of how you feel about it. If you liked part 1, you’re probably going to love part 2 even more, now that all the main characters and their backgrounds have been established. If you weren’t really a fan of the first part, give the second part a chance to change your mind because what’s coming is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
4. “The Forbidden Marriage”
Genre(s): Historical, Romance, Comedy For: K-Drama fans who love tropes like “false identity” and “opposites attract”. When: December 9, 2022. Where: MBC Cast: Kim YoungDae, Park JuHyun, Kim WooSeok. Number Of Episodes: 12 What’s The Buzz: “The Forbidden Marriage” is bringing together 3 of the most promising stars of the Korean entertainment industry - Kim YoungDae, Park JuHyun, and Kim WooSeok, for a historical rom-com that has all the makings of a classic. Fans are in awe not only of their visuals and synergy but also of the excellent comedic timing and chemistry they’re exhibiting. Considering the great popularity of the original webtoon of the same name by Chun JiHye, fans’ expectations for the adaptation are also sky-high. Summary: When the King of Joseon, Lee Heon (Kim YoungDae) was the Crown Prince, his Crown Princess (Kim MinJu) passed away. Ever since then, he has been unable to forget her and find love. So, he placed a marriage ban on his kingdom, forbidding any single woman to marry, much to their displeasure. However, when Ye SoRang (Park JuHyun), a swindler, claims to be possessed by the spirit of his late wife, a simple lie snowballs into a fake life and eventually romance. Reasons To Watch: A forlorn King, a clever fraud, and a just officer get into a serendipitous but rather problematic situation where life, death, and love are at stake. Prepare for the second lead syndrome to hit hard because Lee ShinWon (Kim WooSeok) is probably going to sweep you off your feet while Lee Heon makes a place for himself in your heart. This one is going to hurt, both from the overwhelming emotions and the fits of laughter, but you’ll love every second of it.
5. “Understanding Of Love”
Genre(s): Romance, Slice of Life For: Viewers who appreciate a mature, grown-up love story set in an office. When: December 21, 2022. Where: JTBC Cast: Yoo YeonSeok, Mun KaYoung, Geum SaeRok, Jung GaRam. Number Of Episodes: 16 What’s The Buzz: Four actors who have all established themselves in the industry for their excellence are coming together for a complex tale of love had and love lost. Fans are over the moon about the pairings - both the central and the secondary, even if the teasers inherently suggest that tears will be shed. It is definitely a drama that fans believe will be worth the heartbreak. Summary: Four people from different walks of life cross paths and change forever. Set in the Yeongpo branch of Nara Bank, “Understanding Of Love” explores the extraordinary ordinary lives of Ha SangSoo (Yoo YeonSeok), Ahn SooYoung (Mun KaYoung), Park MiKyung (Geum SaeRok), and Jung JongHyun (Jung GaRam) as they navigate the webs of office romance. Reasons To Watch: Based on the novel of the same name by Lee HyukJin, the tone of “Understanding Of Love” is mellow, warm, and quiet. The main characters have reached some sort of stasis in their lives that they need to get out of, and love becomes the impetus that sets them free. If you enjoyed “My Liberation Notes”, expect similar themes of loneliness, individuality, and melancholia but with more emphasis on romance and love triangles.
6. “The Glory”
Genre(s): Thriller, Melodrama For: Viewers who love a good old revenge drama that does more than serve it cold. When: December 30, 2022. Where: Netflix Cast: Song HyeKyo, Lee DoHyun. Number Of Episodes: 8 What’s The Buzz: “The Glory” marks the return of the Hallyu icon Song HyeKyo and the future of Hallyu, Lee DoHyun. Fans are not only excited about their comebacks but are also thrilled about them being cast in the same drama. With “The Glory” having an unconventional plot, prospective viewers are curious, more than anything else, about what direction it will take. Summary: A young girl who had to drop out of school because of extreme bullying plots an intricate and elaborate scheme of revenge. Years later, once her perpetrator gets married and has a child, she enters the kid’s school as a homeroom teacher to bring her bullies to their knees. Reasons To Watch: The first reference that comes to mind when we think of “The Glory” is Kanae Minato’s “Confessions”. While there are little to no similarities between the two, the vein of substitute revenge drives both plots. The themes of displaced anger and deferred justice will probably be the central dilemmas of the drama. Our main character Moon DongEun (Song HyeKyo) is most likely to be a morally grey character, which makes things even more exciting. We cannot wait to see Song HyeKyo and Lee DoHyun dominate the global entertainment industry with “The Glory”.
