10 Korean Dramas You Need to Be Watching in May 2024

Plenty of new kdramas will be gracing our screens this month with romance, crime, comedy, fantasy, and historical. Lots to choose from! Let’s see what we have to look forward to in this May 2024 edition of “Korean Dramas You Need to Be Watching.”

This monthly series is meant to keep you updated on what’s happening in that amazing world of Korean dramas so that you don’t miss out on anything! Here are the kdramas you should keep an eye out for in May 2024:

My Pick:

1. Frankly Speaking

Frankly Speaking Korean Drama - Go Kyung Pyo

Frankly Speaking is a romantic comedy about the romance between a variety show writer (Kang Han Na) and a rule-following announcer (Go Kyung Pyo) who suddenly develops a condition that makes him only able to speak the truth.

Frankly Speaking is scheduled to premiere May 1 on JTBC.

PREMIERING IN MAY:

2. Dare to Love Me

Dare to Love Me Korean Drama - Kim Myung Soo and Lee Yoo Young

Dare to Love Me is a romantic comedy about a disciple (Kim Myung Soo) from a village rooted in Confucianism and his art teacher (Lee Yoo Young) who wants be a designer.

Dare to Love Me is scheduled to premiere May 13 on KBS.

3. The Atypical Family

The Atypical Family Korean Drama - Jang Ki Yong and Chun Woo Hee

The Atypical Family is a fantasy drama about a family with supernatural abilities who lose their powers due to difficult issues they are each facing. Starring Jang Ki Yong and Chun Woo Hee.

The Atypical Family is scheduled to premiere May 4 on JTBC.

4. Connection

Connection Korean Drama - Ji Sung

Connection is a crime thriller is about a twisted friendship and the investigation involved after a high school friend leaves behind 5 billion won in insurance after their death. Starring Ji Sung

Connection is scheduled to premiere May 24 on SBS.

5. Uncle Samsik

Uncle Samsik Korean Drama - Song Kang Ho

Uncle Samsik is about two men (Song Kang Ho and Byun Yo Han) trying to achieve their dreams in the midst of the turbulent 1960’s.

Uncle Samsik is scheduled to premiere May 15 on Disney+.

6. The Midnight Romance in Hagwon

The Midnight Romance in Hagwon Korean Drama - Wi Ha Joon and Jung Ryeo Won

The Midnight Romance in Hagwon is about an instructor (Jung Ryeo Won) who helps a student get into a prestigious university and then reunites with him many years later where he is now a rookie instructor (Wi Ha Joon) at the same academy.

The Midnight Romance in Hagwon is scheduled to premiere May 11 on tvN.

7. Crash

Crash Korean Drama - Lee Min Ki and Kwak Sun Young

Crash follows the story of the Traffic Crime Investigative Team as they solve various cases. Starring Lee Mi Ki and Kwak Sun Young.

Crash is scheduled to premiere May 13 on ENA.

8. Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale

Dreaming of Cinde Fxxxing Ella Korean Drama - Lee Jun Young and Pyo Ye Jin

Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale is a romantic comedy about a struggling woman (Pyo Ye Jin) who dreams of becoming a Cinderella that takes a manager job at a social club and gets involved  with the CEO of the social club (Lee Jun Young) who doesn’t believe in love. The two go on a journey of self-growth and love.

Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale is scheduled to premiere May 31 on TVING.

CURRENTLY AIRING IN MAY:

9. Missing Crown Prince

Missing Crown Prince Korean Drama - Suho and Hong Ye Ji

Missing Crown Prince is a historical romantic comedy that tells the story of a crown prince (Suho) who is kidnapped by the woman (Hong Ye Ji) he is supposed to marry, and while on the run, feelings develop between them.

Missing Crown Prince airs Saturday and Sunday on MBN.

10. Lovely Runner

Lovely Runner Korean Drama - Byun Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon

Lovely Runner is about a popular celebrity (Byun Woo Seok) who meets a tragic end and his devout fan (Kim Hye Yoon) who lost her dream at a young age that travels back in time 15 years and tries to prevent his tragic fate.

Lovely Runner airs Monday and Tuesday on tvN.


Other Premieres & Ongoing Dramas
(These dramas will be highlighted in the coming months)

Bitter Sweet Hell
High School Return of a Gangster
The 8 Show


AND SO YOU’RE UP TO DATE,
OTHER DRAMAS THAT WILL BE ENDING IN MAY:

Chief Detective 1958

Chief Detective 1958 Korean Drama - Lee Je Hoon

Chief Detective 1958 is a prequel to the popular Korean series Chief Inspector. Set during the 1960’s, it follows the story of a chief inspector (Lee Je Hoon) coming to terms with the cruel reality of the world as he forms a team of other detectives.

Chief Detective 1958 airs Friday and Saturday on MBC.

