The Best K-Dramas of 2023 That You’ll Probably Pretend to Hate but Secretly Love

JB, September 20, 2023 11 min read 629

The Best K-Dramas of 2023 That You’ll Probably Pretend to Hate but Secretly Love

Introduction

Ah, K-dramas, the cultural phenomenon that’s become as inescapable as Manila traffic. Seriously, it’s like a zombie apocalypse of the best K-dramas of 2023 out there—no matter where you turn, there’s some doe-eyed actress or a brooding leading man staring back at you. You can’t escape it. It’s all over your social media feeds, and tangina, even your lola is asking how to stream the latest hits. Is nothing sacred anymore?

So, why am I writing about this? Because apparently, you HQties can’t get enough of this shit. And because some list online decided to tell us what the “best” K-dramas of 2023 are. Best, my ass. Like someone sat down and thought, “Hmm, which of these overly dramatic, formulaic shows is slightly less terrible than the others?” And voila, a list was born.

So here we are, about to dive into this cesspool of emotional manipulation and plot twists that make less sense than a politician’s promises. Buckle up, HQties, because this is gonna be a bumpy, cringe-worthy ride.

The Criteria

Alright, let’s talk about the “highly scientific” method we used to pick these K-dramas. You might think we employed some complex algorithm, analyzed viewer ratings, or even consulted a panel of “experts” to curate this list. But let’s cut the crap, shall we? We did none of that. Nada. Zilch. We’re just piggybacking off some list we found online because, honestly, who has the time or the liver strength to sift through the endless sea of K-dramas? Not me, that’s for sure, fuck no!

So, what’s the criteria? Is it the number of tears shed per episode? The frequency of unnecessary slow-motion scenes? Or maybe it’s the amount of product placement that can be crammed into a single shot? Nope. We don’t have a fucking clue. We’re just going off some list that probably took someone all of 10 minutes to slap together. It’s like throwing darts blindfolded and hoping you hit something that isn’t your foot.

In other words, don’t shoot the messenger. Or do. At this point, it might be a mercy killing. But for now, let’s trudge through this swamp of melodrama and see what the “best” K-dramas of 2023 have to offer. God help us all.

Best K-Dramas of 2023 List

See You in My 19th Life

Ah, “See You in My 19th Life,” the drama that’s got everyone talking about reincarnation like it’s the latest fashion trend. A woman who remembers her past lives? Tangina, as if one life of drama wasn’t enough, now we’ve got 18 more to deal with? It’s like the universe decided to give us a “Groundhog Day” scenario, but instead of Bill Murray, we get a lovelorn woman navigating her 19th life. What’s next? A K-drama about a woman who’s also a time-traveling alien? Oh wait, they probably already did that.

Why should you watch this? Well, if you’re into love stories that “transcend time and space,” then this is your jam. But let’s be real, it’s just another excuse to watch two pretty people make goo-goo eyes at each other while some dramatic K-pop ballad plays in the background. So, if you’re into that sort of emotional manipulation, then by all means, knock yourself out. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Love to Hate You

Oh, for the love of—another fake dating scenario? “Love to Hate You” gives us a feisty attorney and an A-list actor pretending to be in a relationship. Tangina, what’s next? They accidentally fall in love while trying to fool everyone else? Oh, wait, that’s exactly what happens. It’s like they’re not even trying to be original anymore. I swear, if I have to sit through one more scene of these two pretending to hate each other while secretly pining, I might just throw my TV out the window.

And get this, it “tackles issues of misogyny while still being entertaining.” Wow, how groundbreaking! A K-drama that tries to be woke. I can already see the Twitter threads praising its “deep” social commentary. But let’s not kid ourselves; it’s just another excuse to put two attractive people in ridiculous situations and call it “entertainment.” So, if you want to subject yourself to that kind of torture, be my guest. But don’t come crying to me when you realize you’ve wasted hours of your life that you’ll never get back.

Queenmaker

Oh, fantastic, another “strong-willed woman takes on corrupt employers” storyline. Because that’s never been done before, right? “Queenmaker” is here to serve you a piping hot dish of girl power, as if we’re all starving for another cliché. Tangina, it’s like they’re recycling the same plot over and over again but just changing the job titles. Last time it was a journalist, now it’s—what? A corporate warrior? Give me a break.

Why should you watch it? Oh, because it’s a “woman-driven drama that tackles real issues.” Wow, how revolutionary! I can already see the hashtags: #GirlPower, #SmashThePatriarchy. But let’s get real, it’s just another vehicle for melodramatic monologues and slow-motion walks set to an empowering K-pop anthem. If you’re into that kind of performative feminism, then go ahead, waste a few hours of your life. But don’t come crying to me when you realize it’s the same old shit in a different package.

Mask Girl

Oh, great, “Mask Girl,” a drama about a girl who wears a mask to become famous online. Tangina, as if we needed another show glorifying the shallow depths of social media fame. What’s next? A K-drama about a TikTok star who discovers the meaning of life through dance challenges? This plot is so painfully 2023 it hurts. It’s like they took the concept of catfishing and thought, “Hey, let’s make a whole damn series about it!”

