The Drama Dojo

We’re over halfway through 2025, and K-Drama land has been nothing short of thrilling. From romances to thrillers to action and high school chaos, the first half of the year delivered a wide range of standout Korean dramas across every genre. Whether you’ve been keeping up with the latest releases or are looking to catch up on what you might have missed, this curated list features the K-Dramas that The Drama Dojo enjoyed — and ones you just might find worth your time too.

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1. The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (중증외상센터)

• Cast: Ju Ji Hoon, Choo Young Woo, Cheon Jang Mi, Jung Jae Kwang, Yoon Kyung Ho
  
• Genre: Medical, Comedy, Action, Drama
  
• No. of Episodes: 8
  
• Where to Watch: Netflix
  
• Mydramalist Page: https://mydramalist.com/54697-golden-hour

• Synopsis:
  Dr. Baek Kang-hyuk, a battle-hardened trauma surgeon, returns to South Korea and takes on the responsibility of reviving the failing trauma center at Hankuk University Hospital. Known for his unorthodox methods and razor-sharp skills, he clashes with the hospital’s bureaucracy—yet his relentless dedication gradually turns skeptics into allies. The drama blends high-stakes action, emotional depth, and tight storytelling, anchored by a stellar ensemble cast. With its breakneck pacing and immersive medical realism, the series keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

2. Undercover High School (언더커버하이스쿨

• Cast: Seo Kang Joon, Jin Ki Joo
  
• Genre: Action, Comedy, , Romance
  
• No. of Episodes: 12
  
• Where to Watch: Viki
  
• Mydramalist Page: https://mydramalist.com/765779-undercover-high-school

• Synopsis:
  After a demotion, elite NIS agent Jung Hae-seong goes undercover as a high school student to uncover the truth behind a case. At Byeongmun High School, he crosses paths with Oh Su-a — a passionate contract history teacher striving for a full-time position — who begins to see traces of her first love in Hae-seong. As Hae-seong navigates high school life and uncovers the corruption hidden beneath the surface, his covert mission evolves into a battle for justice, truth, and unexpected second chances.

3. Mercy For None (광장)

• Cast: Seo Ji Sub, Huh Joon Ho, Gong Myung, Choo Young Woo, Lee Bum Soo, Ahn Kil Kang
  
• Genre: Crime, Mystery, Action
  
• No. of Episodes: 7
  
• Where to Watch: Netflix
  
• Mydramalist Page: https://mydramalist.com/748031-plaza-wars
  
• Synopsis:
  Mercy for None follows Nam Gi-jun, a former gang member who abandoned the criminal underworld years ago to protect his younger brother who joined a rival gang. But when his brother, Nam Gi-seok, is killed years later, Gi-jun is thrust back into Seoul’s violent underbelly—armed with nothing but raw fury. Driven by vengeance, Gi-jun unravels a web of buried secrets and rival syndicates, his quest for justice blurring the line between retribution and redemption. With meticulously choreographed fight sequences, moody cinematography, and unrelenting tension, Mercy for None crafts a visceral tale of loyalty, loss, and the brutal cost of revenge.

4. Way Back Love (내가 죽기 일주일 전)

• Cast: Gong Myung, Kim Min Ha
  
• Genre: Romance, Youth, Melodrama, Fantasy
  
• No. of Episodes: 6
  
• Where to Watch: Viki
  
• Mydramalist Page: https://mydramalist.com/759511-a-week-before-i-die
  
• Synopsis:
  This drama tells the story of Jung Hui Wan, a reclusive 24-year-old with no will to live, who unexpectedly encounters her childhood friend and longtime crush, Kim Ram U — now a grim reaper, four years after his death. With just one week left to live, Ram U tells Hui Wan she must call his name three times to die peacefully. But unwilling to lose him again, she refuses. As they confront their unspoken feelings and complete her bucket list together, they embark on a bittersweet journey of healing, love, and second chances.

5. The Tale of Lady Ok (옥씨부인전)

• Cast: Im Ji Yeon, Choo Young Woo, Kim Jae Won, Yeon Woo
  
• Genre: Historical, Drama, Romance
  
• No. of Episodes: 16
  
• Where to Watch: Netflix
  
• Mydramalist Page: https://mydramalist.com/752481-the-life-of-mrs-ock
  
• Synopsis:
  Set in the Joseon era, The Tale of Lady Ok follows Koo Deok, a woman who escapes her brutal past by stealing the identity of the aristocratic Ok Tae-Yeong. Fabricating a name, husband, and status, she becomes a cunning legal advocate, defending the oppressed while guarding her dangerous secret. Her carefully constructed life begins to unravel when she crosses paths with Cheon Seung-Hwi, a mysterious masked storyteller with his secrets. As secrets surface and loyalties are tested, Ok Tae-Young’s courage and compassion light the way through betrayal, heartbreak, and justice.

