Figuring out what to watch once you've finished your current K-Drama or Korean web drama can be a daunting task. You might be worried that the next drama you pick doesn't live up to the one you've just watched. You might not even know where to start with choosing a new one.

Don't worry, though! Kpopmap has got your back with an inclusive guide to the hottest upcoming Korean web dramas being released each month.

A 'web drama' refers to original series dramas that are professionally produced and released primarily through online platforms (OTT platforms).

We are here to help you make your selection of web dramas to add to your watchlist this December.

Let's take an in-depth look at the Korean web dramas streaming and being released this month.

Note: This list only includes web dramas. The K-Drama selection can be found in this article.

 

1. "Island"

Release date: From December

Platform/Where to watch: TVING, Amazon Prime

Number of episodes: 12

Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Action, Exorcism

Summary: Monsters of Jeju Island 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 arrived on the island. Daehan Group's Won MiHo is the only daughter of the company's chairman. Her selfish and arrogant attitude led to her father's decision to send her to Jeju Island. There, she was assigned to teach ethics at a high school, where evil was roaming free without her knowing it. Together with the other individuals on the island, she starts to form a new community to survive.

Director: Park BaeJong

Director Park BaeJong directed the drama "Goodbye My Love"(1999) and wrote and directed the film "Fabricated City" (2017) starring Ji ChangWook.

Cast: Kim NamGil, Lee DaHee, ASTRO's Cha EunWoo, Sung Jun

Kim NamGil will play the role of Van. He is an emotionless immortal with a rugged charm who chases down and kills monsters. You might recognize him from his hit roles in the K-Dramas "Through the Darkness" (2022), "Live Up to Your Name" (2017), and more.

Lee DaHee will play the role of Won MiHo. MiHo is the only daughter of the chairman of Daehan Group. She is targeted by the monsters on Jeju Island. You might know her from her recent role in the drama "Love Is for Suckers" (2022) and hit roles in dramas such as "The Beauty Inside"(2018).

ASTRO's Cha EunWoo will play the role of YoHan/John Skelp (Kang ChanHyuk). He is a hip exorcist and priest at a cathedral in the USA. He grew up in the States but hasn't forgotten the language thanks to K-Dramas. Despite his cheerful exterior, he has a dark past, too. Cha EunWoo is not only a talented idol but also one of the most sought-after idol actors in the Korean industry. He is famous for his roles in the popular dramas "True Beauty" (2020), "My ID is Gangnam Beauty" (2018), and more.

Sung Jun will play the role of Kung Tan. Kung Tan works with Van to defeat the monsters. However, there is a twist in the works for his character. Sung Jun is a model-turned-actor well-known for his role in dramas like "High Society" (2015), "I Need Romance 3" (2014), and more.

Why you should look forward to it: The drama is based on a manhwa/webtoon of the same name by Yoon InWan and Yang KyungIl. Many fans are especially excited to see Kim NamGil and Lee DaHee on screen together as their character dynamic is guaranteed to be entertaining.

Not only that but many fans of Sung Jun are excited to see him on screen again. Although the drama is not necessarily a comeback drama for him, many have missed seeing him on the screen regularly.

We can't forget to mention the huge anticipation surrounding ASTRO Cha EunWoo's casting in this drama. Not only is the drama very different from his usual roles, but AROHA (ASTRO's fandom) and other K-Drama fans are excited to see him pull off a dark concept in this twisted but thrilling story.

Read more about the drama here:

 

2. "Recipe For Farewell"

Release date: From December 1

Platform/Where to watch: Watcha

Number of episodes: 12

Genre: Slice-of-life, Drama

Summary: It is a slice-of-life drama about a husband's kitchen diary. He prepares meals for his ex-wife who was diagnosed with colon cancer.

Director: Lee HoJae

Lee HoJae is not only the screenwriter and director of this drama but also of the films "SORI: Voice from the Heart" (2016) and "The Scam" (2016).

Cast: Han SeokKyu, Kim SeoHyung, Jin HoEun, Yang KyungWon

Han SeokKyu will play the role of Kang ChangRae. He works in humanities and ends up cooking for his ill ex-wife everyday, despite his limited cooking skills. Han SeokKyu is an esteemed actor who has starred in several productions such as "Secret Door" (2014) and the "Dr. Romantic" franchise.

Kim SeoHyung will play the role of DaJung. She is diagnosed with colon cancer and develops digestive problems which leads to asking her ex-husband to cook for her. Kim SeoHyung is also an esteemed actress who has made a bold impression in dramas like "Mine" (2021) and "SKY Castle" (2018).

Jin HoEun will play the role of Kang JaeHo. Kang JaeHo is Kang ChangRae's son in the story. Jin HoEun is a rising actor who has acted in many popular dramas such as "All of Us Are Dead" (2022), "Sh**ting Stars" (2022), and more.

