This November 2024, Korean drama fans can look forward to an exciting lineup of series showcasing diverse genres and compelling stories. Brewing Love (Viki) features a romantic comedy between a tough former special forces soldier and a sensitive brewmaster, while Face Me (KBS2) delivers a gripping medical thriller about a plastic surgeon embroiled in a mysterious crime. For those who enjoy crime thrillers, Gangnam B-Side (Disney+) explores disappearances tied to Seoul’s nightlife, while Mr. Plankton (Netflix) offers an emotional journey of self-discovery as two individuals search for their families.
The Fiery Priest 2 (Netflix) returns with its unique blend of action and humor, and Marry You (Channel A) examines societal pressures on love and marriage through a lighthearted lens. Meanwhile, Parole Examiner Lee (tvN) navigates the complex themes of justice and redemption, and When the Phone Rings (Netflix) explores love and communication amidst societal facades. Love Your Enemy (tvN) promises a captivating mix of rivalry and romance, while The Tale of Lady Ok (JTBC) delves into survival and identity in the Joseon Dynasty. Don’t miss out on these captivating Korean Dramas in November 2024!
1. Brewing Love | Where to Watch: Viki
“Brewing Love” is a romantic comedy premiering on ENA, featuring Kim Se-Jeong as Chae Yong-Ju, a former special forces soldier who has become the top salesperson at a liquor company, and Lee Jong-Won as Yoon Min-Ju, a sensitive brewmaster and CEO of a local brewery.
The story follows the unlikely romance between these two opposites. Yong-Ju, tough and emotionally guarded, contrasts with Min-Ju, who, despite his keen emotional insight, has shut himself off from love. Their differing personalities—Yong-Ju’s assertiveness and Min-Ju’s vulnerability—add humor and tension as they explore their feelings while working within the alcohol industry. With its unique mix of love, emotions, and the world of alcohol, the show offers a fresh spin on the romantic comedy genre.
2. Face Me | Where to Watch: KBS2
“Face Me” is a gripping medical thriller centered on Cha Jung-Woo (Lee Min-Ki), a genius yet emotionally detached plastic surgeon who finds himself caught up in a mysterious crime. Leveraging his expertise in reconstructive surgery, Cha partners with Detective Lee Min-Hyung (Han Ji-Hyun) to solve cases and pursue justice. The series blends suspenseful crime-solving with emotional complexity, offering a unique twist on the crime thriller genre by using reconstructive surgery as a key tool in cracking the cases.
3. Gangnam B-Side | Where to Watch: Disney+
“Gangnam B-Side” is a crime thriller set against the backdrop of Seoul’s Gangnam district, focusing on a string of disappearances tied to the area’s nightlife. The story follows Jae-Hee (Bibi), a bar employee who goes missing after stumbling upon a dangerous secret. This leads to the formation of an unlikely alliance: Kang Dong-Woo (Jo Woo-Jin), a detective with a troubled past, Yoon Gil-Ho (Ji Chang-Wook), a notorious outlaw in Gangnam, and Prosecutor Min Seo-Jin (Ha Yoon-Kyung), each driven by their own reasons to uncover the truth. Directed by Park Noo-Ri, the series blends intense action with suspense, set in a gritty urban landscape while exploring the complex dynamics between its characters.
4. Mr. Plankton | Where to Watch: Netflix
“Mr. Plankton” follows Hae Jo (Woo Do-Hwan), a young man on a journey to find his biological father. Alongside him is Jo Jae-Mi (Jung Yoo-Mi), a woman also in search of her family. As they face the challenges of their quests together, they form a deep bond. The drama also introduces Eo Heung (Oh Jung-Se), the heir to the Eo family, and Beom Ho-Ja (Kim Hae-Sook), the matriarch of the Eo family, adding layers of intrigue to the story. With a talented creative team, including writer Jo Yong of *It’s Okay to Not Be Okay* and director Hong Jong-Chan of *Juvenile Justice*, “Mr. Plankton” promises a heartwarming and emotionally rich narrative.
5. The Fiery Priest 2 | Where to Watch: Netflix
“The Fiery Priest 2,” the eagerly awaited sequel to the hit 2019 drama, is set in Busan, South Korea. In this new season, the fiery Catholic priest Kim Hae-Il (Kim Nam-Gil) returns to take on a fresh drug case. With its signature blend of action, humor, and heartwarming moments, the series is set to capture viewers’ attention once again.
6. Marry You | Where to Watch: Channel A
“Marry You” centers on Bong Cheol-Hee (Lee Yi-Kyung), a dedicated bachelor from an island who is determined to stay single. In contrast, Jung Ha-Na (Jo Soo-Min), a civil servant who firmly opposes marriage, finds herself assigned to a “Marriage Encouragement” team tasked with matchmaking Cheol-Hee. As they confront their conflicting beliefs about love and commitment, their interactions spark tension and humor. The series seeks to examine societal pressures surrounding marriage while emphasizing the importance of personal choice in a lighthearted way.
7. Parole Examiner Lee | Where to Watch: tvN
“Parole Examiner Lee” follows Lee Han-Shin (Go Soo), a parole officer who navigates the intricate worlds of crime, justice, and rehabilitation. In his role as a parole examiner, Han-Shin is responsible for evaluating the eligibility of prisoners seeking parole, a position that compels him to face moral and ethical challenges. The series explores themes of justice, redemption, and the capacity for personal change, intertwining legal drama with suspense as Han-Shin uncovers potential corruption within the system. Expect a compelling mix of intense courtroom scenes and emotional depth, as the drama delves into the experiences of inmates, victims, and their families through the parole process.
8. When the Phone Rings | Where to Watch: Netflix
“When the Phone Rings” is a romance thriller premiering on MBC, with exclusive streaming on Netflix. The series features Yoo Yeon-Seok as Baek Sa-Eon, the youngest presidential spokesperson from a prominent political family, and Chae Soo-Bin as his wife, Hong Hee-Joo, a sign language interpreter grappling with aphasia. Their marriage is depicted as a facade typical of “show-window couples,” offering a deeper commentary on societal pressures within Korean culture. Based on the webtoon of the same name, the series delves into the complexities of love and communication.
9. Love Your Enemy | Where to Watch: tvN
“Love Your Enemy,” starring Joo Ji-Hoon and Jung Yu-Mi, is set to premiere on tvN. Seok Ji-Won (Joo Ji-Hoon) is portrayed as a high-achieving executive director of a conglomerate and the new chairman of a high school. He is talented both academically and athletically, making him a figure of admiration. In contrast, Yoon Ji-Won (Jung Yu-Mi), a physical education teacher at the same school, is known for her spirited personality and strong sense of justice. Their relationship, marked by both rivalry and past affection, rekindles after 15 years apart, leading to confrontations filled with unresolved emotions and comedic moments. Directed by Park Joon Hwa and written by Kim Ye Jin, “Love Your Enemy” promises to deliver a captivating blend of romance, rivalry, and family dynamics throughout its 12-episode run.
10. The Tale of Lady Ok | Where to Watch: JTBC
The Tale of Lady Ok” is a historical drama that explores the life of Ok Tae-Young, played by Im Ji-Yeon, a woman in the Joseon Dynasty who disguises her identity and status to navigate a society rife with social hierarchies. The story follows her journey as a female slave who adopts a false identity, including a fictitious marriage. Cheon Seung-Hwi, portrayed by Choo Young-Woo, is the son of a prestigious family who becomes entranced by her and is willing to risk everything to protect her. With its captivating narrative and strong lead performances, “The Tale of Lady Ok” is highly anticipated by K-drama fans eager for a rich exploration of love and survival in a historical context.
