It’s time for our Top KDramas of 2025 list, and boy, was it hard to put together. Despite reports of fewer Kdramas being ordered in recent years (and when they are ordered, they’re getting shorter episode counts), 2025 was still a pretty busy year for Kdrama releases.
From romance to psychological thrillers to fascinating historical reimaginings and more, there was quite literally something for everyone, including the most casual Kdramas viewer. As more screenwriters adjust to shorter episode counts, many of the KDramas on our Top KDramas of 2025 list benefited greatly from tighter storytelling and made the most of the time allotted.
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There were two stipulations behind our decision-making this year. To make the Top Kdramas of 2025 list, the Kdramas had to have been released in their entirety and available to audiences on streaming platforms. This means that Kdramas that are halfway or just starting their run did not make the list (but could be eligible for our 2026 list).
Without further ado, let’s get into our Top KDramas of 2025.
14. Dynamite Kiss
Director: Kim Jae-hyun
Writers: Ha Yoon-a, Tae Kyeong-min
Actors: Jang Ki-yong, Ahn Eun-jin, Kim Mu-jun, Woo Da-vi
Watch Here: Netflix
“Dynamite Kiss takes miscommunication to a new high. What do you do when you’re in love with someone but pretending to be married, all because getting a job after 30 as a woman in South Korea feels like a hopeless task? The answer is, keep the lie going as long as you can. But from that melodrama, the thoughtful approach to women’s place in society as mothers and wives is what makes the series stand out.
Whether it’s Gong Ji-hyeok’s mother, Go Da-rim herself, or Yu Ha-yeong, a chaebol daughter, all of the women in this series are trying hard to go down the path they want without much of any help from society. That earnest approach to discussion gender, even through spectacle makes Dynamite Kiss more than just its meet-cute and approach electric chemistry.
That said, as our leading couple, the control that both Da-rim and Ji-hyeok showcase in their lives and how they bend for each other highlights respect above all else, making them a couple to root for. While the series dips heavily into classic ‘we need a big moment tropes’ like Ji-hyeok saving Da-rim from loansharks, or Ji-hyeok losing his memory at some point, or even multiple life-endangering fires, it never loses its heart in the process. The melodrama strikes the right note between K-Drama quirks and interesting television, while the romance prioritizes choice above all else.”
13. Good Boy
Director: Sim Na-yeon
Writer: Lee Dae-il
Actors: Park Bo-gum, Kim So-hyun, Oh Jung-se, Lee Sang-yi, Heo Sung-tae, Tae Won-seok
Watch Here: Prime Video
“Good Boy is charming from start to finish, with the endearing Park Bo-gum as Yoon Dong-ju. Actor Park’s chemistry with every character, including his love interest, Kim So-hyun as Ji Ha-na, propels the series forward, episode by episode.
A former boxer, Dong-ju is often put in situations where his physicality can shine, with plenty of fight sequences that allow actor Park to showcase his action chops. The series’s kindness is also an element that makes it stand out. With the police as the focus and rooting out corruption as a main point, Good Boy doesn’t rest on its crime-drama laurels; instead, it uses its cast’s propensity for humor as much as its fighting to capture levity.
That said, the individual characters also each deal with their own post-athletic approach to life in varying degrees of fondness. The ability for Good Boy to break down the importance of discipline as an athlete, the worry about being ‘good enough,’ and the struggle to find safety in a sea of hostility comes through with each character. The personal battles that each of the ensemble cast members faces in Good Boy are as interesting as the overarching conspiracy they go up against.”
12. The Manipulated
Director: Kim Chang-ju
Writer: Oh Sang-ho
Actors: Ji Chang-wook, Do Kyung-soo
Watch Here: Disney+ and Hulu
“One part Death Race and one part The Price of Confession, The Manipulated is a genre-hyphenate of a series that doesn’t stop to ask, ‘Is this swing too big?’ Instead, the series writer, Oh Sang-ho just keeps pushing the boundary further and further.
By the series’s end, the spectacle is all about it; the reality is that this is the first series I have seen, international or otherwise, that comes close to the interesting, violent action sequences we got from Netflix’s Daredevil. The prison fights in The Manipulated are mean, brutal, and showcase the main character’s descent into vengeance the longer it goes.
But having been falsely accused, Park Tae-Joong’s growing need for revenge and his movement from a wide-eyed kind man to one hardened by the world around him. Compelling characters, nailbiting action, and a weird chaebol who just wants to watch the world burn? Yeah, it’s a must-watch.”
