After experiencing a notable quiet spell in the world of K-dramas following the remarkable success of ‘Queen of Tears’ and ‘Lovely Runner,’ fans can prepare for an exciting turnaround this August. The upcoming month is poised to be a rich season with over ten new shows hitting the screens, many of which promise to be engaging romantic comedies. Here are some top picks you won’t want to miss.
**Romance in the House**
The much-anticipated ‘Romance in the House’ features Byeon Moo-jin, played by Ji Jin-hee, who faces a series of unfortunate events. After suffering massive financial losses, he goes bankrupt, divorces his wife, and mysteriously vanishes, only to return later as a wealthy man who is coincidentally now the landlord of his ex-wife and daughter. The unexpected return not only shakes up their lives but also brings a new layer of chaos and hilarity. The series is graced with the appearances of Kim Ji-soo, Son Na-eun, and SHINEE’s Minho, promising a delightful mix of drama and comedy. You can catch the premiere of this intriguing series on Netflix starting August 10.
**Love Next Door**
What happens when awkward childhood memories come rushing back in adulthood? ‘Love Next Door’ delves into this very question. Bae Seok-ryu, who is on a professional hiatus looking for a fresh start, encounters Choi Seung-hyu, a renowned architect he shares a somewhat uncomfortable past with. Starring Jung Hae-in and Jung So-min, this romantic comedy comes from the creators of the smash hit ‘Hometown Cha Cha Cha.’ Expect plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments when ‘Love Next Door’ premieres on Netflix on August 17.
**No Gain No Love**
In ‘No Gain No Love,’ Shin Min-ah and Kim Young-dae star as two individuals who decide to engage in a marriage of convenience. Struggling to climb the corporate ladder, Hae-young is forced to consider a hasty marriage to avoid being sidelined for a promotion at work. She opts to wed Ji-uk, a convenience store employee. The show explores whether their seemingly unorthodox and transactional relationship can blossom into genuine love. The series will be available for streaming on Prime Video beginning August 26.
**The Tyrant**
For fans of thrillers and action-packed dramas, ‘The Tyrant’ is a must-watch.
. The story unfolds around a secret bioweapons project managed unofficially by a high-ranking Korean intelligence official, played by Kim Seon-ho. Cha Seung-won portrays an assassin whose mission is to eliminate all individuals involved in the covert operation, triggering a web of suspense and high-stakes drama. Catch ‘The Tyrant’ on Disney+ starting August 14.
**Pachinko (Season 2)**
The critically acclaimed series ‘Pachinko,’ based on Min Jin Hee’s bestselling novel, returns for its second season. Set in Osaka, the series continues to follow Sunja (Minha Kim) and her family as they navigate their lives through the tumultuous period of the Second World War. The poignant narrative spans across four generations, highlighting the endurance and resilience of the family. The new season features an impressive cast including Lee Min-ho, Yuh Jung-youn, Anna Sawal, Jin Ha, and Sungkyu Kim. Fans can look forward to this gripping saga on Apple TV+ from August 23.
**The Frog**
For those who enjoy crime thrillers, ‘The Frog’ is set to be an engrossing ride. Starring Kim Yoon Seok, Yoon Kye-sang, and Go Min-si, the show revolves around a puzzling incident that links two distinct individuals. The plot thickens when a mysterious stranger checks into a motel owned by one of these characters, sparking a series of life-altering events. Mark your calendars for its Netflix release on August 23.
**Cinderella at 2AM**
The realm of office romances gets a royal twist with ‘Cinderella at 2AM.’ The storyline centers on Ha Yoon-Seo (Shin Hyun-Bin) and Seo Joo-Won (Moon Sang-Min), whose blossoming relationship faces turmoil upon the revelation that Joo-won is not just any colleague but a member of a chaebol family and the owner of their company. As Yoon-seo grapples with this revelation and decides to break up, Joo-won remains confident that true love will ultimately prevail. This intriguing drama will premiere on Viki on August 24.
With such a diverse selection of genres and storylines, August promises to be a thrilling month for K-drama enthusiasts. Make sure to keep an eye out for these exciting new releases and set your reminders to binge-watch your favorites!
