K-Dramas to Binge This November

Nothing drums up an appetite for some dark viewing like the winter (even for those of us who are doomed to sweat through November). This month began with the masterful Little Women drawing to a close, but it continues to serve high-strung (Joseon) politics through Under the Queen’s Umbrella on Netflix. May I Help You, starring Hye-ri and released in the latter part of October on Amazon Prime, will also see most of its episodes dropping in the following month. As for new releases, November packs an exciting slate, featuring the Korean adaptation of the French series Call My Agent! and multiple revenge dramas. Here are our top picks.

Behind Every Star

Where: Netflix

When: November 7

“I can’t promise you a personal life,” So Hyun-joo is told on the first day of her job as a celebrity manager. A remake of the much-loved French series Call My Agent!, the K-Drama revolves around a talent management company called Method Entertainment. Its employees – played by Lee Seo-jin, Kwak Sun-young and more – scramble to keep their diva clients happy, while battling to keep their business afloat. The 16-episode series is directed by Baek Seung-ryeong.

Somebody

Where: Netflix

When: November 18, 2022

Som (Kang Hae-lim), a software developer, has always felt like she was different from other people. When she creates a dating app called Somebody, she is drawn into a police investigation about a serial killer – only to find that she has many similarities with the man being hunted down. The 8-episode crime thriller also stars Kim Young-kwang, Kim Yong-ji, Kim Su-yeon and is directed by Jung Ji-woo.

Revenge of Others

Where: Disney+ Hotstar

When: November 9

Ok Chan-mi (Shin Ye-eun), a shooter for her high school team, is devastated when her twin brother mysteriously dies on his school premises. Convinced of foul play, Chan-mi enrolls herself into her brother’s school to find the real culprit. The teaser promises a high-strung thriller with shades of high-school politics: bullying, manipulation and secrets. Starring Yeun, Lomon (recently seen in All of Us Are Dead), Jung Soo-bin, Seo Ji-hoon, Chae Sang-woo, Lee Soo-min, the DisneyPlus original is directed by Kim Yoo-jin.

The First Responders

Where: Disney+ Hotstar

When: November 12

Korean institutions working as adversaries has always made for delightful watching (looking at you, Stranger) but The First Responders sets out to unite the police force with the fire department in order to manage emergencies and disasters. Like most narratives that revolve around team-building, we expect to see heart-lifting camaraderie and resilience. Starring Kim Rae-won, Son Ho-jun, Gong Seung-yeon in the lead roles, the drama is directed by Shin Kyung-soo.

Reborn Rich

Where: Rakuten Viki

When: November 18

Yoon Hyun Woo (Song Joong-ki) has spent years toiling as a slave to the Cheol family, owners of a large conglomerate, only to be framed for embezzlement and killed off without explanation. Fate has other plans: Hyun-woo reincarnates as the Cheol patriarch’s youngest son, Jin Do-joon. Do-joon is lawless, greedy and out to catch his murderer. Directed by Jeong Dae-yun, the drama stars audience-favourite Song (Vincenzo), Lee Sung-min and Shin Hyun-been in pivotal roles.