Why should you watch it? Because it’s a “dark comedy that goes deep.” Deep into what? The abyss of human stupidity? Look, if you want to watch a show that tries to be edgy by slapping on a “dark comedy” label, then go ahead. But don’t expect any life-altering revelations here. It’s just another attempt to make you think you’re watching something profound when, in reality, it’s as shallow as a kiddie pool.

Agency

Ah, “Agency,” the drama where a woman rises through the ranks in a male-dominated agency. Tangina, it’s like they took the “girlboss” meme and turned it into a full-blown series. You go, girl! But seriously, how many times are we going to rehash this tired narrative? It’s like they’re just checking off boxes at this point: Strong female lead? Check. Workplace drama? Check. Predictable romance? Double-check.

Why should you watch it? Because it “flips the boss-secretary romance trope.” Wow, how avant-garde! They flipped a trope; someone give them a medal! But let’s be real, it’s just another way to repackage the same old storylines we’ve seen a thousand times. So if you’re into that kind of recycled garbage, then by all means, add this to your watchlist. But don’t come complaining to me when you realize you’ve been duped into watching another cliché fest.

Bloodhound

Oh, joy, “Bloodhound,” the K-drama where three young men fight against social injustice. Tangina, it’s like Robin Hood but in suits. Because that’s what we need, right? Another rehashed story of vigilantes taking on the system. It’s like they took the concept of social justice warriors, slapped on some designer suits, and called it “innovative.” I can already see the fan theories rolling in about how deep and meaningful this show is.

Why should you watch it? Because it’s “action-packed and socially relevant.” Wow, how enlightening! As if we don’t have enough real-world issues to deal with, now we need fictional ones too? If you’re into watching pretty boys play pretend revolutionaries while dodging bullets in slow motion, then this is the show for you. But don’t expect any real substance here; it’s all just smoke and mirrors designed to make you feel like you’re doing something meaningful by watching TV.

My Liberation Notes

Ah, “My Liberation Notes,” a slice-of-life drama that’s as real as your tita’s gossip. Tangina, because that’s what we need—more drama that mimics the mundanities of everyday life. It’s like they took the concept of “reality TV,” removed the trashy fights and scandalous affairs, and then slapped on a “thought-provoking” label. I can already see the think pieces about how this show is a “mirror to society” or some other pretentious crap like that.

Why should you watch it? Because it’s “thought-provoking and relatable.” Wow, groundbreaking! A K-drama that’s relatable? What will they think of next? If you’re into navel-gazing and pondering the complexities of life while watching fictional characters do the same, then go ahead, this is your show. But don’t come crying to me when you realize you’ve just watched 16 episodes of people doing normal, everyday things and calling it “deep.”

So, there it is, another K-drama that makes me want to gouge my eyes out. What’s the next atrocity on this list?

Celebrity

Oh, fantastic, “Celebrity,” a K-drama that dives into the scandalous world of influencers in Seoul. Tangina, as if the real world of influencers isn’t scandalous enough, now we need a dramatized version? It’s like they’re trying to outdo the actual dumpster fire that is social media. What’s next? A K-drama about cancel culture? Oh, wait, they probably already have that in the works.

Why should you watch it? Because it’s “intriguing and full of twists.” Wow, how original! A drama with twists! It’s like they think adding a plot twist is some kind of revolutionary storytelling technique. If you’re into watching pretty people with questionable morals navigate the treacherous waters of fame, then sure, this is your show. But don’t be surprised when it turns out to be just another convoluted mess designed to keep you clicking “next episode.”

Conclusion

Alright, HQties, we’ve survived this ordeal of a list, and if you’re still here, I’m not sure whether you deserve a medal or a psychiatric evaluation. We’ve waded through the swamp of K-drama clichés, from reincarnated lovers to social justice warriors in designer suits. It’s been a trip, and not the fun kind.

Oh, and before I forget—because clearly, this is vital information—all these masterpieces are available on Netflix. Yeah, as if you didn’t already know that. Netflix, the enabler of all our worst binge-watching habits, has graciously made it possible for you to waste countless hours of your life on these dramas. So, you don’t even have to scour the sketchy corners of the internet to find them. Lucky you.

So, what’s it gonna be, HQties? To watch or not to watch, that is the question. But hey, we’re not your mom; we’re not gonna tell you what to do. If you decide to dive into this cesspool of emotional turmoil, don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Bonus: The “WTF, Why Isn’t This On The List?” Section

Hold the phone, HQties. We’ve got a glaring omission here that’s so outrageous it deserves its own damn section. I’m talking about “The Good Bad Mother.” Tangina, how did this gem not make the cut? It’s like leaving out the adobo at a Filipino potluck—unthinkable and downright criminal.

“The Good Bad Mother” is the kind of K-drama that makes you question all your life choices while simultaneously making you want to call your mom and apologize for being a brat. It’s got layers, people, like a freaking onion or a well-crafted halo-halo. And yet, it’s nowhere to be found on that godawful list we’ve been dissecting.

Why should it have made the list? Because it’s the kind of drama that sticks with you, like that last shot of tequila that you didn’t need but took anyway. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions that doesn’t let up, and that’s saying something in a genre that’s basically built on emotional manipulation.

So there you have it, the glaring omission that’s got me all riled up. “The Good Bad Mother” deserves better, and so do you, HQties. If you’re gonna waste your time on K-dramas, at least pick one that’s worth the emotional investment.

And with that, I rest my case. What’s our next adventure, HQties?