As we look forward to the year 2025, South Korean drama does not fail to enchant the audience with its unparalleled plot, glamorous casts, and fresh concepts. This year it looks like a mixture of them will be available, ranging from romance, sad love stories to thrilling thrillers. Watch these Korean drama and enjoy the moment. These Korean dramas offer a mix of fun, emotion and exciting twists.  

Here below are the top 15 Korean dramas to watch in 2025

S. No.Korean Drama to WatchGenre
1Squid Game: Season 2Thriller, Drama
2When the Phone RingsMystery, Psychological, Romance
3The Tale of Lady OkHistorical, Romance
4Parole Examiner LeeThriller, Crime
5Light ShopMystery, Drama
6Mr. PlanktonRomance, Drama
7Gyeongseong Creature: Season 2Action, Suspense, Historical
8My YouthRomance, Drama
9Can This Love Be Translated?Romance, Comedy
10Two WomenDrama
11NewtopiaHorror, Action, Romance
12Made in KoreaHistorical, Drama
13Divorce InsuranceComedy, Drama
14When Life Gives You TangerinesHistorical, Romance, Drama
15Nine PuzzlesThriller, Mystery

1. Squid Game: Season 2

squid game season 2- korean drama to watch

Source: Google Images

Release date: 26 December 2024

The new season of Squid Game has been one hell of a global hit. This korean drama is full of fun and thrillers. This Netflix hit series is returning for its next season with even more at risk. Seong Gi-Hun, the previous winner, returns to the dangerous game with more damaging tests and moral conundrums. 

Though the ratings have not climbed up to the level of the first season, the show brings the audience amazing plot moments while developing the characters. If you’re eager for high-octane thrills and societal critique, Squid Game: Season 2 is a must-watch.

2. When the Phone Rings- Best Korean Drama to Watch

when the phone rings- best korean drama to watch

Source: Google Images

Release date: 23 November 2024

When the Phone Rings has become one of the biggest hits because Yoo Yeon-Seok gave life to an unconventional villain. This drama tells the story of a couple that got married to each other by arrangement and when confusion arises, an unknown individual begins to terrorize the couple. 

In this drama, there is a mix of mystery, romantic theme and psychological thriller; this grips the audience right to the edge. The show was launched in the second half of 2024 and quickly stormed stiff international charts to stand out as a stylish series of binge-watchers.

3. The Tale of Lady Ok

the tale of lady ok

Source: Google Images

Release date: 30 November 2024

Located in the Joseon epoch, The Tale of Lady Ok is the program that changes the K-drama with a historical setting. Out of all the characters, Lim Ji-Yeon excuses herself to play the role of Ok Tae-Young, a lawyer whose background was forged to work for justice. 

This drama puts historical aspects as its backdrop, with subplots of women’s awakening and romantic relationships in a contemporary world. 

It is definitely a great period drama piece that gives us a fine ‘date’ to sink our teeth on; the impressive cast lends the film more authenticity.

4. Parole Examiner Lee

parole examiner lee

Source: Google Images

Release date: 18 november 2024

Far from being a usual love triangle story, Parole Examiner Lee introduces Go Soo as Lee Han-Shin, a former lawyer who is now a parole examiner. 

This Korean drama is about justice and revenge as Han-Shin struggles and punches corrupt officials to stop offenses from manipulating the societal loopholes. It was released in November 2024 and its suspenseful episodes have attracted the highest viewership ever; therefore, it is suitable for those who enjoy and like to think while watching intense stories.

5. Light Shop- Best Korean Drama to Watch

light shop- best korean drama to watch

Source: Google Images

Release date: 11 december 2024

Developed from a webtoon, Light Shop is a whodunit comprised of eight episodes and streamable on Disney+. People who do not know each other end up in a place that they do not recognize and have no memory of how they got there, and this is the facade of the plot. 

Theming of the drama is dark, with a measure of suspense added to touching acting that makes it a sensation to watch. Focusing on a tragic plot and making good use of a psychological twist, Light Shop will become a favorite of the particular subsection of mystery enthusiasts.

6. Mr. Plankton

mr. plankton

Source: Google Images

Release date: 8 november 2024

In the play called Mr. Plankton, Woo Do-Hwan does excellent work and most of the time he moves everybody in the audience by his acting. 

This is an emotional drama that tells the story of a man who is given a few months to live who goes on a road trip with his ex-fiancé. They both have met and loved each other but never had a chance to live happily, so their story is full of beloved feelings, regret, and hope. debuted in November 2024 This drama is actually the most preferred by many people, and it is most likely to stay relevant to viewers, impressing them. For any person who wants to have a hearty—not to mention heartbreaking—laugh, Mr. Plankton can perform that task.

7. Gyeongseong Creature: Season 2

gyeongseong creature season 2

Source: Google Images

Release date: 27 september 2024

Gyeongseong Creature comes back with their second season again and this time they travel back to modern 2024. In this show, Han So-Hee and Park Seo-Joon brought back characters who look very similar to real-life figures. 

In terms of theme, this season it focuses on unsolved mysteries and the characters’ dos and former relationships, enlarging the historical aspect in addition to the modern one. Fans of action-packed, suspenseful dramas will find Gyeongseong Creature: Season 2 must be on the viewers’ list of things to watch.