Yang KyungWon will play the role of Yang SooWon. Yang KyungWon is another rising actor who has been in several hit dramas such as "Crash Landing on You" (2019), "Vincenzo" (2021), and more.

Why you should look forward to it: This drama is based on a true story, noted in a non-fiction book written by the real-life Kang ChangRae, making for an intriguing look into a piece of someone's history. It tells the personal story of Korean writer Kang ChangRae whose life fascinates many. You might have to grab some tissues while watching, but the drama promises to be deeply touching.

On a lighter note, this drama should also inspire those who know little about cooking to learn more about the sincerity of cooking and take on a new hobby.

 

3. "Oh! My Assistant"

Release date: From December 1

Platform/Where to watch: GagaOOLala

Number of episodes: 8

Genre: BL, Romance

Summary: This drama tells the story of a mature webtoon graphic artist (SeonHo) and his assistant (MuYeong) who work together resulting in romance.

Cast: Song SeungHyun (ex-FTISLAND), Ko ChanBin, Lee DoHa

Song SeungHyun will play the role of SeonHo. SeonHo is an adult webtoon artist who is struggling with his own personal issues in that regard. He is a straightforward person. Song SeungHyun is a former member of the idol rock band FTISLAND. He left the group to focus on his career as an actor and has "Detective Alice 2" (2016) and "Perhaps Love?" (2019) as dramas in his filmography.

Ko ChanBin will play the role of MuYeong. MuYeong is a wealthy and talented person who gets hired as SeonHo's assistant. Ko ChanBin is a rookie actor who has acted in the web drama "Love Revolution" (2020).

Lee DoHa will play the role of JunSeok. JunSeok always seems to be on standby in this story. Lee DoHa is another rookie actor who has had support and guest roles in dramas like "Let Me Be Your Knight" (2021), "18 Again" (2020), and more.

Why you should look forward to it: This webtoon-based drama, originally written by Mila and Angrymonster, is well-known for the explosive chemistry between the characters. If the web drama is anything like the webtoon, it will definitely be a must-watch filled with heart-fluttering moments.

There is a mystery element as to why a character like MuYeong would want to work under SeonHo but it will all make for an interesting twist in their dynamic when his motive is revealed.

With the visuals of this cast, it will also be hard to decide which handsome actor you allow your heart to flutter for.

 

4. "Work Later, Drink Now 2"

Release date: From December 9

Platform/Where to watch: TVING

Number of episodes: 10

Genre: Comedy, Slice-of-life, Drama

Summary: "It is a relatable and heartwarming drama about longtime friends and drinking buddies with quirky chemistry." (TVING)

Director: Kim JungShik

Kim JungShik is the director behind the comedic hit drama "So Not Worth It" (2021) and the first season of "Work Later, Drink Now" (2021). He is also the director of the much-anticipated "Strong Woman Kang Nam Soon"(2023).

Cast: Lee SunBin, Han SunHwa, Apink's Jeong EunJi, Super Junior's Choi SiWon

Lee SunBin will play the role of Ahn SoHee, a broadcast writer. You might recognize this actress from her roles in the dramas "Sketch" (2018), "Criminal Minds" (2017), and more.

Han SunHwa will play the role of Han JiYeon, a yoga instructor. Han SunHwa has had impressive roles in dramas such as "Undercover" (2021) and "Backstreet Rookie" (2020).

Apink's Jeong EunJi will play the role of Kang JiGu, an origami YouTuber. Other than her idol persona, you might recognize Jeong EunJi from "Blind" (2022), "Sassy Go Go" (2015), and more.

Super Junior's Choi SiWon will play the role of Kang BukGu, an entertainment show producer. He is another idol actor who you might be familiar with on stage but also know from K-Dramas like "Revolutionary Love" (2017), "She Was Pretty" (2015), and more.

Why you should look forward to it: After the success of the first season, fans are highly anticipating the return of these characters to their screens. Not to mention that fans will finally be able to get their answers to the cliffhanger at the end of season one.

This drama promises to have you grabbing your sides with laughter in some moments but also nodding your head in relatable agreement in other moments.

 

5. "The King of Desert"

Release date: From December 16

Platform/Where to watch: Watcha

Number of episodes: 6

Genre: Drama, Thriller

Summary: Tells the story of five regular people whose lives get turned upside down. Some of them believe that money is everything and others don't.

Screenwriter: Kim BoTong

Kim BoTong is the same writer behind the hit webtoon-based drama "D.P.". This drama is a special collaboration with Watcha.

Cast: Jin Goo, Yang DongGeun, Jang DongYoon, Jung YiSeo

Jin Goo will play the role of a president. Jin Goo is well-known for his roles in dramas such as "Descendants of the Sun" (2016), "A Superior Day" (2022), and more.

Yang DongGeun will play the role of Dong Hyun. You might recognize this actor from his roles in the dramas "Cheer Up" (2022), "Lost" (2021), and more.

