(L to R): Kim Hee-Chul and Exo's Kai hosting Netflix's Tudum. (Photo: Netflix)
Cover (L to R): Kim Hee-Chul and Exo's Kai hosting Netflix's Tudum. (Photo: Netflix)

Ride the K-wave once again with fresh, new Korean content on Netflix including series, films, variety shows, and a dating reality show

Over the weekend, streaming giant Netflix held its first-ever global fan event, Tudum, with over 145 of its biggest stars and creators from around the world—representing over 70 series, films, and specials—joining the virtual stage for an exciting day full of exclusives and first looks. For the uninitiated, Tudum represents the signature sound that marks the start of Netflix content and gets you excited for what's coming.

See also: Netflix: Squid Game & 6 Other Thrilling Survival-Themed Shows

During the Korean spotlight segment, hosted by Super Junior's Kim Hee-chul and Exo's Kim Jong-in (better known as Kai), Korea's new generation of Hallyu actors Song Kang and Jung Hae-in, who starred in Nevertheless and D.P. respectively, got up close and personal with the audience through their vlogs.

Song Kang was seen taking fans on a virtual date and dropping a major hint that he'll be starring in a new Netflix project soon while Jung Hae-in revealed an exclusive sneak peek at D.P.'s promotional photoshoot.

After which, viewers from all over the world were treated to a slew of upcoming titles which promise fresh, new Korean content to look forward to including series, films, variety programs, and a dating reality show. Check out the list of upcoming Korean titles on Netflix below (in order of release per section):

1. My Name

Release date: October 15, 2021

Starring: Han So-hee, Park Hee-soon, Ahn Bo-hyun, Kim Sang-ho, Lee Hak-ju and Jang Yull

Directed by: Kim Jin-min

Description: My Name is a thrilling Netflix series that tells the tale of Jiwoo who joins a crime ring to find her father’s killer. She ends up taking on a new name and identity in order to join the police undercover, which leads her to discover the cruel truth.

Director Kim Jin-min, who was praised for his excellent directing of Extracurricular, takes on the noir genre through My Name. With realistic and gritty scenes, My Name is a new type of action noir that brings the characters’ emotions to life and depicts raw action. Furthermore, a great ensemble cast is found in Han So-hee, Park Hee-soon, Ahn Bo-hyun, Kim Sang-ho, Lee Hak-ju, and Jang Yull.

See also: Exclusive: Han So Hee On Portraying Yu Na Bi In ‘Nevertheless’

2. Hellbound

Release date: November 2021

Directed by: Yeon Sang-ho

Starring: Yoo Ah-in, Kim Hyun-joo, Park Jeong-min, Won Jin-a, Yang Ik-june, Kim Do-yoon, Kim Shin-rock, Ryu Kyung-soo, and Lee Re

Description: Hellbound features supernatural beings suddenly appearing and condemning people to hell. In the midst of the chaos, a religious group called The New Truth gains prominence and influence while others seek the truth behind the supernatural events. Described as 'your next must-binge Netflix series from Korea' following its screening at the 46th Toronto International Film Festival, Hellbound is receiving worldwide attention and has also been invited to the 26th Busan International Film Festival as well as the 65th BFI London Film Festival.

The unique and thought-provoking series about condemnations to hell taking place in the middle of Seoul is based on a webtoon of the same name. Director Yeon Sang-ho and writer Choi Gyu-seok created the webtoon and reunite to work together on the series, alongside the all-star cast of Yoo Ah-in, Kim Hyun-joo, Park Jeong-min, Won Jin-a, Yang Ik-june, Kim Do-yoon, Kim Shin-rock, Ryu Kyung-soo, and Lee Re.

See also: Netflix Reveals 13 Original Korean Shows For 2021

3. The Silent Sea

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Photo 1 of 2 Photo: Netflix
Photo 2 of 2 Photo: Netflix

Release date: December 2021

Starring: Bae Doona and Gong Yoo 

Directed by: Choi Hang-yong

Description: Set in 2075 when Earth is undergoing desertification, The Silent Sea is the story of the members of a special team sent to secure a mysterious sample from an abandoned research facility on the moon. The series is adapted from director Choi Hang-yong’s short film, The Sea of Tranquility, which received much attention at the 2014 Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival.

