September is here and it brings a brand new mix of Korean dramas. There are surely some atypical Kdramas in this assortment!

A Time Called You

Premiere Date: September 8

Network: Netflix

Stars: Jeon Yeo Bin (Vincenzo), Ahn Hyo Seop (Business Proposal), Kang Hoon (Little Women)

Slot: All episodes released together

Number Of Episodes: 12

Genre: Romance, Fantasy

Synopsis: A woman, who is still feeling grief over the death of her boyfriend who passed away a year back, somehow travels back to year 1998 where she is a high school student and there she meets a guy who looks like her boyfriend. His best friend also develops a crush on the female lead.

Thoughts: The drama looks lovely from the promo material. It is based on a hit Taiwanese drama Some Day Or One Day. I like the leads. I do think Jeon Yeo Bin’s arc sounds similar to her Be Melodramatic arc where also her character desperately misses her dead boyfriend.

Song of the Bandits

Premiere Date: September 22

Network: Netflix

Stars: Kim Nam Gil (Through The Darkness), Seohyun (Girls’ Generation; Jinxed At First), Yoo Jae Myung (Itaewon Class), Lee Hyun Wook (Mine)

Slot: All episodes released together

Number Of Episodes: 9

Genre:  Action, Thriller, Historical, Drama

Synopsis: Set in 1920s, it is a tale of fight by Joseon freedom fighters (consisting of bandits and rebels) against the Japanese occupation, to protect their land and its people.

Thoughts: This one sounds like an epic saga. The cast is amazing. The look is amazing. And it is set in modern historical times – an era not often featured in Kdramas. Adding to the above factors, the writer penned lauded dramas like Vampire Prosecutor and Bad Guys.

7 Escape / 7 Escape: War for Survival

Premiere Date: September 15

Network: SBS

Stars: Uhm Ki Joon (Penthouse), Hwang Jung Eum (Mystic Pop-up Bar), Lee Joon (Bloody Heart), Lee Yoo Bi (Yumi’s Cells), Shin Eun Kyung (Penthouse), Yoon Jong Hoon (Shooting Stars), Jo Yoon Hee (Pied Piper)

Slot: Friday & Saturday

Number Of Episodes: 17

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Drama

Synopsis: 7 people who were involved in the case of the disappearance of a young girl find themselves in the web of lies and ambition.

Thoughts: Uhm Ki Joon’s hair seems to have its own story to tell! The series is penned by the writer of shows like Penthouse and The Last Empress that are known for their over-the-top, makjang elements. The cast looks like an eclectic, impressive mix too.

The Worst of Evil

Premiere Date: September 27

Network: Disney+

Stars: Ji Chang Wook (If You Wish Upon Me), Wi Ha Joon (Little Women), Im Se Mi (True Beauty)

Slot: All episodes released together.

Number Of Episodes: 12

Genre: Action, Thriller, Crime

Synopsis: A detective goes undercover to investigate a drug cartel and earn the trust of a mob boss.

Thoughts: Wi Ha Joon!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

Hyo Shim’s Independent Life / Live Your Own Life

Premiere Date: September 16

Network: KBS

Stars: Uee (Ghost Doctor), Ha Joon (Destined With You), Go Joo Won (You’re the Best Lee Soon Shin)

Slot: Saturday & Sunday

Number Of Episodes: 50

Genre: Drama, Family, Romance

Synopsis: A woman, who supported her family since a long time and has been a breadwinner, decides to move away from them and pursue her own happiness.

Thoughts: The plot definitely sounds refreshing for a weekend drama. Alas, nothing else piques my interest here.

Arthdal Chronicles: The Sword of Aramoon / Arthdal Chronicles 2

Premiere Date: September 9

Network: tvN, Disney+

Stars: Jang Dong Gun (Suits), Lee Joon Ki (Flower Of Evil), Shin Se Kyung (Run On), Kim Ok Bin (Love To Hate You)

Slot: Saturday & Sunday

Number Of Episodes: 12

Genre: Historical, Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis: This second season is set a decade later from the events of the first and Lee Joon Ki and Shin Se Kyung play older counterparts to characters played by Song Joong Ki and Kim Ji Won in the first. Arthdal Chronicles centers around the mythical city of Arthdal during the ancient times. It’s about power struggles, love, ambition and tragedy.

Thoughts: I never watched the first instalment and I have no interest in its second season, despite the top star cast.

Twinkling Watermelon

Premiere Date: September 25

Network: tvN

Stars: Sul In Ah (Oasis), Ryeoun (Through The Darkness), Choi Hyun Wook (Racket Boys), Shin Eun Soo (Summer Strike)

Slot: Monday & Tuesday

Number Of Episodes: 16

Genre: Romance, Drama, Fantasy

Synopsis: A guy, whose parents are hearing-impaired, has a gift for music. One day he travels to a strange place via a mysterious musical instruments store. There he forms a band called Watermelon Sugar with other mysterious youths.

Thoughts: This one gets bonus points for the fresh concept alone. Also, the title sounds super cute!

The Kidnapping Day

Premiere Date: September 13

Network: ENA

Stars: Yoon Kye Sang (Kiss Sixth Sense), Park Sung Hoon (The Glory),
Kim Shin Rok (Reborn Rich), Jeon Yoo Na (Pachinko)

Slot: Wednesday & Thursday

Number Of Episodes: 12

Genre: Comedy, Thriller

Synopsis: A black comedy about a poor man with a warm heart who kidnaps an 11-year-old girl from a rich family in order to pay money for his daughter’s medical treatment. But things don’t go as planned.

Thoughts: The plot is nothing new but always intriguing. Plus, Yoon Kye Sang. And Park Sung Hoon playing a good guy (Check The Glory for understanding this reaction)!

Han River Police

Premiere Date: September 13

Network: Disney+

Stars: Kwon Sang Woo (Curtain Call), Kim Hee Won (Moving), Bae Da Bin (More Than Friends), Lee Sang Yi (Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha)

Slot: All episodes released together

Number Of Episodes: 6

Genre: Comedy, Action

Synopsis: The story revolves around the Han River Police team that deals with crimes surrounding the river that they guard.

Thoughts: If I take out the fresh setting of river police, the drama sounds like the regular procedural, episodic fare.