Love Scout (1/3)
The first drama to kick off 2025 is Love Scout, starring Han Ji Min and Lee Jun Hyuk. The show follows the romance between a workaholic CEO of a headhunting company and her secretary, who’s not only incredibly good at his job but also warm and thoughtful. Fans have been buzzing with excitement over the potential chemistry between the two stars ever since the casting was announced. This is especially true for Lee Jun Hyuk, as it marks his return to the romance genre after five years. Kim Do Hoon from Moving and Kim Yoon Hye from Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born will play a secondary couple, bringing even more depth to the love stories.
When the Stars Gossip (1/4)
The kings and queens of romance dramas are coming together. When the Stars Gossip, starring Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin, has become a hot topic as it marks the first K-drama set on a space station. The show depicts the chaotic life and romance of characters living beyond Earth. Gong Hyo Jin plays Eve Kim, a space scientist and expedition leader, while Lee Min Ho takes on the role of Gong Ryong, who heads to the space station after being offered a secret mission. Han Ji Eun and Kim Joo Hun also appear as the romantic partners of Gong Ryong and Eve Kim, adding intrigue to the tangled relationships and heightening curiosity about how their stories will unfold.
>> Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin Suit Up for Upcoming Space Drama ‘When the Stars Gossip’
The Queen Who Crowns (1/6)
TVING is set to release another 19+ historical drama following Queen Woo. The Queen Who Crowns is a historical fiction series that delves into the secretive story of Queen Wongyeong (played by Cha Joo Young), who seized power alongside her husband, King Taejong Yi Bang Won (Lee Hyun Wook). The drama reinterprets their journey from political partners to becoming the king and queen of Joseon, and the betrayals and conflicts that ensue—all from Queen Wongyeong’s perspective. Lee Sung Min makes a special appearance as Yi Seong Gye, while Lee Yi Dam and Lee Si Ah portray other women in Taejong’s life.
Motel California (1/10)
Motel California is a romance drama about a woman who returns to her hometown after 12 years and reunites with her first love. It is based on the web novel Home, Bitter Home by Sim Yoon Seo and stars Lee Se Young and Na In Woo. Following his role as Yoo Ji Hyuk in Marry My Husband, Na In Woo plays Cheon Yeon Soo, a man devoted to one woman with unwavering love. Meanwhile, Lee Se Young takes on the role of Ji Kang Hee, who distances herself from her first love due to past wounds and guilt. Known for her distictive features, Lee Se Young draws attention as she portrays a mixed-race character.
>> Lee Se Young and Na In Woo Heat Up ELLE Korea with Fairy Tale Chemistry
Unmasked (1/15)
Disney Plus’s first release for 2025 is Unmasked, starring veteran actress Kim Hye Soo and The Glory star Jung Sung Il. The drama follows the exploits of investigative journalists and is directed by Yoo Sun Dong, known for The Uncanny Counter. After the trailer was released, viewers noted that a scene where Kim Hye Soo grabs the barrel of a gun evoked memories of Ahn Gwi Ryeong, spokesperson for the Democratic Party of Korea, during the recent martial law crisis in South Korea. Some also commented that the tone of the drama, as seen in the trailer, reminded them of Hyena, another series led by Kim Hye Soo. As Disney Plus’s opening release for the year, all eyes are on whether Unmasked will achieve strong results.
Study Group (TBD)
Study Group is a new teen drama starringHwang Min Hyun, who began his public service duties in March 2024. Based on the popular webtoon, it follows a notorious troublemaker named Yoon Ga Min as he decides to form a study group at a school filled with problem students. Hwang Min Hyun will be showcasing a surprising new side to his acting by portraying this tough guy-turned-scholar. The series will be available on Amazon Prime Video.
>> ‘Study Group’ Poster and Trailer Spotlight Hwang Min Hyun’s Fierce Transformation
The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (TBD)
The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call will kick off Netflix’s 2025 lineup. Trauma Center tells the story of a genius trauma surgeon, who previously worked in war zones, joining the trauma team at a university hospital. It is based on the popular web novel of the same name, written by a practicing doctor. Ju Ji Hoon leads the drama as Baek Kang Hyuk, a doctor with a strong sense of duty and determination. Attention is focused on whether the series will carry on the momentum of Squid Game 2.
Edited by Hong Hyun Jung
Translated Yu Jin Kim
Edited Hong Hyun Jung: I am a K-content guide who publishes various articles for people to enjoy Korean movies and dramas deeper and richer. I’ll introduce you to the works that you can laugh, cry and sympathize with.