Director Choi Hang-yong leads the series with the script being written by Park Eun-kyo of Mother which won Best Screenplay at the 29th Korean Association of Film Critics Awards. Actor Jung Woo-sung is the executive producer and the main leads are Bae Doona and Gong Yoo.

See also: The Penthouse Hangover: 5 Similar K-Dramas You Should Watch

4. Juvenile Justice

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Netflix

Release date: January 2022

Starring: Kim Hye-soo, Kim Moo-yul, Lee Sung-min, and Lee Jung-eun

Directed by: Hong Jong-chan

Description: Juvenile Justice deals with a judge who especially dislikes juvenile delinquents, but later realises the troubles that children face in society and how society is limiting them to not become better. Director Hong Jong-chan who directed Live Up to Your Name, Dear My Friends, and Life, sends a message about juvenile delinquency and social neglect through this new series. Talented actors Kim Hye-soo, Kim Moo-yul, Lee Sung-min, and Lee Jung-eun will act as associates and head judges at youth court, portraying the everyday lives and concerns of judges.

Kim Hye-soo portrays elite judge Sim Eun-seok who is astute and cool-headed, Kim Moo-yul portrays judge Cha Tae-ju who is warm-hearted toward the youth offenders, Lee Sung-min portrays head judge Kang Won-jung who's ambitious and experiences conflict between reality and idealism, and Lee Jung-eun portrays another head judge named Na Geun-hui. Juvenile Justice is produced by Gill Pictures (Stove League) and co-produced by GTist (Hotel Del Luna).

See also: 5 K-Drama Casts With The Best On & Off-Screen Chemistry

5. All of Us are Dead

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Above Photo: Netflix

Release date: January 2022

Starring: Yoon Chan-young, Park Ji-hoo, Cho Yi-hyun, and Lomon, Yoo In-soo

Directed by: Lee JQ, Kim Nam-su

Description: All of Us Are Dead is about a group of high school students who are faced with an extreme crisis when they become trapped in their school, while a zombie virus spreads like a wildfire. It’s based on the chart-topping Korean webtoon called Now at Our School (literal translation of its Korean title).

Director Lee JQ of dramas Beethoven Virus, Damo: The Legendary Police Woman, and the film Intimate Strangers, directs the series with screenwriter Cheon Sung-il of L.U.C.A.: The Beginning writing the script. Rising actors Yoon Chan-young, Park Ji-hoo, Cho Yi-hyun, Lomon, and Yoo In-soo make up the promising cast.

See also: K-Drama: 7 Iconic & Lovable Trios We Will Never Stop Rooting For

6. Love & Leashes

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Above Photo: Netflix

Release date: February 2022

Starring: Seohyun and Lee Jun-young

Directed by: Park Hyun-jin

Description: Love & Leashes is a film about a woman named Jung Ji-woo who leads a racy romance by engaging in a 'special' relationship with her co-worker Jung Ji-hoo after she accidentally learns about his secret peculiarities. Director Park Hyun-jin of Lovers of Six Years and Like for Likes, brings a new type of fun romance through Love & Leashes, writing the screenplay and directing the film herself. SNSD (Girls' Generation) member Seohyun, who has proven her acting range through Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, Time, and Private Lives, will transform into Jung Ji-woo, a character who is cold and blunt on the outside but has a warm heart and charm unlike anyone else.

Performing outstandingly across an array of genres in D.P., the musical Swag Age: Shout, Chosun!, and Please Don't Date Him, rising star Lee Jun-young will play the role of Jung Ji-hoo, a man with unusual tastes, while Lee Jun-young will add vibrancy and excitement in the role as his character’s charm and figure, adored by his female co-workers, hide his secret and unique taste. The pair will show how their differences result in a special romance through their exciting chemistry.

