10 Best Korean Dramas of 2025 That You Must Watch, Complete with All Genres, Ratings, and Synopses

Kapanlagi.com - In the year 2025, many best Korean dramas have come to entertain drama lovers. Various genres from romance to action all have interesting storylines. It's no wonder that many dramas leave a lasting impression after watching.

One of the Korean dramas of 2025 that is intriguing is WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU TANGERINES. During its airing, it received various reactions and garnered positive responses. Ultimately, the story of this couple's struggle in life achieved high ratings.

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU TANGERINES received a rating of 9.3 on mydramalist, surpassing TWINKLING WATERMELON and MOVE TO HEAVEN. This makes WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU TANGERINES one of the highest-rated Korean dramas of all time.

So, which other best Korean drama recommendations of 2025 also received high ratings? Let's find out.

For updates on other Korean dramas, visit Liputan6.com.

1. WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU TANGERINES

The story of WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU TANGERINES begins with Ae-sun's (IU) childhood memories on Jeju Island. She was born into a poor family and raised by her mother, Gwang-rye (Yeom Hye-ran), a haenyeo who is a female diver making a living by gathering seafood without any tools.

Her life changes after her father passes away, leaving the family in great distress. However, in the midst of these hard times, Ae-sun meets Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum), a naive and kind-hearted fisherman’s son. From this simple meeting, their love slowly grows, a pure first love but filled with obstacles.

They grow up together, supporting each other, and face the hardships of life during the changing times of South Korea. This drama is a portrait of a lifelong love journey, from adolescence to old age.

The drama LIFE GIVES YOU TANGERINES was released on March 7, 2025, with 16 episodes. This drama aired on Netflix and received a rating of 9.3/10 on mydramalist.

2. TRAUMA CODE: HEROES ON CALL

TRAUMA CODE: HEROES ON CALL (credit: mydramalist)

The drama TRAUMA CODE: HEROES ON CALL has 8 episodes and centers around Baek Kang Hyuk, a genius trauma surgeon played by Ju Ji Hoon. With years of experience working in conflict zones, Baek Kang Hyuk is known as a confident doctor in his abilities. However, his stubborn nature often leads to conflicts around him.

The trauma team led by Baek Kang Hyuk consists of several talented individuals. This team frequently faces various critical situations, ranging from traffic accidents to natural disasters. The journey of this trauma team is not just about saving lives, but also about showcasing the challenging dynamics of teamwork. Each team member has their own story and personal conflicts that enrich the drama's plot, making it more emotional and realistic.

TRAUMA CODE: HEROES ON CALL will air in early 2025. Given the intriguing plot of this medical-themed Korean drama, it's no surprise that it has received a high rating of 9.1/10 on mydramalist.

3. STUDY GROUP

The story of STUDY GROUP centers around a student with big ambitions to enter university despite attending a school known for its problems. The main character in this drama is Yoon Ga Min, played by Hwang Min Hyun, who has exceptional fighting skills but struggles academically.

To pursue her dream of entering a prestigious university, she forms a study group with her friends. However, this group often faces various challenges, including threats from other problematic students. Yoon must fight to protect her group with her martial arts abilities.

STUDY GROUP, which has 10 episodes, premiered on January 23, 2025, and is adapted from a popular webtoon by Shin Hyung Wook and illustrator Yoo Seung Yeon. This webtoon has been read over 44 million times and has a rating of 9.71/10 on Naver Webtoon. The drama itself has also received an impressive rating of 8.9/10 on mydramalist.

4. WEAK HERO CLASS 2

WEAK HERO CLASS 2 (credit: mydramalist)

Repeating the success of the first Weak Hero Class, the second season's story is even stronger. It runs for 8 episodes, continuing the story of Yeon Si Eun after a major incident at her former school. Feeling like she failed to protect her friends, she chooses to transfer to Eunjang High School. However, her transfer does not mean her problems are over. On the contrary, she must face new, heavier challenges. Past trauma continues to haunt her, but she strives to stay strong.

At her new school, Yeon Si Eun meets Park Hu Min (Ryeoun), Seo Jun Tae (Choi Hyun Wook), and Go Hyun Tak (Lee Min Jae). The three have different backgrounds, but one thing that unites them is the desire to survive in a harsh school environment. This new friendship will be key for Yeon Si Eun in facing various conflicts at Eunjang High School.

WEAK HERO CLASS 2 premieres on May 25, 2025, on Netflix with a rating of 8.8/10 from mydramalist.

5. RESIDENT PLAYBOOK

The drama RESIDENT PLAYBOOK tells the story of resident doctors undergoing their training at Jongno Yulje Medical Center. The focus of the story is on the lives of young doctors, including tales of friendship, professional challenges, and the dilemmas they face in treating patients.

Go Yoon Jung plays Oh Yi Jeong, a first-year resident in obstetrics and gynecology. Together with her colleagues, she faces various difficult situations in the hospital, including critical moments in saving patients.

RESIDENT PLAYBOOK is a spin-off of HOSPITAL PLAYLIST, one of the most successful medical dramas that has two seasons and received high ratings. While HOSPITAL PLAYLIST tells the story of specialist doctors who have been friends since college, RESIDENT PLAYBOOK focuses more on the lives of resident doctors who are still in the learning and development stage.

