Get ready for an exciting September in the world of K-dramas! As summer fades away, a new wave of Korean dramas is set to grace our screens. In this article, we’ll be your guides to the latest and greatest shows arriving on your favorite streaming platforms in September 2023. Whether you’re a seasoned K-drama enthusiast or a newcomer to this world of captivating storytelling, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and explore the “Top New Korean Dramas to Watch in September 2023.” Grab your popcorn; the show is about to begin!
1. Twinkling Watermelon (2023)
Eun Gyeol, a CODA student with deaf parents, possesses exceptional musical talent. By day, he excels as a model student, and by night, he plays guitar in a band. A visit to a mysterious musical instruments store transports him to an unfamiliar realm, where he crosses paths with Yi Chan, Se Kyung, and Cheong A. Together, they create a band named “Watermelon Sugar.”
Amidst their musical journey, Yi Chan harbors feelings for Se Kyung, renowned as the “Cello Goddess” at Seowon Arts High School, and endeavors to win her affection.
Genres: Romance, Youth, Drama, Fantasy
Starring: Ryeoun , Choi Hyun Wook , Seol In Ah
Release date: Sep 25, 2023 – Nov 14, 2023
2. The Worst of Evil (2023)
Set in 1990s Seoul, a former DJ becomes involved in the distribution of a potent new drug called “Gangnam Crystal” within the city’s nightclubs. He rises through the ranks of a criminal organization to mastermind the operation. In response to the rising drug trade, the police, lacking critical information, assign rural officer Park Jun Mu to infiltrate the organization.
However, Jun Mu makes a shocking discovery: his wife, Yoo Eui Jung, also a detective, has volunteered for the same perilous mission and shares a mysterious connection with the elusive underground drug kingpin. As Jun Mu becomes deeply embroiled in the drug cartel, he not only fights relentlessly to dismantle it but also strives to safeguard his wife’s well-being at all costs.
GenresAction, Thriller, Crime, Drama
Starring: Ji Chang Wook , Wi Ha Joon , Im Se Mi
Release date: Sep 27, 2023 – Oct 25, 2023
3. Han River Police (2023)
In the context of Seoul’s Han River, two police officers find themselves compelled to work together during patrols. Their collaboration entails handling various emergencies, spanning from acts of terrorism to everyday accidents and incidents necessitating immediate assistance. This setup promises a blend of action, humor, and unconventional crime-solving, akin to the beloved buddy cop genre.
Genres: Action, Thriller, Mystery, Comedy
Starring: Kwon Sang Woo , Kim Hee Won , Lee Sang Yi
Release date: Sep 13, 2023
4. Song of the Bandits (2023)
Set in the 1920s during the Japanese colonial period, this action melodrama revolves around individuals who have lost their livelihoods. They unite to take a bold stand for the sake of their families and colleagues, seeking justice and a fresh start.
Genres: Action, Thriller, Historical, Drama
Starring: Kim Nam Gil , Seo Hyun , Yoo Jae Myung
Release date: Sep 22, 2023
5. Bumpy Family (2023)
This is a romantic family drama centered around a divorced couple who parted ways 30 years ago due to animosity. They find themselves brought together again as in-laws through their children, leading to a journey of resolving longstanding conflicts and hostilities.
Genres: Drama, Family
Starring: Lee Do Gyeom , Nam Sang Ji , Kang Da Bin
Release date: Sep 18, 2023
6. The Day (2023)
Kim Myung Joon, a financially struggling man, faces a dire situation as he seeks funds for his ailing daughter’s surgery. At his ex-wife’s suggestion, he reluctantly agrees to kidnap a child from affluent parents. However, while en route to abduct Choi Ro Hee, he accidentally strikes and injures a young girl, who happens to be Choi Ro Hee herself. She loses her memory in the incident. Kim Myung Joon assumes the role of her father and takes Choi Ro Hee to his home after her hospitalization. When his attempts to contact Choi Ro Hee’s parents for ransom money go unanswered, he decides to investigate. To his horror, he arrives at their house to witness their lifeless bodies being carried out. Adding to the complexity, Choi Ro Hee eventually uncovers the truth about his deception, realizing he is not her father.
Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Comedy, Drama
Starring: Yoon Kye Sang , Park Sung Hoon , Yu Na
Release date: Sep 13, 2023 – Oct 19, 2023
7. Hyo Shim’s Independent Life (2023)
Lee Hyo Shim, an adept fitness trainer, excels in her role at a local gym. However, despite her impressive physical prowess, she carries the burden of providing for her family. Following her father’s departure, she has taken on the responsibility of supporting her mother and three brothers. While this selfless commitment was once commendable, years of selflessly caring for her family have left her yearning to reclaim her life for herself.
Genres: Family, Melodrama
Starring: Uee , Ha Joon , Kim Do Yeon
Release date: Sep 16, 2023 – Mar 3, 2024
8. Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun (2023)
Set roughly a decade after the events of Season 1, “Arthdal Chronicles” Season 2 portrays the aftermath of Arthdal’s successful suppression of rebellious tribes led by Ta Gon. Under Eun Seom’s leadership, the Ago Union has unified 30 clans after two centuries. However, tensions mount as Ta Gon’s Kingdom of Arthdal and Eun Seom’s Ago Union brace for an impending and unavoidable major war. Eun Seom now rules the East, while Tan Ya has become the Wahan clan’s successor. The narrative unfolds eight years following Ta Gon’s ascent to kingship.
Genres: Historical, Romance, Fantasy, Political
Starring: Jang Dong Gun, Lee Joon Gi, Shin Sae Kyeong
Release date: Sep 9, 2023 – Oct 15, 2023
9. Bump Up Business (2023)
Eden, on the cusp of debuting in a boy band, crosses paths with Ji Hoon, a fading celebrity also under the same agency. Soon after, Eden envisions surpassing Ji Hoon in stardom. However, he learns that his debut hinges on performing a “business gay performance (BGP)” with Ji Hoon as a team, a reality he wishes to reject but accepts for his cherished dream.
While reluctantly part of the “BoK” boy band, Eden harbors a strong aversion to “BGP.” Ji Hoon playfully teases him, sparking frequent quarrels. Yet, as time passes, their bond deepens. Amidst the introduction of top stars Hyun Bin and Jay, misunderstandings accumulate between Eden and Ji Hoon. The question remains whether they can resolve these misunderstandings and unearth their true feelings for one another.
Genres: Music, Romance
Starring: Nine , Mill , Yoojung
Release date: Sep 15, 2023
10. 7 Escape: War for Survival (2023)
Seven seemingly unrelated individuals – a faceless mobile platform mogul, a drama production company CEO, an ex-gangster, a hopeful idol, an OB-GYN doctor, an entertainment CEO, and a school art teacher – are all connected by a compelling mystery involving a missing girl. As they strive to escape their destinies and uncover the truth, they become entangled in a web of secrets, deceit, and personal desires in a gripping tale of retribution.
Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Drama
Starring: Uhm Ki Joon , Hwang Jung Eum , Lee Joon
Release date: Sep 15, 2023
11. A Time Called You (2023)
Han Jun Hee, grieving her boyfriend Ko Yeon Jun’s death, unexpectedly time travels to 1998, becoming high school student Kwon Min Joo. She encounters Nam Si Heon, who strikingly resembles Ko Yeon Jun. Nam Si Heon, a popular and charming student, attracts attention, including from his friend Jung In Kyu, who falls for Kwon Min Joo.
Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Romance, Fantasy
Starring: Jeon Yeo Been , Ahn Hyo Seop, Kang Hoon
Release date: Sep 8, 2023
