Trending K-Dramas That Will Save You from the Blues!
Nabila Mulla | Wed, 02 Apr 2025
Feeling overwhelmed by too many K-drama choices? We got you! From heart-fluttering romances to adrenaline-pumping thrillers, this list of must-watch K-dramas in 2025 has something for everyone. Plus, if you're unsure what to watch next, we've got fun comparisons to your favorite American shows and classic K-dramas. So, whether you're in the mood for nostalgia, sci-fi, or high-stakes drama, there's a perfect show waiting for you. Grab your popcorn and dive into this binge-worthy lineup!
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Feeling down? Need a pick-me-up? Well, you're in luck! The K-drama world has delivered some absolute gems in 2025 that are sure to lift your spirits and keep you glued to the screen. Whether you're a hopeless romantic, a thrill-seeker, or someone who just loves a good story, there's something here for you. And hey, if you're wondering what to watch next based on your favorites, we've got you covered with some fun comparisons. So, grab your snacks, get comfy, and let's dive into the best K-dramas to watch this year!
1. When Life Gives You Tangerines
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Jeju Island, this romantic series follows Ae-sun (IU) and Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum) as they navigate love and life's challenges from the 1960s to the present day. Their enduring bond showcases the timeless nature of true love.
Why Watch: This series beautifully blends nostalgia with heartfelt storytelling, much like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day.
If You Loved These, You'll Love This:
Where to Watch: Netflix
2. Resident Playbook
A spinoff of the beloved Hospital Playlist, this drama delves into the lives of OB-GYN residents at Yulje Medical Center’s Jongno branch. As they navigate the challenges of medical practice amidst Korea's declining birth rate, they form deep bonds and face personal and professional dilemmas.
Why Watch: It's got the perfect mix of heartfelt moments, relatable friendships, and medical drama intensity.
If You Loved These, You'll Love This:
Where to Watch: Netflix
3. Newtopia
In a world suddenly overrun by zombies, Kang Youngjoo (BLACKPINK’s Jisoo) and Lee Jaeyoon (Park Jeongmin) struggle to reunite amidst the chaos in Seoul. Based on Han Sangwoon's novel Influenza, this series intertwines apocalyptic suspense with a poignant love story.
Why Watch: It’s the perfect balance of adrenaline-pumping action and emotional depth.
If You Loved These, You'll Love This:
Where to Watch: Netflix
4. When the Stars Gossip
Set aboard the International Space Station, this romantic dramedy follows mission commander Eve Kim (Gong Hyo Jin) and space tourist Gong Ryong (Lee Min Ho) as they navigate unexpected feelings in zero gravity.
Why Watch: Space, romance, and Lee Min Ho? Say no more!
If You Loved These, You'll Love This:
Where to Watch: tvN
5. Squid Game 3
The highly anticipated conclusion to the Squid Game series continues the harrowing journey of Seong Gi-hun as he endeavors to dismantle the sinister organization behind the deadly games. New challenges and deeper conspiracies await in this thrilling finale.
Why Watch: More intense, more psychological twists, and the grand conclusion everyone’s been waiting for.
If You Loved These, You'll Love This:
Where to Watch: Netflix (June 25, 2025)
6. The Potato Lab
This quirky romantic comedy centers on Kim Mi-kyung (Lee Sun-bin), a dedicated potato researcher whose life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of the new, efficiency-obsessed director, So Baek-ho (Kang Tae-oh).
Why Watch: Who knew potatoes could be this fun?
If You Loved These, You'll Love This:
Where to Watch: Netflix
7. Melo Movie
Released on Valentine's Day, this romance stars Ko Gyeom (Choi Woo-shik), a film-obsessed critic, and Kim Mu-bee (Park Bo-young), a director who despises films due to her father’s career in the industry.
Why Watch: It’s romantic, it’s witty, and it’s got all the film geek references.
If You Loved These, You'll Love This:
Where to Watch: Netflix
So, there you have it—your ultimate guide to the top K-dramas of 2025 that will keep you entertained and emotionally invested. Whether you’re into romance, thrillers, medical dramas, or sci-fi adventures, there’s something here for everyone. And with these fun comparisons, you can easily find your next obsession.
Now, tell us—which one are you watching first? Or did we miss any must-watch K-dramas? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
Unlock insightful tips and inspiration on personal growth, productivity, and well-being. Stay motivated and updated with the latest at My Life XP.
1. When Life Gives You Tangerines
A Love Story On Jeju Island
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Jeju Island, this romantic series follows Ae-sun (IU) and Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum) as they navigate love and life's challenges from the 1960s to the present day. Their enduring bond showcases the timeless nature of true love.
Why Watch: This series beautifully blends nostalgia with heartfelt storytelling, much like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day.