RESIDENT PLAYBOOK will premiere in April 2025. This drama has 12 episodes and has received a rating of 8.7 on mydramalist.

6. OUR UNWRITTEN SEOUL

The drama OUR UNWRITTEN SEOUL tells the story of Yoo Mi Ji, a younger sister living in the village of Duseon-ri. One day, she visits her twin sister, Yoo Mi Rae, in Seoul and finds her twin trying to take her own life. It turns out that Mi Rae, who appears to be successful, is experiencing severe bullying at work.

To save her twin, Mi Ji proposes an identity swap. Mi Rae agrees to the idea, which ultimately leads both of them to live each other's lives and triggers a series of emotional events that are thought-provoking.

Unlike dramas filled with dramatic twists, OUR UNWRITTEN SEOUL offers a calm and reflective narrative. Existential questions such as "Who am I really?" become the center of the story.

Officially airing on May 24, 2025, it eventually received a rating of 8.7 from the mydramalist site.

7. THE WINNING TRY

THE WINNING TRY (credit: mydramalist)

THE WINNING TRY, airing on July 225, 2025, tells the story of Ju Ga Ram, a former Korean rugby star who retired early due to a drug case. Three years after his downfall, he returns to his old school as a contract coach for the high school rugby team, which is currently struggling with its reputation.

There, he faces not only the pressure to rebuild the team but also has to confront Bae I Ji, his former girlfriend who is now also a coach at the school. The story unfolds as the young players show their own struggles amidst personal conflicts and emotional turmoil.

The drama THE WINNING TRY, which has 12 episodes, received a rating of 8.5/10 on mydramalist.

8. YOU AND EVERYTHING ELSE

YOU AND EVERYTHING ELSE tells the story of a complicated friendship between two women, Ryu Eun-Joong (Kim Go-Eun) and Cheon Sang-Yeon (Park Ji-Hyun). Their relationship has been intertwined since elementary school with a colorful dynamic. Both are depicted as having a love-hate relationship where they admire each other while also being filled with jealousy and competition.

The story continues as they reach the age of 42, going through their teenage years, 20s, and into their 30s. By this age, Ryu Eun-Joong has successfully built a career as a drama screenwriter, while Cheon Sang-Yeon has become a successful film producer.

A turning point in the story occurs when Sang-Yeon suddenly reappears before Eun-Joong with an unexpected request. Sang-Yeon has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and asks Eun-Joong to accompany her on her final journey, including the possibility of euthanasia.

YOU AND EVERYTHING ELSE will air on September 12, 2025, and has received a rating of 8.5 on mydramalist.

9. LOVE SCOUT

LOVE SCOUT (credit: mydramalist)

Kang Ji-Yun, a career woman who dominates the business world with her cold demeanor and unwavering ambition, is nicknamed a CEO known for her uncompromising nature. She manages her professional life with a firmness that leaves almost no room for the emotions within her to express themselves freely, building a thick wall that makes her appear isolated from warm romantic relationships. Ji-Yun's orderly life begins to change when she meets her new secretary, a man who becomes the antithesis of herself.

Yoo Eun-Ho, a warm man who always brings a sense of calm amidst work pressures, successfully complements Ji-Yun with his caring nature and expertise in managing household affairs. Their differing personalities often trigger small conflicts, but Eun-Ho's presence gradually melts Ji-Yun's heart. Amidst a work environment filled with ambition, their relationship evolves into a story that is not only romantic but also touches on the humanity that Ji-Yun had momentarily forgotten.

LOVE SCOUT is released and premieres on January 3, 2025, exclusively on Vidio with a total of 12 episodes. It has received a fairly high rating of 8.5/10 on mydramalist.

10. BON APPETIT, YOUR MAJESTY

BON APPETIT, YOUR MAJESTY (credit: mydramalist)

BON APPETIT, YOUR MAJESTY tells the story of Yeon Ji-yeong (Im Yoon Ah), a modern chef who unexpectedly finds herself thrown back to the Joseon Dynasty during a solar eclipse. She arrives at the royal palace of King Yi Heon (Lee Chae Min), a young king whose life is overshadowed by the trauma of his mother's death and is obsessed with revenge against corrupt officials.

Initially regarded as a suspicious stranger, Ji-yeong eventually becomes the palace chef after impressing the king with her dishes that combine modern techniques and traditional ingredients.

Amidst the political turmoil of the palace, Ji-yeong must confront the ambitious concubine Kang Mok-ju and Prince Je Seon, who secretly plan to seize the throne. Through each dish she serves, Ji-yeong gradually melts Yi Heon's heart and awakens warm childhood memories, challenging the image of the king who has long been known as cold and cruel. This drama, consisting of 12 episodes, premiered on August 23, 2025. The success of this drama has garnered a rating of 8.5 on mydramalist.

These are the best Korean dramas of 2025 that have high ratings. Stay tuned for more information about Korean dramas only on Kapanlagi.com. If not now, when is KapanLagi?

(kpl/gen)