5 Korean Dramas To Watch For This July

Addicted to Korean dramas? Then you’re in for a treat. Several amazing series will premiere this July, offering something for everything. Want another fantasy romance after Goblin? Then try out this stunning drama about a god who falls for his human servant. Love the School series? Then check out the newest take on the coming-of-age stories of high school students. Looking for something more action-packed? You’re in luck. The Korean adaptation of Criminal Minds will debut later this month.

We’ve picked out five promising series definitely worth watching. Check out the descriptions and trailers below:

1. Bride of the Water God

Premieres: July 3

The same channel that gave the world “Goblin,” tvN delivers another fantasy romance about a god – but with a twist. Meet Ha Baek (Nam Joo Hyuk), a narcissistic and arrogant water god destined to become King of the Gods. But there’s a catch. Before he can ascend to his throne, he must gather stones of power in the human world. Easier said than done. Once Ha Baek enters the human world, he becomes a fish out of water – desperately in need of help. Enter So-ah (Shin Se Kyung), a psychiatrist whose family has served the water god for generations. Ha Baek arrogantly demands she help him, so she can fulfill her family’s duty. Unfortunately, So-ah doesn’t believe Ha Baek and thinks he’s just a delusional man. This puts a hilarious twist to the master-servant plot – especially since the show teases that So-ah isn’t just Ha Baek predestined servant. She’s also destined to become his wife!

“Bride of the Water God” isn’t your typical drama. Adapted from a comic, the show promises gorgeous settings and a complex plot. The strong cast also includes Jung Krystal (She’s So Lovable) as Mu-ra, a famous actress and Water Goddess; Gong Myung (Drinking Solo) as Bi-ryum, a Sky God and childhood friend of Ha Baek; and Im Joo Hwan (Uncontrollably Fond), a hotel CEO descended from gods who also falls for So-ah. If you want a show to help your “Goblin” fix, then “Bride of the Water God” may be the one for you.

2. The King Loves

Premieres: July 17

Set in South Korean historical times, “The King Loves” offers it all – love triangles, political intrigue, and fights with assassins. Im Si Wan (Misaeng) plays Wang Won, a crown prince who hides strong ambitions behind a friendly face. The two-faced prince juggles the roles of both a hero and a villain, making him different from usual protagonists. His life changes when he meets Eun San, played by Im Yoona (Prime Minister and I). The daughter of a wealthy merchant, Eun San seems to be the perfect woman. Unfortunately, she doesn’t seem interested in the prince, at least at first. Things become complicated when Eun San also catches the eye of Wang Won’s best friend Wang Rin, played by Hong Jong Hyun (Scarlet Heart Ryeo). The two best friends turn into rivals for her heart – and also, eventually, the throne.

The trailer for “The King Loves” also teases action-packed fight sequences and assassin-filled forests, along with the heartbreaking romance. Definitely a series to check out, especially if you’re a romantic.

3. School 2017

Premieres: July 17

KBS delivers the seventh installment of its “School” franchise with “School 2017,” promising more high school drama. True to form, “School 2017” introduces a new cast of characters, played by a batch of relatively unknown actors. But if history has proven anything, these actors will definitely show their true potential. The “School” franchise is known as a launchpad for the careers of rookie actors. Kim Woo Bin and Lee Jong Suk both catapulted into stardom from their roles in “School 2013.” Hopefully, we’ll see the same promise in these new characters.

Kim Seo Jeong, a former member of the disbanded girl group IOI, stars in her first acting role as Ra Eun Hol. Optimistic and hardworking, Eun Hol seems like your average college girl. Unfortunately, her life takes a turn for the worst when she gets mistaken for a delinquent. Kim Jong Hyun (Jealousy Incarnate) stars opposite her as Hyun Tae Woon, a rude and rebellious bad boy. Kicked out of his school in America, Tae Woon transfers to Korea where he immediately makes trouble. Jang Dong Yoon (Solomon’s Perjury) completes the love triangle as Song Dae Hwi, the student president. Dae Hwi protects others from bullies and seems to be the perfect student, but he has a strained relationship with his parents.

If you love coming-of-age stories, look no further than “School 2017.” Angst, drama, romance – what more could you want from a high school story?

4. Criminal Minds

Premieres: July 26

tvN premieres the Korean adaptation of the American police procedural drama “Criminal Minds” later this month. The original series featured a detective team who studied the psychology and behaviors of criminals to solve police cases. It will be interesting to see how the adaptation follows this tradition.

Lee Jun Ki returns to modern times to lead the detective team. The veteran actor recently starred in three historical dramas, so it will be great to see him rise to the challenge of a new role in a different time period. His team includes actors Moon Chae Won (Goodbye Mr. Black), Sohn Hyun Joo (Three Days), Go Yoon (Monster), and Lee Sun Bin (Missing 9). The teaser for the new series promises high-speed car chases and smart investigative work. It definitely fits the tone of a police procedural.

“Criminal Minds” offers a more action-packed and darker alternative to other shows on this list. Looking for a show that delves into the criminal underworld? Give this one a shot.

5. Strongest Delivery Man

Premieres: July 28

An underdog tale from KBS, “Strongest Delivery Man” offers audiences another take on the classic rags to riches story. Go Kyung Pyo (Reply 1988) plays Choi Kang Soo, a humble delivery man with strong determination. He starts out delivering jjajangmyeon (noodles) and eventually succeeds as the CEO of a delivery app company. Chae Soo Bin (Rebel) stars opposite him as Lee Dan Ah, also a delivery woman. Like Kyung Pyo, Dan Ah works hard to escape her lot in life. Because of her ambition, she seems to have no room for romance.

“Strongest Delivery Man” promises a relatable story about everyday people doing their best to make it in life. It’s sure to offer inspiration and sincere human emotion.