Korean dramas have captured the hearts of viewers worldwide with their compelling storylines, memorable characters, and high production values. While many K-dramas offer satisfying conclusions, some leave fans yearning for more, sparking fervent discussions about the possibility and desirability of a second season. Here are seven K-dramas that have left a lasting impression and deserve another chapter:
The Devil Judge (2021): This dystopian legal drama, starring Ji Sung as the charismatic judge Kang Yo-han, presented a morally ambiguous world where justice was served through a reality courtroom show. The drama's intriguing premise and the complex relationship between Kang Yo-han and Kim Ga-on (Jinyoung) left viewers pondering the true nature of justice and the blurred lines between good and evil. A second season could explore the long-term consequences of their actions and the potential for further societal reform or corruption.
Vincenzo (2021): Song Joong-ki's portrayal of Vincenzo Cassano, a Korean-Italian mafia lawyer, captivated audiences with his sharp wit, strategic brilliance, and unexpected charm. The drama blended dark humor, thrilling action, and a touch of romance as Vincenzo fought against corporate greed and corruption. While the first season concluded with Vincenzo's escape to Malta, his unresolved feelings for Hong Cha-young (Jeon Yeo-been) and the camaraderie with the Geumga Plaza residents have fueled calls for a second season. A potential storyline could involve Vincenzo's return to Korea to face new challenges and reunite with his allies.
Crash Landing on You (2020): This global hit tells the story of a South Korean heiress who accidentally lands in North Korea and falls in love with an army officer. Despite the heartwarming finale that saw Ri Jeong-hyeok (Hyun Bin) and Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin) reunited in Switzerland, the geopolitical divide between their countries left a lingering question: can they ever truly be together? A second season could explore the challenges of their cross-border relationship and their efforts to bridge the gap between their worlds.
Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016): This historical fantasy romance follows Go Ha-jin, a modern-day woman who wakes up in the Goryeo Dynasty in the body of noblewoman Haesoo. The doomed romance between Hae-soo (IU) and Wang So (Lee Joon-gi) left fans heartbroken, with Hae-soo's death in the past timeline and Wang So's grief-stricken existence. The open-ended finale, where Hae-soo wakes up in the present with memories of her past life, has sparked hopes for a second season where Wang So is reborn in modern Korea and they reunite with a happier ending.
Goblin (Guardian: The Great and Lonely God) (2016): This sweeping romance tells the story of Kim Shin (Gong Yoo), an immortal goblin, and Ji Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun), his bride. While the ending offered closure with Kim Shin meeting the reincarnated Ji Eun-tak after years of solitude, fans have longed for a second season that explores the next chapter of their reincarnated love and grants them a peaceful, tragedy-free life.
Hotel Del Luna (2019): This fantasy drama revolves around the enigmatic Jang Man-wol (IU), the owner of a mysterious hotel that caters to ghosts, and Goo Chan-sung (Yeo Jin-goo), the human manager who helps her heal her cursed existence. The series beautifully blended fantasy and emotion, and while it wrapped up its main arc, the final episode teased a new chapter with a mysterious owner of Hotel Blue Moon. Fans would love to see this fresh story unfold and explore the sins he needs to atone for.
Signal (2016): This crime thriller captivated audiences with its innovative narrative, intertwining timelines and bringing together detectives from different periods through a mysterious walkie-talkie. The open-ended conclusion hinted at more cases to solve, with a final radio transmission suggesting that the story wasn't truly over. Fortunately, after a long wait, a second season is confirmed to premiere in the latter half of 2025, with the original cast members Kim Hye-soo, Cho Jin-woong, and Lee Je-hoon reprising their roles.
While the decision to renew a K-drama for a second season depends on various factors, including viewership ratings, critical acclaim, and the availability of the cast and writers, the demand from fans often plays a significant role. Several K-dramas have been confirmed for new seasons, including "All of Us Are Dead," "Moving," "A Shop for Killers" and "Reborn Rich". As the popularity of K-dramas continues to soar, the possibility of seeing these beloved stories continue remains a tantalizing prospect for fans worldwide.