Blood Free

Blood Free Korean Drama - Joo Ji Hoon and Han Hyo Joo

Blood Free is a suspense drama that follows the story of the CEO (Han Hyo Joo) of a genetic engineering company and a retired officer (Joo Ji Hoon) who becomes her bodyguard as they find themselves in the middle of a chaotic and controversial situation after the creation of artificial meat.

Blood Free airs Wednesday on Disney+.

The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection

The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection Korean Drama - Hwang Jung Eum

The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection is about seven people involved in the disappearance of a young girl. Starring: Hwang Jung Eum, Lee Joon, Uhm Ki Joon, Lee Yoo Bi

The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection airs Friday and Saturday on SBS.

The Midnight Studio

Midnight Photo Studio Korean Drama - Joo Won and Kwon Na Ra

The Midnight Studio is a romance about a photographer (Joo Won) who takes photos of the dead that meets a woman (Kwon Na Ra) who protects him, and he realizes the importance of life.

The Midnight Studio airs Monday and Tuesday on ENA.

Nothing Uncovered

Grabbed by the Collar Korean Drama - Kim Ha Neul

Nothing Uncovered is about an investigative reporter (Kim Ha Neul) who has been accused of murder as she tries to find the truth and save herself.

Nothing Uncovered airs Monday and Tuesday on KBS.


What dramas are you looking forward to or enjoying in May?

Make sure to get caught up because there are more dramas coming your way in June!


For the latest dramas, check out the
December 2024 Drama Guide

Squid Game 2 Korean Drama - Gong Yoo


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30 responses to “10 Korean Dramas You Need to Be Watching in May 2024”

  1. sovietredstar Avatar
    sovietredstar

    Several listed as starting in May look promising. I’ll wait until most of the episodes have played as I hate waiting for new episodes.

    1. Kay Avatar

      I hate waiting too, so I almost always wait until the drama is almost over, hehe

  2. Kate Avatar

    Currently watching Midnight Studio (not loving it but too deep to stop now), Lovely Runner which is very good, and Missing Crown Prince which so far has too much palace intrigue and not enough romance, I’m hoping that changes soon.

    Planning to start Frankly Speaking, Dare to Love Me, The Atypical Family, and Midnight Romance in Hagwon. The Kdrama slump finally feels like it’s lifting 🙂

    1. Kay Avatar

      I’ll probably pass on Midnight Studio. I would love to see Joo Won in a new drama, but I don’t like the setting of the drama and it’s built to be episodic. Lovely Runner and Missing Crown Prince are both on my list. Hopefully, Missing improves for you. I’ll probably do Frankly Speaking and Dare to Love Me too.

      I’m so happy the kdrama slump seems to be lifting for you! That’s always an amazing feeling 😊

  3. Kate Avatar

    Definitely miss midnight photo studio, episodic, terribly sad stories designed to make you cry your eyes out every week, and now at the end feels like it’s gone off the rails. I’ll be glad to watch the finale tonight.

    Lovely Runner is fantastic, I hope you can get to it soon.

    Jury is still out on Missing Crown Prince for me. I almost dropped it after episode 6 because there is a lot of focus on the back story of the old lovers and not enough on the main leads but they teased a shift to the young couple romance so I watched 7 and 8 only to be disappointed again. I think I also read that it’s 20 episodes and I don’t know if I have the patience with so many other new dramas starting.

    I started Frankly Speaking and Atypical Family. Too early to tell if I’ll stick with either of them, neither has grabbed me yet but I’ll give them a few more episodes.

    1. Kay Avatar

      That’s exactly what I guessed Midnight Photo Studio would be like. Definitely not for me, lol. Lovely Runner looks right up my alley though 🙂

      Yeah, Missing Crown Prince sounds like it could have issues, especially with 20 eps. I still plan to check it out, but I have several historicals I want to see before it.

  4. Inns Avatar
    Inns

    Lucky that i checked out lovely runner after seeing comments here, its such a great show.

    1. Kay Avatar

      I’ve been hearing really good things about it, and I’m looking forward to checking it out too. Glad you’re enjoying it 🙂

  5. sovietredstar Avatar
    sovietredstar


    Just finished watching the Cdrama “Hello the Sharpshooter”. A romance drama with some humor. The description of the show said it was the story of two lovers who were suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). The lead female was sexually assaulted and panicked with touched by a male and the male lead suffering from guilt due to a car accidents with a connection to the FL. Their psychologist and her husband also have mental health issue. It sounded interesting. The story line sounded great but the show didn’t do it justice. Here is the results:

    The bad: ML’s performance was too low key, like he was on sedatives. The college air gun competition was a big part of the story but was boring. The romance was poor, some kisses, hugs and hand holding but totally less then what their relationship should of have. At 40 episodes it was too long

    The good: The FL was excellent. The ending was pretty good with a marriage proposal.

