The world of K-dramas continues to grow bigger and bolder, and fans are eagerly waiting for what’s next. With fresh storylines, legendary actors returning, and powerful performances, the upcoming dramas are already generating buzz and excitement across global audiences. Romance, thrillers, action, and heartfelt stories—there’s something for everyone to look forward to.
To help you plan your next binge, here are the top 10 upcoming K-dramas to watch in 2025. Each show comes with a stellar cast, intriguing premise, and confirmed release details. Let’s count down from number 10 to number 1.
10. No Mercy
Lead Cast: Lee Joo-young, Ji Seung-hyun, Koo Jun-hoe
Release Date: September 24, 2025
Platform: Wavve
No Mercy follows Han So-min, played by Lee Joo-young, a struggling actress who finds herself entangled with a dangerous crime syndicate that uses deepfake technology for phishing scams. She decides to infiltrate the organization, seeking revenge for the death of her parents. The plot delves into the chilling consequences of advanced technology being weaponized by criminals, setting the stage for a story filled with suspense and emotional depth.
With its gritty tone and modern themes, No Mercy explores how grief and revenge can drive someone into dangerous choices. The cast lineup, including Ji Seung-hyun and Koo Jun-hoe, adds further intrigue, promising layered performances that bring the tension to life. As a short but impactful miniseries, this Wavve release is expected to strike a balance between emotional storytelling and high-stakes action.
9. Walking on Thin Ice
Lead Cast: Lee Young-ae, Kim Young-kwang
Release Date: September 20, 2025
Platform: KBS2
This gripping thriller stars Lee Young-ae as Eun-soo, a housewife desperately trying to pay for her husband’s medical treatment. Her life takes a dangerous turn when she finds herself in possession of a bag of drugs, drawing her into the world of organized crime. The drama explores the question of how far someone will go to protect their loved ones in the face of desperation.
Opposite her, Kim Young-kwang portrays Yi-kyeong, a mysterious teacher whose true motives remain unclear. Their tense partnership promises an unpredictable storyline that balances suspense with character-driven drama. Walking on Thin Ice is expected to resonate with viewers who enjoy morally complex stories with a strong emotional core.
8. To the Moon
Lead Cast: Lee Sun-bin, Ra Mi-ran, Jo A-ram, Kim Young-dae
Release Date: September 19, 2025
Platform: MBC
To the Moon offers a lighter yet timely story, centering on three colleagues from the Marone Confectionery company who decide to invest in cryptocurrency. Lee Sun-bin plays Jung Da-hae, a hardworking employee with ambitions beyond the workplace. Alongside her, Ra Mi-ran plays Kang Eun-sang, a money-obsessed co-worker, while Jo A-ram brings humor as the free-spirited accountant Kim Ji-song.
The show mixes financial anxieties with quirky humor, making it relatable for audiences who have seen the highs and lows of modern-day investments. With Kim Young-dae adding charm to the ensemble cast, To the Moon blends corporate comedy with social commentary, promising plenty of laughs and thought-provoking moments.
7. Shin’s Project
Lead Cast: Han Suk-kyu, Bae Hyun-sung, Lee Re
Release Date: September 15, 2025
Platform: tvN
Shin’s Project introduces viewers to Mr. Shin, played by veteran actor Han Suk-kyu, once a renowned negotiator and now the owner of a chicken restaurant. Despite leaving behind his high-stakes profession, Shin continues to step in when conflicts erupt in his neighborhood. His calm demeanor and problem-solving skills make him the go-to person for resolving disputes.
The drama is not just about settling conflicts but also about the human connections formed in everyday life. With Bae Hyun-sung and Lee Re playing key supporting roles, the series promises heartwarming storytelling filled with lessons about justice, fairness, and compassion. It’s expected to be a slice-of-life gem that appeals to audiences looking for something uplifting and relatable.
6. A Hundred Memories
Lead Cast: Kim Da-mi, Shin Ye-eun
Release Date: September 13, 2025
Platform: JTBC
Set against the backdrop of the 1980s, A Hundred Memories tells the story of Go Young-rye, played by Kim Da-mi, who works as a bus attendant despite suffering from motion sickness. Determined to support her family, she faces daily hardships but also builds strong friendships along the way. Shin Ye-eun plays Seo Jong-hee, her fellow attendant and confidante.
