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Media | Koreas Drama Powerhouse – The 26 Hottest K-Drama Projects of 2025 & 2026

Doreen | 도린
vor 12 Stunden
15 Min. Lesezeit

The K-Drama year 2024 ended on a high note – and the numbers tell a clear story: Korean content has now become the second most-watched category on Netflix globally, right after U.S. productions – and the trend is still rising. While Korean productions have become an integral part of major international film festivals, and Korean A-list actors are making their mark in Hollywood, domestic drama production is running at full speed: More than 100 new series are scheduled for 2025 alone. We’ve taken a close look at what's coming in 2025/26 – and selected 26 must-watch K-Dramas that should already be on your radar.

Squid Game 3 (오징어 게임 3)

Release Date: June 27, 2025
Platform: Netflix
Genre: Death Game, Thriller, Suspense, Gore, Horror, Crime, Dark Comedy, Survival
Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Im Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Wi Ha- joon, Park Gyu -young, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee Da-wit, Noh Jae - won, Jo Yu-ri, Park Hee-soon
With Season 3, the global hit directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk comes to its grand conclusion – and will be celebrated with a special honor: On June 2, 2025, Hwang will receive the "Creator Tribute" at the Gotham Television Awards in New York, recognizing his groundbreaking work on Netflix’s most successful series to date. The show has left a significant mark: live events in numerous cities, a planned U.S. spin-off, and international career boosts for stars like Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun – and Choi Seung-hyun (T.O.P.), who staged a remarkable comeback in Season 2 after past controversies. Gong Yoo also gained major international attention in his role as the charismatic, psychopathic recruiter – even though he was already an A-list actor in Korea.
However, fans will have to brace themselves: Neither Gong Yoo nor T.O.P. will return for Season 3. In interviews, director Hwang Dong-hyuk has expressed openness to exploring characters like the Recruiter or the Frontman in future spin-offs. What Siren Pictures has in store next remains to be seen – but one thing is certain: it’s going to be huge!

The Divorce Insurance (이혼보험)

When Life Gives You Tangerines (폭싹 속았수다)

When the Stars Gossip (별들에게 물어봐)

My Dearest Nemesis (그놈은 흑염룡)

Our Unwritten Seoul (미지의 서울)

The Tyrant's Chef (폭군의 셰프)

Pro Bono (프로보노)

Study Group (스터디그룹)

Dear X (친애하는 X)

Dear Hongrang (탄금)

Genie, Make A Wish (다 이루어질지니)

The Price of Confession (자백의 대가)

The Manipulated (조각도시)

Tempest (북극성)

Good Boy (굿보이)

First, for love (첫, 사랑을 위하여)

Head Over Heels (견우와 선녀)

The Art of Negotiation (협상의 기술)

Heavenly Ever After (천국보다 아름다운)

MY YOUTH (마이 유스)

Second Signal (두번째 시그널)

Show Business (WT; 천천히 강렬하게)

Doctor X: Age of the White Mafia (닥터X: 하얀 마피아의 시대)

Goldland (골드랜드)

The Cook Becomes a Legend (취사병 전설이 되다)

Note on Knock-Off (넉오프): Knock-Off was originally included in our selection. The dark office comedy starring Kim Soo-hyun promised an exciting blend of black humor and social satire — and was considered one of the most anticipated titles of the year, with a global release planned via Disney+. However, following a controversy involving the lead actor, production has been suspended indefinitely. As of April 2025, no decision has been made regarding a possible continuation or broadcast of the series.

Sources (as of April 2025):