6. Love Scout (나의 완벽한 비서)

• Cast: Lee Jin Hyuk, Han Ji Min, Kim Do Hoon, Kim Yoon Hye
  
• Genre: Romance, Life, Drama
  
• No. of Episodes: 12
  
• Where to Watch: Viki
  
• Mydramalist Page: https://mydramalist.com/756733-greetings
  
• Synopsis:
  Kang Jiyun is a fiercely ambitious career woman who excels at her job but struggles with everyday life. Her brilliant but overworked routine is kept afloat with warmth and efficiency by Yoo Eun-ho, her dependable secretary and a devoted single father. As they navigate the high-pressure industry together, their professional relationship deepens into a rare, mature romance built on mutual respect and emotional honesty. Eun-ho helps Ji-yun find balance beyond her career, while her determination reignites his own ambitions. With its cozy yet realistic tone, the series celebrates partnership in its truest form—two people making each other better through everyday understanding and support. 

7. Head Over Heels (견우와 선녀)

• Cast: Cho Yi Hun, Choo Young Woo, Cha Kang Hoon,
  
• Genre: Romantic Comedy, Youth, Fantasy
  
• No. of Episodes: 12
  
• Where to Watch: Prime Video
  
• Mydramalist Page: https://mydramalist.com/736965-gyeon-woo-and-fairy
  
• Synopsis:
  By day, Park Seong-ah is just another high school student—but when the sun sets, she becomes Fairy Cheon-ji, a shaman. Her double life takes an unexpected turn when exceptionally good-looking but ill-fated Bae Gyeon Woo visits her for a reading. In Seong-ah’s shaman vision, she sees Gyeon Woo upside down – a clear omen of his imminent death. Fate takes another twist when he strolls into her classroom the very next day. Fueled by her growing feelings for him—and her duty as a shaman—she embarks on a mission to shield him from the misfortunes awaiting and find a way to save him, all while keeping her true identity hidden.

8. Weak Hero Class 2 (약한영웅 Class 2)

• Cast: Park Ji-hoon, Ryeo-Un, Choi Min-young, Lee Jun Young, Lee Min Jae
  
• Genre: Action, School, Drama
  
• No. of Episodes: 8
  
• Where to Watch: Netflix
  
• Mydramalist Page: https://mydramalist.com/702271-weak-hero-season-2
  
• Synopsis:
  After the events of Season 1, Si-eun enters transfers to Eunjang High, where where the ruthless student gang “The Union”—led by Geum Seong Je and enforced by Choi Hyo Man and Na Baek Jin—rules through violence. Si-eun teams up and forms a bond with new allies Park Hu Min, Seo Jun Tae, and Ko Hyuntak to take down the brutal hierarchy through strategic mind games and explosive fights. The season builds toward a high-stakes showdown, fracturing the school’s power structure while exploring themes of bullying, consequences of violence, survival, and loyalty. Weak Hero Class 2 delivers a raw, adrenaline-fueled sequel that deepens Si-eun’s journey through trauma and resistance.

9. Buried Hearts (보물섬)

• Cast: Park Hyung Sik, Huh Joon ho, Lee Hae Young, Hong Hwa Yeon
  
• Genre: Drama, Mystery, Crime
  
• No. of Episodes: 16
  
• Where to Watch: Disney+
  
• Mydramalist Page: https://mydramalist.com/766845-treasure-island
  
• Synopsis:
  Seo Dong Ju, a sharp-witted corporate secretary, makes a desperate gamble to survive—stealing 2 trillion won from a shadowy political slush fund. But his victory is cut short when Yeom Jang Seon, a ruthless former intelligence director who controls Korea’s elite from the shadows, orders his assassination—unaware that Dong Ju has already emptied the slush fund. Miraculously, Dong Ju survives the assassination attempt—only to lose his memory, leaving the stolen fortune’s location buried in his fractured mind. As Jang-seon hunts for the missing billions, a deadly game unfolds, tangled with corporate betrayal, political machinations, and shocking revelations about Dong Ju’s past.

10. When Life Gives You Tangerines (폭싹 속았수다)

• Cast: IU (Lee Ji Eun), Park Bo Gum, Moon So Ri, Park Hae Joon
  
• Genre: Slice of Life, Drama
  
• No. of Episodes: 16
  
• Where to Watch: Netflix
  
• Mydramalist Page: https://mydramalist.com/735043-life
  
• Synopsis:
  When Life Gives You Tangerines spans roughly 5 decades, centering on Ae‑sun—a brilliant, headstrong girl growing up in Jeju Island—and her steadfast neighbor and childhood friend-turned-life partner, Gwansik. After witnessing her mother’s sacrifices and later facing hardship alone following her mother’s death, Ae‑sun finds quiet, unwavering support in Gwansik, who defies family expectations to stand by her side. As their bond deepens over the decades, the drama explores themes of enduring love, societal change, resilience, and generational progress. The series is beautifully shot, richly detailed, and emotionally resonant. With its slow, deliberate pacing, the viewers are rewarded with deeply moving character development and a heartfelt blend of female empowerment, romance and slice of life.