If You Loved These, You'll Love This:
- American Show: This Is Us – A multi-generational love story with deep emotional layers.
- K-Drama: Reply 1988 – Nostalgic, heartwarming, and full of unforgettable friendships and love.
2. Resident Playbook
Life, Love, And Medicine
A spinoff of the beloved Hospital Playlist, this drama delves into the lives of OB-GYN residents at Yulje Medical Center’s Jongno branch. As they navigate the challenges of medical practice amidst Korea's declining birth rate, they form deep bonds and face personal and professional dilemmas.
Why Watch: It's got the perfect mix of heartfelt moments, relatable friendships, and medical drama intensity.
If You Loved These, You'll Love This:
- American Show: Grey’s Anatomy – Medical drama packed with emotional highs and lows.
- K-Drama: Hospital Playlist – The original series, with its perfect blend of medicine and friendship.
3. Newtopia
Zombies And Survival
In a world suddenly overrun by zombies, Kang Youngjoo (BLACKPINK’s Jisoo) and Lee Jaeyoon (Park Jeongmin) struggle to reunite amidst the chaos in Seoul. Based on Han Sangwoon's novel Influenza, this series intertwines apocalyptic suspense with a poignant love story.
Why Watch: It’s the perfect balance of adrenaline-pumping action and emotional depth.
If You Loved These, You'll Love This:
- American Show: The Walking Dead – Thrilling, suspenseful, and all about survival.
- K-Drama: Kingdom – Zombies, politics, and drama, all in one.
4. When the Stars Gossip
Romance In Space
Set aboard the International Space Station, this romantic dramedy follows mission commander Eve Kim (Gong Hyo Jin) and space tourist Gong Ryong (Lee Min Ho) as they navigate unexpected feelings in zero gravity.
Why Watch: Space, romance, and Lee Min Ho? Say no more!
If You Loved These, You'll Love This:
- American Show: The Expanse – Sci-fi adventure with deep relationships.
- K-Drama: It’s Okay to Not Be Okay – Unique setting, complex emotions, and breathtaking cinematography.
5. Squid Game 3
The Final Showdown
The highly anticipated conclusion to the Squid Game series continues the harrowing journey of Seong Gi-hun as he endeavors to dismantle the sinister organization behind the deadly games. New challenges and deeper conspiracies await in this thrilling finale.
Why Watch: More intense, more psychological twists, and the grand conclusion everyone’s been waiting for.
If You Loved These, You'll Love This:
- American Show: The Hunger Games – Deadly games, high stakes, and rebellion.
- K-Drama: Alice in Borderland (Japanese, but K-drama fans love it!) – Survival game thriller with mind-blowing twists.
6. The Potato Lab
Love And Potatoes!
This quirky romantic comedy centers on Kim Mi-kyung (Lee Sun-bin), a dedicated potato researcher whose life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of the new, efficiency-obsessed director, So Baek-ho (Kang Tae-oh).
Why Watch: Who knew potatoes could be this fun?
If You Loved These, You'll Love This:
- American Show: The Big Bang Theory – Science, romance, and comedy in one.
- K-Drama: What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim – Workplace romance with hilarious misunderstandings.
7. Melo Movie
A Romance In Film
Released on Valentine's Day, this romance stars Ko Gyeom (Choi Woo-shik), a film-obsessed critic, and Kim Mu-bee (Park Bo-young), a director who despises films due to her father’s career in the industry.
Why Watch: It’s romantic, it’s witty, and it’s got all the film geek references.
If You Loved These, You'll Love This:
- American Show: La La Land (Yes, it's a movie, but you get the point.) – Romance set in the film industry.
- K-Drama: Tune in for Love – Heartfelt love story with a nostalgic feel.
So, there you have it—your ultimate guide to the top K-dramas of 2025 that will keep you entertained and emotionally invested. Whether you’re into romance, thrillers, medical dramas, or sci-fi adventures, there’s something here for everyone. And with these fun comparisons, you can easily find your next obsession.
Now, tell us—which one are you watching first? Or did we miss any must-watch K-dramas? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
Unlock insightful tips and inspiration on personal growth, productivity, and well-being. Stay motivated and updated with the latest at My Life XP.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Which one is the best K-drama to watch?
Determining the "best" K-drama is subjective and depends on personal preferences. However, some highly acclaimed series include Crash Landing on You, It's Okay to Not Be Okay, and Queen of Tears. - What is top 1 K-drama?
As of 2024, Queen of Tears has achieved significant popularity and high viewership ratings, making it one of the top K-dramas. - What K-drama has a 9.5 rating?
"Doom at Your Service" has received a 9.5 rating on Rakuten Viki.
