Highest Rated K-Dramas of 2025 (So Far!) – From Epic Romance to Gripping Thrillers

From emotional slow burns to intense crime thrillers, 2025 has delivered a fresh wave of K-dramas that are dominating both ratings and fan discussions. Whether you’re here for love stories, dark mysteries, or sweeping historicals — this year’s lineup has something for every type of viewer.

Here are some of the highest-rated Korean dramas of 2025 so far — including one massive bonus hit that surprised everyone.

12. Good Boy

Park Bo-gum’s comeback was everything fans hoped for. In Good Boy, he plays a former boxer who becomes a rookie cop. The show mixes action, comedy, and emotion in just the right balance. It’s smart, energetic, and heartfelt. Opposite him is Kim So-hyun as a psychologist, and let’s just say — the chemistry is real. This JTBC drama took off quickly and proved Bo-gum’s still got it.

11. The Haunted Palace

If you love mystery with a touch of horror, this one’s a must. Set in a royal palace where strange deaths are taking place, the story follows a young woman — the granddaughter of a shaman — who’s pulled into a supernatural battle. When her love interest becomes possessed, she enters the palace to save him. With chilling spirits and gorgeous period sets, it’s spooky, romantic, and beautifully done.

10. Love Scout

This workplace romance is charming and refreshingly sweet. Han Ji-min stars as a no-nonsense CEO, while Lee Jun-hyuk plays her loyal secretary — a single dad with a heart of gold. Their chemistry is off the charts. The series blends office politics with emotional warmth and adds a fun twist to the classic boss-secretary dynamic.

9. The Queen Who Crowns

Ambition, betrayal, and heartbreak fuel this royal drama. Chae Joo-young delivers a standout performance as a powerful woman who marries into royalty and helps her husband rise to power — only to be cast aside. It’s a bold, emotionally charged drama that explores trust, revenge, and female strength in a patriarchal world. One of the year’s most talked-about historicals.

8. Dear Hyung

Set during the late Joseon era, this story begins when a young boy disappears and returns years later with no memory of his past. His family welcomes him back, but his sister is suspicious. What unfolds is a mystery full of tension, hidden secrets, and a growing unease. With Jo Bo-ah and Lee Jae-wook leading the cast, the drama mixes historical beauty with psychological drama.

7. Nine Puzzles

A sharp and suspenseful thriller. A girl’s uncle is murdered. She’s the only witness — but she doesn’t remember what happened. Fast-forward ten years, and she’s now a profiler… working with the same detective who once suspected her. As the past resurfaces, so do dark truths. Smart, dark, and layered — this one's perfect for crime drama lovers.

6. Our Unwritten Soul

Park Bo-young takes on a dual role as twin sisters living completely different lives. One’s a free spirit in the countryside, the other’s burned out in Seoul. When they swap places, everything changes. It’s funny, heartwarming, and gently explores burnout, identity, and sisterhood. One of the year’s most emotional dramas.

5. Resident Playbook

Think Hospital Playlist with younger doctors and fresh energy. Set in a gynecology residency program, the show explores both medical challenges and personal growth. The low birthrate topic is subtly woven in, making it both relevant and touching. With Go Yoon-jung and Shin Si-ah leading, it’s a heartfelt slice of life that feels real and uplifting.

4. Weak Hero Class 2

After a powerful first season, this sequel delivered even more action and emotion. Park Ji-hoon returns as our quiet but deadly lead — transferred to a new school and quickly drawn into more gang conflict. The stakes are higher, and the bonds are deeper. If you love gritty youth dramas with real heart, don’t miss this one.

3. Study Group

High school, fists, and… tutoring? Our lead isn’t great at studying, but he’s an incredible fighter. Determined to protect his classmates and still make it to college, he starts a study group — and defends it from bullies with his fists. It’s absurd in the best way, blending comedy, action, and heartfelt growth.

2. Trauma Code: Heroes on Call

Medical thrillers don’t get more intense than this. Joo Ji-hoon stars as a trauma surgeon who’ll do whatever it takes to save lives — even if the hospital’s in chaos. From emergency room scenes to big ethical questions, this drama had viewers glued to their screens. It’s fast, emotional, and deeply satisfying.

1. When Life Gives You Tangerines

This one stole everyone’s hearts. Set on Jeju Island, it tells the story of a couple across two timelines — young love and later life. IU and Park Bo-gum lead the cast, while Moon So-ri and Park Jun take over as the older versions of the couple. It's tender, poetic, and beautifully shot. A top-rated drama not just in Korea, but globally.

🔥 Bonus Mention: Mercy for None

So Ji-sub’s latest hit debuted in 44 countries and smashed viewership records. Based on the Plaza Wars webtoon, it’s dark, action-packed, and intense. Expect this one to top more “Best of 2025” lists before the year ends.