May is a month dedicated to self-care. This month, several new Korean dramas will premiere with various exciting storylines about love, comedy, slices of life, and other themes that will entertain you. Therefore, explore these exciting new Korean dramas in May 2024, add them to your watch list, and enjoy!
New Korean Dramas to Watch in May 2024
List of New Korean Dramas
“Frankly Speaking” (비밀은 없어)
- Premiere Date: May 1
- Aired On: Wednesday, Thursday
- Episodes: 12
- Lead cast: Go Kyung Pyo, Kang Han Na, Joo Jong Hyuk
- Where to watch: JTBC, TVING, Netflix
The new rom-com Korean drama “Frankly Speaking” on Netflix revolves around Song Ki Baek (Go Kyung Pyo), a handsome and diligent announcer who transforms into a brutally honest beast after an unexpected incident. Following the event, he doubts himself and considers leaving his job as an announcer, as his burst of truth jeopardizes his career. Writer On Woo Joo (Kang Han Na), who understands his unique way of speaking and can help him manage it, is willing to assist him.
“The Atypical Family” (히어로는 아닙니다만)
- Premiere Date: May 4
- Aired On: Saturday, Sunday
- Episodes: 12
- Lead cast: Jang Ki Yong, Chun Woo Hee
- Where to watch: JTBC, TVING, Netflix
“The Atypical Family” is a unique fantasy romance drama about a family who lost their superpowers. In the drama, the love story centers on Bok Gwi Joo (Jang Ki Yong), who had the special ability to travel to the past but was limited to revisiting only his happy times in life. While his family loses their superpowers due to modern-day problems, Gwi Jo loses his superpower due to depression. One day, a woman named Do Da Hae (Chun Woo Hee) is drawn to the family and comes to live with them, leading to some changes.
“The Midnight Romance in Hagwon” (졸업)
- Premiere Date: May 7
- Aired On: Saturday, Sunday
- Episodes: 16
- Lead cast: Jung Ryeo Won, Wi Ha Joon
- Where to watch:Viki, TVING
“The Midnight Romance in Hagwon” is an age-gap love story between a famous Korean language teacher and her former student. After a decade, Lee Joon Ho (Wi Ha Joon) returns to the academy where he once studied, this time as a rookie instructor. His motivation to return is to meet his first love, Seo Hye Jin ( Jung Ryeo Won), who helped him gain admission to a prestigious university ten years ago.
“Crash” (크래시)
- Premiere Date: May 13
- Aired On: Monday, Tuesday
- Episodes: 12
- Lead cast: Lee Min Ki, Kwak Sun Young, Heo Sung Tae, Lee Ho Chul, Choi Moon Hee
- Where to watch: ENA, Disney+
“Crash” is an action-thriller comedy-drama about the Traffic Crime Investigation Team (TCI). They investigate unusual traffic crimes such as vigilante driving, insurance fraud, hit-and-runs, etc.
“Dare to Love Me” (함부로 대해줘)
- Premiere Date: May 13
- Aired On: Monday, Tuesday
- Episodes: 16
- Lead cast: Kim Myung Soo, Lee Yoo Young
- Where to watch: KBS2, Wavve, Netflix, Viki
Kdrama “Dare to Love Me” depicts a unique love story between a disciplined scholar, Shin Yoon Bok (Kim Myung Soo), and a weary designer, Kim Hong Do (Lee Yoo Young). Their interactions spark heartwarming romantic chemistry.
“Uncle Samsik” (삼식이 삼촌)
- Premiere Date: May 15
- Aired On: Wednesday
- Episodes: 16
- Lead cast: Song Kang Ho, Byun Yo Han, Lee Kyu Hyung, Jin Ki Joo, Seo Hyun Woo
- Where to watch: Disney+
Disney+ Kdrama series “Uncle Samsik” depicts a heartwarming historical drama of resilience and ambition amid wartime challenges. The series follows the story of Park Doo Chil, known as Uncle Samsik (played by Song Kang Ho). He is a man who provides three meals a day, even during wartime. The narrative also features Kim San (Byun Yo Han), an elite Korean Military Academy graduate who aspires to create a nation where everyone can live well. Both Park Doo Chil and Kim San work together during a challenging time in history. They face many difficulties but are determined to reach their common goal or dream.
