The year 2025 is shaping up to be a golden era for romantic K-dramas, with a diverse lineup of emotionally rich, visually stunning, and globally anticipated series. From heart-tugging slice-of-life narratives to fantasy love stories set in alternate worlds and even outer space, Korean drama creators are pushing the boundaries of romance and storytelling. Whether you're a longtime fan of K-dramas or just stepping into this vibrant world, these upcoming titles promise unforgettable characters, powerful chemistry, and stories that resonate far beyond the screen. In this article, we explore the top 5 most anticipated romantic K-dramas set to release in 2025, complete with storylines, release schedules, where to watch, and language details.
5. When the Stars Gossip
Release: January 4 to February 23, 2025, 16 episodes released Saturdays and Sundays, worldwide via tvN and Netflix
Plot: Gong Ryong (Lee Min‑ho), a space tourist and hidden heir, travels to the International LEO Station and encounters Eve Kim (Gong Hyo‑jin), the station commander. As their worlds collide amidst zero‑gravity life and station protocol, a romance blooms in the infinite void, married to emotional distance, cosmic wonder, and interpersonal politics.
Cast: Lee Min‑ho as Gong Ryong; Gong Hyo‑jin as Eve Kim; Oh Jung‑se, Han Ji‑eun, plus ensemble international station crew
Where to Watch: Netflix globally (simulcast) and tvN in South Korea
Languages: Korean original; subtitles (English, others) available on Netflix
4. The First Night with the Duke
Release: June 11 to July 17, 2025, 12 episodes airing Wednesdays and Thursdays at 21:50 KST on KBS2; international streaming begins simultaneously on Rakuten Viki
Plot: A current-day college student ('K', played by Seohyun) inhabits the body of Cha Seon‑chaek, a minor character in a historical romance novel. Her accidental first night with Prince Lee Beon (Ok Taec‑yeon) shakes the novel’s original storyline, leading the prince to insist on marriage. As court politics swirl, Seon‑chaek must choose: return to her world or shape a new fate, with royal love on the line.
Cast: Seohyun (Cha Seon‑chaek / K), Ok Taec‑yeon (Prince Lee Beon), Kwon Han‑sol (Cho Eun‑ae), Seo Bum‑june, Ji Hye‑won; directed by Lee Woong‑hee & Kang Soo‑yeon; written by Jeon Seon‑young, based on Hwang Do‑tol’s web novel
Where to Watch: KBS2 in South Korea; Rakuten Viki (global, with free and premium options)
Languages: Korean with subtitles in multiple languages on Viki
3. You and Everything Else
Release: Expected in Q3 2025 (likely around September)
Plot: From elementary school through their 40s, Ryu Eun‑Joong (Kim Go‑eun) and Cheon Sang‑Yeon (Park Ji‑hyun) oscillate between friendship and rivalry. Eun‑Joong becomes a drama writer; Sang‑Yeon, a movie producer. When Sang‑Yeon’s unexpected terminal diagnosis forces them to reconnect, the series unfolds themes of unspoken regret, creative tension, and enduring warmth.
Cast: Kim Go‑eun as Ryu Eun‑Joong; Park Ji‑hyun as Cheon Sang‑Yeon; Kim Gun‑woo as Kim Sang‑Hak
Where to Watch: Netflix (expected global release)
Languages: Korean, with international subtitles likely available
2. Can This Love Be Translated?
Release: Expected Q4 2025 (likely December)
Plot: Interpreter Ju Ho-jin, fluent in multiple languages, is hired to work with glamorous actress Cha Mu-hee. Their differing views on love cause comic misunderstandings that evolve into genuine affection. Set across South Korea, Japan, Canada, and Italy, the drama explores how emotion transcends language.
Cast: Kim Seon-ho (Ju Ho-jin), Go Youn-jung (Cha Mu-hee), Choi Woo-sung, Sota Fukushi, Lee Yi-dam, Hyunri (guest)
Creators: Written by the Hong Sisters, directed by Yoo Young-eun
Where to Watch: Netflix (Global)
Languages: Korean (with multilingual scenes), subtitles in multiple languages
1. When Life Gives You Tangerines
Release: March 7-28, 2025, 16 episodes released in four batches on Fridays
Plot: Spanning from the 1960s to the present, this sweeping Jeju Island saga follows Ae-sun and her childhood friend Gwan-sik through poverty, social change, personal tragedies, and lasting love. Their story is told through the voice of their daughter, creating a layered, generational narrative full of warmth and sorrow.
Cast: IU (young Ae-sun), Park Bo-gum (young Gwan-sik), Moon So-ri (adult Ae-sun), Park Hae-joon (adult Gwan-sik), Yeom Hye-ran, Choi Dae-hoon, Na Moon-hee, Kim Yong-rim
Awards: 61st Baeksang Arts Awards - Best Drama, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor and Actress
Where to Watch: Netflix (Global)
Languages: Korean (Jeju dialect), with subtitles in English, Spanish, Chinese, and more
Also Read: Who Won Laughter Chefs Season 2 in 2025?
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