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14 Must-Watch Korean Dramas and Movies in August 2024
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Korean dramas have a unique charm that draws audiences from all over the world. This month, viewers can expect a diverse lineup of genres, from heartwarming romances to intense thrillers. Each series offers a fresh perspective and engaging narratives.
The Korean film industry is also releasing several highly anticipated films in August. These films feature powerful performances and innovative storytelling. They provide deeper insights into various aspects of life, making them a must-watch.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to Korean entertainment, these 14 upcoming dramas and films are sure to impress. Mark your calendars and get ready to immerse yourself in a month of exceptional stories and cinematic experiences.
1. Bad Memory Eraser
Lee Goon’s rise in tennis was abruptly cut short by a serious injury that eroded his confidence and sense of purpose. Facing a bleak future, he opts for a radical procedure to erase his memories, emerging with a revitalized sense of self and newfound assertiveness. This transformation sets the stage for his new life, marked by a quest for personal and professional redemption.

At the center of Lee Goon's new journey is Kyeong Joo Yeon, a psychiatrist at the brain research center. As she helps him navigate your altered reality, your relationship evolves into a complex and supportive bond. Your role becomes crucial as she helps Lee Goon adapt to his new beginning and understand his new personality.
Complicating matters is Lee Goon’s younger brother, Lee Shin, who is known as the best tennis player in the world. The contrast between Lee Shin’s acclaim and Lee Goon’s past struggles adds depth to the sibling rivalry and family dynamics. This disparity heightens the emotional layers of the narrative, exploring themes of competition and familial expectations.
Jeon Sae Yan, Lee Shin’s translator, also plays a significant role in the story. Her interactions with the two brothers deepen the plot, reflecting on ambition, recovery, and identity. As the drama unfolds, it deftly weaves themes of personal growth and love against the backdrop of competitive sports, offering a poignant look at redemption and relationships.
- Displayed: August 2, 2024 – September 21, 2024
- Number of episodes: 16
- Cast: Kim Jae Joong, Jin Se Yeon
- Streaming platform: Viki
2. Romance at Home
Byun Moo Jin and Geum Ae Yeon once had a seemingly happy family with their daughter, Byun Mi Rae, and son, Byun Hyun Jae. Moo Jin's repeated business failures strained his marriage, leading his family to eventually cut ties with him. Left alone, Ae Yeon struggled to raise her children on her own.

14 Must-Watch Korean Dramas and Movies in August 2024
Eleven years later, Ae Yeon works part-time at a large supermarket, while Mi Rae, now an adult, becomes the family's breadwinner as the supermarket's MD. Hyun Jae, with his unique charm, often causes trouble. Their lives take an unexpected turn when Moo Jin reappears as the village's building owner, hoping to win back Ae Yeon's heart.
Mi Rae strongly opposes Moo Jin's efforts to reunite with her mother, but Hyun Jae supports his father's attempt at reconciliation. This family conflict adds tension to their already complicated relationships. Meanwhile, Mi Rae's life becomes even more complex when she crosses paths with Nam Tae Pyung.
Tae Pyung, a former member of the national taekwondo team, now works as a security guard at the market, hiding his true identity and his father’s ownership of the market. His connection with Mi Rae introduces new dynamics and challenges, intertwining their fates in unexpected ways.
- Displayed: August 10, 2024
- Number of episodes: 12
- Cast: Ji Jin Hee, Kim Jee Soo, Son Na Eun, Choi Min Ho
- Streaming platform: Netflix
3. Mission Cross (Movie)
Kang Moo, a devoted housewife and former special forces officer, hides his past from his wife, Mi Sun, a detective in the violent crimes unit. His quiet life is turned upside down when Hee Joo, a mysterious woman, enters Kang Moo's life, leading Mi Sun to suspect an affair.