Their friendship, however, faces turmoil when the man who was both of their first loves reappears, reigniting emotions and conflicts. This nostalgic drama captures the essence of youthful dreams, sacrifices, and the bittersweet nature of relationships. With its period setting and emotional storyline, A Hundred Memories is set to tug at the heartstrings of viewers.
5. You and Everything Else
Lead Cast: Kim Go-eun, Park Ji-hyun
Release Date: September 12, 2025
Platform: Netflix
Kim Go-eun returns to the small screen as Ryu Eun-joong, a TV writer whose life takes an unexpected turn when she reunites with Cheon Sang-yeon, a former best friend turned rival film producer played by Park Ji-hyun. Once inseparable, the two women’s friendship soured into bitterness, leaving behind unresolved emotions and regrets.
Now in their forties, they face each other once again, forced to confront the scars of the past while navigating the complexities of their present lives. You and Everything Else explores themes of ambition, rivalry, forgiveness, and the complicated dynamics of female friendships, making it one of Netflix’s most anticipated character-driven dramas.
4. Tempest
Lead Cast: Jun Ji-hyun, Gang Dong-won, John Cho
Release Date: September 10, 2025
Platform: Disney+
Tempest is a big-budget spy action drama that brings together an impressive cast led by Jun Ji-hyun, Gang Dong-won, and Hollywood actor John Cho. Jun Ji-hyun plays Mun-ju, a former ambassador who becomes entangled in a dangerous political conspiracy. When she uncovers a shocking secret behind a high-profile assassination, she joins forces with elite mercenary San-ho, played by Gang Dong-won.
Written by Chung Seo-kyung and directed by Kim Hee-won, the team behind Little Women, Tempest promises a cinematic experience on the small screen. With global espionage, action-packed sequences, and star power, this Disney+ release is positioned to be one of the biggest international hits of the year.
3. Confidence Queen
Lead Cast: Park Min-young, Park Hee-soon, Joo Jong-hyuk
Release Date: September 6, 2025
Platform: TV Chosun / Prime Video
Confidence Queen stars Park Min-young as Yoon Yi-rang, a genius con artist who leads a team of scammers with different skills and backgrounds. Her crew includes James, a veteran swindler played by Park Hee-soon, and Myung Gu-ho, a younger con man played by Joo Jong-hyuk. Together, they take on corrupt individuals and powerful figures who exploit others.
The drama blends fast-paced schemes with social justice, showing how the underdogs fight back using intelligence and creativity. With its stylish execution, witty writing, and a strong central performance from Park Min-young, Confidence Queen promises to deliver both thrills and emotional payoffs.
2. My Youth
Lead Cast: Song Joong-ki, Chun Woo-hee
Release Date: September 5, 2025
Platform: JTBC / Viu
My Youth is a romantic drama that reunites audiences with Song Joong-ki, who plays Sun Woo-hae, a former child actor who overcame a troubled past and now lives a simple life as a florist and writer. His quiet existence is shaken when Sung Je-yeon, his first love played by Chun Woo-hee, unexpectedly reappears after a decade.
The series explores themes of healing, second chances, and the passage of time, offering a poignant look at how love can endure despite the obstacles of life. With its heartfelt performances and emotional storytelling, My Youth is likely to become one of the standout romances of the year.
1. Queen Mantis
Lead Cast: Go Hyun-jung, Jang Dong-yoon
Release Date: September 5, 2025
Platform: SBS
Queen Mantis takes the top spot as a chilling remake of the French series La Mante. Go Hyun-jung plays Jung Yi-shin, a serial killer known as the Mantis who murdered five men two decades earlier. Jang Dong-yoon plays her estranged son Cha Soo-yeol, a policeman who despises her and has built his life in opposition to her crimes.
When a new series of murders emerges that mimic her past crimes, Soo-yeol reluctantly seeks her help to catch the copycat. The uneasy alliance between mother and son creates a tense dynamic that is central to the drama’s psychological intensity. With its dark themes and strong performances, Queen Mantis is expected to dominate discussions among K-drama fans.
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About the Author:
Harshit Raj
