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2025’s Most Anticipated Kdramas: Full Cast, Plots, and Release Dates

2025 is set to be an extraordinary year for Kdrama enthusiasts, with a diverse lineup of shows that range from heartwarming love stories to thrilling mysteries and everything in between. Below are twelve highly anticipated Kdramas, with expanded plot summaries to immerse you in the magic these dramas promise to deliver.

1. “Ask the Stars”

Release Date: January 4, 2025

  • Main Cast:
    • Lee Min-ho as Gong Ryong
    • Gong Hyo-jin as Eve Kim

Plot Summary:

Gong Ryong, an accomplished obstetrician, embarks on a once-in-a-lifetime space mission to honor a promise to his late father. Onboard the space station, he meets Eve Kim, a skilled but emotionally distant astronaut grappling with her own past. As they navigate the challenges of life in zero gravity—malfunctions, isolation, and the unpredictability of human emotion—they develop a bond that transcends their differences. The drama beautifully juxtaposes the vastness of space with the intimacy of their connection, creating a poetic exploration of love and resilience in the most uncharted territories.

2. “Dear X”

Release Date: June 2025

  • Main Cast:
    • Kim Yoo-jung as Baek Ah-jin
    • Kim Young-dae as Yoon Joon-rye

Plot Summary:

Baek Ah-jin was once the darling of the entertainment industry, but a scandal tarnishes her reputation, leaving her to navigate the ruthless world of gossip and betrayal. Yoon Joon-rye, a principled journalist, takes an interest in her story and discovers that the truth is far more complicated than it seems. As they work together to uncover the forces orchestrating her downfall, the two form an emotional connection that helps them confront their respective fears. This Kdrama examines the destructive power of rumors and the strength required to rebuild one's life.

3. “Good Man”

Release Date: First Half of 2025

  • Main Cast:
    • Lee Dong-wook as Park Seok-chul
    • Lee Sung-kyung as Han Soo-jin

Plot Summary:

Park Seok-chul is the reluctant heir to a criminal empire, constantly torn between family loyalty and his personal aspirations to become a novelist. His life changes when he meets Han Soo-jin, an ambitious lawyer fighting for justice in a world dominated by corruption. As their paths intertwine, Seok-chul begins to question his role in his family’s illegal operations. Their love story is fraught with moral dilemmas, societal pressures, and the weight of their respective pasts. The drama offers a poignant look at how love and courage can inspire change, even in the darkest circumstances.

4. “You Did Well”

Release Date: First Half of 2025

  • Main Cast:
    • IU (Lee Ji-eun) as Ae-soon
    • Park Bo-gum as Gwan-sik

Plot Summary:

Set against the stunning landscapes of Jeju Island in the 1950s, Ae-soon is a feisty young woman with big dreams, while Gwan-sik is a reserved man who finds joy in the simple things. Their love story unfolds over decades, capturing the beauty of ordinary moments and the resilience of relationships. As Ae-soon and Gwan-sik navigate societal changes, family responsibilities, and personal tragedies, they grow individually and as a couple. This Kdrama is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of hope.

5. “Undercover High School”

Release Date: February 14, 2025

  • Main Cast:
    • Seo Kang-joon as Jung Hae-sung
    • Jin Ki-joo as Oh Soo-ah

Plot Summary:

Jung Hae-sung is a highly skilled NIS (National Intelligence Service) agent assigned to dismantle a dangerous criminal network operating within a high school. Disguised as a student, he faces the challenges of blending in while carrying out his mission. His plans take a comedic turn when he encounters Oh Soo-ah, a passionate teacher who unwittingly becomes involved in his operation. The Kdrama masterfully blends action, humor, and romance, showing how even the most unlikely alliances can lead to profound personal growth.

6. “The Haunted Palace”

Release Date: March 3, 2025

  • Main Cast:
    • Yook Sung-jae as Yoon Gap
    • Bona as Lady Eun

Plot Summary:

In this eerie historical drama, Yoon Gap is a librarian tasked with cataloging ancient texts in the royal palace. However, he discovers that the palace is plagued by restless spirits linked to a series of unsolved murders. Teaming up with Lady Eun, a resourceful noblewoman with secrets of her own, they delve into the palace’s dark history. As they uncover hidden truths, they must confront not only supernatural forces but also human greed and betrayal. This Kdrama is a gripping blend of mystery, horror, and historical intrigue.

7. “The Witch”

Release Date: First Half of 2025

  • Main Cast:
    • Park Jinyoung as Lee Dong-jin
    • Roh Jeong-eui as Park Mi-jung

Plot Summary:

Park Mi-jung is an enigmatic woman shrouded in mystery, ostracized by her community due to her alleged “curse.” Lee Dong-jin, a rational and data-driven investigator, sets out to prove the superstitions wrong but soon finds himself entangled in her world. As he uncovers the origins of the rumors, he begins to question everything he believes. This suspenseful Kdrama skillfully weaves elements of folklore, romance, and psychological drama.

8. “My Youth”

Release Date: First Half of 2025

  • Main Cast:
    • Song Joong-ki as Seon Woo-hae
    • Chun Woo-hee as Sung Ji-yeon

Plot Summary:

Seon Woo-hae is a reclusive novelist who channels his pain into his writing, while Sung Ji-yeon is an executive struggling to maintain her place in a competitive industry. A chance meeting rekindles their shared past, forcing them to confront unresolved feelings and buried dreams. The drama is a deeply emotional exploration of how love and ambition can coexist and clash.

9. “California Motel”

Release Date: January 3, 2025

  • Main Cast:
    • Lee Se-young as Ji Kang-hee
    • Roh Yoon-seo as Choi Yeon-soo

Plot Summary:

Ji Kang-hee returns to her rural hometown after a personal setback, taking over her family’s struggling motel. As she reconnects with her first love, Choi Yeon-soo, she also rediscovers herself. This slice-of-life Kdrama captures the nuances of small-town life, second chances, and personal reinvention.

10. “That Guy Is the Black Dragon”

Release Date: April 2025

  • Main Cast:
    • Moon Ga-young as Baek Soo-jin
    • Choi Hyun-wook as Ban Joo-yeon

Plot Summary:

In a twist of fate, struggling manga artist Baek Soo-jin discovers that her aloof new neighbor, Ban Joo-yeon, is the inspiration for her villainous character, the Black Dragon. The ensuing chaos brings humor, rivalry, and eventually, an unlikely romance.

Final Thoughts

2025’s Kdrama lineup offers something for every fan, with stories that promise to make us laugh, cry, and reflect. From space-bound romances to supernatural mysteries, these dramas showcase the genre’s boundless creativity and emotional depth.