Mi Sun begins to pursue Kang Moo, driven by jealousy and suspicion. Meanwhile, Kang Moo has his own secret mission, creating a complex web of intrigue and tension. Their pursuits lead them into unexpected and dangerous situations, challenging their trust and relationship.
As the truth slowly unfolds, Mi Sun’s investigation becomes more intense. Kang Moo, no longer able to maintain his peaceful facade, finds himself caught between his past and present. The unexpected twists and turns force both of them to confront their secrets and face the reality of their relationship.
Kang Moo's double life comes crashing down, altering their lives forever. The suspenseful journey tests their love and loyalty, pushing them to the limit in a whirlwind of action and excitement.
- Displayed: August 9, 2024
- Cast: Hwang Jung Min, Yeom Jung Ah, Jeon Hye Jin
- Streaming platform: Netflix
4. Your Honor
In the fictional coastal town of Woowon, two powerful forces vie for control: the affluent Woowon Group and a nefarious voodoo cartel. The Woowon Group, an influential conglomerate, wields immense power, shaping both the economy and politics. landscape of the city from its imposing headquarters. Its dominance over Woowon is almost absolute, casting a long shadow over the city's fate.

In contrast, the voodoo cartel thrives in the lawless corners of the city, spreading fear and chaos through dark rituals and criminal activities. Their sinister presence undermines the stability of the city, challenging its moral foundations and creating an atmosphere of dread.
Amidst this turmoil, Judge Song Pan Ho emerges as a staunch defender of justice. His court serves as a sanctuary for those seeking justice, offering hope to the oppressed and standing as a beacon of integrity. Fighting tirelessly against corruption and crime, Judge Song’s efforts provide a glimmer of hope for the oppressed citizens of Woowon.
As he battles the combined forces of the Woowon Group and the voodoo cartel, Judge Song Pan Ho becomes a symbol of resilience. His unwavering dedication to justice inspires the people of Woowon, driving them to reclaim the soul of their city and stand up against widespread corruption and fear.
- Displayed: August 12, 2024 – September 10, 2024
- Number of episodes: 10
- Cast: Son Hyun Joo, Kim Myung Min, Kim Do Hoon, Jung Eun Chae, Yoon Chan Young
- Streaming platform: Viki
5. Tyrant
When the last sample of the Tyrant Program goes missing during delivery, chaos ensues as multiple factions fight to recover it. This elusive program, shrouded in mystery, holds secrets that everyone is desperate to uncover. Im Sang, a former agent with a reputation for handling high-stakes situations, is tasked with eliminating anyone connected to the program. His expertise is put to the test as he navigate a dangerous world of deception and danger, with the stakes of the mission higher than ever.

Overseeing the Tyrant Program is Choi, the bureau director of a secret government agency. Operating in the shadows, he manages this secret and influential project. The disappearance of the sample threatens to unravel his meticulously guarded secret, putting his covert operations at risk.
On the global stage, Paul, an agent for a foreign intelligence agency, is determined to destroy the last sample of the Tyrant Program. Driven by the potential for widespread chaos, Paul's relentless pursuit brings him into direct conflict with allies and adversaries alike. His mission becomes a tense and dangerous race against time.
As these characters converge, their intersecting paths create a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Each player is motivated by personal agendas and hidden agendas, leading to a thrilling and unpredictable search for the missing sample. The tension builds as their interconnected searches for the sample uncover secrets and challenge their resolve.
- Displayed: August 14, 2024
- Number of episodes: 4
- Cast: Jo Yoon Soo, Cha Seung Won, Kim Seon Ho, Kim Kang Woo
- Streaming platform: Disney+
6. Perfect Family
“Perfect Family” centers on Choi Seon-hee’s family, which appears happy and flawless to the outside world. However, their perfect facade begins to crumble after the murder of Seon-hee’s friend, Park Kyung-ho.

As suspicions grow about the family, trust erodes and hidden secrets come to light. Seon-hee, once confident in her family's unity, now faces the daunting task of uncovering the truth behind Kyung-ho's death.
The actions and motivations of each family member are examined, revealing hidden complexities and tensions. The murder not only disrupts their lives, but also forces them to confront their own flaws and insecurities.
“Perfect Family” delves into the unraveling of a seemingly ideal family, exploring themes of trust, betrayal and the dark currents that lie beneath the surface.
- Displayed: August 14, 2024 – September 19, 2024
- Number of episodes: 12
- Cast: Park Ju Hyun, Yoon Se Ah, Kim Byung Chul
- Streaming platform: Viki
7. Black Out
The story centers on two detectives investigating strange incidents in a village. The drama reinterprets these events and characters to reflect Korean sentiments, exposing the darker side of human nature.
Go Jung Woo, once a brilliant student about to enter medical school, takes a dark turn after a fateful trip after his SATs. He becomes a murderer and, after serving his sentence, returns to his hometown.