11. Love Scout
Director: Ham Joon-ho
Writer: Kim Ji-eun
Actors: Han Ji-min, Lee Jun-hyuk, Kim Do-hoon, Kim Yoon-hye, Park Bo-kyung
Watch Here: Viki
“Love Scout’s strength lies in the powerful and dynamic relationship between Ji-yun and Eun-ho. On a personal level, watching Ji-yun heal and learn healthier ways of being present in the world and around people made me feel myself healing in the process. Surrounded by friends, colleagues, and loved ones, Ji-yun is finally in a place where she is cared for.
And that’s something I think many of us can understand. Being loved and valued, treasured and taken care of, is the best experience, and Love Scout demonstrates this completely.” – Sarah Musnicky
10. Nine Puzzles
Directors: Yoon Jong Bin, Kim Jung-ho
Writer: Lee Eun-mi
Actors: Kim Da-mi, Son Suk-ku
Watch Here: Disney+, Hulu
“Nine Puzzles undeniably spins a twisted tale. Its mystery is undeniable and addictive, with the disturbing puzzle pieces being a hallmark of a creative serial killer. The turbulent relationship between E-na and Han-seum is unavoidable, as both aim to achieve the same goal through different means and must work together to reach it.
Unfortunately, all the strength the series has built crumbles slightly with its big reveal. If the series is greenlit for a second season, a less rushed ending with more gaps filled in could help sell the killer’s identity.” – Sarah Musnicky
9. Dear Hongrang
Director: Kim Hong-sun
Writers: Jang Da-hye (novel), Kim Jin-a
Actors: Lee Jae-wook, Cho Bo-ah, Jung Ga-ram, Uhm Ji-won, Park Byung-eun
Watch Here: Netflix
“One of life’s many tragedies is that it doesn’t go as we would dream. The loss of a son, the collapse of an empire, a love rejected—these things remind us of life’s joys. In Dear Hongrang, the understanding of loss and grief radiates throughout, with all roads leading to relief in some shape or form. Yet, it isn’t until characters can let go that they are truly free. That freedom, however tragic its form, leads to ultimate release.” – Sarah Musnicky
8. Trigger
Director: Kwon Oh-seung
Writer: Kwon Oh-seung
Actors: Kim Na-gil, Kim Young-kwang
Watch Here: Netflix
“Trigger is Netflix’s most disturbing series, and its ability to move from a regular crime drama into an unsettling spectacle of gun violence with so little effort is unnerving. Still, its message is heard loud and clear if you take the time to look instead of being moved by the sensationalization.
Trigger isn’t perfect, with its clunky handling of some serious topics, often choosing only to show the high-level impact due to its choice to tackle multiple societal issues within its episode count. But the series is well worth enduring that all. If only to understand how not normal it is for the United States to have mass shootings so frequently, and how our reality is the worst nightmare of other people.” – Kate Sánchez
7. Melo Movie
Director: Oh Chung-hwan
Writer: Lee Na-eun
Actors: Choi Woo-sik, Park Bo-young, Lee Jun-young, Jeon So-nee
Watch Here: Netflix
“Melo Movie, as a whole, never pulls back from the melodramatics that sparked its title, giving plenty of excitement to view onscreen. The romance between its characters may be the hook, but the series’s refreshingly honest take on film, what it means to people, and how easily it can be used as a crutch adds extra weight to the viewing experience. Melo Movie proves that it’s okay that life isn’t a movie. Sometimes life is just, well, life, and we have to deal with what it throws at us. No slate included.” – Sarah Musnicky
6. Dear X
Directors: Lee Eung-bok, Park So-hyun
Writers: Ban Ji-woon (webcomic), Choi Ja-won
Actors: Kim You-jung, Kim Young-dae, Kim Do-hoon, Lee Yul-eum, Kim Yi-kyeong, Kim Ji-hoon
Watch Here: Viki
“As a fan of the original webtoon, Viki’s Dear X elevated the source material and brought the natural darkness of the webtoon to the screen while adding much-needed depth through the performances. Kim You-jung honestly deserves all the awards, using her natural stoicism to bring out Ah-jin’s manipulative nature whilst balancing the character’s moral dilemmas. While Ah-jin on the page is fascinating enough, Kim You-jung adds the charisma and gravitas that felt missing from the webtoon’s artwork.
Yes, Dear X is not for the faint of heart, and if you’re not into truly psychologically disturbing material, you might want to avoid the series. However, it cannot be denied how absolutely terrifyingly good this series is if you’re a fan of the thriller-melo genre. Just trust me on this.” – Sarah Musnicky
4. Aema
Director: Lee Hae-young
Writers: Park Eun-kyung, Lee Hae-young
Actors: Lee Ha-nee, Jin Sun-kyu, Bang Hyo-rin, Cho Hyun-chul
Watch Here: Netflix
“[Wh]ere Aema stands strongest is in how it handles its darkness. It’s an open secret that the history of filmmaking (and acting as a whole) has been riddled with problems. For women, especially, there has been an uneven power dynamic, with just being present in the industry forcing us on the defense and navigating situations that, frankly, shouldn’t happen. Yet, they do. It’s why, despite its historical setting, Aema is still incredibly relevant today.
