Not a long list of new dramas in April but it is full of a rare genre in dramaland — sci-fi! Before making this post, I didn’t think I would have many dramas to look forward to this month but when I was researching the details — I concluded that there are so many I want to watch!

Chief Detective 1958

Premiere Date: April 19

Network: MBC

Stars: Lee Je Hoon (Taxi Driver), Lee Dong Hwi (Big Bet), Choi Woo Sung (My Roommate Is A Gumiho), Seo Eun Soo (Unlock My Boss)

Slot: Friday & Saturday

Number Of Episodes: 10

Genre:  Action, Thriller, Period

Synopsis: In the year 1958, a passionate detective with the highest arrest rate when it comes to petty thieves, teams up with three charismatic colleagues to break the norms of corruption.

Thoughts: The story behind this drama sounds appealing — it is a prequel to classic Korean series Chief Inspector that ran for 18 years, from 1971 to 1989 and achieved exceptionally high ratings during its run. I like the setting of the 1950s which adds a very fresh layer to a regular investigation trope.

Lovely Runner

Premiere Date: April 8

Network: tvN, TVING

Stars: Byun Woo Seok (Strong Girl Nam Soon), Kim Hye Yoon (Extraordinary You)

Slot: Monday & Tuesday

Number Of Episodes: 16

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Fantasy

Synopsis: A woman gets paralyzed due to an accident and finds solace in an idol’s music and becomes his passionate fan. She is devastated when the idol dies in a tragic accident. She is suddenly sent back in time when they were teens and she decides to save him.

Thoughts: The plot sounds quite interesting. It comes from the writer of very popular True Beauty and like that show, Lovely Runner is also an adaptation of a web novel. The promo gives a breezy, cute vibe.

Missing Crown Prince

Premiere Date: April 13

Network: MBN

Stars: Soo Ho (of Kpop group EXO; Behind Your Touch), Hong Ye Ji (Love Song For Illusion), Myung Se Bin (Doctor Cha), Kim Joo Heon (Castaway Diva), Kim Min Gyu (Maestra: Strings Of Truth)

Slot: Saturday & Sunday

Number Of Episodes: 20

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Historical

Synopsis: A crown prince in the Joseon era gets kidnapped by the woman who is set to become his wife. While on the run for their lives, they fall in love.

Thoughts: The drama is a spin-off of hit sageuk Bossam: Steal the Fate (2021). I feel like I’m seeing promotions of this drama since a very long time — its release date got postponed from March to April. The story sounds fine but my overall interest is low.

Blood Free

Premiere Date: April 10

Network: Disney+

Stars: Joo Ji Hoon (Kingdom), Han Hyo Joo (Moving), Lee Hee Joon (A Killer Paradox), Lee Moo Saeng (Maestra: Strings Of Truth)

Slot: Wednesday

Number Of Episodes: 10

Genre: Thriller, Drama, Sci-Fi

Synopsis: Set in the year 2025, the drama is centered around a genetic engineering enterprise called BF that produces artificially cultured meat. Han Hyo Joo plays its CEO and Joo Ji Hoon plays her bodyguard who is a retired military officer. They get involved in a web of suspicions and mysteries.

Thoughts: So many reasons to get excited! The writer of one of my all time favourite thrillers Stranger (aka Forest Of Secrets). Han Hyo Joo — my love for her rejuvinated with her amazing performance in Moving. Joo Ji Hoon. I don’t really understand the main plot of the drama, just the setting and that makes it all the more intriguing.

Parasyte: The Grey

Premiere Date: April 5

Network: Netflix

Stars: Jeon So Nee (Our Blooming Youth), Koo Kyo Hwan (D.P.), Lee Jung Hyun (Beautiful Days)

Slot: All episodes released together

Number Of Episodes: 6

Genre: Action, Mystery, Horror, Sci-Fi

Synopsis: When unidentified parasites violently take over human hosts and start to gain power, humanity must rise to combat the growing threat.

Thoughts: The subject sounds interesting and fresh, and also ambitious. It comes from the team of writers — one of them wrote acclaimed Kdramas like Liar Game and Pied Piper, and the other penned Hellbound and The Cursed. Yes, my interest is up! Just hope it’s not extremely gory.

Goodbye Earth

Premiere Date: April 26

Network: Netflix

Stars: Yoo Ah In (Hellbound), Ahn Eun Jin (My Dearest), Jun Sung Woo (Diary Of A Prosecutor), Kim Yoon Hye (Sh**ting Star)

Slot: All episodes released together

Number Of Episodes: 12

Genre: Thriller, Drama, Sci-Fi

Synopsis: A pre-apocalyptic drama about four individuals living out the chaotic final 200 days before an asteroid is scheduled to collide with Earth.

Thoughts: This is the third sci-fi on this list. The plot, the cast and the writer (A Wife’s Credentials, Secret Love Affair) — all make me look forward to it.