See also: Tatler Exclusive: Song Joong Ki Opens Up About His Vincenzo Experience

7. Paik's Spirit

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Photo 1 of 5 Photo: Netflix
Photo 2 of 5 Photo: Instagram @netflixkr
Photo 3 of 5 Photo: Instagram @netflixkr
Photo 4 of 5 Photo: Instagram @netflixkr
Photo 5 of 5 Photo: Instagram @netflixkr

Release date: October 1, 2021

Starring: Paik Jong-won

Directed by: Park Hee-yeon, Lee Eun-kyung, Kwak Chung-a, and Lee Jong-hyuk

Description: In Paik’s Spirit, Paik Jong-won will sit down with Korea’s top celebrities and professionals for dining and drinking, and exchange intriguing and heartwarming stories of drinking and life.

As Korea’s top restaurateur and F&B entrepreneur, Paik Jong-won is well known for his gift of gab and charming manner that has delighted Korean audiences for years. He's also loved by audiences for his shows Home Food Rescue and Street Food Fighter. Paik’s Spirit will provide viewers with a unique introduction to Korean traditional liquor, food, and culture.

Soju, along with commercial and craft beer, rice wines, and other traditional liquors will be featured. Furthermore, sincere stories from individuals working in different fields will share heartfelt and sincere stories.

See also: Netflix: 7 Shows That Made It to the Busan International Film Festival 2021

8. New World

Release date: November 2021

Starring: Lee Seung-gi, Eun Ji-won, Kim Hee-chul, Cho Bo-ah, Park Na-rae, and Kai (of Exo)

Directed by: Cho Hyo-jin, Go Min-seok

Description: New World is a new type of variety show that sets up a utopia-esque simulation where unexpected events, survival missions, competitions, and twists take place. Six multi-talented entertainers have been invited to this new world to show off fun team dynamics.

Lee Seung-gi who's talented in acting, singing, and variety: Eun Ji-won who's a beloved member of shows like 2 Days & 1 Night and New Journey to the West; Super Junior member Kim Hee-chul, who's a talented emcee and a cast member of Men on a Mission and The Iron Squad; Cho Bo-ah, who received much love for her acting in Tale of the Nine-Tailed; Park Na-rae, who greeted global viewers as a successful entertainer through Netflix stand-up show Park Na-rae: Glamour Warning; and Kai, who's a member of the popular K-pop group Exo and a verified variety scene-stealer through his memorable appearance on Men on a Mission.

See also: Exclusive: Song Kang Dishes On Netflix’s ‘Nevertheless’ And Co-Star Han So Hee

9. The Hungry and the Hairy

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Netflix

Release date: December 2021

Starring: Rain (Jung Ji-hoon) and Ro Hong-chul

Directed by: Kim Tae-ho, Jang Woo-sung, and Lee Joo-won

Description: Kim Tae-ho’s new unscripted series The Hungry and the Hairy stars first-generation K-pop superstar Rain (Jung Ji-hoon) as 'the Hungry' and Ro Hong-chul as 'the Hairy' in a motorbike road trip adventure. Both celebs share a love for motorbikes which sparked their friendship. The Hungry and the Hairy will show off their real friend chemistry while showing their very different fashion senses and travel styles.

Viewers can live vicariously through them and admire beautiful sights, enjoy delicious food, and experience healing. Musician Lee Sang-soon contributes as the music director, providing music that perfectly matches the marvellous views to delight our eyes and ears. The Hungry and the Hairy will satisfy the five senses along with a lot of fun and many laughs.

See also: Snowdrop: What To Know About Blackpink Jisoo’s New K-Drama

10. Single's Inferno

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Netflix

Release date: December 2021

Directed by: Kim Jae-won and Kim Na-hyun

Description: Single’s Inferno is a dating reality show that traps 10 men and women on an island described as the hottest kind of hell. The participants must hide their age, occupation, educational background, and various qualifications as they search for a partner. With a set-up that allows them to solely focus on each other, it’ll be a heart-fluttering process as we see what the participants go through.

Director Kim Jae-won of Traveler and Just Comedy, director Kim Na-hyun of Don’t Be the First One, and writer Ji Hyun-sook of the third season of 2 Days & 1 Night and Unexpected Business, will be bringing viewers Single’s Inferno, a dating show that combines the hotness of Too Hot to Handle, the impartiality of Love Is Blind, and the romanticness of Terrace House, for an electrifying and heart-pounding experience.

See also: Chaebol Family’s Youngest Son: What We Know About Song Joong Ki’s New K-Drama

Watch the full Tudum: Korea Spotlight event here.

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