Mary Kills People (August 1st)
Lee Bo Young makes her return as the angel of death in MBC’s new series, Mary Kills People. She portrays a doctor who helps terminally ill patients with assisted suicide. Based on a Canadian series, this drama reveals the lives of doctors who secretly conduct euthanasia and the detectives who pursue them. Lee Min Ki plays a terminal cancer patient who has a confrontation with the doctor, while Kang Ki Young portrays a former doctor involved in mercy killings. The teaser has sparked viewers’ curiosity regarding the show’s controversial themes and heightened anticipation for another signature drama featuring Lee Bo Young. Notably, Mary Kills People is MBC’s first R-rated drama in four years, following The Veil. The series consists of 12 episodes, with Indian audiences able to stream it at 6:30 p.m. IST on designated days.
Beyond The Bar (August 2nd)
Following the success of Law and The City, another legal drama is set to debut. JTBC’s Beyond The Bar shifts the focus from courtroom proceedings to the personal lives and growth of lawyers. Jung Chae Yeon plays a bumbling yet confident rookie attorney paired with Lee Jin Wook, a skilled veteran. Lee Hak Ju and Jeon Hye Bin also join the cast as fellow lawyers whose passionate and logical approaches add depth to the narrative. The overlap with Law and The City raises questions about whether this drama can establish its own unique appeal. Available for streaming on Netflix, the series has 12 episodes.
My Lovely Journey (August 2nd)
Providing a refreshing escape during the summer heat, My Lovely Journey follows a washed-up idol turned travel reporter who embarks on adventures for others and, in the process, rediscovers what success and life truly mean. Adapted from Maha Harada’s novel, this Channel A series showcases stunning locations, from charming towns in Korea to beautiful spots in Hokkaido, Japan. Gong Seung Yeon plays the former idol-turned-reporter, while Kim Jae Young portrays an aspiring filmmaker, adding elements of romance and emotional growth to the journey. The series runs for 16 episodes.
Love, Take Two (August 4th)
Could this be a pivotal moment for middle-aged romance narratives often boxed into scandal? With seasoned actors Yum Jung Ah and Park Hae Joon at the forefront, tvN’s Love, Take Two might just change the game. The story revolves around a mother-daughter duo with a love-hate dynamic as they start a new chapter in life in the countryside, under the direction of Yoo Je Won, known for hits like Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha and Crash Course in Romance. Yum Jung Ah and Park Hae Joon play a single mother and father who reunite after years apart, reigniting their lost love. Meanwhile, Choi Yoon Ji and Kim Min Kyu introduce a youthful romantic subplot. Expect Yoo Je Won’s signature blend of familial warmth and heart-fluttering moments. The series streams on Netflix and consists of 12 episodes.
My Troublesome Star (August 18th)
Uhm Jung Hwa and Song Seung Heon reunite on screen a decade after their film Wonderful Nightmare in the rom-com My Troublesome Star. This story follows a young superstar who wakes up one day in the body of an ordinary middle-aged woman. Uhm Jung Hwa portrays Bong Cheong Ja, who finds herself living a life void of glamour, while Song Seung Heon plays Dok Go Chul, a compassionate cop who helps her adjust to her new circumstances. Rising star Jang Daa makes a guest appearance as top star Lim Sera, the younger version of Bong Cheong Ja. The series spans 12 episodes.
Aema (August 22nd)
In the early 1980s, Korea experienced a surge of erotic films, spearheaded by the iconic Madame Aema. Netflix’s Aema reimagines the inception of this cultural phenomenon through a bold comedy-drama that bursts with wit and creativity. Lee Ha Nee takes on the role of Hee Ran, a leading actress who loses her part as Madame Aema due to a dispute with her production company, while Bang Hyo Rin portrays Joo Ae, the rookie actress who secures the coveted role instead. The series explores the behind-the-scenes tension of a time when actresses faced expectations to reveal all, pitting two ambitious women against one another in a captivating exploration of power and drama. With its unconventional subject matter, Aema is set to generate considerable buzz. The series contains 6 episodes.
Twelve (August 23rd)
Action star Ma Dong Seok returns to the small screen for the first time in nine years with Twelve, a grand fantasy series inspired by the twelve animals of the Eastern zodiac. The plot centers around a group of divine beings hidden among humans who safeguard humanity against evil forces. Ma Dong Seok stars as Tae San, a powerful leader of these celestial warriors, delivering thrilling action scenes unique to his trademark style. Park Hyung Sik plays Ogui, a menacing villain posing a threat to both angels and humans, showcasing a darker side. The ensemble includes Seo In Guk, Lee Joo Bin, and Sung Dong Il as members of the celestial twelve. Following hits such as The Uncanny Counter and Moving, this series is poised to become Korea’s next significant action-fantasy sensation. Available for streaming on Disney Plus, it consists of 8 episodes.
Bon Appetit, Your Majesty (August 23rd)
This summer, YoonA makes a splash with appearances in both film and television. After starring in Pretty Crazy, she returns in tvN’s new weekend drama Bon Appetit, Your Majesty. Based on a web novel, the series follows a contemporary chef who time-travels to the past and finds herself cooking for a tyrannical king with an exquisite taste. Having previously shared the screen with stars like Lee Jong Suk, Junho, and Jo Jung Suk, YoonA now leads the cast alongside rising actor Lee Chae Min. Viewers are eager to see if she can once again demonstrate her star power and turn this drama into yet another success. The series includes 12 episodes.