Whether you’re still recovering from last year’s emotional finales or you’re searching for the next K-drama to binge, we’ve got you covered. The year 2025 has just started, but that doesn’t mean K-dramas are slowing down. In fact, just when we thought they couldn’t get any better, this year is already giving us a long list of exciting shows that might totally fill up your watchlist.

From heart-fluttering romances and exciting sci-fi to nerve-wrecking thrillers and sageuk dramas, this year’s lineup is bold, cinematic, and more global than ever. And for fans of certain unforgettable kdramas… let’s just say, some familiar worlds are opening their doors once again.

So grab your favorite snacks, turn off your notifications, and get ready for some serious emotional rollercoasters. From what to watch and when it drops to why you won’t want to miss a single episode of these 2025 K-drama releases, this guide has everything you need to know.

Top 10 Most Anticipated 2025 K-Drama Releases

With star-studded casts and gripping storylines, these are the top 10 most anticipated 2025 K-drama releases set to capture everyone’s attention:

10. Weak Hero Class 2

• Genre: Action, Thriller, Youth, Drama
• Cast: Park Ji-hoon, Ryeo-un, Choi Min-Yeong, Lee Min-Jae, Lee Jun-Young, Bae Na-Ra
• Where To Watch: Netflix
• Plot Summary: The first season of Weak Hero Class made waves in 2022 with Yeon Si-eun battling school violence with brains and bruises. Now, Netflix is back with Class 2, and things are intense! After a rough past, Yeon Si-eun transfers to a new school, hoping to start fresh. He also makes new friends, but trouble finds them fast. A dangerous gang called Alliance, led by the scary Na Baek Jin, starts targeting them, and Si-eun is forced into another fight to protect his friends and face even tougher enemies. Packed with more thrills and even crazier action, Weak Hero Class 2 dropped on April 25 with 8 action-packed episodes.

9. Dear Hongrang

• Genre: Historical, Mystery, Romance, Melodrama
• Cast: Lee Jae-Wook, Jo Bo-Ah, Jung Ga-Ram, Uhm Ji-Won, Park Byung-Eun, Kim Jae-Wook
• Where To Watch: Netflix
• Plot Summary: During the late Joseon Dynasty, a wealthy family known for trading art is thrown into confusion when their son, Hong-Rang, suddenly returns after he suddenly disappeared at the age of 8. Now 20 years old, he remembers nothing about his childhood, and something about him seems different. His half-sister, Jae-Yi, who was once very close to him, begins to suspect he might not be who he says he is. She starts searching for the truth, uncovering secrets that the family tried to keep hidden. As Hong-Rang struggles to figure out who he really is, Jae-Yi faces her painful past and the mystery that has haunted her since he disappeared. Based on a novel, this sageuk, full of secrets, lies, and power plays, is set to air on May 16.

8. Resident Playbook

• Genre: Comedy, Life, Youth, Medical
• Cast: Go Youn-Jung, Shin Shi-A, Kang You-Seok, Han Ye-Ji, Jung Joon-Won
• Where To Watch: TVING, Netflix
• Plot Summary: Set in the bustling Jongno branch of Yulje Medical Centre, the same universe as Hospital Playlist, this drama follows four first-year OB-GYN residents as they tackle the tough realities of modern medicine during a time of low birth rates. From late-night emergencies to ethical dilemmas and quiet moments of self-doubt, the series dives into the friendships, chaos, and growth that come with life on the hospital frontlines. Fans can also look forward to exciting cameos from beloved Hospital Playlist characters, with 6 episodes already out and ready to binge!

7. Tempest

• Genre: Action, Thriller, Mystery, Romance
• Cast: Kang Dong-won, Jun Ji-hyun
• Where To Watch: Disney+
• Plot Summary: Tempest is also one of 2025’s most talked-about thrillers. With a star-studded cast featuring top Hollywood names and South Korean favorites, this international drama kicks off with a political assassination that sends global diplomacy into total chaos. At the center is Seo Mun Ju, a sharp, seasoned diplomat and ex-ambassador to the U.S., who finds herself deep in a deadly conspiracy linking both North and South Korea. Enter Baek San Ho: a mysterious, elite mercenary with killer skills and zero background. He’s silent, deadly, and somehow ends up on her side. With secrets, betrayals, and global stakes, they’ll risk it all to uncover the truth. And while we’re still waiting on a release date, with Kim Go-eun’s hit drama Little Women’s creator teaming up with Disney+ for this action-packed drama, you know it’s going to be huge.

