17 Best K-Dramas of 2025 You Can't Miss

1. When Life Gives You Tangerines

Starring: IU, Park Bo-gum | Platform: Netflix

A sweeping life cycle romance spanning from the 1950s to the 2000s, this emotional saga follows Oh Ae-sun (IU) and Yang Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum) as they build their life together on rural Jeju Island. Park Bo-gum, who previously starred in the legendary "Reply 1988," brings the same heartwarming charm to this multi-generational family drama. Prepare for tears—this show will leave you emotionally wrecked in the best way possible.

Why Watch: An emotional rollercoaster packed with heartwarming and heartbreaking moments that could easily be K-drama of the year.

2. Melo Movie

Starring: Choi Woo-sik, Park Bo-young | Platform: Netflix

Released on Valentine's Day, this cozy romantic comedy centers on Ko Gyeom (Choi Woo-sik), a cinephile movie critic, who reconnects with aspiring filmmaker Kim Mu-bee (Park Bo-young) after five years. Their shared love of cinema drives this second-chance romance that's perfect for a weekend binge.

Why Watch: A comfort watch for romantically inclined cinephiles with solid chemistry and nostalgic film references.

3. Genie, Make a Wish

Starring: Kim Woo-bin, Bae Suzy | Platform: Netflix

The reunion of "Uncontrollably Fond" stars brings magical mayhem when ancient genie Iblis (Kim Woo-bin) offers three wishes to Ki Ka-young (Bae Suzy)—his reincarnated nemesis from 900 years ago. Their natural chemistry shines through this meme-able fantasy rom-com with plenty of magical slapstick and mature romance.

Why Watch: A fun, sweetly entertaining fantasy that breathes new life into the romantic comedy genre.

4. My Youth

Starring: Song Joong-ki, Chun Woo-hee | Platform: JTBC

Former child actor Sunwoo Hae (Song Joong-ki) finds peace as a novelist and florist, only to reunite with his long-lost childhood sweetheart Sung Je-yeon (Chun Woo-hee), now a driven corporate executive. This deliberately paced story explores emotional healing and choosing a life less driven by ambition.

Why Watch: An understated, pastoral romance about reconciling with the past and finding serenity.

5. Tastefully Yours

Starring: Kang Ha-Neul, Go Min-si | Platform: Netflix

Corporate chef Han Beom-woo (Kang Ha-Neul) steals recipes from small restaurants until he meets countryside chef Mo Yeon-joo (Go Min-si) and falls in love. This romantic comedy stands out by fueling its romance with an earnest redemption story as Beom-woo transforms from cad to sympathetic lead.

Why Watch: A morally dynamic rom-com from the creative minds behind "Weak Hero."

6. Tempest

Starring: Jun Ji-hyun, Gang Dong-won, John Cho | Platform: Disney+/Hulu

Geopolitical stakes collide in this high-budget espionage thriller featuring diplomat Seo Mun-ju (Jun Ji-hyun) and mercenary Paik San-ho (Gang Dong-won). With Hollywood actors like John Cho, impressive action choreography, and globe-trotting intrigue, "Tempest" delivers an action romance with distinctly South Korean political perspective.

Why Watch: Noticeably higher production value than most K-dramas with gripping lead performances.

7. Mercy for None

Starring: So Ji-sub | Platform: Netflix

Mob enforcer Nam Gi-jun (So Ji-sub) tries to leave his violent past behind until his brother is murdered, triggering a brutal revenge spree. Every episode contains at least one stellar fight sequence, including a first-person knife fight and a hallway brawl rivaling "Oldboy."

Why Watch: A lean, mean neo-noir thriller that packs a punch with imaginatively staged action.

8. Good Boy

Starring: Park Bo-gum, Lee Sang-yi | Platform: JTBC

Former boxer Yoon Dong-ju (Park Bo-gum) joins a misfit police team of ex-athletes proving themselves adept at handling violent crime. This fast-paced series delivers stylishly over-the-top action with crime-fueled laughs, showcasing Park Bo-gum's impressive range beyond romantic roles.

