Entertainment Desk:

Korean dramas offer a captivating mix of stories that connect with audiences worldwide. The January 2025 releases feature a variety of genres, from romance and comedy to thriller, action, and fantasy. With exciting plots and plenty of suspense, this lineup is sure to keep viewers hooked. Let’s dive into the world of K-dramas and check out the shows that will kick off the New Year.

Love Scout: Romantic Comedy, January 3, 2025

Written by Ji Eun, this workplace drama thrives under the meticulous directing of Kim Jae-hong and Ham Joon-ho.

The romance drama unravels the journey of Yoo Eun-ho, who takes on the role of secretary to Kang Ji-Yoon, the accomplished CEO of a thriving headhunting firm. Despite her inability to navigate life beyond her work, their evolving dynamic becomes a poignant tale of mutual growth.

Starring Han Ji-min and Lee Joon-hyuk as leads, the romantic series features a supporting cast that includes Kim Do-hoon, Kim Yoon-hye Lee, Sang-hee, Park Bo-kyung, and Lee Jae-woo.

When the Stars Gossip: Sci-Fi Romance, January 4, 2025

Created by Studio Dragon, this rom-com series highlights Seo Sook-hyang’s writing and Park Shin-woo’s direction.

The sci-fi series chronicles a serendipitous encounter between a space tourist and an astronaut aboard a space station.

The science fiction drama stars Lee Min-ho, Gong Hyo-jin, Han Ji-eun, and Oh Jung-se, supported by Kim Joo-hun, Lee El, Lee Cho-hee, and Park Ye-young.

The Queen Who Crowns: Period Drama, January 6, 2025

Produced by Studio Dragon and JS Pictures, this drama series boasts Lee Young-mi as its writer and Kim Sang-ho as the director.

Featuring Cha Joo-young in the title role, the historical series stars Lee Hyun-wook, Lee Yi-dam, and Lee Si-a.

The political drama delves into the ambitious reign of Queen Wongyeong, who rose to power alongside King Taejong Yi Bang-won, her husband. Against their shared vision for a new era, it unveils the hidden stories between them, navigating power and personal ties.

The additional cast includes Park Ji-il, Lee Sung-min, Choi Deok-moon, So Hee-jung, and Hwang Young-hee.

Return to the Palace: Fantasy Romance, January 6, 2025

Penned by Yoon Soo Jung, this fantasy drama tells the tale of eight vengeful ghosts harboring grudges against the King, and the courageous shaman who rises to confront him in a battle.

Helmed by Yoon Sung Shik, this romantic comedy series features Yook Sung-jae, Kim Ji-yeon, and Kim Ji-hoon, with a special cameo appearance of Kim Young Kwang.

Motel California: Coming-of-age Drama, January 10, 2025

Adapted from the novel Home, Bitter Home by Shim Yoon-seo, this first-love remodeling romance drama is set in the rustic charm of a rural town. It traces a woman’s journey, born and raised in a motel, as she returns to her hometown after 12 years to rekindle a romance with her first love.

Lee Seo-yoon’s writing and the direction of Kim Hyung-min and Lee Jae-jin bring the romance series to vibrant life.

Led by Lee Se-young and Na In-woo, the cast comprises Kim Tae-hyung, Choi Min-soo, and Choi Hee-jin. Bankrolled by HB Entertainment, this drama series boasts a supporting cast including Seo Ye-hwa, Woo Mi-hwa, and Koo Ja-sung.

Unmasked: Crime Thriller, January 15, 2025

A group of investigative journalists embarks on a quest to unravel the mystery behind a 22-year-old cold case involving the disappearance of a renowned actor.

With this storyline, this comedy thriller excels with Yoo Sun-Dong as its director and Kim Ki-Ryang as the writer.

The Good Man: Romantic Thriller, January 15, 2025

Starring Lee Dong Wook, Lee Sung Kyung, and Ryu Hye Young in the main roles, this thriller series flourishes with Kim Woon Kyung as its screenwriter.

Directed by Song Hae Sung, the comedy series makes its way to television courtesy of producer JTBC, a South Korean TV network.

The romantic thriller weaves the tale of Seok Chul, the determined eldest grandson of a struggling family, as he fights to safeguard his loved ones, career, and romance. Through moments of joy and heartache, his journey unfolds with emotional depth and resilience.

Oh Na Ra, Park Hoon, Yoo Jae Myung, and Jo Woo Jin round out the supporting roles.

Study Group: Action Thriller, January 23, 2025

This action drama is adapted from the webtoon of the same title showcasing the writing prowess of Shin Hyung Wook and the illustration of Ryu Seung Yeon.

Directed by Lee Jang Hoon and scripted by Shin Hyeong-Wook, this thriller comedy boasts production by Studio Dragon and YLab Flex.

In this series, Yoon Ga-Min, a student at a vocational high school notorious for its troubled atmosphere, may lack academic prowess. However, his physical strength and determination are unparalleled. Behind his studious appearance, he wields his fighting skills to defend his study group, formed to improve his grades.

The Trauma Code Heroes on Call: Medical Drama, January 24, 2025

Also known as “Severe Trauma Center: Golden Hour”, this drama series is inspired by the web novel “Jungjeungoesangsenteo: Goldeun Awo” by Hansan Iga.

Lee Do Yoon’s direction and the screenplay of So Hyun Kyung and Choi Tae Kang elevate the medical drama.

The series highlights the relentless efforts of an elite trauma team at a prestigious university hospital, spearheaded by the unyielding Dr. Baek Kang-hyeok.

“The Trauma Code Heroes On Call” features Walid Sam, Ju Ji-hoon, Choo Young-woo, Yoon Kyung-ho, Shin Ha-young, Jeong Jae-kwang, and Derek Reginald in pivotal roles.

Weak Hero Class 2: Action Thriller, January 25, 2025

Based on the webtoon “Weak Hero” from SeoPass illustrated by Kim Jin Seok, this teen action drama flourishes with Han Hee Jun as the creator.

This is the second season of the teen series while the first season was crafted under the direction of Park Dhan Hee and the screenplay of You Su Min. This time You Su Min takes on both the writing and directorial roles for the action series.

Set in a tyrannical school where bullies rule, the story takes a turn with the arrival of Yeon Shi Eun, a shrewd and formidable new student. Armed with intellect and unmatched combat skills, he dismantles the oppressive hierarchy, striking fear into his adversaries.

Park Ji Hoon and Ryeoun reprise their main roles, alongside the rest of the cast including Bae Na Ra, Lee Min Jae, Lee Jun Young, and Choi Min Young.

Kim Jin Myung and Park Won Tae serve as executive producers.

In essence, these dramas reaffirm the timeless charm of K-dramas, propelling the Korean Wave into 2025.