Top-rated K-Dramas that are actually worth the hype (2025 List)

Every year, K-drama fans lament that current K-dramas aren’t hitting the spot like the previous year's drama, which is a normal feeling. I’ve felt the same way a couple of times, but since we’re halfway through 2025, I took the time to list out every Kdrama released this year so far, including the ones I've watched, which are all of them, and the ones I really enjoyed and deserve the hype they got.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As a hardcore kdrama fan who can’t go a day without watching at least one episode, if I’m being honest, not every Kdrama that trends is actually worth your time. All it takes is one TikTok edit to reel you into the K-drama, and then you get disappointed because some start strong but crash halfway through.

However, I’ll tell you this for free: the K-drama industry knows how to deliver. Year after year, the dramas hit differently. The plot makes sense, the actors deliver brilliantly, and the emotional turmoil? Amazing! Since the start of this year, kdramas have been doing the most in the best way possible. There‘s been a hit drama every month, and I look forward to more coming out this year. If you're trying to figure out what to binge this weekend or don't want to waste your time watching mid dramas, this list is for you. These are the top-rated K-dramas of 2025 that actually deserve the hype. If you watch any Kdrama on this list per my recommendation and end up not liking it, feel free to hang my head on a spike. I’ll give you my house address.&nbsp;

This drama had everyone in a chokehold (Me included). I clutched my necklace every week, waiting for the next episode to drop because it was just that good. If you’re active on Tiktok, you might have come across an edit on this drama, and if not, that’s okay. I’d recommend that you don’t search for it on social media because there’s an abundance of spoilers. This Kdrama has the perfect balance between romance and mystery, and every episode leaves you with an exciting cliffhanger and gets better with every new episode.&nbsp;

When the phone rings is a tightly wound thriller romance where a rising politician, Baek Sa-aeon (Yoo Yeon-seok) and his mute wife, Hong Hee-joo (Chae Soo-bin), arranged marriage begins to shift after a mysterious call from a kidnapper changes their dynamic and flips their entire world upside down.&nbsp;

Although the ending left viewers a bit confused and affected the drama’s ratings, don’t let that stop you from enjoying the drama; it’s still a good watch and deserves the hype it got.&nbsp;

Genre: thriller, romance, mystery, melodrama

I binge-watched this Kdrama in one sitting, and I’m not ashamed to admit it. 8 episodes only, and it was just that good that I rewatched it twice till I found something else to occupy me. I don't need to convince people to watch this drama, unless they're not into medical dramas.

This series follows a war-seasoned, brilliant trauma surgeon, Baek Kang-hyuk (Ju Ji-hoon), who joins a struggling university trauma centre, bringing his eccentric but skilled approach to improve his team into life-saving heroes on call.&nbsp;

Historical Kdrama can be a hit or miss, considering the history with heartbreaking endings, but the tale of lady ok proved to be different. The storyline is so well-written that it had me on an emotional rollercoaster. I even had to pause midway to recover until it was completed.&nbsp;

The tale of Lady Ok is a historical (Sageuk) drama set during the Joseon period. It follows the tale of Lady Ok Tae-young (Lim Ji-yeon), a noble woman and a legal expert living a fake life, hiding her real identity as a slave on the run. If you like a show with a strong female lead and impressive plot twists, this is the one for you.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Genre: Historical drama, romantic thriller

At the end of this show, you’d find yourself wondering if the students ever did any studying despite the title being a study group. Not that I minded because it was such a wholesome show and probably one of the best to come out this year.&nbsp;

Study group is an adaptation based on the webtoon of the same name that follows a boy, Yoon Ga-min (Hwang Min-hyun), who just wants to study but is a student at a notorious vocational high school with many problematic students. Ga-min’s obsession with studying is painfully relatable, and his fighting skills? Chefs kiss. For someone who's not a big fan of action scenes, I thoroughly enjoyed them and even rewatched them several times. It's that good and deserves all the hype it gets.

This is a lighthearted, smooth and cosy drama that fixes up your chaotic day in an instant. If you’re a fan of romance drama, I bet you'll love it.&nbsp;

Love Scout is about the romance between a successful and confident CEO, Kang Ji-yun (Han Ji-min) of a head-hunting company and her secretary, Yo Eun-ho (Lee Jun-hyuk)

It's such a refreshing watch and takes on the reverse CEO and secretary trope brilliantly. The lead actors' chemistry? Top tier. They served soft romance and slow burn charm in every episode, so give it a try if you're yet to.

The kingmaker who was omitted from history books. The trials and tribulations the queen had to go through in this show will have you screaming at your TV in anger, and you will be repulsed by some characters, but it's all part of the show's charm.&nbsp;

The queen who crowns tells the story of Queen Wongyeong (Cha Joo-Young) in the Goryeo period, born into a noble family and helping her husband Yi Bang-won (Lee Hyun-Wook) become King Taejong and create a new regime. This is one of those historical period dramas that start strong and finish even outstandingly, so yes, it's absolutely worth your time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Melo movie carries more depth than the usual rom-com KDramas. There’s a lot to expect, and the strong emotions that the characters portray make it a wholesome watch.&nbsp;

Melo movie is about a movie fanatic, Yo Gyeom (Choi Woo-shik), who falls for an aspiring director (Park Bo-young), but soon after their romance fizzles out until their paths cross again as a movie critic and successful movie director.&nbsp; One of my favourite things about this series is how the romance and slice of life elements are blended incredibly from start to finish. This drama will leave a long-lasting impression. Even if you’re not a Kdrama person, this one might just convert you.