7. “Trolley”
Genre(s): Melodrama, Mystery, Romance For: Fans of high stake dramas involving marriage and political intrigue. When: December 19, 2022. Where: SBS, Netflix Cast: Kim HyunJoo, Park HeeSoon. Number Of Episodes: 16 What’s The Buzz: Kim HyunJoo and Park HeeSoon are highly revered and beloved veteran actors who have recently seen a renewed global popularity after “Hellbound” and “My Name” respectively. Newer fans are referring to this couple as their “parents” who are booked and busy this year. The dark atmosphere of the drama is also raising anticipation, especially since both actors are masters of this mood. Summary: Nam JoongDo (Park HeeSoon) is a lawmaker working in the National Assembly. He is married to Kim HyeJoo (Kim HyunJoo), who runs a book repair shop. The two seem to have the perfect life, but when Kim HyeJoo’s dark secret is revealed to the world, their marriage is tested by challenges and dilemmas. Reasons To Watch: Marriage is a complicated yet sacred institution, and its very foundation is trust. Nam JoongDo and Kim HyeJoo love each other but HyeJoo is hiding a secret that could turn their world upside down, especially with how volatile JoongDo’s political position is. With everything at stake, will JoongDo and HyeJoo be able to hold on to their marriage? We believe that “Trolley” is a drama that will explore the extent to which a married couple can go to protect each other and their relationship despite the innumerable struggles that come their way. Ideas of acceptance and compromise are likely to dominate the narrative. If you liked Park HeeSoon’s previous drama “A Model Family” and Kim HyunJoo’s “Undercover”, chances are that you’ll love “Trolley”.
8. “Missing: The Other Side 2”
Genre(s): Thriller, Fantasy For: Fans of supernatural elements in K-Dramas that elevate the plot to a whole new level. When: December 19, 2022. Where: tvN, Viu Cast: Go Soo, Heo JoonHo, An SoHee, Ha Joon, Lee JungEun, Kim DongHwi. Number Of Episodes: 12 What’s The Buzz: The highly anticipated second season of “Missing: The Other Side” is almost here, and fans are counting down the days before they can meet their favorite characters again. In addition, Go Soo being one of the OG visuals of Hallyu, is enjoying even more popularity now with his long hair. Fans are excited to see how this season retains the essence of the original while bringing them a fresh new experience. Summary: 3 Gongdan is home to the souls of missing deceased people whose bodies have not been found in the physical realm yet. To leave, their bodies must be located. Kim Wook (Go Soo), Jang PanSeok (Heo JoonHo), Lee JongAh (An SoHee), and Detective Shin JunHo (Ha Joon) return to carry on their mission of tracking down the truth behind the deaths of missing persons whose souls reside in 3 Gongdan. Reasons To Watch: “Missing: The Other Side” deals with an inherently unique and novel concept in the most respectful and nuanced way possible. The actors who made the first season such a huge success are back to reprise their roles, which is reason enough for us to be excited. If you haven’t watched the first season yet, now is the perfect time to catch up because this drama is not something you want to be missing.
