Find Out About Rookie Actor Kang Hoon Who Won Best New Actor For His Role In "The Red Sleeve" And Will Star In "Someday Or One Day"
Find out more about award-winning rookie actor Kang Hoon from "The Red Sleeve".
Kay Sesoko, Kpopmap Editor 2 min to read ·
Published : Feb 10, 2022
Kang Hoon's Instagram
"The Red Sleeve" was one of the hottest K-Dramas that aired in 2021. Many applauded the drama for its excellent storyline, talented cast, and pure entertainment value.
One of the actors that got a lot of praise for his performance in the drama was Kang Hoon. Kang Hoon played the role of Hong DeokRo who was the crown prince's teacher with a hidden cold personality under his warm exterior.
Kang Hoon even won the Best New Actor award for his performance at the 2021 MBC Drama Awards.
Kang Hoon's Instagram
Kang Hoon was born in May 1991 and is an actor under JYP Entertainment.
Kang Hoon's Instagram
You may also recognize Kang Hoon from his roles in dramas such as "You Are My Spring", "Meow, the Secret Boy", and more.
He was also recently announced to be starring in the upcoming K-Drama "Please Come To Me" also known as "Someday or One Day" based on a Taiwanese drama.
Kang Hoon's Instagram
Many K-Drama fans think that Kang Hoon resembles actor Lee SangYoon or NCT DREAM's JaeMin. Do you see the resemblance between either of them?
Kang Hoon's Instagram
Another surprising fact about Kang Hoon is that he is a huge fan of Girls' Generation's TaeYeon. She actually inspired his career path. He said that he was looking for a new dream but had no talent for singing or dancing so he thought acting would be the next best way to meet her and her members.
However, Kang Hoon has a very lovable quality about him when he dances. You can see that in his cover of 2PM's song '10 out of 10'.
You can learn more about Kang Hoon on his Instagram account @khoonyy.
Kang Hoon's Instagram
What do you think of Kang Hoon and his acting? Let us know in the comments.
Top 5 Favorite OTT K-Dramas Of 2023 As Voted By Global Fans
Check out the top 5 favorite OTT K-Dramas of global fans in 2023.
Laure, Kpopmap Editor 3 min to read ·
Published : Dec 19, 2023
Management Soop / Netflix
The year 2023 is about to end, and it has been truly filled with a plethora of excellent K-Dramas. The K-Dramas of this year covered a multitude of genres, including romance, action, thriller, fantasy, revenge, school, historical, and more.
As you may know, Korean dramas can be categorized into two groups: those released and broadcast in Korea and those produced by OTT services such as Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, TVING, Watcha, and more. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the production of OTT dramas, resulting in higher production budgets and the inclusion of more famous actors in their castings.
From December 4 to 17, we asked Kpopmap readers to vote for their favorite OTT dramas of the year. Many of you participated in the voting process, and we sincerely thank you!
Here are the best OTT K-Dramas of 2023, according to your votes.
5. "Black Knight" - 0.1%
The sci-fi Netflix drama "Black Knight," adapted from a webtoon, ranked fifth. Starring Kim WooBin, Song SeungHeon, Kang YooSeok, and Esom in the lead roles, the series is set in the year 2071, where only 1% of the population survives, living with gas masks and relying on delivery knights. Viewers were especially impressed by the stellar performances, striking visual effects, and a storyline that appealed to a broad audience.
4. "A Time Called You" - 0.6%
The romantic Netflix original drama "A Time Called You," adapted from the Taiwanese series "Someday or One Day," topped the 4th spot. Starring Ahn HyoSeop, Jeon YeoBeen, and Kang Hoon, the series narrates the tale of JunHee (Jeon YeoBeen), who, still grappling with the grief of her boyfriend's passing, travels back in time and encounters someone who bears a striking resemblance to him. Viewers were especially drawn to the emotional and mysterious aspects of the drama, as well as the chemistry between the lead characters.
3. "Moving" - 0.7%
The sci-fi Disney+ original drama "Moving," which is also based on a webtoon, ranked third. Boasting a star-studded cast including Ryu SeungRyong, Han HyoJoo, Zo InSung, Cha TaeHyun, Go YounJung, Lee JungHa, and more, the series unfolds the narrative of high school students with extraordinary powers, and the efforts of their parents to protect them. Not only did the drama gain international acclaim, but it also became the most-watched Korean series on Disney+ Korea this year. Additionally, it garnered multiple awards in recognition of its excellence.