Upon his return, Jung Woo confronts the mysteries of what happened 11 years ago. As he delves deeper, past and present collide, revealing long-buried secrets.
This gripping tale explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the complex layers of human behavior, offering a unique perspective on crime and justice.
- Displayed: August 16, 2024
- Number of episodes: 14
- Cast: Byun Yo Han, Go Jun, Go Bo Gyeol, Kim Bo Ra
- Streaming platform:
8. DNA Lover
Then Jin, a genetic researcher with a passion for DNA, ends her relationship with a playboy boyfriend. Determined to find a genetically compatible partner, she sets out on a journey to a fulfilling relationship.
She meets two intriguing men: Yeon Woo, an obstetrician-gynecologist, and Kang Hoon, a courageous firefighter. Each man offers unique qualities and potential compatibility with So Jin, setting off a complex love triangle.

The story delves into the complexities of genetics and compatibility, blending scientific curiosity with heartfelt emotion. As So Jin pursues her romantic journey, she also discovers the struggles, love, and daily lives of her close-knit group of friends.
This tale intertwines themes of love, science, and personal growth, creating a unique and engaging narrative that resonates with young adults seeking connection and understanding in their relationships.
- Displayed: August 17, 2024
- Number of episodes: 16
- Cast: Choi Si Won, Jung In Sun, Lee Tae Hwan, Jung Eugene
- Streaming platform: Viki
9. Love Next Door
Choi Seung Hyo, a renowned young architect in Korea, heads the prestigious studio “In”. Not only is he highly skilled and attractive, but he also has a charming personality. However, his past includes moments he wishes to forget, often involving Bae Seok Ryu. The two first crossed paths when they were young, thanks to their mothers’ friendship, and spent time together, including shared visits to a women’s bathhouse.

Bae Seok Ryu, on the other hand, had a quiet and successful life growing up. An exemplary student throughout school and a passionate worker, she excelled in her role as a project manager at a large company. Despite her promising career, she unexpectedly quit her job and has been unemployed ever since. Now, she meets Choi Seung Hyo once again in her adult life.
Their reunion brings back memories and unresolved issues from their shared past. As adults, their paths intertwine once again, leading them to confront their personal histories and their evolving feelings for each other.
- Displayed: August 17, 2024 – October 6, 2024
- Number of episodes: 16
- Cast: Jung Hae In, Jung So Min, Kim Ji Eun, Yun Ji On
- Streaming platform: Netflix
10. Pachinko 2
Set against the backdrop of World War II in 1945 Osaka, the story follows Sun Ja as she struggles to protect her family amidst chaos and destruction. Her struggles involve making dangerous decisions to ensure the survival of her loved ones during these turbulent times.

Fast forward to Tokyo in 1989, where Solomon is starting over from scratch after facing his own set of challenges. His journey intersects with Sun Ja’s story, bringing the past and present together for an engaging narrative.
Elderly Sun Ja, now living in Tokyo, is deeply concerned about her grandson. Her experiences and concerns bridge the generation gap, connecting her past struggles with the new realities facing her family.
This tale intricately weaves historical and personal narratives, highlighting the lasting impact of family, resilience, and the search for a better future amid the turbulence of changing times.
- Displayed: August 23, 2024 – October 11, 2024
- Number of episodes: 8
- Cast: Lee Min-Ho, Kim Min-Ha
- Streaming platform: Apple TV
11. Cinderella at 2 AM
Ha Yun Seo is a single and confident team leader at a large company. Known for her attractiveness and respected personality, Yun Seo has overcome a troubled past, having left her family behind due to domestic violence. She has become a pragmatic and self-confident person.

Her relationship with her younger boyfriend, Seo Ju Won, who also works at the company, takes a dramatic turn when she discovers his hidden identity. Ju Won is the son of the wealthy chaebol family that owns the company, a fact that shocks Yun Seo.
Things get complicated when Ju Won's mother intervenes, offering Yun Seo a substantial sum to end the relationship. Distrustful of fairytale romances, Yun Seo accepts the money, believing it to be the practical choice.