“The 8 Show” (더 에이트 쇼)
- Premiere Date: May 17
- Aired On: Friday
- Episodes: 8
- Lead cast: Ryu Jun Yeol, Chun Woo Hee, Park Jeong Min, Lee Yeol Eum, Park Hae Joon, Lee Joo Young, Moon Jung Hee, Bae Sung Woo
- Where to watch: Netflix
The Kdrama series “The 8 Show” focuses on eight strangers in desperate need of money invited to a mysterious venue for a reality show called ‘Money Game’, “The 8 Show.” They have the chance to win a prize of 44.8 billion won if they can endure staying there for 100 days. However, every expense they incur, including essentials such as food, water, and electricity, is priced at 1,000 times more than the regular rates and is deducted from the potential prize money.
“Bitter Sweet Hell” ( 우리집)
- Premiere Date: May 24
- Aired On: Friday, Saturday
- Episodes: 12
- Lead cast: Kim Hee Sun, Lee Hye Young, Kim Nam Hee, Yeonwoo
- Where to watch: MBC
“Bitter Sweet Hell” is a new dark comedy series. The narrative follows the story of the renowned consultant Noh Young Won (Kim Hee Sun) and her mother-in-law, equally sharp-witted mystery novelist Hong Sa Gang (Lee Hye Young). Together, they join forces to uncover the identity of a mysterious blackmailer who is threatening Young Won’s career and family.
“Connection” (커넥션)
- Premiere Date: May 24
- Aired On: Friday, Saturday
- Episodes: 16
- Lead cast: Ji Sung, Jeon Mi Do, Kwon Yool, Kim Kyung Nam
- Where to watch: SBS
“Connection” is a suspenseful drama that revolves around a crime investigation thriller delving into the complex friendships of friends and a narcotics detective struggling with drug addiction. As Detective Jang Jae Kyung (Ji Sung) investigates the death of a high school friend, he discovers that his friend left 5 billion won in insurance money. This unexpected revelation potentially strains the friendship and uncovers hidden secrets.
Update
“High School Return of a Gangster” (조폭인 내가 고등학생이 되었습니다)
- Premiere Date: May 29
- Aired On: Friday
- Episodes: 10
- Lead cast: Yoon Chan Young, Bong Jae Hyun, Lee Seo Jin.
- Where to watch: TVING, Wavve, VIU.
Kim Deuk Pal is a 47-year-old gangster who holds a high position in his gang. He never had the chance to get a good education because of his poor upbringing, but he dreams of going to university. Deuk Pal has been working hard to make his dream come true, although it’s been tough. One day, he comes across Song Yi Heon, a young man on the verge of ending his life. Deuk Pal’s spirit enters Yi Heon’s body, which leads him to discover that Yi Heon is a victim of bullying that has pushed him to consider suicide. In Yi Heon’s body, Deuk Pal stands up to the bullies to protect him and befriends a classmate named Choi Se Kyung. Se Kyung, a top student, seems to have everything under control, but she secretly faces abuse from her father at home.
“Dreaming of a Freaking Fairy Tale” (나는 대놓고 신데렐라를 꿈꾼다)
- Premiere Date: May 31
- Aired On: Friday
- Episodes: 10
- Lead cast: Pyo Ye Jin, Lee Jun Young, Kim Hyun Jin,
- Where to watch: TVING, tvN, VIU
“Dreaming of a Freaking Fairy Tale” follows Moon Cha Min, a wealthy social club CEO, who doesn’t believe in fairy tale romances like Cinderella. He is arrogant and uninterested in women looking for a Prince Charming. When Shim Jae Rim starts working at his club, she hopes to find her own happy ending. Through her job, she learns and grows, becoming independent and self-reliant. Despite their differences, Cha Min and Jae Rim eventually fall in love.
That’s a wrap! Which new Korean drama from the list above will you add to your watch list? Please share them with us in the comments below!
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The Midnight Romance in Hagwon reminds me of my own story. Wondering how the ending... Hope the storyline is good and the characters are developed accordingly.