20 Upcoming Star-Studded K-Dramas You Can’t Miss in 2025!

From heart-stopping thrillers to heartwarming tales, 2025 has it all—let’s take a look at the dramas that will captivate your soul and keep you on the edge of your seat.

1. Wife of a 21st Century Prince

IU Byeon Woo Seok

Wife of a 21st Century Prince is a romance drama set in an alternate Korea where the nation operates as a constitutional monarchy. The story follows Sung Hee Joo, a chaebol heiress who has it all except noble status, and Lee Ahn, a prince with nothing to his name despite being the king’s son. Together, they navigate love and challenges in this unique setting.

IU will take on the role of Sung Hee Joo, the brilliant and beautiful second daughter of Korea’s largest conglomerate family. Blessed with looks, intelligence, and a competitive edge, she has always led a privileged life. However, when her lower social status unexpectedly threatens her perfect world, she crosses paths with Prince Lee Ahn.

Byeon Woo Seok will portray Lee Ahn, a prince who has little to his name aside from his royal lineage as the king’s second son. Having hidden his identity for most of his life, Lee Ahn experiences a transformative journey after meeting Sung Hee Joo.

2. Human Starting from Today

Lomon Kim Hye-yoon

The drama follows Eun Ho and Kang Si Yeol, whose lives intertwine after a sudden accident turns Eun Ho into a human. 

Kim Hye-yoon stars as Eun Ho, a quirky Gen Z nine-tailed fox (gumiho) who is anything but traditional. Content with her eternal youth and playful antics, she has no desire to become human—until an unforeseen event upends her predictable life.

Lomon joins her as Kang Si Yeol, a confident and driven world-class soccer player. Together, their journey promises a mix of heartwarming moments and unexpected twists.

The drama premieres on SBS and will air every Mondays and Tuesdays..

3. The WONDERfools

Cha Eun-woo  Park Eun-bin

Cha Eun-woo stars in The WONDERfools, a superhero action-comedy set in 1999, when apocalyptic beliefs were at their peak. The drama follows a group of young individuals with unique yet uncontrollable superpowers, blending action, humor, and heartfelt moments.
Cha Eun-woo plays Lee Woon-jeong, one of these “flawed” heroes, alongside Park Eun-bin as the female lead.

Promising a fresh spin on the superhero genre, The WONDERfools is slated for release on Netflix in 2025.

4.  Newtopia

Park Jung-min. Jisoo

Set in a gripping zombie apocalypse, Newtopia stars Jisoo as Kang Young-ju, a determined young woman fighting for survival alongside her soldier boyfriend, played by Park Jung-min. This intense thriller combines action, suspense, and a dash of romance as the couple battles hordes of the undead while facing emotional turmoil.
Newtopia premieres on Amazon Prime Video on February 7, 2025.

5. Monthly Boyfriend

Jisoo Seo In-guk

Taking a futuristic turn, Monthly Boyfriend explores a world where people subscribe to virtual romantic partners.

Starring Jisoo and Seo In-guk, the drama delves into the complexities of relationships in an era of advanced technology, raising thought-provoking questions about love and human connection. While the release date is yet to be announced, Monthly Boyfriend promises a unique blend of innovation and emotion.

6. When the Stars Gossip

Lee Min-ho Gong Hyo-jin

This space-themed romance drama centers on Eve Kim (Gong Hyo-jin), a Korean-American astronaut and commander on a long-term mission at a space station. A capable and dependable leader, her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Gong Ryong (Lee Min-ho), a carefree OB-GYN who boards the mission as a space tourist with a mysterious motive.

Set in zero gravity, the story explores the challenges of space life, the complexity of human emotions, and the romance between two vastly different individuals.
The drama premieres on January 4, 2025, on tvN and will air every Saturday and Sunday at 9:20 PM KST.

7. When Life Gives You Tangerines

IU  Park Bo-gum

Starring IU and Park Bo-gum, this slice-of-life drama is set on Jeju Island, where Ae-soon (IU), a spirited woman with dreams of becoming a poet, meets Gwan-shik (Park Bo-gum), a hardworking and quiet man devoted to his family. Against the picturesque backdrop of Jeju, they find solace and strength in each other while navigating life’s struggles. This heartwarming story of resilience, hope, and human connection is expected to be a healing drama.