    Rating 7/10

    1. sovietredstar Avatar
      sovietredstar


      If you are looking for a movie about a couple with mental health issues then I highly recommend the Kdrama “Mad for Each Other”. It is touching, sad, happy and at times hilarious. It is on my top 10 list.

      1. Kay Avatar

        I’ve heard such good things about that one! I’ve had it on my list since it came out, but waiting for the ride mood I guess, hehe

    2. Kay Avatar

      Definitely sounds like an interesting premise, but not great if the romance wasn’t that good and it was too long. 7/10 is decent though, so I guess it had enough going for it to make it worthwhile 🙂

  6. sovietredstar Avatar
    sovietredstar


    Started watching Rooftop Prince. Seems good.

    1. Kay Avatar

      I’m really curious as to what you will think of that one. It’s very old school and has a lot of elements/tropes people don’t really care for now. I still love it, but I find it 50/50 as to whether or not new watchers will like it, hehe. Good luck!

  7. sovietredstar Avatar
    sovietredstar


    Just about finished it. It’s very good but I got some issues with it. I’m not seeing any issues or elements that people wouldn’t relate to today. To me it seems a pretty standard story. Do you recall any examples?

    1. Kay Avatar

      Mostly the more melo elements as the drama progresses. What Park Ha deals with. Her relationship with Se Na and how she is treated. Over-the-top villains. Messy writing. The ending. Obviously, I LOVE it, so none of those were issues for me, but I see them and know they are frequently complained about. I think it just comes down to whether someone is really entertained by the overall story and not bothered by those sorts of elements. Hopefully, you keep enjoying it 🙂

      1. sovietredstar Avatar
        sovietredstar

        Yes, as the show went on it had too many melodrama crises, one right after another. So much so It took too much time away from a pretty good romance.

        1. Kay Avatar

          It definitely gets pretty melodramatic, lol. I still loved the romance though 🙂

  8. sovietredstar Avatar
    sovietredstar


    Just finished the Rooftop Prince. Great romance but way too much melodrama. The last wo episodes were the best. In fact, almost one of the best endings I have ever seen, very emotional. So, way almost? The last couple of minutes confuse me. The leading lady gets a post card (picturing the Seoul Towers) with a sketch of her and the initials E.O. and a note to meet at the towers. Does the prince return and meet her at the Seoul Towers? Or is it the prince’s “look a like” (who is/was in a coma)? I’m confused because the “look a like” years ago gave her a post card that he drew a sketch of her when thy were in New York, he wrote he wanted to meet her And put his initials E.O.

    1. Kay Avatar

      Oooh, I’m glad you ended up liking the ending so much! It really is soooo emotional. From what I understand, it’s the princes’ look a like, Tae Yong, who meets up with her. He was the one originally meant to be with her, and the prince returning to the past allowed that to happen. Though I like to tell myself that he may have retained some memories of a past life as the prince. That makes me feel a lot better about the bittersweet ending 🙂

      1. sovietredstar Avatar
        sovietredstar


        Oh no! That’s what I was afraid of. To me it’s poor script writing to do that. They built up the relationship beautifully towards the end with the two leads. They even get “married”. Like you, I’ll have to think that the prince’s spirt is somehow in his look a like. She was holding hands with the look a like and then it showed the prince with her for a moment.

        This show had it’s moments but overall was not that good.

        1. Kay Avatar

          It was definitely a bittersweet ending. And I can understand your issues with it. Lots of people had the same experience. Luckily, this is the type of drama I love, so it worked out great for me. Hopefully, you have better luck with your next one 🙂

  9. sovietredstar Avatar
    sovietredstar


    I will be starting to watch The Midnight Romance in Hagwon.

    1. Kay Avatar

      Definitely let me know how that one goes. I’m undecided on if I’ll watch that one yet.

      1. sovietredstar Avatar
        sovietredstar


        I’ve seen the first two episodes. So far it’s very good. And it has one of my favorite actresses So Ju Yeon as part of the main cast.

        1. Kay Avatar

          That sounds like a promising start 🙂

  10. sovietredstar Avatar
    sovietredstar


    As I’m waiting for new episodes of The Midnight Romance in Hagwon to be available I started watching Dare To Love Me. It took me by surprise. It is very good! Good romance and even the second romance is excellent The overall story is also very good.. Be aware that the synopsis of the show (on Viki) has mixed up the information on some of the characters. The main male character is a member of a village that though it’s 2024 they follow the traditions and dress of the Joseon era. The male lead helps the police track down those who steal the ancient artifacts of Korea. He is not a webtoon artist.

    1. Kay Avatar

      I’ll probably check out Dare to Love Me too. And thanks for the heads up. I hope you continue enjoying it!

  11. V. Avatar

    thank you so much for this list, I had been looking for new dramas to start with after completing Lovely Runner.

    1. Kay Avatar

      You’re welcome! I hope you find some good ones to watch to fill void 🙂

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Hi, I’m Kay

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