6. When The Stars Gossip

• Genre:  Comedy, Romance, Drama, Sci-Fi
• Cast: Lee Min-Ho, Gong Hyo-Jin, Oh Jung-Se, Han Ji-Eun
• Where To Watch: TVING, Netflix
• Plot Summary: When The Stars Gossip, one of the most anticipated space-themed K-dramas, explores how love and secrets collide aboard a space station. Kong Ryong, an OB-GYN turned space tourist, arrives with a hidden agenda and a powerful connection, as the future son-in-law of Korea’s richest conglomerate, MZ Group. On the same mission is Commander Eve Kim, a no-nonsense perfectionist on her first command, determined to maintain order in the high-risk environment of space. Also aboard is Kang Gang-Su, a carefree fruit fly researcher and the second son of a global finance empire, chasing thrills far beyond his privileged life. Meanwhile, on Earth, Kong Ryong’s girlfriend, Choi Go Eun, the intelligent and elegant sole heir of MZ Group, remains a powerful presence. As tensions rise and emotions run out of control, this star-crossed journey blends romance, ambition, and danger among the stars, and it’s now fully available for you to watch on streaming platforms.

5. Genie, Make A Wish

• Genre: Comedy, Romance, Fantasy
• Cast: Kim Woo-bin, Bae Suzy
• Where To Watch: Netflix
• Plot Summary: Genie, Make a Wish is the fantasy rom-com we’ve all been waiting for. Bae Suzy stars as Ga Yeong, a girl who feels basically no emotion, until she accidentally summons a super-emotional and ridiculously handsome genie played by Kim Woo-bin. He’s dramatic, moody, and totally extra as he offers her three wishes that could turn her world upside down. Written by Kim Eun-sook, the writer of hit dramas like The Glory and Goblin, this drama reunites Suzy and Woo-bin again since Uncontrollably Fond. From magic, romance, and chaos to that classic enemies-to-lovers vibe we can’t get enough of, Genie, Make a Wish is about to be your next obsession, coming this October.

4. Newtopia

• Genre: Action, Horror, Romance, Fantasy
• Cast: Park Jeong Min, Kim Jisoo
• Where To Watch: Prime Video
• Plot Summary: Set in Seoul during a full-blown zombie outbreak, it follows soldier Jae-yoon and office worker Young-joo, a young couple with relationship issues who find themselves fighting through the infected city, desperate to reunite and face the apocalypse side by side. As the world falls apart, their fight for survival becomes a fight for each other. Blending heart-pounding action with unexpected romance, Newtopia was one of the most anticipated zombie rom-com kdramas of 2025.

3. Can This Love Be Translated?

• Genre: Comedy, Romance
• Cast: Kim Seon-ho, Go Youn-jung, Sota Fukushi, Lee Yi-dam
• Where To Watch: Netflix
• Plot Summary: Can This Love Be Translated? would be the latest romance from the legendary Hong Sisters, the writers behind fan-favorite dramas like Hotel del Luna and Alchemy of Souls. This time, they dive into a love story shaped by words, distance, and fame. Interpreter Ju Ho-jin finds himself working closely with the famous star Cha Mu-hee, not just translating languages, but slowly unraveling emotional barriers. Their bond deepens through shared moments off-stage, even as the gap between their worlds widens. Set to premiere on Netflix in the first half of the year, this drama promises all the emotions and heart-fluttering chemistry fans expect from a Hong Sisters creation.

2. Squid Game 3

• Genre: Action, Thriller, Mystery, Horror
• Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon, Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-shim, Jo Yu-ri, Lee Jin-wook
• Where To Watch: Netflix
• Plot Summary: Anticipation for the third and final season of Squid Game is at an all-time high, with fans around the world waiting to see how the story ends. This season follows Gi-hun as he sticks to his mission to end the deadly game, even while the Frontman launches a new plan. With every round, the risks grow more brutal, forcing Gi-hun to make a final, life-changing decision, one that could either stop the game for good or prove his fight was for nothing. With even more tension, this last chapter is set to revive all the drama, emotion, and twists that made Squid Game a global hit.

1. When Life Gives You Tangerines

• Genre: Romance, Life, Drama
• Cast: IU or Lee Ji-eun, Park Bo-gum
• Where To Watch: Netflix
• Plot Summary: While everyone was excited to see the much-anticipated pairing of IU and Park Bo-gum, it’s the drama’s quiet, heartfelt story that truly ended up stealing hearts. When Life Gives You Tangerines is a nostalgic, heartfelt tale that gently honors the youth of our parents’ generation, capturing stories like a mother’s first love, a father’s quiet bravery, a grandmother’s bold spirit, and a grandfather’s romantic past. Set in 1950s Jeju, the drama follows Ae-soon, a bright and fiery girl who dreams of becoming a poet despite her circumstances. Opposite her is Gwan-sik, steady and reserved, who quietly devotes himself to Ae-soon from the start. While he struggles with expressing emotions, his love is unwavering and deep. Their beautiful story unfolds like a poem, as past and present timelines weave together to show that true love never fades.