Why Watch: A whirling mix of action, comedy, and romance with Park Bo-gum in a hard pivot role.

9. Nine Puzzles

Starring: Kim Da-mi, Son Suk-ku | Platform: Disney+

Criminal profiler Yoon E-na (Kim Da-mi) confronts her traumatic past when a serial killer leaves puzzle pieces at crime scenes—just like her uncle's unsolved murder years ago. This tightly paced 11-episode psychological thriller keeps audiences riveted with its enigma-driven mystery.

Why Watch: Intensely executed crime thriller with Kim Da-mi's strong performance from "Itaewon Class."

10. Hyper Knife

Starring: Park Eun-bin, Sul Kyung-gu | Platform: Disney+/Hulu

Disgraced neurosurgeon Jung Se-ok (Park Eun-bin) performs illegal surgeries while obsessively advancing neuroscience at any cost. Park Eun-bin delivers her darkest performance to date—a complete reversal from her role in "Extraordinary Attorney Woo."

Why Watch: Utterly unhinged crime thriller rollercoaster with vicious descent into darkness.

11. The Potato Lab

Starring: Kang Tae-oh, Lee Sun-bin | Platform: tvN/Netflix

Researcher Kim Mi-kyung (Lee Sun-bin) is utterly obsessed with studying potatoes. When no-nonsense director So Baek-ho (Kang Tae-oh) arrives, he's intrigued by her dedication and romance blossoms. Yes, it's about potatoes—and it works!

Why Watch: The quirkiest premise of 2025 with strong chemistry that makes it unexpectedly charming.

12. Bon Appétit, Your Majesty

Starring: Im Yoon-ah, Lee Chae-min | Platform: tvN/Studio Dragon

French cuisine chef Yeon Ji-yeong (Im Yoon-ah) is magically transported to the Joseon dynasty, becoming the palace chef caught up in deadly royal politics. Think "Outlander" meets Korean historical drama with greater emphasis on food.

Why Watch: Time-travel twist with culinary delights and star-crossed romance became an international hit.

13. Resident Playbook

Starring: Go Youn-jung | Platform: tvN/Netflix

From the acclaimed creative team behind "Hospital Playlist," this medical drama follows first-year resident Oh Yi-young navigating hospital life during South Korea's record low birth rates. The show dominated Netflix Korea upon release.

Why Watch: Meshes slice-of-life comedy with searing emotional stakes from proven creators.

14. The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call

Starring: Ju Ji-hoon, Choo Young-woo | Platform: Netflix

Former combat medic Baek Kang-hyuk (Ju Ji-hoon) brings unorthodox methods to a university hospital. His battle-tested medical experience and self-assured confidence eventually win over his traditional colleagues.

Why Watch: Medical drama with comedic flourishes showing how unusual experience applies effectively.

15. My Dearest Nemesis

Starring: Moon Ga-young, Choi Hyun-wook | Platform: tvN/Studio Dragon

Online gaming romance turns to workplace rivalry when Baek Soo-jung (Moon Ga-young) and Ban Joo-yeon (Choi Hyun-wook) reunite 16 years later—with him as her new boss. The enemies-to-lovers trope gets fresh energy through gaming nostalgia.

Why Watch: Appropriately silly workplace rom-com that understands its assignment.

16. Motel California

Starring: Lee Se-young, Na In-woo, Choi Min-soo | Platform: MBC/Rakuten Viki

Lifelong drifter Ji Kang-hee (Lee Se-young) returns to her rural hometown after 12 years, reconnecting with childhood love Cheon Yeon-soo at her father's Motel California. Lee Se-young delivers a sharply written, nuanced character that subverts typical K-drama female lead portrayals.

17. Buried Hearts

Starring: Park Hyun-sik, Huh Joon-ho | Platform: SBS TV

Executive director Seo Dong-ju (Park Hyun-sik) steals two trillion won before suffering severe amnesia. Vicious Yeom Jang-seon (Huh Joon-ho) needs Dong-ju to recover just enough memory to find the stolen money. Dark tension fuels this neo-noir thriller full of twists.