Top 10 Korean Dramas of 2025: From plucky thrillers to heartfelt romances and supernatural mysteries, Korean dramas continue to influence the global streaming market and attract audiences worldwide.
- Varisha
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
From Squid Game to When Life Gives You Tangerines, a steadfast boy's island story.
As 2025 is proving to be a blockbuster year for Korean-drama fans, we’re only halfway through, and there is more to come.
At The Social Gazelle, we track the regional entertainment industry and trends to stay ahead, and there’s no denying that Korean entertainment content remains one of the GCC’s most-streamed genres so far in 2025. So whether you're a loyal K-drama watcher in GCC or catching up between business deals in Riyadh, here's our pick of the Top 10 best Korean dramas of 2025 so far.
1. When Life Gives You Tangerines:
Cast: IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, Park Hae-joon
Set on Jeju Island, this slice-of-life drama offers a deeply emotional journey through time, love, and family. With its poetic storytelling and an ensemble cast that feels like family, this might just be the most beautifully written K-drama in years.
2. Way Back Love
Cast: Kim Min-ha, Gong Myung
What happens when your first love returns as a grim reaper and tells you that you have one week to live? Surprisingly, a lot of humor and warmth. A standout romantic comedy that blends fantasy with grounded performances.
3. The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call
Cast: Ju Ji-hoon
Forget everything you know about medical dramas. This series brings cinematic flair to emergency medicine with helicopters, high-stakes rescues, and a hero who redefines charisma.
4. Nine Puzzles
Cast: Kim Da-mi, Son Suk-ku
Korea’s answer to Mindhunter, this serial killer thriller pairs an eccentric profiler with a skeptical detective. Stylish and unmissable.
5. Squid Game Season
Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon
The globally acclaimed dystopian thriller returns with its most emotional and brutal season yet. Squid Game remains the K-drama that keeps audiences glued to their screens and social feeds.
6. The Tale of Lady Ok
Cast: Lim Ji-yeon, Choo Young-woo
A bold period drama about identity, justice, and reinvention. Lim Ji-yeon shines in her first lead role, breaking barriers in Joseon Korea’s rigid legal system.
7. Friendly Rivalry
Cast: Lee Hye-ri
Elite school scandals and dark friendships—this stylish high-school drama mixes Gossip Girl vibes with K-drama depth. Addictive and edgy.
8. Melo Movie
Cast: Park Bo-young, Choi Woo-sik
A slow-burning, reflective love story set in Korea’s indie film scene. It captures the bittersweet moments of life in your 30s, with standout performances and an emotional core.
9. Weak Hero Class 2
Cast: Park Ji-hoon, Ryeoun, Lee Jun-young
Action-packed and emotionally charged, this sequel ups the ante with brutal fight scenes and a raw look at student violence and friendship.
10. The Haunted Palace
Cast: Bona, Yook Sung-jae
A fun, ghost-hunting period drama where a dragon spirit and a reluctant shaman form a surprisingly effective supernatural sleuthing duo. Light, entertaining, and visually rich.
Why K-Dramas Matter in the GCC
K-dramas entertainment continues to be culturally overwhelming across the GCC and UAE, especially among Gen Z and millennial audiences. Streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ have made them easily accessible, boosting Korean pop culture influence on fashion, music, and even tourism trends in the UAE, Riyadh, and beyond.
The Social Gazelle’s Pick
At Social Gazelle, we believe that storytelling, whether in business, real estate, or entertainment, has the power to shape trends and connect people. K-dramas are doing just that across the globe and Specifically in the GCC Region.
Looking to tap into the lifestyle and entertainment trends for your brand? Stay connected with Gazelle, your destination for luxury, culture, and growth in the Middle East.
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