2. "Vigilante" - 1.5%
The thriller Disney+ original drama "Vigilante," adapted from a webtoon, claimed the second position. This gripping action drama featured Nam JooHyuk, Yoo JiTae, Kim SoJin, and Lee JoonHyuk. The narrative revolves around the dual life of Kim JiYong (Nam JooHyuk), who, by day, is a student at the police university and, by night, takes justice into his own hands by punishing criminals who persist in their wrongdoing after light sentences. The series garnered immense affection for its dark hero lead and suspenseful plot.
1. "Doona!" - 96.4%
The Netflix original romance drama "Doona!", adapted from a webtoon, secured the top spot in this ranking, being the most loved OTT K-Drama of the year. Starring Suzy and YangSeJong, the series unfolds the tale of a college student (Yang SeJong) who becomes roommates with the stunning former K-Pop idol, Doona (Suzy). The unique nature of their love story and the enigmatic character of Doona captivated a significant audience, leading to its popularity on Netflix. Impressively, it even claimed up to the 5th position worldwide among the top 10 most popular TV shows on Netflix (in one of their daily ranking).
7 Best Recent K-Dramas For Beginners (2023 Update)
Looking to start watching K-Dramas? This list recommends some recent K-Dramas that are perfect for beginners!
Ishani Sarkar, Kpopmap Editor 8 min to read ·
Published : Nov 3, 2023
· Updated : Dec 15, 2023
KBS
Are you new to the wondrous world of K-Dramas and need some help choosing your first watch? Well, you've come to the right place to start this magical journey of extraordinary stories, unforgettable characters, otherworldly OSTs, and more but remember, once you step into this K-Dramaverse, it's going to be impossible to get out! Keep reading for some recent K-Dramas that will be perfect for beginners to start their K-Drama journey with.
If you are an international fan, the ratings of TV dramas in South Korea might not be the best yardstick for you as what's popular in South Korea doesn't always translate to global popularity, and similarly, there are a lot of K-Dramas that did not do that well in their home country but were hugely successful overseas. It is also a challenging task to recommend only a few K-Dramas when there are innumerable amazing ones that have been released over decades across a diverse range of genres.
So, for this article, we will try to recommend some recent K-Dramas in different genres. Staple dramas such as "Boys Over Flowers" (2009), "Secret Garden" (2010), "The Moon That Embraces the Sun" (2012), "You Who Came From the Stars" (2013), "Goblin" (2016), and so on are simply amazing but may be considered old for some. Of course, such legendary K-Dramas cannot be forgotten, but for a first-timer, newer and more recent K-Dramas might be a good place to start.
So, in this list, we will recommend some recent K-Dramas (from 2021 onwards) that are perfect for K-Drama beginners. If you're already a K-Drama connoisseur, you can also recommend other K-Dramas in the comments section down below!
If you're looking for a romantic comedy, there's no better drama to start with than the K-Drama that ranked 4th overall on the Korean government's annual Hallyu survey, where thousands of people across 26 countries were asked to pick their favorite K-Drama of 2022. 1.9% of the total respondents picked "Business Proposal", which speaks volumes about its global impact.
"Business Proposal" tells the story of Kang TaeMu (Ahn HyoSeop), an influential CEO who is forced to go on blind dates by his grandfather and an ordinary employee at his company, Shin HaRi (Kim SeJeong) who goes on a date with him in place of her rich best friend Jin YoungSeo (Seol InAh), who believes in love at first sight. Fate does its thing, and the two fall in love despite HaRi's multiple attempts to prevent it.
The drama also stars Kim MinGue as Cha SungHoon, who works for Kang TaeMu and is his best/only friend. Cha SungHoon meets Jin YoungSeo by chance, and sparks fly as they realize they have more in common than they think.
"Business Proposal" is a light-hearted watch that will make you roll over laughing but will also give you all the butterflies. It is the ideal mix of romance and comedy and hence, the perfect recommendation for this list.
If you're looking to explore thriller K-Dramas, you need to dive into the masterpiece that is "Little Women". With a tight screenplay, an excellent cast, and subtle nods to the classic it is named after, this drama is iconic, to say the least.