8. Hong Rang

 Lee Jae-wook  Jo Bo-ah

Set in the Joseon Dynasty, Hong Rang stars Lee Jae-wook as Hong-rang, the son of a wealthy merchant who disappears at the age of eight, only to return 12 years later with no memory of his past. Jo Bo-ah plays his determined half-sister Jae-yi, who has never given up hope of finding him. Together, they unravel the mystery behind his disappearance and sudden reappearance. This historical mystery romance promises intrigue, drama, and emotional depth.

9. Motel California 

Na In-woo Lee Se-young 

Motel California is a heartwarming romance drama centered around Ji Kang-hee (Lee Se-young), a woman who returns to her rural hometown after 12 years of chasing success and happiness elsewhere. Having grown up in the town’s quaint motel, aptly named Motel California, Kang-hee finds herself reconnecting with her first love, Cheon Yeon-soo (Na In-woo)- a kind and compassionate veterinarian who has quietly waited for her all these years. The drama delves into their rekindled romance, the unresolved emotions from their past, and the challenges of rebuilding their lives in the small town they once called home.

The drama is based on the novel “Home, Bitter Home” by Shim Yoon-seo. 

Motel California will premiere in January 2025 on MBC, airing every Friday and Saturday.

10. Can This Love Be Translated

 Kim Seon-ho Go Youn-jung

Starring Kim Seon-ho and Go Youn-jung, Can This Love Be Translated follows the quirky romance between Ju Ho-jin (Kim Seon-ho), a talented multilingual interpreter, and Cha Mu-hee (Go Youn-jung), a glamorous and sought-after actress. Despite coming from completely different worlds, the two are irresistibly drawn to each other. However, their contrasting personalities and “love languages” lead to comedic misunderstandings and lost intentions. As they navigate the complexities of their budding relationship, they must learn to bridge the communication gap and prove that love can be understood—even when it’s lost in translation.

11. Dear X

Kim Young-dae Kim Yoo-jung

Dear X is a gripping melodrama that delves into themes of survival, ambition, and the darker facets of human nature. Baek A-jin (Kim Yoo-jung) is a top actress with a flawless public image, but behind the scenes, she conceals a manipulative and ruthless personality, using her charm to thrive in a cutthroat world. Yoon Joon-seo (Kim Young-dae), who has stood steadfastly by her side, believes in the redemptive power of love but unwittingly becomes the catalyst for her eventual downfall. 

The drama is based on the popular webtoon, Dear X . The drama is set to premiere on TVING in 2025.

12. My Youth

Song Joong-ki Chun Woo-hee

My Youth tells the heartwarming story of two former first loves who supported each other through turbulent times in their youth. Reuniting after more than a decade, they face new challenges while rediscovering their deep connection.

Sun Woo-hae (Song Joong-ki), once a beloved child actor, was abandoned by the industry due to the greed of those around him. Now living a quiet life as a novelist and florist, he continues to bear the emotional scars of his troubled past. Sung Je-yeon (Chun Woo-hee), an ambitious team leader at Feel Entertainment, grew up in a wealthy family until her life took a drastic turn after her family’s sudden financial ruin. Determined to achieve success, Je-yeon seeks out Woo-hae, her first love, disrupting the tranquility he has built for himself.

13. Knock Off

Kim Soo-hyun Jo Bo-ah

Set during the tumultuous 1997 Asian financial crisis in South Korea, Knock Off follows the gripping journey of Kim Sung-joon (Kim Soo-hyun), an ordinary man whose life takes a drastic turn after losing his job. Desperate to survive, he becomes entangled in the world of counterfeit goods, eventually rising to prominence as a legendary figure in the underground market. Jo Bo-ah stars as Song Hye-jung, a determined special judicial officer tasked with dismantling counterfeit operations, who becomes deeply entwined with Sung-joon. The drama explores the harsh realities and moral dilemmas faced during times of economic hardship.

