by The first quarter of 2025 gave us some truly exciting Korean dramas. From heartwarming romance and school action to medical heroes and undercover missions, there is something for every Korean drama and movie lover.
Here’s a list of some of the best Kdramas that aired from January to March 2025
1. When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025)
When Life Gives You Tangerines is a beautiful story about love, family, and youth. It tells the memories of our parents’ early years—filled with dreams, mistakes, and love.
- Genre: Romance, Life, Drama
- Director: Kim Won Suk | Writer: Im Sang Choon
- Cast: IU, Park Bo Gum
- Episodes: 16
- Platform: Netflix
About When Life Gives You Tangerines
Ae Sun wants to be a poet even though she can’t go to school. She’s brave, cheerful, and speaks her mind. Gwan Sik is quiet and hardworking.
He doesn’t know how to show feelings, but he has loved Ae Sun from the start. Their story brings together their families’ past—filled with sweet, funny, and touching moments.
2. The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (2025)
The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call, follows a trauma team that saves lives in a busy hospital. It’s about doctors who work under pressure and still manage to care deeply.
- Genre: Action, Medical, Drama
Director: Lee Do Yoon | Writer: Choi Tae Kang
Cast: Ju Ji Hoon, Choo Young Woo, Ha Yoon Kyung - Also Known As: Severe Trauma Center: Golden Hour
- Episodes: 12
- Platform: Netflix
Synopsis of the Trauma Code
Baek Gang Hyeok is a top trauma surgeon with experience in war zones. He starts leading a trauma team in a university hospital.
He trains new doctors while facing hospital politics and limited resources. Together, they become real-life heroes.
3. Study Group (2025)
A mix of school fights and friendship, this drama is about a boy who wants to study but ends up protecting his friends instead.
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Youth
- Director: Lee Jang Hoon | Writer: Oh Bo Hyun
- Cast: Hwang Min Hyun, Han Ji Eun
- Episodes: 10
- Platform: TVING, Viki
Synopsis:
Yun Ga Min is a high school student who is bad at studying but good at fighting. He forms a study group to get into college. But as bullies appear, he fights to protect his classmates. His old tutor returns as a teacher, hiding secrets of her own.
4. Undercover High School (2025)
A spy drama with a twist—an NIS agent goes undercover in a high school to find hidden treasure.
- Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
- Director: Choi Jung In | Writer: Im Young Bin
Cast: Lee Je Hoon, Jung So Min - Episodes: 12
- Platform: Wavve, Viki, TVING, Kocowa
Synopsis:
Jung Hae Seong is a skilled agent who’s sent to a school to look for royal gold. Pretending to be a student, he meets O Su A, a teacher who dreams of a permanent job. As they grow closer, they uncover deep corruption in the school.
5. Love Scout
A story about a cold CEO and her kind secretary—who just might be her perfect match.
- Genre: Romance, Life, Business
- Director: Ham Joon Ho | Writer: Kim Ji Eun
- Cast: Kim Sejeong, Lee Do Hyun
- Episodes: 14
- Platform: Netflix, Apple TV, Viki, Wavve
Synopsis:
Kang Ji Yun is a successful headhunter who only knows how to work. Her secretary, Yoo Eun Ho, is caring, kind, and a single father. As they spend time together, she starts to rely on him more—not just at work but in life too.
6. My Dearest Nemesis
A funny and sweet story about second chances and online misunderstandings.
- Genre: Comedy, Romance
- Director: Lee Soo Hyun
- Cast: Kim Ji Won, Rowoon
- Episodes: 16
- Platform: TVING, Viki
Synopsis:
Baek Su Jeong once liked an online gamer named “Black Dragon,” but it ended badly. Years later, she finds out her new boss at work is that same boy—now grown up. As they clash, sparks begin to fly again.
7. The Potato Lab
Netflix, TVING
Genres: Comedy, Romance
Set in a quirky research institute tucked away in the mountains, The Potato Lab gives us an offbeat, heartwarming love story between Kim Mi Gyeong—a passionate, borderline potato-obsessed scientist—and So Baek Ho, her too-handsome new boss.
She’s all science jargon and secret projects; he’s all charm and aloof charisma. Naturally, they bicker. Naturally, they fall in love. Bonus points for the most romantic potato-naming subplot ever.
8. The Art of Negotiation
TVING, Viki, Kocowa
Genres: Business, Drama
Yun Ju No, once the powerhouse behind Sanin Group’s M&A team, mysteriously bailed to Hawaii. But now, with 11 billion dollars in debt and a collapsing empire, he’s summoned back as the last card on the table.
With high-stakes mergers, sharp suits, and a no-nonsense team of elite negotiators, The Art of Negotiation delivers all the corporate drama and power plays you could ask for.
9. Secret Relationships
iQIYI, LINE TV
Genres: Psychological, Romance, Drama
Tensions simmer and emotions explode in Secret Relationships, a drama adapted from a popular webtoon. Da On finds himself caught in an increasingly complicated emotional maze involving his coworker Seong Hyeon, a mysterious ex-tutor, and an heir with a past. Love square? More like a Rubik’s cube of feelings. Expect obsession, betrayal, and some seriously messy romance.
10. Newtopia
Prime Video
Genres: Action, Horror, Romance, Fantasy
In Newtopia, Jae Yun is just another disillusioned soldier—until the world goes full zombie outbreak. His mission? Survive and reunite with his ex-girlfriend, Yeong Ju, who’s on her own path of survival and strength. High-rise shootouts, emotional meltdowns, and undead drama await in this gritty adaptation of the novel Influenza.
11. Resident Playbook
Netflix, TVING
Genres: Comedy, Life, Youth, Medical
A spin-off from the Hospital Playlist universe, Resident Playbook follows a fresh batch of OBGYN residents navigating chaotic hospital life, academic pressure, and deepening friendships. It’s heartfelt, funny, and full of the signature slice-of-life storytelling that made its predecessor a hit.
12. Unmasked (2025)
Disney+, Hulu
Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Comedy, Drama
Investigative team leader “Trigger” and his rogue PD co-lead a broadcasting unit that’s about to be canceled—unless they can expose some of the city’s darkest truths. A mix of mystery, satire, and office politics, Unmasked is perfect if you love watching the little guys take down the big bads (while navigating very messy work relationships).
13. Heesu in Class 2 (2025)
Release TBA
Genres: Youth, Romance, School
Heesu might be a self-proclaimed dating guru, but he’s never actually had a girlfriend. Still, he dishes out love advice to classmates—until a rumor involving him and a male friend sets off a journey of self-discovery, confusion, and growth. Based on the beloved webtoon, this coming-of-age gem explores identity, friendship, and the meaning of love in its many forms.
