Cover The best K-dramas of 2025: Park Bo-gum as Yang Gwan-sik, IU as Oh Ae-sun in ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ (Photo: Yoo Eun-mi/Netflix)
The best K-dramas of 2025: Park Bo-gum as Yang Gwan-sik, IU as Oh Ae-sun in ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ (Photo: Yoo Eun-mi/Netflix)
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From heartfelt romances to gripping thrillers, here are the top K-drama releases of the year
This year, the K-drama scene has flourished, capturing us with rich storytelling that entertains while also challenging societal norms and the intricacies of human relationships. Several K-dramas have been released this year on various streaming platforms including Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video—while some quickly became hits, others may have missed the mark.
To help with your hunt for your next watch, we have compiled some of the best K-drama releases of the year. From romcoms and fantasies to thrillers and action, here are some hits to add to your must-watch list.
Editor’s note: This list is in no particular order.
In case you missed it: 45 exciting new Korean dramas to watch in 2024
When Life Gives You Tangerines
This much-anticipated series delivers a masterful period romance set on Jeju Island, following the lives of Ae-sun (IU), a literature-loving rebel, and Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum), a dependable and earnest young man. Told across multiple timelines, the story is a delicate yet powerful examination of resilience, first love, and the quiet dignity found in ordinary lives. Its stunning cinematography and raw emotionality immediately cemented its place as a standout work of 2025.
The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call
Set in the high-pressure world of a university teaching hospital, this medical thriller focuses on a war-seasoned doctor tasked with reviving a failing trauma center. Ju Ji-hoon’s charismatic performance anchors the series as it balances complex medical emergencies with the intense, human drama of a team fighting to save lives against institutional odds. It is a thrilling, intelligent watch for those who appreciate high-stakes procedural storytelling.
In case you missed it: Beyond the script: Woo Do-hwan on his new Netflix rom-com series ‘Mr Plankton’
Tempest
This global espionage series stands out for its high production value and intricate, cross-continental plot. The story follows an international agent and a diplomat who must quickly form an alliance to uncover a dangerous conspiracy that threatens the stability of the Korean peninsula. Blending sharp political intrigue with spectacular action set pieces, Tempest is a sophisticated, edge-of-your-seat experience that exemplifies the elevated scale of modern Korean blockbusters.
Would You Marry Me?
A refreshing take on the familiar “contract marriage” trope, this romantic comedy centers on a logical bakery heir and a bright, resourceful small business owner. A surprising turn of fate forces them into a sham marriage for a ninety-day period. Led by the charm of Choi Woo-sik, the series finds its humor and heart in the inevitable blurring of professional agreement and genuine affection, asking whether the shortest route to love might just be through a legal contract.
Weak Hero Class 2
Trading typical school drama for raw, intense action, this series is a darker, more mature exploration of high school hierarchies and the enduring trauma of bullying. The story focuses on an intelligent but physically frail student who uses his wits, strategy, and sheer will to fight back against the violence of his peers. It is a compelling, high-stakes narrative that eschews easy answers, offering a visceral and emotionally charged look at youth and revenge.
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