Starring Kim GoEun, Nam JiHyun, Park JiHu, Wi HaJun, Kang Hoon & more, "Little Women" tells the story of three sisters, abandoned by the world and society, standing up for themselves and their ambitions against the most powerful family in South Korea. It is premised on the eldest sister, Oh InJu (Kim GoEun), suddenly coming in possession of a huge fortune, albeit one that is acquired by tainted means. Seeking to turn her life around, she takes a gamble but is mired in a dense web of conspiracy, threatening everything she has ever known.
"Little Women" boasts some of the most brilliant acting performances by our cast, who amplify the viewing experience manifold. The drama is super compatible with binge-watching, and the twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the runtime. There's truly no better thriller than "Little Women" for a beginner to get acquainted with the treasure that K-Dramas have to offer in this genre.
In 2022, "The King's Affection" became the first-ever K-Drama to win an Emmy for "Best Telenovela" at the 50th International Emmy Awards. It was lauded worldwide for its fresh theme, phenomenal cast, and quality of adaptation (it is based on a webtoon called "Yeonmo"). So, if you want a taste of all the good things that the K-Drama industry has to offer in the genre of fantasy, "The King's Affection" is a must-watch.
"The King's Affection" tells the story of a young princess who was executed by the royal family because she was born as a girl among twins. However, she survived and was raised as an ordinary young woman until her twin brother, the Crown Prince, passed away. Ultimately, the princess is summoned to take his place in secret, where she must navigate the tricky palace politics as well as her own feelings for her first love, who is appointed as her royal tutor.
Park EunBin and SF9's RoWoon as Lee Hwi and Jung JiUn, respectively, give us a dreamy, transcendent romance with the most stellar chemistry and heart-fluttering sweetness we've ever seen. In addition, the romance is fused with action, intrigue, and thrill, which makes the drama multidimensional. "The King's Affection" is not just a historical romantic comedy but also a gender-bending roller coaster ride that you do not want to miss.
2022 brought us the greatest fantasy romance K-Drama of all time, and we have to say, it will certainly be difficult to top this one. Now, K-Dramas offer a wide variety and spectrum of fantasy concepts in K-Dramas. However, the wonderful blend that "Alchemy of Souls" provides is exceptional. From the incomparable world-building to the unique characterization, costumes, and more - this drama is a marvel of Korean television. In addition, this drama has two parts, so you'll have a gala time, guaranteed!
Starring Lee JaeWook, Jung SoMin, Go YounJung, Hwang MinHyun, OH MY GIRL's Arin, Yoo InSoo, and Shin SeungHo, "Alchemy of Souls" tells the story of the sorcery of soul shifting, a rightful heir's claim to the throne and a shadow assassin's search for the truth. Lee JaeWook plays Jang Uk, the eldest son of the influential Jang family, Jung SoMin plays MuDeok, a lowly blind peasant girl who houses the soul of Naksu, who is played by Go YounJung. Bound by destiny, they join forces to save the world.
One of the strongest merits of "Alchemy of Souls" is its flawless progression and masterful cast. You will inevitably find yourself getting attached to the characters and rooting for them as you finish episode after episode without ever needing a break. Not to spoil it for you, but the ending will blow your mind!
"The Glory" is a breathtaking saga of revenge told in epic proportions, starring Song HyeKyo, Lee DoHyun, and Im JiYeon in the leading roles. Witness greatness at its finest - from the writing to the acting, the cinematography, symbolism, and everything in between. "The Glory" is a work of art where each scene is a masterstroke delicately placed to form the larger canvas of unparalleled splendor. Revenge has never looked this good.
"The Glory" tells the story of Moon DongEun (Song HyeKyo), who dreamed of becoming an architect but was forced to steer her life in a different direction after being bullied viciously in school. Now, she has dedicated her life to revenge, taking judgment and divine retribution into her own hands. There's no forgiveness, so there will be no glory.
If you're looking for catharsis, an emotional cleanse, or a purging of sorts, "The Glory" would be the perfect K-Drama for you. You'll also be lucky to be ushered into the world of K-Dramas by legendary actress Song HyeKyo and the representative star of the current generation, Lee DoHyun, working together to create the coolest K-Drama couple you'll ever see. So, what are you waiting for? Check out "The Glory' on Netflix now!
