The global popularity of Korean dramas surged in 2025, as the industry captured the interest of audiences worldwide. This growth has been significantly influenced by investments from major streaming platforms like Netflix, which announced plans to invest an additional $2.5 billion in Korean entertainment over the next four years. Currently, Korean media accounts for approximately 8 to 9 percent of all Netflix viewing time, ranking as the second most-watched content on the platform, following U.S.-produced shows.
In a competitive landscape, Disney has also committed to expanding its Asian Pacific content into global franchises. Additionally, the Korean media giant CJ ENM recently entered a multi-year partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery, focusing on co-producing Korean dramas. While the influx of foreign investment has enhanced the global reach of these productions, it has also created challenges for local entertainment companies struggling to keep pace, including rising production costs and a decline in the number of dramas being produced.
Despite these challenges, 2025 proved to be a remarkable year for Korean television, particularly in genres such as slice-of-life stories, thrillers, and historical dramas. This article highlights the ten best K-dramas of 2025, showcasing the diverse storytelling and unique perspectives that continue to resonate with viewers.
Highlighting the Best K-Dramas of 2025
1. **When Life Gives You Tangerines** (Netflix)
Directed by Kim Won-suk, this series explores generational struggles and relationships, spanning from the 1960s to present day. With a talented cast including IU and Park Bo-gum, the drama focuses on Ae-sun, a woman navigating her life from humble beginnings on Jeju Island to adulthood. The series has been praised for its authentic portrayal of ordinary life, making the mundane feel extraordinary.
2. **Way Back Love** (Viki)
Featuring a standout performance by Kim Min-ha, this drama centers on Jeong Hee-wan, a young woman coping with the death of her first love. The narrative unfolds as she embarks on a bucket-list journey designed by her deceased love, leading to a poignant exploration of grief and healing. The series has received acclaim for its emotional depth and character development.
3. **Squid Game Season 3** (Netflix)
Continuing the gripping narrative of the acclaimed series, Season 3 of Squid Game delves deeper into the complexities of modern capitalism through the experiences of Seong Gi-hun, portrayed by Lee Jung-jae. The season maintains the show’s signature intensity while exploring themes of desperation and survival.
4. **Tempest** (Hulu)
This political thriller, starring Jun Ji-hyun and Gang Dong-won, combines romance with a narrative rich in geopolitical intrigue. The plot follows the aftermath of a political assassination, drawing viewers into a multilayered conspiracy that critiques contemporary political issues.
5. **Our Unwritten Seoul** (Netflix)
This series addresses mental health through the lives of twins Mi-ji and Mi-ri, played by Park Bo-young. The story highlights their struggles and the societal pressures they face, blending personal growth with broader themes of identity and familial relationships.
6. **Resident Playbook** (Netflix)
A spin-off from the popular Hospital Playlist, this series showcases the challenges faced by a group of medical residents in a chaotic obstetrics and gynecology department. The narrative deftly ties personal struggles to the broader context of Korea’s healthcare crisis, making it both entertaining and socially relevant.
7. **Study Group** (Viki)
This comedic series follows a high school student, Yoon Ga-min, who forms a study group despite attending a school notorious for its connection to organized crime. The show cleverly subverts typical tropes and delivers a light-hearted yet impactful narrative about friendship and self-discovery.
8. **The Tale of Lady Ok** (Kocowa)
Starring Lim Ji-yeon, this Joseon-era drama centers on a former slave who rises to become a legal advocate while hiding her true identity. The series offers a unique perspective on class and gender issues, emphasizing resilience and empowerment.
9. **Spirit Fingers** (Viki)
A whimsical teen drama, Spirit Fingers follows a shy girl who discovers confidence and self-acceptance through her involvement in an art club. The adaptation successfully retains the playful essence of its webtoon source material, celebrating the importance of creativity and community.
10. **Trigger** (Netflix)
This action thriller addresses the implications of gun violence in South Korea through the lens of a police officer striving to prevent societal acceptance of firearms. The series serves as a thought-provoking commentary on gun control, making it particularly resonant for audiences in various cultural contexts.
Korean dramas in 2025 have not only entertained but also engaged viewers with their rich storytelling and culturally resonant themes. As the industry continues to evolve, the impact of international investments and the creative strategies of local talent will likely shape the future of Korean television.