14. Twelve

Park Hyung-sik Seo In-guk

Blending mythology with modern storytelling, Twelve is an action-packed superhero K-drama about twelve extraordinary beings who represent the twelve zodiac signs or heavenly gods. Living secretly among humans, these powerful protectors are called upon to defend the Korean Peninsula from malevolent spirits intent on unleashing chaos. As the darkness rises, the heroes must confront their pasts, band together, and wage an epic battle to save the world.

The cast of the K-drama Twelve includes Ma Dong-seok, Park Hyung-sik, Seo In-guk, Sung Dong-il, Lee Joo-bin, Ko Kyu-pil, Kang Mi-na, Sung Yoo-bin, Ahn Ji-hye, and Regina Lei.

“Twelve” is set to premiere on U+ Mobile TV in 2025.

15. All the Love You Wish For

Kim Woo-bin Suzy 

A whimsical fantasy romantic comedy, All the Love You Wish For revolves around Jinn (Kim Woo-bin), a genie who awakens after being trapped for a thousand years, and Ga-young (Suzy), a stoic woman who unexpectedly becomes his master. As Ga-young begins to make her three wishes, their interactions result in humorous and unpredictable situations, gradually giving way to a blossoming romance.

16. The Manipulated

Ji Chang-wook Do Kyung-soo (D.O.) 

The Manipulated is a thrilling revenge drama that delves into the story of Tae-joong (Ji Chang-wook), a man whose life is shattered after being falsely accused of a crime and imprisoned. While in prison, Tae-joong uncovers a sinister truth: a shadowy figure named Yo-han (Do Kyung-soo (D.O.)) meticulously orchestrated his downfall. Fueled by vengeance, Tae-joong embarks on a relentless quest to uncover the truth and bring Yo-han to justice, navigating a dangerous path filled with betrayal and revelations.

17. Treasure Island

Park Hyung-sik

Treasure Island is a gripping thriller centered around a massive political slush fund worth 2 trillion won (approximately $1.5 billion). The story begins when a man successfully hacks into the fortune to escape danger, only to be murdered. However, the killer unknowingly loses the entire sum during the hack, triggering a series of power struggles and a frantic search to uncover the truth behind the missing money.

The drama features Park Hyung-sik as Seo Dong-joo, Heo Joon-ho as Yum Jang-sun, and Hong Hwa-yeon as Yeo Eun-nam, bringing their characters to life with compelling performances.
Treasure Island will premiere in February 2025 on SBS.

18. Tempest 

Kang Dong-won  Jun Ji-hyun

Tempest is a gripping espionage drama that follows Moon Ju (Jun Ji-hyun), a highly respected diplomat and former ambassador to the United States, as she delves into a high-stakes conspiracy. When a violent attack threatens the stability of the Korean peninsula, Moon Ju teams up with San Ho (Kang Dong-won), a mysterious and enigmatic special agent of unknown nationality. Together, they navigate a labyrinth of political intrigue, hidden agendas, and dangerous alliances to uncover the truth and protect their nation.
Tempest is scheduled to premiere in 2025 on Disney+.

19. Melo Movie 

Choi Woo-shik  Park Bo-young 

Melo movie follows the journey of young individuals in the film industry as they pursue their dreams, experience love, and heal from past wounds. Go Gyeom (Choi Woo-shik), a former extra turned passionate film critic, crosses paths with Kim Moo-bi (Park Bo-young), a dedicated assistant director. Together, they navigate their careers and personal challenges, finding comfort and connection as they support one another toward a hopeful future.

Melo Movie is set to be released on Netflix in 2024, though the exact release date has yet to be officially confirmed.

20. Good Boy

Park Bo-gum  Kim So-hyun

Good Boy is an adrenaline-filled action drama about former Olympic medalists who trade their medals for police badges. Recruited into a special police unit, these athletes harness their exceptional physical abilities and unique skills to combat violent crime and corruption. However, their journey is far from easy, as they discover that their past glory as athletes doesn’t guarantee success or justice in their new roles as officers of the law.

Park Bo-gum acts as Yoon Dong-joo, a former Olympic boxing gold medalist. Kim So-hyun acts as Ji Han-na, a former Olympic shooting gold medalist.