Starring Han SoHee in the leading role, "My Name" makes action look better than it ever has before. It is entirely a female-driven narrative that posits revenge in the forefront and underlines it with a poignant romance. The drama will draw you in with its riveting plot, exposing the gritty underbelly of crime and corruption that our heroine confronts with unwavering fortitude.
"My Name" tells the story of Yoon JiWoo, a young woman who helplessly witnesses her father's murder but is left in the dark about how or why it happened. To find out the truth and enact her revenge, JiWoo accepts the guidance of druglord Choi MuJin (Park HeeSoon) and joins a dangerous crime ring before going undercover as a police officer in the Drug Investigation unit. However, her plans are disrupted by an unexpected variable - her partner in the police force, Jeon PilDo (Ahn BoHyun). JiWoo doesn't know who she can trust, and betrayal lurks right around the corner, making her question her reality. With love, loyalty, and vengeance on the line, will JiWoo be able to uncover the secrets behind her father's untimely passing?
"My Name" is immensely well-written and fast-paced, which means there's not a dull moment in the whole series. As there are only eight episodes, it is a bite-sized watch that amply conveys the appeal and originality of K-Dramas. This is one of those dramas that will have you hooked in no time, especially with the cast's remarkable performance. You're going to love this one!
7. Horror
"Revenant"
Disney+
"Revenant" is easily one of the most visually stunning, well-written, and brilliantly executed horror K-Dramas to have ever come out of the Korean entertainment industry. Starring acting powerhouses Kim TaeRi and Oh JungSe with rising star Hong Kyung, this K-Drama is a mesmerizing nightmare, and we promise you, you will not want it to end.
"Revenant" tells the story of Gu SanYeong - a hard-working young woman who might look unperturbed by life's disturbances on the outside but represses her vulnerabilities and weaknesses on the inside. After the passing of her estranged father, she unwittingly gets possessed by a demon and is plagued with unwanted spirit sight. Things get progressively worse when she experiences sudden gaps in her memory and striking behavioral changes. The absence of scientific understanding gives way to doubts about the paranormal as she meets Professor Yeom HaeSang. Together, they decide to confront the evil within and possibly unravel an age-old mystery.
Kim TaeRi's portrayal of Gu SanYeong has to be one of the best performances of the actress' career. Oscillating between this world and a dark other, Gu SanYeong's consciousness is frayed, and her resilience is relentlessly tested. Yet she remains unmoved, even in the face of self-loss, determined to purge not only herself from the diabolic but also her world.
Oh JungSe, as the mysterious professor of Korean folklore, Yeom HaeSang, is equally brilliant as Yeon HaeSang struggles with his own demons while simultaneously battling the generational malevolence that has haunted his family for ages. At the same time, Hong Kyung's character - lieutenant Lee HongSae, stands in as the audience surrogate, investigating the strange cases around Gu SanYeong in his own way. Hong Kyung brings a marked freshness to the story with his resonant performance, proving his status as a rising star.
The plot of "Revenant" branches out into episodic paranormal encounters while the centre unravels slowly and steadily, giving us the most cathartic and satisfying ending possible. This K-Drama is timeless, and we highly recommend you add it to your watchlist.
For more recommendations, check out some of our genre-centric watchlists below!
Dyllan Mykel, Kpopmap Editor 5 min to read ·
Published : Dec 7, 2023
KBS
2023 continued to produce a variety of outstanding K-Dramas that were filled with yearning, heart-fluttering romance, action, and so much more. Of the numerous dramas that came forward, there were a number of historical K-Dramas announced that swept the hearts of viewers all year long.
So take a look at the historical K-Dramas that premiered in 2023. Web dramas are not included in this list and this is not a ranking.
This is not a ranking. Dramas starting in 2023 are included in this list.
1. "Our Blooming Youth"
tvN
When: February 6
Cast: Park HyungSik, Jeon SoNee, Pyo YeJin, Yoon JongSeok, Hur WonSeo, Lee TaeSun
Summary: It tells the story of a mysterious genius woman whose family was accused of murder overnight and of a crown prince who is under a mysterious curse. When the two of them first met at the most desperate moments of their lives, they recognized each other as their only savior, and their relationship transformed into romance.
Why Watch?: For all fans of Park HyungSik, you'll surely be happy to meet him once again in a historical drama. Plus, The drama is full of suspense and plot twists so do not hesitate a second to watch it!
