New k-dramas to watch in September 2023

This month is insanely packed with big releases! We finally have the long-awaited second season of Arthdal Chronicles and Ji Chang-wook's long-awaited comeback to small-screen action. For even more action, you can check out Kim Nam-gil's ambitious historical bandit series, or if you want it with a dose of comedy, then Han River Police or even The Kidnapping Day are for you. Of course, no k-drama list is complete without a romance release, and this month the heart flutters will come from Ahn Hyo-seop and Jeon Yeo-been.

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September 8: A Time Called You

Prepare your heart for a time-traveling journey with this 12-episode thriller and romance drama. Starring Ahn Hyo-seop (Business Proposal), Jeon Yeo-been (Vincenzo), and Kang Hoon (The Red Sleeve), the series focuses on Han Joon-hee who travels back to 1998 and meets a high school student resembling her late boyfriend. The highly anticipated series is a remake of the classic Taiwanese romance Someday or One Day.

Where to watch: Netflix

September 13: Han River Police

The iconic Han River serves as the backdrop to this action comedy series. Kwon Sang-woo (Queen of Mystery) and Kim Hee-won (Behind Your Touch) star as police officers with contrasting personalities, working to maintain peace around the Han River. Lee Sang-yi (Bloodhounds) and Sung Dong-il also throw in their comedic charms to the mix.

Where to watch: Disney+

September 13: The Kidnapping Day

In this 12-episode black comedy, Yoon Kye-sang (Kiss Sixth Sense) plays Kim Myung-joon, a desperate father turned first-time kidnapper, who ends up abducting a genius 11-year-old, which leads to a string of unexpected events.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

September 15: The Escape of Seven

A gripping 17-episode thriller starring Uhm Ki-Joon (Little Women) and Hwang Jung-eum (Mystic Pop-up Bar). This mystery drama revolves around seven individuals involved in a girl's disappearance. What secrets will they uncover? This is the third collaboration between renowned scriptwriter Kim Soon-ok and director Joo Dong-min, the creative duo behind The Last Empress and the hit series The Penthouse.

Where to watch: Viu

September 16: Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramun

The sequel we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! Set almost a decade after the events of the first season, this 12-episode historical fantasy drama will see Jang Dong-gun and Kim Ok-bin reprise their roles as Tagon and Taelha, respectively, who now rule the Kingdom of Arthdal.

Lee Joon-gi (Again My Life) will bring to life the older Eunseom, who has now unified the clans of the East as Ago Union, while Shin Se-kyung (Run On) will play the older Tanya, who is now the ruler of the still-enslaved Wahan clan. Get ready for the impending war between Tagon's Kingdom and Eun Seom's Ago Union.

Where to watch: Disney+

September 22: Song of the Bandits

Kim Nam-gil (The Fiery Priest) and Seohyun (Love and Leashes) star in this 12-episode historical action-thriller. Set in the lawless land of Gando in Northern China, a group of settlers from Joseon unite to protect their community during the Japanese occupation in the 1920s.

Where to watch: Netflix

September 25: Twinkling Watermelon

This coming-of-age fantasy drama melds music and time-travel. Ryeoun (The Secret Romantic Guesthouse) is Eun Gyeol, a CODA (child of deaf adult) leading a double life as a student and guitarist, who time-travels to form the band Watermelon Sugar.

Joined by Choi Hyun-wook's (Weak Hero Class 1) Gen X-infused Lee Chan and Seol In-ah's (Business Proposal) cello prodigy Se Kyung, they explore youthful romance and personal discovery. Adding depth is Shin Eun-soo (Summer Strike) as Chung Ah, a deaf "ice princess." This ensemble navigates a world where love, language, and music intertwine.

September 27: The Worst of Evil

Ji Chang-wook (The Sound of Magic, Suspicious Partner) returns to the world of k-drama action and stars alongside Wi Ha-joon (Squid Game) in this criminal action drama. Need we say more?

The series follows two police officers as they dive into the dark underbelly of 90s Gangnam to infiltrate a criminal organization involved in the international drug trade.

Where to watch: Disney+