Ju Won, however, is unwavering in his belief in true love. He works passionately to convince Yun Seo to reconsider, trying to prove that their relationship can defy the odds and that their love is worth fighting for.
- Displayed: August 24, 2024 – September 22, 2024
- Number of episodes: 10
- Cast: Shin Hyun Been, Lua Sang Min
- Streaming platform: TV Coupang
12. No gain, no love
Son Hae Yeong is a meticulous person who avoids any form of financial loss. Her past involved competing for her mother’s affection and settling for partners who didn’t meet her standards. Now, facing the potential of losing a promotion, Hae Yeong hatches a plan to stage a fake marriage to maintain her financial advantage.

To execute her scheme, she recruits Kim Ji Uk, a part-time cashier at a local convenience store. Ji Uk is known for his kindness and integrity, always willing to help those in need. However, he struggles with Hae Yeong, who is a demanding customer at his store.
Despite their difficult interactions, Ji Uk reluctantly agrees to Hae Yeong's unusual proposal. As the fake fiancé, he finds himself in a situation that is far from ordinary, with his principles and patience being tested.
The arrangement begins as a simple transaction, but soon becomes more complicated. As they unravel the complexities of their fake engagement, unexpected challenges and personal revelations emerge, testing both their characters in unforeseen ways.
- Displayed: August 26, 2024
- Number of episodes: 12
- Cast: Shin Min Ah, Kim Young Dae, Lee Sang Yi, Han Ji Hyun
- Streaming platform:
13. The Frog
In the fascinating South Korean series The frog The lives of two owners are dramatically altered by a mysterious guest. The first plot unfolds in the summer of 2000, centering on Gu Sang-jun, who runs a charming motel in the countryside. His quiet life is interrupted by an unforeseen and disturbing event that turns his summer routine upside down.

Moving to 2021, the narrative shifts to Jeon Young-ha, who operates a secluded forest boarding house. His peaceful existence is similarly disrupted by a suspicious visitor, echoing the turmoil Sang-jun experienced two decades earlier. Both men find themselves caught in a web of frightening and disconcerting events that defy their understanding.
As the narrative progresses, Yoo Seong-a, a mysterious woman, plays a poignant role, suggesting a link between the two seemingly separate incidents. Her involvement deepens the intrigue and connects the fates of the two protagonists in surprising ways.
Lee Jung-eun plays Yoon Bo-min, a tenacious chief detective determined to unravel the disturbances at both locations. Her relentless search for answers uncovers surprising revelations, intricately linking the two disparate cases. Set against the backdrop of summer, the series delves into themes of unrest and mystery, transforming ordinary lives with the arrival of an enigmatic visitor.
- Displayed: August 23, 2024
- Number of episodes: 8
- Cast: Kim Yoon Seok, Yoon Kye Sang, Go Min Si
- Streaming platform: Netflix
14. The Woo Queen
With the sudden death of King Gogukcheon, Goguryeo is faced with a tumultuous power struggle between its tribes. As Queen Woo becomes the focal point of this fierce dispute, she must act quickly to ensure the stability of the kingdom. Her challenge is to establish a new ruler within a tight 24-hour deadline to avoid chaos.

The story follows Woo Hee, played by Jeon Jong-seo, who faces the challenge of becoming the first woman in history to be queen twice. She is renowned for her beauty and intellect, and her determination to protect her family and tribe leads her to marry one of her late husband's younger brothers.
Ji Chang-wook plays Go Nam-mu, the late King Gogukcheon, whose death ignites tribal conflict. His legacy looms large over the power struggle as various factions vie for control. Kim Mu-yeol appears as Eulpaso, the prime minister and a loyal soldier of the late king who remains a significant figure in the ensuing chaos.
As the fighting intensifies, key figures emerge: Jeong Yu-mi as Woo Sun, Woo Hee’s supportive older sister; Lee Soo-hyuk as Go Bal-gi, a prince and one of the contenders for the throne; and Park Ji-hwan as Mugol, the commander dedicated to protecting the late king’s legacy. Their intertwined destinies shape the unfolding drama of Goguryeo’s royal succession.
- Displayed: August 29, 2024
- Number of episodes: 8
- Cast: Jeon Jong Seo, Kim Mu Yeol, Ji Chang Wook, Jung Yoo Mi, Lee Soo Hyuk
- Streaming platform: TVING