A new year and a new batch of Korean dramas have come! 2024 is off to a great start, with many new dramas to satisfy fans of all genres. Say goodbye to last year’s binge-worthy dramas and prepare for a glittering show full of excitement, romance, and a splash of the unexpected. From Marry My Husband to Gyeongseong Creature, Doctor Slump, and A Shop For Killers, the K-drama cosmos is set to unravel its complexities in January, with a roster as eclectic as a kimchi feast. Let’s take a look at the upcoming releases that are sure to set our screens on fire.
Queen of Divorce
Starring: Lee Ji Ah, Kang Ki Young, Oh Min Seok, Kim Sun Young, and Na Young Hee
Premiere Date: January 31
Broadcast Schedule: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8:50 p.m. KST on JTBC
Synopsis: Delve into the world of Sara Kim (Lee Ji Ah), hailed as Korea’s foremost divorce troubleshooter, and her unconventional legal partner, Dong Ki Joon (Kang Ki Young), in “Queen of Divorce.” Together, they fearlessly tackle the woes of “bad spouses,” employing their unique solutions to dispense justice in marital discord.
Doctor Slump
Starring: Park Hyung Sik, Park Shin Hye, Yoon Bak, Gong Sung Ha, Jang Hye Jin, Hyun Bong Sik
Premiere Date: January 27Broadcast
Schedule: Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 p.m. KST on JTBC
Synopsis: In this heartwarming romantic comedy, “Doctor Slump” introduces former adversaries Yeo Jung Woo (Park Hyung Sik), a renowned plastic surgeon facing a sudden career crisis, and Nam Ha Neul (Park Shin Hye), an anesthesiologist grappling with burnout. As fate reunites them, they unexpectedly become each other’s beacon of hope during their darkest hours, weaving a tale of love and healing.
Flex x Cop
Starring: Ahn Bo Hyun, Park Ji Hyun, Kwak Si Yang, Kang Sang Jun, Kim Shin Bi, Jung Ga Hee
Premiere Date: January 26
Broadcast Schedule: Fridays and Saturdays at 10 p.m. KST on SBS
Synopsis: “Flex x Cop” follows the unconventional partnership between Jin Yi Soo (Ahn Bo Hyun), an immature third-generation chaebol turned detective by circumstance, and Lee Kang Hyun (Park Ji Hyun), a dedicated veteran detective and the first female team leader in the Homicide Department. Together, they navigate the complexities of crime-solving, blending contrasting personalities and backgrounds to pursue justice.
The Two Sisters
Starring: Lee So Yeon, Ha Yeon Joo, Oh Chang Suk, Jang Se Hyun
Premiere Date: January 22
Broadcast Schedule: Weekdays at 7:50 p.m. KST on KBS2, available on Viki
Synopsis: “The Two Sisters” delves into the poignant tale of Lee Hye Won (Lee So Yeon) and Bae Do Eun (Ha Yeon Joo), siblings separated in childhood by their parents’ divorce. Twenty years later, their paths cross again, revealing the stark contrast in their life journeys. As they reunite, ambition ignites within Bae Do Eun, setting the stage for a gripping narrative of familial bonds and personal aspirations.
Captivating the King
Starring: Jo Jung Suk, Shin Se Kyung, Lee Shin Young, Park Ye Young, Son Hyun Joo, Jo Sung Ha
Premiere Date: January 21
Broadcast Schedule: Sundays at 9:20 p.m. KST on tvN
Synopsis: Unveil the enthralling saga of “Captivating the King,” depicting the bittersweet romance between King Yi In (Jo Jung Suk), burdened by an inner void despite his lofty status, and Kang Hee Soo (Shin Se Kyung), initially driven by vengeance yet entangled in an unexpected allure towards him. Amidst the backdrop of palace intrigues, witness the complexities of love and power in this riveting tale.
The Bequeathed
Starring: Kim Hyun Joo, Park Hee Soon, Park Byung Eun, Ryu Kyung Soo, Park Sung Hoon
Premiere Date: January 19
Broadcast Schedule: All episodes released simultaneously at 5 p.m. KST on Netflix
Synopsis: Embark on a gripping journey with “The Bequeathed” as Yoon Seo Ha (Kim Hyun Joo) unexpectedly inherits her family’s burial ground following the demise of a long-forgotten uncle. However, her newfound inheritance plunges her into a labyrinth of dark secrets and sinister murders. Delve into intrigue and suspense as Seo Ha navigates the ominous legacy that threatens to consume her.
LTNS
Starring: Esom, Ahn Jae Hong
Premiere Date: January 19
Broadcast Platform: TVING, available on Viki
Synopsis: In “LTNS,” delve into the lives of a married couple who, overwhelmed by the strains of their daily grind, find their intimacy waning to the point of nonexistence. To alleviate financial burdens, they embark on a controversial path, resorting to blackmailing unfaithful couples. However, this journey forces them to confront the cracks in their marriage, leading to profound introspection and unexpected revelations.
A Shop for Killers
Starring: Lee Dong Wook, Kim Hye Joon, Seo Hyun Woo, Jo Han Sun, Park Ji Bin
Premiere Date: January 17
Broadcast Platform: Disney+
Synopsis: Brace yourself for adrenaline-fueled action in “A Shop for Killers,” adapted from a gripping novel. Jung Ji An (Kim Hye Joon) finds herself thrust into difficult circumstances after inheriting her uncle Jin Man’s (Lee Dong Wook) shopping mall empire following his sudden demise. As she grapples with this dangerous legacy, Ji An becomes the target of nefarious assassins, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle against sinister forces.
Knight Flower
Starring: Honey Lee, Lee Jong Won, Kim Sang Joong, Lee Ki Woo, Kim Mi Kyung
Premiere Date: January 12
Broadcast Schedule: Fridays and Saturdays at 9:50 p.m. KST on MBC, available on Viki
Synopsis: Transport yourself to the Joseon era with “Knight Flower,” a captivating action-comedy. Jo Yeo Hwa (Honey Lee), outwardly a virtuous widow, harbors a secret life as a nocturnal heroine, aiding those in need under darkness. Her path intertwines with military officer Park Soo Ho (Lee Jong Won), leading to an unexpected alliance forged in the shadows. Prepare for laughter and intrigue as these unlikely allies navigate the complexities of honor and justice.
Love Song for Illusion
Starring: Park Ji Hoon, Hong Ye Ji, Hwang Hee, Ji Woo
Premiere Date: January 2
Broadcast Schedule: Mondays and Tuesdays at 10:10 p.m. KST on KBS2, available on Viki
Synopsis: Embark on a journey of enchantment with “Love Song for Illusion,” a historical fantasy romance adapted from a beloved webtoon. Crown Prince Sajo Hyun (Park Ji Hoon) finds his heart entwined with Yeon Wol (Hong Ye Ji), a fallen royal descendant who rises as his concubine. Against the backdrop of courtly intrigue and magical realms, witness the blossoming of a heart-stirring love that defies all odds.
Marry My Husband
Starring: Park Min Young, Na In Woo, Lee Yi Kyung, Song Ha Yoon, Lee Gikwang
Premiere Date: January 1
Broadcast Schedule: Mondays and Tuesdays at 8:50 p.m. KST on tvN
Synopsis: Adapted from the acclaimed web novel, “Marry My Husband” unveils the gripping tale of Kang Ji Won (Park Min Young), who is facing a terminal illness and uncovers the betrayal of her best friend Jung Soo Min (Song Ha Yoon) and her husband Park Min Hwan (Lee Yi Kyung). Tragically, Ji Won meets her demise at the hands of her spouse, setting the stage for a riveting revenge saga filled with twists and turns.