9. “Unlock The Boss”
Genre(s): Mystery, Comedy For: Fans of comic fantasy and murder mysteries. When: December 7, 2022. Where: ENA, Viki Cast: Chae JongHyeop, Park SungWoong, Seo EunSoo. Number Of Episodes: 12 What’s The Buzz: The K-Drama community’s resident best boy Chae JongHyeop is coming back with a unique new fantasy series, and fans could not be more excited. Chae JongHyeop has long been recognized as a rising star with limitless potential. Fans believe that “Unlock The Boss” will not only allow him to showcase his versatility but with veteran star Park SungWoong and the lovely, talented Seo EunSoo beside him, “Unlock The Boss” will be a grand success too. Fans cannot wait to see the chemistry between the three main characters. Summary: Kim SeonJu (Park SungWoong), the CEO and Founder of an IT company, suddenly finds himself being chased for life. Upon getting stabbed, his spirit gets drawn into his cell phone. Park InSeong (Chae JongHyeop), an unemployed graduate, picks it up and makes a deal with the spirit of Kim SeonJu stuck within. In return for 7 million dollars, must do as he is told and help SunJoo find out the truth about his murder. Reasons To Watch: “Unlock The Boss” is yet another webtoon-based drama, adapted from “Sajangnimeul Jamgeumhaeje” by Park SungHyun. The original webtoon has a dedicated fanbase of its own, which is why the adaptation is so highly anticipated. If you’re looking for something hilarious yet suspenseful and exciting, “Unlock The Boss” will be right up your alley.
10. “Red Balloon”
Genre(s): Slice of Life, Melodrama For: Fans of ensemble casts, interconnected stories, and family dramas. When: December 17, 2022. Where: TV Chosun Cast: Seo JiHye, Lee SungJae, Lee SangWoo, Hong SooHyun. Number Of Episodes: 20 What’s The Buzz: Seo JiHye is dishing out some incredible works this year (“Kiss Sixth Sense”, “Adamas”), and ending it with “Red Balloon” seems like the perfect pick, both for the actress herself as well as her fans, who are excited about her playing such an unconventional character. As the drama leans on the more mature, heavier side, fans are intrigued by how Seo JiHye will bring her character to life. Some fans are also wondering whether “Red Balloon” will incorporate makjang elements. Summary: “Red Balloon” is a story of four individuals whose lives have taken drastic turns and their journey to finding true happiness in life. Jo EunGang (Seo JiHye) works as a private tutor but only because she could not become a school teacher; Ji NamCheol (Lee SungJae) is a pawn for his father-in-law; Ko ChaWon (Lee SangWoo) is married to Han BaDa (Hong SooHyun) who is tormented by her mother-in-law. Ji NamCheol is married to Ko ChaWon’s sister. These people face a turning point when their fates get intertwined, forcing them to choose themselves and satisfy their own desires before anything else. Reasons To Watch: What better way to end the year than a good old makjang that will take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions? The characters in “Red Balloon” are suffering in silence, but they seek out the “red balloon” of happiness without hesitation when pushed to a corner. It will be interesting to see whether one character’s blessing turns out to be another’s curse in this complicated web of relationships.
11. “Big Bet”
Genre(s): Action, Crime For: Fans of the cat-and-mouse chase trope and larger-than-life characters. When: December 21, 2022. Where: Disney+ Cast: Choi MinSik, Son SukKu, Lee DongHwi, Heo SungTae. Number Of Episodes: 16 What’s The Buzz: “Big Bet” is on every K-Drama fan’s watchlist for December already, and for good reason too! Fans online are raving about the iconic cast, the thrilling storyline, and the gripping aesthetic of the drama. What is drawing netizens’ attention the most is the kind of story such an excellent lineup of actors will conjure and how the spotlight will be shone on each of them because expectations are as high as can be. Summary: Cha MuSik (Choi MinSik) - the man, the myth, the legend of the casino industry in the Philippines, who built his empire with blood, sweat, and tears, finds himself on the brink of losing it all after he is mired in a murder case and Oh SeungHoon (Son SukKu), the first “Korean desk” in the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippines, is determined to bring him crashing down. Despite all the odds being stacked against him, Cha MuSik makes one last gamble to protect his domain, even if that means he will have to put his life at stake. Reasons To Watch: Reminiscent of a Martin Scorsese movie, “Big Bet” is set to be one of the grandest K-Dramas of 2022. The cast “Big Bet” boasts of is easily one of the most stellar ones we’ve seen this year. After all, this is the great Choi MinSik’s small screen comeback, and he is joined by the internet’s latest heartthrob Son SukKu, critically acclaimed actor Lee DongHwi and global star Heo SungTae of “Squid Game” fame. Could it get any better? If you want to end 2022 on a riveting note, “Big Bet” is your best bet. Which of these K-Dramas are you most excited for in December? Tell us in the comments section down below!
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