11. The Haunted Palace (귀궁)

• Cast: Yook Sung Jae, Bo Na, Kim Ji Hoon
  
• Genre: Historical, Mystery, Fantasy, Romance
  
• No. of Episodes: 16
  
• Where to Watch: Netflix, Viki
  
• Mydramalist Page: https://mydramalist.com/769825-return-to-the-palace
  
• Synopsis:
  The Haunted Palace is a supernatural fantasy-romance set in the Joseon era, following Yeori, a shaman’s granddaughter who wants nothing to do with the spirit world. Her life is upended when Gang Cheol, a thousand year old Imoogi spirit, possesses the body of palace inspector Yoon Gap, who is her first love. Together, they face off against vengeful ghosts threatening the royal family—strange phenomena and ghostly encounters unfold as they delve into long-buried secrets of the past.

12. First Night With The Duke (남주의 첫날밤을 가져버렸다)

• Cast: Seo Hyun, Ok Taec Yeon, Kwon Han Seol, Seo Bum June
  
• Genre: Historical, Fantasy, Romance, Comedy
  
• No. of Episodes: 12
  
• Where to Watch: Viki
  
• Mydramalist Page: https://mydramalist.com/774377-taking-the-male-lead-s-first-night
  
• Synopsis:
  This drama follows a modern-day woman who is mysteriously transported into a historical romance novel, where she becomes Cha Seon Chaek — a side character longing for a quiet life. But fate has other plans when she unexpectedly spends a night with Yi Beon, the novel’s cold yet captivating male lead. As she tries to redirect him toward the original heroine, Cho Eun Ae, she finds herself tangled in a love that refuses to stick to the script. With rival suitors and shifting destinies, Cha Seon Chaek must navigate a rewritten romance where her very presence changes everything. Lighthearted and comedic with no heavy complications, the drama delivers hilarious moments and plenty of sweet chemistry.

13. Study Group (스터디그룹)

• Cast: Hwang Min-hyun, Han Ji-eun
  
• Genre: Action, School, Youth
  
• No. of Episodes: 10
  
• Where to Watch: Viki
  
• Mydramalist Page: https://mydramalist.com/752799-study-group
  
• Synopsis:
  Based on a popular webtoon, Study Group follows Yoon Ga-min, a student at Yusung Vocational High School—notorious for its brawls rather than its academics. Despite his model-student appearance, complete with nerdy glasses and a quiet demeanor, Ga-min dreams of academic success. What he lacks in book smarts, he makes up for with strength and fighting skills. Determined to improve his grades, he forms a study group, where each member brings unique strengths to the table—and Ga-min reveals his jaw-dropping martial arts prowess to protect them from bullies. Study Group tackles issues like bullying, hyper-competitive academic pressure, and institutional decay.

14. Good Boy (굿보이)

• Cast: Park Bo Gum, Kim So Hyun, Lee Sang Yi, Heo Sun Tae, Oh Jung Se
  
• Genre: Action, Comedy, Sports, Crime
  
• No. of Episodes: 16
  
• Where to Watch: Netflix, Prime Video
  
• Mydramalist Page: https://mydramalist.com/689197-good-boy
  
• Synopsis:
  After their Olympic glory fades, a group of elite athletes—including boxer Yoon Dong Ju and sharpshooting star Ji Han Na—struggle to adapt to ordinary life. Despite financial struggles, unexpected tragedies, and discrimination within the force, the athletes, each with their own story, reunite as a special task force to take on major crimes with the grit and skills they honed as athletes. The drama blends action packed missions with moments of camaraderie, gentle humour, romance, and emotional growth.

15. Our Movie (우리 영화)

• Cast: Nam Koong Min, Jeon Yeo Been
  
• Genre: Melodrama, Life, Romance
  
• No. of Episodes: 12
  
• Where to Watch: Disney +
  
• Mydramalist Page: https://mydramalist.com/773365-our-movie
  
• Synopsis:
  Once hailed as a cinematic genius, director Lee Je Ha has spent five years paralyzed by fear after his spectacular debut. When he finally emerges from his creative exile to make a film about love with an expiration date, he meets Lee Da-eum – a radiant aspiring actress living with a rare and terminal diagnosis. She becomes his script advisor, as the film’s production marks a transformative turning point in her acting journey. As the fictional romance unfolds on screen, a real one blossoms behind the scenes between the two. Our Movie weaves art and life into a poignant journey that explores healing through art and the courage to love fully, even when time is limited.

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2025 has been an exciting year so far, especially for K-drama lovers who crave variety. Whether you’re in the mood for swoony romance, survival thrillers, or heartwarming and tear-jerking stories, there is something for every mood. Bookmark this list, binge wisely, and let’s see what does the kdramaland has in store for us for the second half of the year.

Enjoy!