2. "Poong, the Joseon Psychiatrist" Season 2
tvN
When: January 11
Cast: Kim MinJae, Kim HyangGi, Kim SangKyung
Summary: Yoo SePoong, a genius doctor, and Seo EunWoo, an eccentric doctor, meet once again at the beautiful and strange clinic. A warm prescription for the sick ones, and for the villain, a fresh blast from the doctors of the Joseon era, and a happy prescription!
Why watch?: If you missed them, it is finally time to meet again with the warm family of the Gyesoo clinic and new characters. But we are also finally knowing the following the cliff-hanging end of season 1!
3. "Joseon Lawyer: A Morality"
MBC
When: March 31, 2023
Cast: Woo DoHwan, WJSN's BoNa, Cha HakYeon
Summary: (Based on webtoon) It is a refreshing and heartwarming story about Kang HanSu, a lawyer who plans lawsuits and even takes advantage of the feelings of wronged victims. Due to unintended events, he becomes revered as the people's "solver" and hero, which causes him to really grow into a just lawyer.
Why watch?: With this drama, you can look forward to original chemistry with a strong female lead along with the main character and the wonderful universe of the Joseon Dynasty.
4. "My Dearest"
MBC
When: August 4th
Cast: NamKoong Min,Ahn EunJin
Summary: Depicts the heartfelt love story between a noble woman and a mysterious man set in Joseon during the Qing invasion, known in Korean as Byeongja Horan.
Why watch?: A more serious drama, "My Dearest" touches upon feelings of yearning and a fight for survival.
5. "My Dearest Part 2"
MBC
When: October 13th
Cast: NamKoong Min,Ahn EunJin
Summary: A continuation of the heartfelt love story between a noble woman and a mysterious man set in Joseon during the Qing invasion, known in Korean as Byeongja Horan.
Why watch?: After part 1, part 2 looks to wrap up all loose ends and delve deeper into the heartbreaking love story between Lee JangHyun and Yoo GilChae.
6. "The Secret Romantic Guest House"
SBS
When: March 20, 2023
Cast: Shin YeEun, RyeoUn, Kang Hoon, Jung GunJoo
Summary: It is a refreshing and mysterious romance drama that revolves around Yoon Dano, the owner of Ehwawon, a boarding house that breaks all types of stereotypes, and the 3 boarders who have secrets.
Why watch?: For anyone who loves a quirky love story between two characters with a deep history. There's also the potential of a thrilling love triangle that you do not want to miss.
7. "The Matchmakers"
KBS
When: October 30th
Cast: RoWoon, Cho YiHyun
Summary: This historical drama, which is also a comedy melodrama, depicts the operation of a wedding party for the four maidens who represent the Joseon Dynasty, led by a young widow Jung SoonDeok and a young widower Sim JungWoo.
Why Watch?: Set in the Joseon era, "The Matchmakers" is a ball of lighthearted fun as two people become a pair of matchmakers, setting up single men and women together for marriage.
8. "Moon In The Day"
ENA
When: November 1
Cast: Pyo YeJin, Kim YoungDae, and more
Summary: Depicts the heartbreaking love story that spans the course of 1,500 years, moving between the past and present.
Why Watch: Two lovers bound by ill-fated destiny meet and must overcome a variety of hurdles.
9. "Goryeo-Khitan War"
KBS
When: November 11th
Cast: Choi SooJong, Kim DongJun, Ji SeungHyun, and more
Summary: A drama that focuses on the second and third periods of the Goryeo-Khitan War.
Why Watch: This drama is filled with political struggles and action, making it a suspenseful and heart-pounding watch for historical drama lovers across the globe.
BONUS: "Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword Of Aramun"
tvN
This drama is not per se historical, however, the universe being similar to historical ones, we decided to include it in this list.
When: September 9th
Cast: Lee JoonGi, Shin SaeKyeong, Jang DongGun, Kim OkBin
Summary: It tells the stories of various heroes writing different legends of the mystical and ancient country of Arthdal.
Why watch?: A continuation of a prolific saga that everyone has been waiting for. Multiple forces face off for various reasons: to leave behind a legacy, for power, and to right the wrongs of a broken world.
Note: Dramas such as "Oasis" which portray the 80s and 90s, "Tale of the Bandits", along with "Tale of the Nine-Tailed 1938" which is considered more fantastic than historical are not listed here.
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