Netflix / NAMOO Actors
K-Drama lovers have always enjoyed Korean dramas for their unique format that is different from the usual television series format in many other countries. However, sometimes this has left the audience craving more at the end of the final episode. Luckily for us, K-Dramas have started going for the multiple-season format, allowing viewers to get that extra fix of storytelling goodness!
You might be getting your K-Drama watchlist for 2023 ready. There might also be some dramas that you have been waiting to see the sequel of for a couple of months or years now.
So, today, we're going to take a look at some of the dramas that will be returning with a sequel (second or third season) in 2023.
Note: This list is in no particular order and is not a ranking.
1. "The Glory 2"
Cast: Song HyeKyo, Lee DoHyun, Lim JiYeon, Yeom HyeRan, Park SungHoon, Jung SungIl, Kim Hieora, Cha JooYoung, Kim GunWoo
Synopsis: A Netflix series depicting the story of revenge around a high school student who had hoped to become an architect. However, she drops out of school due to the violence that she experiences. Years later, the perpetrator gets married and has a kid. When the kid starts school, the former victim becomes a teacher and begins her revenge against the people who bullied her.
Why fans are looking forward to it: "The Glory" saw huge success as a K-Drama internationally, highlighting important issues and living up to expectations with its star-studded cast. The final episode, however, ended on a cliffhanger - leaving many viewers with a bunch of questions. Viewers are especially expressing excitement at the prospect of the second season answering their questions.
2. "Squid Game 2"
Cast: Lee JungJae, Lee ByungHun, Gong Yoo (the rest of the cast is TBA)
Synopsis: Individuals participate in a mysterious survival game where they risk their lives to become the ultimate winner.
Why fans are looking forward to it: Many fans are hoping that the backstories of certain characters from season 1 will be revealed. There is also the curiosity that stems from the cliffhanger where Lee JungJae's character had to make a decision at the end of the final episode. Hopefully, season 2 will be able to scratch this curious itch and show another perspective on the global hit series.
3. "Arthdal Chronicles 2"
Cast: Lee JoonGi, Shin SaeKyeong, Jang DongGun, Kim OkBin, Shin JooHwan, Lee HoChul
Synopsis: It tells the stories of various heroes writing different legends of the mystical and ancient country of Arthdal.
Why fans are looking forward to it: Not only are many fans looking forward to the return of this visually captivating drama, especially now that VFX and CGI have improved the visuals of fantasy dramas so much; but the second season is coming 4 years after the release of the first one. The drama was extremely popular. So, it is safe to say that this is one of the most-anticipated K-Dramas of 2023. Some of the actors will also be replacing the original cast, creating curiosity about how the narrative will be impacted. For example, Lee JoonGi will be replacing Song JoongKi and Shin SaeKyung will replace Kim JiWon.
4. "D.P. 2"
Cast: Jung HaeIn, Koo KyoHwan, Kim SungKyun, Son SeokKoo
Synopsis: A story about JoonHo and HyoYeol, two members of the D.P. Arrest Team in charge of capturing army deserters, and the stories they learn about the deserters along the way.
Why fans are looking forward to it: The first season of this drama gave deep insight into many of the social issues in South Korea, especially in the military. Many K-Drama fans were intrigued by the storyline and have expressed that a second season would be worth the watch. Fans are hoping that the second season will dive deeper into topics like how female soldiers are treated or even the difference in treatment between the average soldier and a soldier who is well-known in society or from a well-off family. What would you like to see in season 2? Let us know in the comments.
5. "Dr. Romantic 3"
Cast: Ahn HyoSeop, Kim MinJae, Lee SungKyoung, Kim JooHeon, Jin Kyung, So JuYeon
Synopsis: It tells the true lives of doctors in a humble local hospital including a genius surgeon and young doctors.
Why fans are looking forward to it: "Dr. Romantic 2" featured a lot of interesting character arcs. Fans are hoping to see a change in dynamics in the third season of the series with the mentor taking a step back and the other doctors taking a joint lead.
6. "The Uncanny Counter 2"
Cast: Jo ByungGyu, Kim SeJeong, Yoo JoonSang, Yeom HyeRan
Synopsis: It tells the story of evil spirits of the afterlives who come down to earth to have eternal life and "the Counters" that are capturing them.