Unexpected 2025 Kdramas You Need to Watch

We’ve covered the anticipated and popular K-dramas, but let’s not forget the hidden gems. Here are some of the 2025 dramas that deserved more attention and are worth watching:

1. Love Scout

• Genre: Business, Romance, Life, Drama
• Cast: Han Ji-min, Lee Jun-hyuk
• Where To Watch: Apple TV, Netflix, Viki, Wavve, Lemino
• Plot Summary: This romance drama follows Kang Ji-Yun, a headhunting CEO who’s exceptional at her career but struggles in other areas of life, and Yu Eun-Ho, her capable secretary who is not only great at his job but also excels in childcare and housework, all while being a single dad.

2. Study Group

• Genre: Action, Thriller, Comedy, Youth
• Cast: Hwang Min Hyun, Han Ji-eun, Cha Woo-min, Lee Jong-hyun, Shin su-hyun, Yoon Sang-jung, Gong Do-yu
• Where To Watch: Viki, TVING
• Plot Summary: Yun Ga Min, a high school student, dreams of college despite his poor grades. He forms a study group but ends up using his exceptional fighting abilities to protect his friends from bullies. When his former tutor, Lee Han-gyeong, returns as a temporary teacher with a secret agenda, she hopes to improve the school and help them.

3. The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call

• Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama, Medical
• Cast: Ju Ji-hoon, Choo Young-woo, Ha-young, Yoon Kyung-ho, Jung Jae-kwang
• Where To Watch: Netflix
• Plot Summary: Based on a popular webtoon of the same name, this drama follows Baek Kang Hyuk, a brilliant trauma surgeon with experience in war zones, who joins a university hospital to lead its underperforming trauma team. Known for his bold, no-nonsense approach, he clashes with the hospital’s financial struggles while pushing the team to truly save lives. Alongside him are former proctologist Yang Jae Won, sharp nurse Cheon Jang Mi, and resident anesthesiologist Park Gyeong Won, as they work together to turn the team into one that truly makes a difference.

4. Friendly Rivalry

• Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Psychological, Drama
• Cast: Lee Hye-ri, Kang Hye-won, Chung Su-bin
• Where To Watch:  Viki, TVING, Netflix, Abema TV
• Plot Summary: Having Hyeri on a GL was definitely not on anyone’s watchlist. Friendly Rivalry is a mystery thriller set at a prestigious high school, where transfer student Woo Seul Gi, an orphan from the countryside, struggles to find her place among the elite. She catches the attention of Yoo Jae Yi, the school’s top student, smart, privileged, and fully aware of her power. What begins as curiosity turns into a tense, obsessive relationship, as Seul Gi gets pulled into a web of ambition, secrets, and rivalry.

5. Undercover High School

• Genre: Action, Comedy, Romance, Crime
• Cast: Seo Kang-joon, Jin Ki-joo, Kim Shin-rok
• Where To Watch: Viki, TVING, Wavve, Kocowa
• Plot Summary: Undercover High School is a comedy-action drama about elite NIS agent Jeong Hae Seong, who is sent undercover as a student at Byeongmun High to recover King Gojong’s lost gold bars. There, he meets O Su A, a passionate Korean history teacher hoping for a permanent role. As Hae Seong navigates school life and gets closer to Su A, he discovers deep-rooted corruption and begins a risky mission to take down the forces behind it.

6. Way Back Love:

• Genre: Romance, Youth, Fantasy, Melodrama
• Cast: Gong Myung, Kim Min-ha
• Where To Watch: Viki, TVING
• Plot Summary: Way Back Love is a touching fantasy romance about Jung Hui Wan, a 24-year-old who has shut herself off from the world. One week before she is meant to die, her childhood friend and first love, Kim Ram Woo, returns, but now he’s a grim reaper. Instead of saying his name to pass on peacefully, she chooses to spend her last days with him, doing things from a bucket list and slowly reconnecting with life and love.

Conclusion

This guide covers just the first half of the exciting K-drama releases for 2025, but there’s definitely much more to come. From thriller actions to heartwarming romances, the rest of the year promises even more unforgettable shows. Stay tuned for fresh stories and characters that will keep you hooked!