Jang DongYoon will play the role of Cheon Woong. Jang DongYoon is another well-known actor, especially for his roles in dramas like "The Tale of Nokdu" (2019), "Search" (2020), and more.

Jung YiSeo will play the role of Ki Joo. Jung YiSeo is a rising actress who has had roles in the popular K-Dramas "All of Us Are Dead" (2022) and "Snowdrop" (2021).

Why you should look forward to it: Not only is this drama highly-anticipated because of the talented screenwriter behind the script, but many fans are especially looking forward to this actor combination.

Fans are especially awaiting to see Jang DongYoon's appearance because he is sporting short hair, different from his usual look.

Another of this drama's drawing points is the intriguing tangled relationship between the characters in unpredictable situations. The choices the characters make will provide an immersive viewing experience for the audience.

 

6. "Fantasy Spot"

Release date: From December 16

Platform/Where to watch: Coupang Play

Number of episodes: 10

Genre: Romance, Drama

Summary: The story of women in their 20s who want to discover their sexuality and love.

Cast: Ahn HeeYeon (EXID's HaNi), Dal Shabet's WooHee, Park SunHo, Choi KwangRok, Hong SeokCheon

Ahn HeeYeon will play the role of HeeJae. HeeJae wants to get to know herself properly. She is a friendly office worker with a bustling social life. She undergoes a huge mindset change thanks to a podcast that she takes on. Other than her idol activities, Ahn HeeYeon has acted in multiple dramas including titles such as "IDOL: The Coup" (2021) and "You Raise Me Up" (2021).

Dal Shabet's Bae WooHee will play the role of MiNa. Bae WooHee has acted in numerous drama titles including "Two Universes" (2022), "Business Proposal" (2022), and more.

Park SunHo will play the role of InChan. You might recognize Park SunHo from his time on the survival show "Produce X 101" and from his roles in dramas like "Rugal" (2020). This will be his comeback drama after being discharged from the military earlier this year.

Choi KwangRok will play the role of WooJae. Choi KwangRok is a model-turned-actor who you might know from the drama "Green Mother's Club" (2022).

Hong SeokCheon will play the role of  Mr Shim. Hong SeokCheon is a famous entertainment personality who you might have spotted in numerous support and guest roles of popular K-Dramas such as "Jinxed At First" (2022) and "Dali and the Cocky Prince" (2021).

Why you should look forward to it: This drama will take on mature subject matter that open's a new perspective for K-Drama fans. If you enjoyed the Netflix film "Love and Leashes" (2022), you will definitely enjoy this drama.

Fans are also especially excited for idol actress Ahn HeeYeon to show a transformed side of herself through this drama as an actress.

 

7. "The New Employee"

Release date: From December 21

Platform/Where to watch: Watcha, Viki (select regions)

Number of episodes: 8

Genre: BL, Romance

Summary: This drama depicts the office romance between the boss (JongChan) and the new recruit (SeungHyun) at an advertising company.

Director: Kim Jo KwangSoo

Kim Jo KwangSoo has directed short films such as "Just Friends?" (2009) starring Lee JeHoon and is also known as an openly queer director. Many fans are excited to see how well he tells this story in a genre that he fully understands.

Cast: Moon JiYong, Kwon Hyuk, Choi SiHun

Moon JiYong will be playing the role of Woo SeungHyun. He is a late bloomer and this internship means the world to him as he has dreamed of being in this position for a long time. Moon JiYong acted in the BL drama "Once Again" (2022) and the drama "Miracle" (2022), to name a couple of his works.

Kwon Hyuk will be playing the role of Kim JongChan. JongChan is a workaholic who is handsome yet cold. Kwon Hyuk is also a rookie actor who has acted in "A Good Supper" (2021) and in "Graceful Friends" (2020), to name a couple of dramas.

Choi SiHun will be playing the role of Na YooSeong. He will be acting as SeungHyun's first love. Choi SiHun is a rookie actor who has starred in the dramas "Romanced" (2021) and "Cafe Kilimanjaro" (2020), to name a couple. You might even recognize him from his appearance on one of the hottest dating shows in Korea, "Single's Inferno" (2021). He is also a member of the boy group TRIPLEME.

Why you should look forward to it: This Watcha Exclusive is based on the 2016 web novel-turned-webtoon "The New Employee" (신입사원 in Korean) written by Moscareto. It is one of the most popular webtoons on Ridi, which has many fans anticipating the web drama. The drama is said to be focused on even the littlest details from the webtoon.

Other than its guarantee to provide an entertaining story, everybody loves a good office romance, especially when the cast is as handsome as this one. The actors are said to boast perfect synchronization and chemistry that will make your heart flutter. The drama promises to be filled with fresh fun.

Read more about the drama here:

Which web drama will you be adding to your watchlist this December? Let us know and share your web drama recommendations with other readers in the comments!