New k-dramas to watch in October 2023

Netflix seems set to keep us busy this October with three major female-led titles: the highly anticipated Strong Girl sequel, Bae Suzy's Doona! and Park Eun-bin's Castaway Diva. Elsewhere in the streaming-verse, we have more comedy, fantasy or even intense thrillers for you to choose from.

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October 7: Strong Girl Nam-soon

The wait is over! The sequel to the much-loved Strong Girl Do Bong-soon is finally here. This time, the 16-episode action-packed series revolves around Nam-soon (Lee Yoo-mi, Squid Game), a cousin of Do Bong-soon who also has superhuman strength. Upon her return to Korea from a mysterious disappearance in Mongolia, she gets embroiled in a drug case alongside her wealthy mother (Kim Jung-eun, Lovers in Paris) and grandmother (Kim Hae-sook, Inspector Koo). Coming from the same writer as the original series, will this new show live up to expectations?

Where to watch: Netflix

October 11: A Good Day To Be A Dog

After her highly acclaimed performance in Celebrity, Park Gyu-young turns to comedy in this 14-episode series from MBC. As Han Hae-na, she is determined to break her family's peculiar curse of turning into a dog at midnight for six hours if she kisses someone. But hilarity ensues as Hae-na's first kiss turns out to be with Jin Seo-won (Cha Eun-woo), a man who has a phobia of dogs. The problem is: She will keep transforming every night, until the person she kissed kisses her again in her dog form.

Where to watch: Viu

October 14: EVILIVE

Tread the fine line between good and evil in this 10-episode thriller. Starring Shin Ha-kyun (Beyond Evil), Kim Young-kwang (Somebody), and Shin Jae-ha (Crash Course in Romance), the narrative follows a bookish lawyer who begins to cross into the dark side after taking on a gangster as a client, with his case broker brother aiding him.

October 20: Doona!

Dive into college life and fall in love with this nine-episode romantic comedy from director Lee Jung-hyo of Crash Landing on You. On his first day of college, Joon, played by Yang Se-jong (Still 17), discovers that the beautiful former idol Lee Doo-na, played by Bae Suzy (Anna), lives in the same share house near the university. As he delves deeper into her intriguing life, romance blossoms amidst laughter and heartfelt moments.

Where to watch: Netflix

October 23: High Cookie

What happens when a dangerous cookie that fulfills dreams gets into the hands of high school students? This 20-episode fantasy thriller centers on an elite high school that gets entangled in the mystery of handmade cookies that bring desires to life. Starring Nam Ji-hyun (Little Women) and Choi Hyun-wook (Twenty Five, Twenty One), the drama centers on the chaos unleashed as students and staff indulge in the magical allure of these peculiar cookies, with unexpected consequences trailing their granted wishes.

October 25: Moon in the Day

Explore the mysteries of past lives and reincarnations in this 14-episode romantic drama. Kim Young-dae (Sh**ting Stars) stars as Han Joon-o, a top celebrity who is saved from an accident by firefighter Kang Young-hwa, played by Pyo Ye-jin (Taxi Driver). The problem starts when he wakes up possessed by the vengeful spirit of a nobleman killed by his wife, who happens to look like Kang Young-hwa.

October 28: Castaway Diva

Park Eun-bin (Extraordinary Attorney Woo) is out to amaze us once again in this 12-episode tale of survival and self-discovery. After spending 15 years alone on a deserted island, her character, Mok Ha, returns to modern society with dreams of becoming a diva.

Where to watch: Netflix

October 30: The Matchmakers

Experience the struggles of widowhood and the hope of new love in this 16-episode historical drama set in the Joseon Dynasty. Starring Rowoon (Destined With You) and Cho Yi-hyun (All of Us Are Dead), the narrative explores the journey of two young widows striving to find love once again amidst societal expectations.

Where to watch: Viu