Why fans are looking forward to it: Season 2 promises to bring even more riveting action-thriller moments as the counters go up against demons once again. Many fans have missed this squad, in particular, and are excited to see them again soon.
7. "Poong, The Joseon Psychiatrist 2"
Cast: Kim MinJae, Kim HyangGi, Kim SangKyung
Synopsis: Yoo SePoong, a genius who fears needles, meets Seo EunWoo, a widow, and Kye JiHan, a geeky teacher at the strange and beautiful Kyesoo Clinic. This drama tells the story of psychiatrists in the Joseon Dynasty who provide for the sick and send cheerful punches to the bad guys!
Why fans are looking forward to it: Fans especially loved this drama for its originality and fresh plot. Many are excited about the upcoming season because they couldn't get enough of season one's superior quality and feel-good vibes.
8. "Taxi Driver 2"
Cast: Lee JeHoon, Kim EuiSung, Pyo YeJin, Jang HyukJin,
Synopsis: "A society where justice is missing, one phone call and it's solved". A special taxi company Rainbow Transportation and their deluxe taxi driver Kim DoGi complete acts of revenge on behalf of unfair victims.
Why fans are looking forward to it: Everyone loved the balance between darkness and fun in this drama's first season. Additionally, Esom, will not be joining the second season of the show because of scheduling conflicts. Fans are wondering how the series will be impacted by her absence.
9. "Island 2"
Cast: Kim NamGil, Lee DaHee, ASTRO's Cha EunWoo, Sung Jun
Synopsis: It tells the story of monsters on Jeju Island who have been looking for opportunities to get rid of the human world for a long time and have started to target a chaebol heiress who arrives on the island. The heiress is the daughter of the Daehan Group, Won MiHo. After an incident that puts her in the public's disfavor, she gets assigned to teach ethics at a high school in a town where evil is roaming free without her knowledge.
Why fans are looking forward to it: This web drama gained a world of praise for the excellent acting from the cast. It also ended on a cliffhanger which sparked the viewer's intrigue, leaving them with a head full of questions. Check out a detailed breakdown of the show here.
10. "The First Responders 2"
Cast: Kim RaeWon, Son HoJun, Gong SeungYeon
Synopsis: Follow the joint operations of a police force and a fire department, who together will tell a thrilling story.
Why fans are looking forward to it: The ending of this drama sparked a lot of debate among fans. Although it was expected to end on a cliffhanger, fans felt that the cliffhanger was a lot more intense than they had expected, making them even more eager to find out what happens in season two.
11. "Sweet Home 2"
Cast: Song Kang, Lee JinWook, Lee SiYoung, Go MinSi, Park GyuYoung, Yu Oh Seong, Kim MuYeol, JinYoung
Synopsis: It tells the story of a loner high school student who lost his family and the bizarre and shocking things that happened to him in his new flat.
Why fans are looking forward to it: There are a lot of new faces in the cast of season 2 that fans are looking forward to seeing. Fans of the webtoon are especially eager to see how it gets interpreted in the new seasons.
12. "Shadow Detective 2"
Cast: Lee SungMin, Jin Goo, Kyung SooJin, Lee HakJu, Kim HongPa
Synopsis: A story about a detective ready for retirement who wakes up one day to find that he has been framed for a murder that he didn't commit.
Why fans are looking forward to it: Fans of this drama will always tell you about the fact that it is criminally underappreciated. It boasts excellent acting and a complex plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Hence, fans are looking forward to the new season.
13. "Big Bet 2"
Cast: Choi MinSik, Son SukKu, Lee DongHwi
Synopsis: A crime drama about a casino boss who is getting back into the game.
Why fans are looking forward to it: This drama's first season had a merciless ending that was the cherry on top of its noir genre. Fans were also impressed with the quality of the drama, making them look forward to another season.
14. "The Fiery Priest 2" (in talks)
Cast: Kim NamGil, Kim SungKyun, Lee HaNee
Synopsis: Tells the story of a Catholic priest who can be rude sometimes and a detective who can be timid sometimes. They team up with an ambitious prosecutor to solve a case.
Why fans are looking forward to it: Fans have said that they prayed for this show to have a season 2, pun intended. The series is known for being so funny that fans can't help themselves from chuckling at the different situations and character dynamics, making for a highly-anticipated drama return.
Which sequel have you waited for the longest and are you most looking forward to watching? Let us know in the comments!
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