'Frankly Speaking' and other new K-dramas to watch in May 2024 (2024)

Directed by: Jang Ji-yeon

Cast: Go Kyung-pyo, Kang Han-na, Joo Jong-hyuk, Shin Jung-keun

Episodes: 12

Release date: 1 May

Synopsis: Song Ki-baek (Go) is a successful announcer working for Ultra FM. However, he starts losing his fame after developing a disorder that makes him speak without thinking. Meanwhile, On Woo-ju (Kang), a TV show writer, finds Ki-baek’s disorder interesting and invites him to her variety show. Will this new opportunity help Ki-baek redeem his career on reality TV?

Trivia: This upcoming 2024 Netflix Original romantic drama is penned by CHIP-IN fame writer Choi Kyung.

Directed by: Jo Hyun-taek

Cast: Jang Ki-yong, Chun Woo-hee, Go Doo-shim, Kim Su-hyun

Episodes: 12

Release date: 4 May

Synopsis: Bok Gwi-joo (Jang) is born with special abilities that allow him to time travel. But he starts suffering from depression and ends up losing his superpowers. One day, he meets a woman named Do Da-he (Chun) and instantly feels a connection. As the duo starts spending time together, Gwi-joo realises that it’s Da-he who can cure him and help him regain his powers.

Directed by: Ahn Pan-seok

Cast: Wi Ha-joon, Jung Ryeo-won, So Ju-yeon, Kim Song-il

Episodes: 16

Release date: 11 May

Synopsis: Lee Joon-ho (Wi), tired of the corporate world, leaves his high-paying job. He then becomes an instructor in the academy he had studied in. There he comes across his first love, academy teacher Seo Hye-jin (Jung). Soon Joon-ho realises that he is still in love with Hye-jin and decides to finally confess his feelings for her.

[1차 티저] 윤복아, 난 말이야… 너 좋아해! “괜찮습니다.”

✅ 인의예지를 장착한 21세기 MZ선비 신윤복이 함부로 대해지며 삶에 지친 여자 김홍도와 만나 차근차근 만들어가는 무척 예의 바른 로맨스 드라마 #함부로대해줘

KBS2 새 월화드라마 [함부로 대해줘]
5/13[월] 밤10시10분 첫 방송#KBS… pic.twitter.com/wXLBSmUink

— KBS 한국방송 (@MyloveKBS) April 18, 2024

Directed by: Jang Yang-ho

Cast: Kim Myung-soo, Lee Yoo-young, Lim Young-ju

Episodes: 16

Release date: 13 May

Synopsis: Shin Yoon-bok (Kim) is a talented scholar from Seongsan village, struggling to make it big in Seoul. He shifts to the city to try his luck as a webtoon writer and dedicates all his time to work. One day, he meets a carefree woman, Kim Hong-do (Lee). As they start spending time together, Hong-do teaches Yoon-book the little joys of life.

Trivia: This is a Korean drama adaptation of the webtoon Treat Me Carelessly, written and illustrated by artist Sun Woo.

Directed by: Park Joon-woo

Cast: Lee Min-ki, Kwak Sun-young, Heo Sung-tae, Lee Ho-chul

Episodes: 12

Release date: 13 May

Synopsis: Min So-hee (Kwak) is the leader of the Traffic Crime Investigation (TCI) team that helps track crimes that occur on the road. When Cha Yeon-ho (Lee), a competent KAIST graduate, joins the TCI team, he is assigned to So-hee. While the duo struggle to get along initially, Yeon-ho, over time, allows So-hee to guide him on his new journey.

Directed by: Shin Yeon-shick

Cast: Song Kang-ho, Byun Yo-han, Lee Kyu-hyung

Episodes: 16

Release date: 15 May

Synopsis: It’s the 1960s when Kim San (Song) of the Korean Military Academy decides to work towards transforming South Korea into a world-leading industrial power. Helping him in his goal is Park Doo-chil (Byun), aka Uncle Samsik, a low-key trader who can adapt to any situation.

Directed by: Han Jae-rim

Cast: Ryu Jun-yeol, Chun Woo-hee, Park Jeong-min

Episodes: 8

Release date: 17 May

Synopsis: Eight people in need of money are invited to the Korean reality show Money Game. Here, they will be trapped in a studio room for 100 days. If they survive, they will win a prize of 44.8 billion won. However, with necessities like food and water costing 1,000 times more than regular prices on the show, survival becomes difficult.

Trivia: This upcoming 2024 K-drama starring Ryun Jun-yeol is inspired by the webtoons Money Game and Pie Game by Bae Jin-soo.

Directed by: Kim Moon-kyo

Cast: Ji Sung, Jeon Mi-do, Kwon Yool, Kim Kyung-nam

Episodes: 16

Release date: 24 May

Synopsis: Jang Jae-kyeong (Ji) is a detective working for the drug task force at Anhyeon Police Station. When he is assigned a new murder case, Jae-kyeong realises that he is tracking the death of his high school friend. Overcome by grief, he vows to put the culprit behind bars.