Korean dramas in 2025 proved once again why they continue to dominate global streaming charts. This year saw a strong mix of bold storytelling, emotional depth and genre variety from intense psychological thrillers to cute rom coms. Several shows stood out not just for popularity, but for consistently high IMDb ratings, reflecting strong viewer approval worldwide. Here’s a look at the Korean dramas of 2025 that impressed audiences the most and earned top ratings for their performances, stories and overall impact:
Topping the 2025 highest rated Korean drama list is ‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’, this touching drama starring IU and Park Bo-gum weaves a generational love story set between a peaceful island and urban upheavals. According to IMDb, the story is about, “In Jeju, a spirited girl and a steadfast boy's island story blossoms into a lifelong tale of setbacks and triumphs, proving love endures across time.” Known for its beautiful cinematography, emotional depth and heartfelt performances, the show has struck a chord with viewers around the world.
For those who love fast-paced medical drama, 'Trauma Code' delivers. Netflix synopsis states, “To create a top-tier trauma center, a war-seasoned doctor arrives — bringing his blunt but skilled ways to transform his team into life-saving mavericks.” The series follows an elite trauma team handling life-or-death emergencies, offering a raw and realistic portrayal of hospital pressure, human resilience and hope.
A sequel that raised the stakes higher this year was ‘Weak Hero Class 2’ which returned with intense action, social commentary, and raw teenage angst. “With the aid of unexpected friends, a gifted but introverted student confronts bullies and violent foes — unaware of how dangerous his world will become”, according to Netflix. The drama features themes of bullying, power imbalance and youth resilience, making it one of the standout youth-dramas of the year.
Study Group follows a group of underdog students who form a study club with a twist. The drama revolves around, “A struggling student at Korea's worst high school forms a study group while protecting his classmates with his fighting skills, hoping to overcome academic challenges and secure a spot in college”, states IMDb. The drama balances youthful energy, friendship, struggle and growth, earning it a loyal fan base among younger viewers.
‘Dear X’ is a dark, intense melodrama-thriller that tells the story of a young actress with a traumatic past who climbs the ladder of fame using manipulation, secrets and ambition. The show delves deep into betrayal, power, and toxic relationship. Many viewers praised its bold narrative and strong performances, especially the lead actor’s portrayal. The series has sparked passionate reactions about celebrity, ambition, and the cost of success.
A time-travel romance with a culinary twist, ‘Bon Appétit, Your Majesty’ follows a modern-day chef transported to the Joseon era, who must cook for a tyrant king. The mix of historic fantasy, palace intrigue, romance and creative cooking sequences struck a chord. Domestic viewership soared - the show became the highest-rated Korean drama of 2025, with finale numbers around 17.1% nationwide. Critics and viewers praised the chemistry of the lead actors and the drama’s stunning visuals, calling it a perfect escape for anyone who loves fantasy mixed with romance and humour.
A lighter, more comforting medical-drama offering centred on young doctors navigating their first years. This medical drama is about, “First-year OBGYN residents at Yulje Medical Center navigate the chaos of their work and personal lives, all in their quest to become exceptional doctors”, according to Netflix synopsis. With heart-touching stories, friendships and hospital realities, ‘Resident Playbook’ stood out as an emotionally grounded watch in 2025.
A heartfelt, emotional drama about love, loss and second chances, ‘Our Unwritten Seoul’ captured hearts with its relatable characters and storytelling. As per IMDb, the romance drama is about, “Identical twin sisters with opposite lives - one a former athlete living freely, the other a corporate perfectionist switching places with each other, despite their contrasting personalities.” It climbed steadily in ratings, finishing with an average nationwide rating of about 8.4%, becoming one of 2025’s most-watched weekend dramas. It is a great pick for viewers looking for empathy, hope, and healing.
Offering a lighter, more contemporary storyline, ‘Beyond the Bar’ attracted viewers interested in romance, workplace dynamics and the complexity of adult relationships. Among 2025’s top-ten list, it secured a steady fan base with solid ratings and a relatable humorous plot. The drama stars Lee Jin-wook, Jung Chae-yeon, Lee Hak-joo and Jeon Hye-bin in the main roles.
A drama that blends legal, political and social themes, ‘The Art of Negotiation’ also made it to the top rated list in 2025 (with nationwide rating around 10.3%). This workplace thriller K-drama is about, “A merger and acquisitions specialist, Yoon Joo-No, is a legendary negotiator. His team of experts including Lawyer Oh Soon-Young and Choi Jin-Soo specialise in large corporation deals between companies”, according to IMDb. For those who enjoy stories about power, conflict, and moral dilemmas, this one adds depth and intensity beyond typical melodrama.
From heartfelt Korean romance drama to binge worthy Korean thrillers, the year 2025 offered variety, making sure there was something for every kind of K-drama fan.
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Image credit: IMDb
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