Looking for new Korean dramas to kickstart the new year? The past year has been filled with ups and downs, a rollercoaster of a variety of different Korean dramas to satisfy any fan. As we enter 2025, we have many new dramas to look forward to, but the release of must-watch dramas has not stopped.

If you're feeling bored during winter break, we bring you the top, latest Korean dramas to watch to pass the time and binge-watch throughout the weeks! Here are the top 7 Korean dramas to kickstart 2025.

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Squid Game: Season 2

If you're surprised, you shouldn't be. ‘Squid Game: Season 2’ has been hyped up for several months now and premiered on Netflix only a week ago. Although the ratings for the drama were lower than the ratings for the first season of ‘Squid Game’, the drama does not fail to capture the international audience's attention with its heightened stakes. After winning the previous game, Seong Gi-Hun goes into the game again and the plot of ‘Squid Game: Season 2’ begins. If you're interested in reading a more in-depth review of ‘Squid Game’, check out this article!

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Take the Quiz: What Drama Should You Watch Next?

Take this quiz to find out what K-drama you should watch next!

When the Phone Rings

‘When the Phone Rings’ took Korean drama fans by storm, largely because of Yoo Yeon-Seok's unconventional, yet fitting, villain role. With the first episode premiering near the end of November, ‘When the Phone Rings’ quickly rose to the top of international charts. Giving off slight ‘Queen of Tears’ vibes, a couple in an arranged marriage who haven't talked for three years are suddenly thrown into turmoil as someone begins threatening them. A perfect blend of mystery, thrill, and romance, ‘When the Phone Rings’ is the perfect Korean drama to binge-watch through the new year.

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The Tale of Lady Ok

Taking over the top of Netflix's Top 10 charts in South Korea, ‘The Tale of Lady Ok’ stars Lim Ji-Yeon and Choo Young-Woo. Perhaps one of the most romantic dramas this winter season, ‘The Tale of Lady Ok’ is set in the Joseon Period but is far from the historical K-drama stereotype that everyone is used to. Smart, strong-headed, and athletic, Ok Tae-Young (acted by Lim Ji-Yeon) is a lawyer who loves to help people, but everything about her background is fake. As romance blossoms between the leads, ‘The Tale of Lady Ok’ steals the hearts of fans and is an absolute must-watch drama.

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Parole Examiner Lee

‘Parole Examiner Lee’ was released in the middle of November with record-high ratings, each of its episodes hitting first in audience share at a peak of 6.5% nationwide. Surrounding a lawyer-turned-parole-examiner (Lee Han-Shin acted by Go Soo), the drama is an exciting watch as he hunts down and prevents dangerous criminals with money and power from manipulating the justice system. With an entertaining mix of drama and suspense, ‘Parole Examiner Lee’ is a wonderful break from the mushy love scenes and a clean slate to begin 2025!

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Light Shop

Based on Light Shop, the webtoon, ‘Light Shop’ is an eight-episode mystery drama that was released on Disney+ throughout December. Following the story of a group of strangers who find themselves trapped in a mysterious place with no memory of how they got there. With an eerie narrative and a hooking storyline, ‘Light Shop’ is thrilling, entertaining, and heartwrenching.

The emotions filled in the entire cast's acting are captivating. Once you begin the first episode of ‘Light Shop’ you will not be able to put it down – a unique and heartfelt drama!

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Mr Plankton

Premiering on November 8, 2024, ‘Mr Plankton’ is one of the most heart-touching Korean dramas of the winter season. When a man who only has a few months to live and is in the lows of his life is forced to accompany his ex-fiance throughout the last journey of his life, the story of ‘Mr Plankton’ begins to unfold. You will be taken on an emotional rollercoaster in this heartwrenching, must-watch drama!

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Gyeongseong Creature: Season 2

‘Gyeongseong Creature’ took over the international audience with its incredible acting as well as its thrilling, historical nature. Now, released in late 2024, ‘Gyeongseong Creature: Season 2’ is back with the same cast but a different setting – modern 2024! With two different characters resembling their historical selves, the leads acted by Han So-Hee and Park Seo-Joon explore their unfinished past in an equally thrilling and entertaining sequel to ‘Gyeongseong Creature: Season 1’!

Stepping into 2025, it’s clear that the excitement around Korean dramas is far from slowing down. The past year created a rollercoaster of unforgettable dramas and the new year promises even more for fans around the world to look forward to. Whether you’re looking to make your winter break more lively or find your next binge-worthy obsession, these must-watch dramas are here to keep you entertained. From heartfelt tales in ‘Mr Plankton’ to thrilling storylines in ‘Gyeongseong Creature: Season 2’, the latest releases are set to kick off your 2025 with style.