Aema holds nothing back in its examination of the film industry and its complexities. Centered by two incredibly strong, complicated female characters, part of the joy in watching is seeing what they will do next. For Bang Hyo-rin, especially, I can’t think of a better performance tableau than her outing here.” – Sarah Musnicky
4. Squid Game Season 3
Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Writer: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Actors: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Lee Seo-hwan, Wi Ha-joon, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-uk
Watch Here: Netflix
“Even as much of Squid Game Season 3 delivers emotional impact through surprising twists, one thing that grounds the world in familiarity is the music. Hauntingly familiar tones roll in just when you expect them to. This trademark musical presence ties everything together wonderfully…
Every tragedy and triumph that unfolds in the series hits so powerfully, thanks to the impassioned performances of every actor. Whether their personality is righteous or revolting, everyone gives one hundred percent to convince the audience that what’s happening is real.
Squid Game Season 3 delivers in almost every way you can ask a finale to. It delivers powerful emotions and surprising twists through a level of polished presentation and pitch-perfect pacing rarely seen.” – Charles Hartford
3. The Price of Confession
Director: Lee Jung-hyo
Writer: Kwon Jong-kwan
Actors: Jeon Do-yeon, Kim Go-eun, Park Hae-soo
Watch Here: Netflix
“How everything comes together satisfies, but the feeling gained from The Price of Confession comes from more than the writing. The fascinating display of performances from the entire cast creates a compelling tableau of characters that feed into themes of criminality, its manifestations, and the justice system’s complicity in maintaining and – sometimes – generating it. At the center are Jeon Do-yeon and Kim Go-eun, both of whom are already well known for their phenomenal acting talents…
From absolute chills to agonizing tension, The Price of Confession absolutely succeeds at getting under the skin. With Jeon Do-yeon and Kim Go-eun at the helm of characters that are equally memorable in their own right, it is impossible to look away. With its many twists and turns, it’s anyone’s guess what is truth and what is fiction until the final reveal drops, making The Price of Confession a must-binge viewing experience.” – Sarah Musnicky
2. Mercy for None
Directors: Choi Sung-Eun
Writers: Oh Se-Hyeong (webcomic), Kim Kyun-Tae (webcomic), Yoo Ki-Sung
Actors: So Ji-Sub, Lee Jun-Hyuk, Jung Gun-Joo, Gong Myung, Choo Young-Woo
Watch Here: Netflix
“Mercy For None captures the ripples that one choice makes, and the violent consequences that come from them. Ultimately, Ki-Jun’s adherence to the reality that the only way for anyone in their life to leave crime is to die makes him a reaper of sorts, but his own fearlessness and acceptance of a future death are what make him dangerous.
While it would be easy to classify the seven-episode series as just one path of revenge, Mercy For None is as much about the politicking in a criminal organization and power grabs as it is about action sequences. Each episode, we see Nam Ki-seok’s murder from a different perspective, learning more with each scene about what came next, until the person who built the web that killed him comes into focus.
While My Name established itself as one of the top action-revenge series on the streaming service, Mercy For None surpasses it… Mercy For None is an astounding series that ends with a silence that carries weight. Top-notch action, well-plotted intrigue, and the most violence in a Netflix series, this action-revenge story deserves to be on every “top” list this year and beyond.”
1. When Life Gives You Tangerines
Director: Kim Won-suk
Writer: Im Sang-choon
Actors: IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, and Park Hae-joon
Watch Here: Netflix
“When Life Gives You Tangerines covers a lot of ground. It is emotionally turbulent and perfectly encapsulates the rollercoaster effect that is life. None of these characters has it easy. Yet, there are pockets of joy to be found in their daily lives that keep them going. Whether it’s the motivation to see their children be successful, to love and honor their future marriage, or even just to have something filling to eat at night, they find a way to keep going.
This underlying theme is a constant in writer Im Sang-choon’s work, and it never grows old. To inspire hope in dire circumstances is always a necessary message to take away. In When Life Gives You Tangerines, this hope drives the perseverance of IU’s Ae-soon and Park Bo-gum’s Gwan-sik against all odds. Bolstered by their strong performances and Sang-choon’s timeless storytelling, this kdrama is a much-needed watch for our times. Just bring tissues!” – Sarah Musnicky
Did your favorite KDramas from 2025 miss the list? Let us know on social media.
The synopses for Top KDramas of 2025 come from our writing team’s previous reviews.
