Discover the Top 10 Korean Dramas of 2025 ranked by IMDb ratings. From romance to thrillers, see which K-dramas ruled Netflix and Disney+ this year.
New Delhi| October 11, 2025 | The Interview Times—The year 2025 has been a blockbuster for Korean dramas, with streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ overflowing with stories that stirred global emotions — from heartfelt romances to nerve-wracking thrillers.
Drawing from IMDb’s user ratings and audience reviews, we’ve compiled The Top 10 Korean Dramas of 2025, ranked by critical acclaim and viewer love.
These rankings include shows released or completed in 2025, each with over 1,000 votes. Ratings are current as of mid-October and may shift slightly as more fans join the conversation.
Whether you’re a long-time K-drama enthusiast or a newcomer to the Hallyu wave, this list captures the essence of Korea’s golden year in storytelling.
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Top 10 Korean Dramas of 2025 — Ranked
| Rank | Title | IMDb Rating | Episodes | Plot Summary | Main Cast |
| 1 | When Life Gives You Tangerines | 9.2 | 16 | A touching slice-of-life romance on Jeju Island, following childhood friends Ae-sun and Gwan-sik as they navigate love and loss through time-jumping narratives. | IU, Park Bo-gum |
| 2 | Mercy for None | 8.6 | 8 | A gritty revenge thriller about a former gangster seeking truth behind his brother’s death, unraveling betrayal and redemption. | Seo In-guk, Kim Woo-bin (guest), Lee Joo-bin |
| 3 | Trauma Code: Heroes on Call | 8.4 | 10 | A high-stakes medical drama following an elite trauma team tackling life-or-death emergencies and emotional turmoil. | Ju Ji-hoon, Choo Young-woo, Shin Ha-young |
| 4 | Our Unwritten Seoul | 8.4 | 12 | Twin sisters switch lives after a family tragedy, leading to romance, healing, and personal growth. | Park Bo-young, Choi Woo-shik, Kim Jae-wook |
| 5 | Weak Hero Class 2 | 8.3 | 8 | A raw and emotional sequel exploring high school bullying and corruption through intense action sequences. | Hwang Min-hyun, Han Ji-eun, Cha Woo-min |
| 6 | Study Group | 8.3 | 12 | A group of underdog students forms a study club that doubles as a defense squad against bullies — blending humor and heroism. | Yoon Chan-young, Minji, Hwang Hee |
| 7 | Nine Puzzles | 8.2 | 12 | A cerebral thriller about a profiler and detective unraveling cold cases linked by cryptic puzzles. | Kim Da-mi, Son Suk-ku |
| 8 | Resident Playbook | 8.1 | 12 | A heartwarming Hospital Playlist spinoff about first-year OBGYN residents managing stress, ethics, and friendships. | Jeon Yeo-been, Jung Kyung-ho (cameo), Yoo Yeon-seok (cameo) |
| 9 | ONE: High School Heroes | 8.0 | 10 | Superpowered teens band together to protect their school, merging action and emotion in a refreshing teen-superhero mix. | Lee Jun-ho, Kim Hye-jun |
| 10 | Way Back Love | 7.8 | 10 | A nostalgic film-industry romance that rekindles love between a critic and her filmmaker ex. | Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo |
Top 10 Korean Dramas of 2025
1. When Life Gives You Tangerines (9.2)
The crown jewel of 2025, this IU–Park Bo-gum drama became IMDb’s highest-rated K-drama ever, surpassing Reply 1988. Set in Jeju Island’s serene landscape, it tells a time-bending love story rich in nostalgia, resilience, and emotional healing. Its poetic storytelling made it a global phenomenon on Netflix.
2. Mercy for None (8.6)
A surprise hit, this dark, gritty revenge saga sees Seo In-guk in a career-defining role as an ex-gangster unraveling the mystery behind his brother’s death. With stunning cinematography and moral tension, it earned critical praise and massive replay value.
3. Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (8.4)
Medical dramas ruled 2025, and this series stood out for its balance of intensity and empathy. Led by Ju Ji-hoon, the show’s lifelike hospital emergencies and emotional character arcs reminded fans of Hospital Playlist, but with more edge.
4. Our Unwritten Seoul (8.4)
Park Bo-young’s dual performance as twin sisters dealing with loss, identity, and love captivated audiences. Blending humor and heartbreak, it became one of 2025’s most relatable family dramas.
5. Weak Hero Class 2 (8.3)
Picking up where the original left off, this sequel turned up the action and emotional stakes. It explored mental health and moral courage in a corrupt education system, with Hwang Min-hyun’s gritty acting receiving acclaim.
6. Study Group (8.3)
A blend of school comedy, martial arts, and coming-of-age struggles, Study Group charmed younger audiences. Its mix of academic dreams and street-smart action struck a rare balance between fun and depth.
7. Nine Puzzles (8.2)
A must-watch for mystery lovers, Nine Puzzles keeps viewers guessing with layered storytelling and tight pacing. Kim Da-mi’s performance as a profiler navigating emotional trauma gave the show its haunting depth.
8. Resident Playbook (8.1)
Fans of Hospital Playlist rejoiced as its spinoff focused on young doctors in their formative years. The realistic medical ethics, tender friendships, and nostalgic cameos made it one of 2025’s most comforting watches.
9. ONE: High School Heroes (8.0)
This youth superhero series blended K-pop charisma with fantasy and action. Behind the flashy premise lay deeper themes of identity and courage, making it a surprise streaming hit.
10. Way Back Love (7.8)
Reuniting Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo, this film-world romance tugged at viewers’ hearts with its themes of regret and second chances. It closed 2025’s drama lineup on a sentimental note.
Conclusion
2025 reaffirmed Korean television’s dominance on the world stage, showcasing diversity — from medical epics and psychological thrillers to tender romances. These dramas not only broke viewership records but also deepened K-drama’s emotional and cultural impact globally.
As 2026 approaches, the question remains: can the next wave of storytellers top this golden year of Korean drama excellence?