Nine (9) 2023 Viki Original K-Drama Series to Binge-Watch

The first Viki Original K-Drama series was released in 2016. It was a history-making moment as it was one of the first non-Korean platforms to produce original Korean content. By 2021, Viki had released “more than 100 originals include mini-series dramas, traditional series dramas that simulcast on TV Networks, short/mid-form web dramas, …” (Source).

Not only does Viki intend to continue releasing and streaming its original K-drama content, but some Viki Originals are also being streamed on Netflix, IQIYIIQ, and Apple TV.

PopGeeks Reviews of 2023 Viki Originals Already Published

Viki Original K-drama series are categorized into various genres such as Idol Drama, Fantasy, Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense, Supernatural, Historical, etc. Below is a quick list of seven (7) reviews published thus far via this site.

1. CEO-dol Mart
2. Longing For You
3. Lies Hidden in My Garden
4. Finland Papa
5. The Secret Romantic Guesthouse
6. Delivery Man
7. Kokdu: Season of Deity

PLUS Five (5) Viki Original Historical Period K-Dramas Released 2017-2021.

Two (2) More 2023 Viki Originals for Your Binge-Watch List

(1) Oasis; 16 Episodes; Romance, Drama, Historical

PLOT SUMMARY:

It is a love triangle: two (2) men; and one (1) woman. But the woman had no problems choosing the man she loved. If only they could have tied the knot and lived happily ever after. But their life is not a fairy tale.

The setting and time period is South Korea from the 1980s to the 1990s. The country no longer has nobles and slaves. So why don’t people act like it? Lee Doo-Hak is smarter than Choi Cheol-Woong. But his father insists that he play dumb! Why? Because Choi Cheol-Woong’s family is higher on the financial and economic ladder of prosperity. So if Lee Doo-Hak proves he is smarter, that sort of makes him look like he’s better than Choi Cheol-Woong.

Lee Doo-Hak does not agree with his father. He does not try to hide his talents from anybody. Choi Cheol-Woong tries to behave as if he’s an honest friend. But whenever he gets an opportunity to let everybody know that his “status is higher” he shows off. One day, an unfortunate event occurred. Choi Cheol-Woong commits a crime. But guess who went to jail for his crime? Even so, Jung-Shin was already in love with Lee Doo-Hak and no matter what happened, nothing was going to change her mind about her man.

Main Characters:

• Lee Doo-Hak (played by Jang Dong-Yoon)
• Jung-Shin (played by Seol In-A)
• Choi Cheol-Woong (played by Choo Yeong-Woo)

Viewership and Rating:

Rating by Viki Viewers: 9.3 out of 10 stars. I agree.

The Viki rating is spot on. Be advised the content is for a mature audience with a strong stomach. If you’re pro-democracy and believe in equality, it is difficult to watch this series without getting angry.

LINKS OF INTEREST:

• 3 Reasons Why The Riveting Romance Drama “Oasis” Is A Must-Watch For K-Drama Fans | Soompi
• Everything About Seol In-ah in “Oasis” K-drama! | Seoulbox

TRAILER/TEASER:

KBS WORLD TV. “(Teaser Ver.1) Oasis | KBS WORLD TV.” YouTube, 25 Apr. 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=de9VAsH-jyI.‌

(2) Moon in the Day; 14 Episodes; Romance, Fantasy, Thriller

PLOT SUMMARY:

The story begins with a war taking place because the Great Gaya betrayed Silla (one of the 3 kingdoms of ancient Korea; lasted from 57 BCE to 935 CE). Do-ha, a warrior and aristocrat from Silla, punished the people of Gaya by death. But not everyone. Some he offered life. Han Ri-ta is one of the people of Gaya. She survived because her mother hid her away when the Silla soldiers came to take them away. On the day she witnessed her mother hang, she made up her mind to seek revenge. She would entice Do-ha, the warrior who killed her mother and kill him. She succeeded.  Except … ???

But that was 1500 years ago. In present-day South Korea, Han Jun-oh is a popular celebrity and he gets possessed by Do-ha, who by this time is a very angry spirit. Kang Young-hwa is a firefighter-turned-bodyguard. If she was Han Ri-ta in her past life, she does not know because she has no memories. A car accident occurs, and Kang Young-Hwa tries to save Han Joon-O’s life but fails. He dies and the spirit of Do-ha possesses his body.  The monk says Do-ha is a lost soul. 

Do-ha in the body of Han Joon-O hires Kang Young-Hwa to work as his bodyguard. Working together so closely leads to a rekindling of the romantic feelings he once had for Han Ri-ta. After all, she was Do-ha’s one and only wife.  Kang Young-Hwa, with no memories of her past life, is drawn to him. The angry spirit of Do-ha tries to manifest himself through the body of Han Joon-O but … ??? … it’s complicated. Do-ha really wants to take revenge by killing the woman who betrayed him, 1,500 years ago.

Main Characters:

• Do-ha / Han Joon-O (played by Kim Young-Dae)
• Han Ri-ta / Kang Young-Hwa (played by Pyo Ye-Jin)

Viewership and Rating:

Rating by Viki Viewers: 9.6 out of 10 stars. I agree.

Based on a webtoon The Moon that Rises in the Day.  In addition, the artwork is magical!

LINKS OF INTEREST:

• “Moon In The Day” Shows Steady Rise In Viewership Ratings | Soompi
• “Moon In The Day” Presold To Over 90 Countries | Hello KPOP

TRAILER/TEASER:

LoveBreak _Official. “Moon in the Day | Official Trailer | Pyo Ye Jin | Kim Young Dae {ENG SUB}.” YouTube Video. YouTube, November 1, 2023. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=575h2vEvT14.

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