From 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' To 'Buried Hearts', 10 Best Korean Dramas Of 2025

From period romances and quirky comedies to dystopian thrillers and mind-bending mysteries, 2025 has already proven to be an exciting year for Korean dramas. With fresh storytelling, bold concepts, and stellar performances, these new K-dramas are pushing boundaries while continuing to charm audiences around the world. Here are the best Korean dramas of 2025 (so far) that deserve a spot on your watchlist.

When Life Gives You Tangerines 

This romantic period and slice-of-life K-drama unfolds against the picturesque backdrop of Jeju Island, the narrative begins in 1951 and chronicles the enduring love story of Ae-sun (IU) and Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum) over several decades. Their relationship faces numerous challenges, including societal upheavals, family opposition, and personal hardships, illustrating the resilience of love over time. IU also plays Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s older daughter later in the series, showcasing her versatility as an actress. The heartwarming drama will make you laugh and cry, so be prepared for an emotional roller coaster.

Where to watch: Netflix

The Potato Lab 

Set in a mountain valley at a potato research centre, the series follows Kim Mi-kyung (Lee Sun-bin), a dedicated researcher who has spent 12 years at the institute, working on developing a superior potato variety. Her routine life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of So Baek-ho (Kang Tae-oh), the organisational innovation director from Wonhan Retail. Despite his charming appearance, Baek-ho is a pragmatic capitalist. The series delves into their evolving relationship, marked by initial conflicts and eventual mutual understanding. Kang Tae-oh makes a K-drama comeback after being discharged from the military with this entertaining romcom. A must-watch for those looking for a light-hearted enemies-turned-lovers trope.

Where to watch: Netflix

Buried Hearts

Seo Dong-ju (Park Hyung-sik), a corporate secretary, stumbles upon a secret political slush fund worth two trillion won and hacks into the account. His actions draw the attention of Yeom Jang-seon (Heo Jun-ho), a former director of the National Intelligence Service and an influential figure in South Korean politics. An altercation between them leads to Dong-ju losing his memory after a near-death experience. Jang-seon realises the money is missing and is determined to recover it, setting off a series of events marked by ambition, power struggles, and survival. This is an engaging revenge thriller, peppered with a romantic subplot and several plot twists.

Where to watch: JioHotstar

Undercover High School

The series follows Jeong Hae-seong (Seo Kang-joon), a National Intelligence Service (NIS) agent, who is assigned a covert mission to locate Emperor Gojong's missing gold bars. To find the same, he goes undercover as a student at the prestigious Byeongmun High School. There, he meets Oh Su-a (Jin Ki-joo), a Korean history teacher who becomes his homeroom teacher. Su-a begins to notice striking similarities between Hae-seong and her first love, stirring up past emotions and complicating their interactions. While digging deeper into the gold bars, he uncovers a school scandal and his missing father’s connection to the school. This K-drama gives you Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Main Hoon Na vibes, making it an engaging watch.

Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video, Viki Rakuten

Hyper Knife 

Looking for something exciting with a plot that will keep you on the edge? Then this K-drama should be on your watchlist. Dr. Jung Se-ok (Park Eunbin) was once celebrated as a genius neurosurgeon. However, after a tragic incident leads to the revocation of her medical license, she turns to performing illegal surgeries. As fate would have it, she meets her former mentor, Dr. Choi Deok-hee (Sul Kyung-gu), a renowned neurosurgeon with a complex past. Their reunion reignites old conflicts and sets off a dangerous game of power and retribution. At the heart of the drama is the mysterious psychopathic serial killer. Watch this ongoing K-drama for Eun-bin’s commendable performance and the suspense-filled plot.

Where to watch: JioHotstar JioHotstar

Study Group

Based on the popular webtoon of the same name by Shin Hyung-wook, this K-drama revolves around Yoon Ga-min (Hwang Min-hyun), a student at the underperforming Yusung Technical High School. Despite his earnest desire to excel academically, Ga-min fails to do well academically. However, he is an excellent fighter, a skill that comes in handy when he forms a study group with fellow underachievers. As they navigate the challenges of their tumultuous school environment, they butt heads with Pi Han-wool (Cha Woo-min), who has turned the school into his empire of sorts.

Where to watch: Viki Rakuten

The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call 

The K-drama follows Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk (Ju Ji-hoon), a genius trauma surgeon and war veteran who is appointed as the director of the Trauma Unit at Hankuk National University Hospital. His task is to establish a top-tier trauma centre. However, Dr. Baek faces resistance from colleagues to his unorthodox ways of working, budget constraints, and other troubles. But, he takes it in his stride, earns everyone’s respect, and trains a dedicated medical team to deliver life-saving care under extreme conditions. If you like medical K-dramas like Dr Romantic, The Doctors, Doctor John, and Life among others, this should be on your watch list.

Where to watch: Netflix

My Dearest Nemesis 

Based on the eponymous webtoon by Hye Jin-yang, the plot follows Baek Su-jeong (Moon Ga-young), the leader of the planning team at Yongsung Department Store, who is known for her dedication and performance. Her professional life takes a chaotic turn when Ban Ju-yeon (Choi Hyun-wook) is appointed as the new director of the strategic planning division and her boss. Unbeknownst to her colleagues, Ju-yeon is Su-jeong's first love from 16 years ago, whom she met through an online game. Their past is marked by Ju-yeon's unrequited feelings and Su-jeong's rejection, leading to a complex and humorous rekindling of their relationship in the corporate world.

Where to watch: Viki Rakuten

The Art of Negotiation – Viki Rakuten

The K-drama delves into the high-stakes world of corporate mergers and acquisitions (M&A). It centres around Yoon Joo-no (Lee Je-hoon), a legendary M&A expert renowned for his negotiation skills. He leads a team of specialists, including lawyer Oh Soon-young (Kim Dae-myung) and market analyst Choi Jin-soo (Cha Kang-yoon), as they navigate complex corporate deals that have significant impacts on the business landscape.

Where to watch: Viki Rakuten