Genre: romantic comedy, slice of life drama

It took me a lot of convincing and reviews to watch this show. I know the star-studded cast should have been enough reason to watch, but I didn’t have it in me to cry because of a show. Following the finale, I began watching and was immediately proved right because tell me why I’m bawling my eyes out alongside the characters at freaking 2 am! Don’t be like me, embrace the tears. This kdrama deserves it.

When life gives you tangerines is about a spirited girl, Ae-sun (IU), who could not further her education despite being a lover of books due to her humble background and a steadfast boy, YangGwan-sikk (Park Bo-gum), who loved her and a lifelong tale of setbacks and enduring love.&nbsp;

This is one of the best K-dramas of 2025 with its perfect mix of comedy, romance, mystery and action.

Undercover High School follows Jeong Hae-seong (Seo Kang-joon), an elite NIS agent who, after a mission gone wrong, has to embark on a secret mission to find the rumoured hidden gold in Byungmun High.&nbsp;

The perks of this show are endless, with the fast-paced storyline, high school-meets-spy concept and the dashing Seo Kang-joon gracing our screens. I'd go into details of how his eyes hypnotised me in the show, but let's focus on why we're here. (Excuse the fangirling.) 10/10 kdrama. Worth the hype, so add it to your list. Don’t sleep on it.&nbsp;

Was the revenge satisfying? Not fully. But I'll admit it was an engaging watch. From the first episode, it was thrilling and had gripping suspense to keep you seated and eager for the next episode.&nbsp;

Buried Hearts is about a smart man, Seo Dong Ju (Park Hyung Sik), who hacked into a&nbsp; 2 trillion Korean Won political slush fund, and his fate becomes entangled with a powerful shadowy figure. One thing I guarantee is you'll be entertained by this show, and it's worth watching.&nbsp;

Karma was beautifully served in this show. How the lives of each character were connected and the outcome of their actions was written brilliantly that it deserves all the hype and a standing ovation.&nbsp;

The series is about six people who become entangled after a fateful accident, leading to unexpected drama and crime, challenging them to face their dark truths and connections. This psychological thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat with its gripping storytelling. If you love shows where every decision has a consequence, this one’s calling your name.&nbsp;

Genre: Psychological thriller, crime thriller

Resident Playbook, a spinoff of the show Hospital Playlist, is a good story with heartwarming character developments and lots of charm that makes you fall in love with the show and want more.&nbsp;

Resident Playbook follows first-year OBGYN residents at Yulje Medical Centre as they navigate the chaos of the hospital and their personal lives. You might not be a medical student, but these residents? They'll have you emotionally invested before episode 2, and you can't help rooting for them all. There’s a bit of romance in this show, but it's a slow burn. Just a friendly heads up.&nbsp;

Another 2025 historical drama that came correct and delivered an amazing drama from start to finish.&nbsp;

The Haunted Palace is an epic series about Yun Gap (Yook Sung-jae), a government official who becomes possessed by an imoogi (a mythical serpent) and Yeo Ri (Bona), a gifted shaman, as they enter the palace to defeat a powerful ghost alongside the king (Kim Ji-hoon). I miss this show already and can’t wait to rewatch it. I felt so many emotions following this drama. From happy to angry, then back to happy. It was a rollercoaster, but the best kind. If this isn’t already on your list, just know I’m giving you the side eye.&nbsp;

Genre: Fantasy, romantic comedy, period drama

A whodunnit mystery thriller? I’ll be there anytime! I’ll show up with snacks and a notepad at 4 am for this kind of show. I binge-watched the first half in one sitting because it was impossible to stop watching. This show is gripping and fast-paced, and you can’t help but suspect every character as the plot unravels.&nbsp;

Nine Puzzles follows Yun I-na (Kim Da-mi), who finds her uncle murdered, becoming the primary suspect. Years later, as a criminal profiler, she begins to investigate murders that seem to be related to her uncle and puzzle pieces delivered to her. If you want to enjoy this series as much as I did, take the time to binge-watch it all in one go and thank me later.&nbsp;

This drama is such a wholesome rom-com, and I don’t need to do much convincing. It kicks off on solid ground and delivers the enemies-to-lovers trope in its most delicious form. Tastefully Yours is about an arrogant successor, Han Beom-woo (Kang Ha-neul), gunning for top culinary honours and a stubborn chef, Mo Yeon-joo (Go Min-si), whose recipes are astounding, sparking an unlikely romance. Enemies to lovers is one of my favourite tropes, but the characters and comedic timing are what make this show a must-watch.

All the kdramas listed above are completed, so you can binge-watch at any time. If you’re okay with following a kdrama weekly, here is a list of ongoing kdramas.&nbsp;

Every kdrama has a unique vibe and fits different moods, and 2025’s kdrama releases have delivered across the board. Whether you need a thrilling drama, soft romance, action, or mind-blowing plot twists, this list has everything you need to build your K-drama 2025 watchlist. 

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