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8. My Youth- Best Korean Drama to Watch

my youth

Source: Google Images

Release date: To be announced soon

Song Joong-ki, fresh off his success in Reborn Rich, transforms into a former child star turned quiet novelist in My Youth. Joining him is Chun Woo-hee, known for The Atypical Family, playing his first love, Sung Je-yeon, who re-enters his life unexpectedly. Directed by Lee Sang-yeob (Yumi’s Cells), with writing by Park Si-hyun (Run On), this series delves into themes of love, regret, and personal growth, promising to tug at viewers’ heartstrings.

9. Can This Love Be Translated?

can this love be translated

Source: Google Images

Release date: Expected to release in mid-2025

The Hong Sisters, who previously wrote Hotel Del Luna and Alchemy of Souls, are here with a new rom-com show, Can This Love Be Translated?. Hometown Cha-Cha’s Kim Sun-ho plays a multilingual interpreter who works for a top star, Go Yoon-jung, who is featured in Moving.

 Bloody Heart’s Yoo Young-eun directs the show and follows the comedic and romantic aspects of language and affection and the lives of celebrities.

10. Two Women (2025)

two women- best korean drama to watch

Source: Google Images

Release date: To be announced soon 

Love in the Big City star Kim Go-eun and Park Ju-hyun from Flex X Cop will act in a drama called Two Women, where the show’s characters are struggling with relationships and career paths. Kim essays Ryu Eun-joong, the writer character, while Park enacts Cheon Sang-yeon, the film producer character. 

This Netflix series is written by Song Hye-jin, the author of My Mother, the Mermaid and it describes a complicated conflict-based relationship between them as they are struggling with the world of show business. Prepare for a lot of strong acting and dramatic acting out.

11. Newtopia- Best Korean Drama to Watch

newtopia

Source: Google Images

Release date: 7 February 2025

Zombie fans, rejoice! Newtopia is a new film featuring Park Jung-min (Uprising) & Jisoo (Blackpink), where they lead lovers torn apart in a zombie-ridden Seoul. This series was created by Yoon Sung-hyun, who also directed Time to Hunt and co-wrote by Han Ji-won, known for Parasite and this series balances heart and action perfectly well. 

It will successfully attempt to change how people will look at zombies and their genre by combining love and survival.

12. Made in Korea

made in korea- best korean drama to watch

Source: Google Images

Release date: To be announced soon

Made in Korea is an upcoming high-profile movie based on a webtoon and takes place in the background of the seventies. Hyun Bin (Harbin) stars as Baek Ki-Tae, a man hungry for power, while Jung Woo-sung (12.12: The Day) portrays the cruel prosecutor Jang Gun-young. This drama’s story revolves around ambition, morality, and rivalry. This drama is directed by Woo Min-ho.

13. Divorce Insurance- Best Korean Drama to Watch

divorce insurance

Source: Google Images

Release date: To be announced soon

Lee Dong-wook from A Shop for Killers is the lead actor of the comedy Divorce Insurance about an insurance worker developing a new service for divorcees. More to the point, he is a man who has been through three divorces himself, so he has the practical knowledge to go with the theory. 

Directed by Lee Won-suk (How to Use Guys With Secret Tips), this light-hearted Korean drama tackles marriage and its pitfalls with humor and heart.

14. When Life Gives You Tangerines

when life gives you tangerines

Source: Google Images

Release date: to be released in 2025

Set in the 1950s on Jeju Island, When Life Gives You Tangerines follows Ae-soon (IU, My Mister), a poor girl aspiring to be a poet, and Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum, Record of Youth), a shy young man smitten with her. Written by Im Sang-choon (When the Camellia Blooms) and directed by Kim Won-suk (My Mister), this series promises a nostalgic and heartfelt journey into love and dreams.

15. Nine Puzzles

nine puzzles- best korean drama to watch

Source: Google Images

Release date: to be released in 2025

Kim Da-mi (our beloved summer) and Son Suk-ku (a killer paradox) star in the Disney+ thriller Nine Puzzles. Kim plays Yi-na, a profiler haunted by her uncle’s murder, while Son is Han-saem, the officer who once suspected her. This thriller Korean drama is directed by Yoon Jong-bin (Narco-Saints) and written by Lee Eun-mi (Navillera). The series promises intricate storytelling and intense drama.

Why You Should Watch These Dramas

The charm of K-dramas lies in their ability to transcend genres, offering a mix of entertainment and emotional depth. 

Each of these new releases brings a unique flavor to the table, from the gripping suspense of When the Phone Rings to the heartfelt journey of Mr. Plankton. 

Whether you prefer binge-watching or savoring episodes weekly, these dramas promise to make your 2025 an unforgettable year of entertainment.

Conclusion

K-dramas in 2025 offer a diverse blend of genres, from thrilling suspense to heartfelt emotional journeys. Each series brings a fresh and unique experience, with compelling stories and stellar performances that will captivate viewers. Whether you enjoy intense mysteries, historical drama, or powerful character-driven narratives, these upcoming dramas promise an unforgettable year of entertainment. Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of K-dramas!

Get your snack and enjoy the magic of K-dramas!