We’ve got two new dramas premiering this week, and though they represent different genres, both seem to veer towards the dark and thrilling side of things. It’s an interesting swap, since we’ve just seen a lot of more sweet and rom-commy dramas come to a close, so buckle up! We’ve got everything from possibly cheating spouses, to murder clauses, to mysterious village happenings that merit deep investigation.
Awaken
Time slot: Monday & Tuesday
Broadcaster: tvN
Genre: Crime, mystery, suspense
Episode count: 16
Reasons to watch: Some might come for Namgoong Min or Seolhyun, but me? I’m here for my girl Lee Chung-ah! Okay, and the plot sounds good too. Awaken is tvN’s latest offering, and the police mystery drama is about a case from over twenty years ago that links up to some present-day events. Our three main characters come together to unravel the threads — Namgoong Min plays a legend in the National Police Agency, Seolhyun is a passionate young police officer (yawn), and Lee Chung-ah plays a detective on loan from the FBI (un-yawn). Going on the tone of the promotional material so far, I’m guessing this will be dark, and even slightly eerie, with a side of humor to get us through (that lollipop teaser!). But will this be more procedural, or more character-driven? I’m hoping for the latter, because that makes a much richer story for our band of committed investigators.
Cheat on Me, If You Can
Time slot: Wednesday & Thursday
Broadcaster: KBS
Genre: Comedy, romance, thriller
Episode count: 16
Reasons to watch: Jo Yeo-jung + Go Joon? They had me on board as soon as this casting was confirmed — it could have been a story about a ukulele player and a professional gift wrapper and I would have been interested. Don’t worry, it’s about neither of those things. Instead, it’s a bit more mysterious, exciting, and maybe even sensationalist? Jo Yeo-jung plays a famous crime novelist married to Go Joon, a divorce attorney. The two have an odd contract in their marriage: namely, that if one of them cheats, they die. Let the games begin, eh? I’m expecting this to be cheeky, and to balance the rather murderous side of the story with dark humor… and maybe even some real romance? Either way, I can’t wait to see these two flexing their acting skills here. Make way for chemistry!