As 2026 begins, it brings the promise of another exciting year for K-dramas. Before moving forward, however, 2025 deserves a moment of reflection.
Over the past year, K-dramas delivered unforgettable stories, series that moved us to tears, made us reflect on love and life, and transported us to worlds beyond our imagination. Throughout 2025, Allkpop staff immersed themselves in these stories, and after much discussion, we’ve selected the dramas that left the strongest impression. Here are our staff picks for the best K-dramas of 2025.
Sofia Sayson
'When Life Gives You Tangerine'
‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ hit the right spot from the very first episode. Aside from the actors’ incredible skills that gave the drama a realistic feel, I particularly like how it portrayed what life and family are like. This heartfelt slice-of-life drama truly captured my heart.
A-Nish
'My Youth'
Among all the shows released this year, this drama was probably not as widely discussed as others. But that just gives me the feeling of it being my personal comfort show. It was tragic at times, made me cry a lot too, but at the end of every episode, I was left with a warm feeling. I was scared that it might have a sad ending, but thankfully, that was not the case. It felt like seeing light at the end of a dark tunnel. The flowers, the soft colours, the cozy locations, and of course, the amazing actors, everything added to a really comforting watch.
Minsoo-Kim
'When Life Gives You Tangerines'
You could call it the essence of Korean-style melodrama. The only downside is that it makes you cry far too much. I usually watch dramas while eating, but this was impossible with this one, because I cried so much that I simply couldn’t swallow my food. It’s a good drama to watch when you have a stye and need to let your tear ducts really work.
Alec06
'Genie, Make a Wish'
Written by the legendary Kim Eun Sook, this fantasy rom-com features a delightful reunion between Kim Woo Bin and Suzy. The drama perfectly balances hilarious comedy with deep, heart-fluttering romantic moments. It became a global hit in 2025, topping streaming charts for its witty dialogue and star power.
Demian09
'The Manipulated'
'The Manipulated,' which premiered on 5 November 2025, is a drama I genuinely enjoyed. I was completely captivated by Ji Chang Wook’s action scenes, especially the tunnel sequences, which I think are some of the best I’ve seen in recent dramas. D.O.’s portrayal of a tragic antagonist was uniquely compelling and left a lasting impression, while Jung In Ji’s performance as the nanny was subtle yet memorable, adding depth and nuance to the story.
True to its title, 'The Manipulated' follows Ji Chang Wook, an innocent man who is manipulated into becoming a criminal, suddenly loses the people he cares about, and must seek revenge against D.O.’s character. The plot is carefully crafted, full of suspense, and keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. With its strong acting, intense action, and gripping storyline, this drama truly stands out. It’s a thrilling and emotionally powerful series that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a drama that leaves a lasting impression.
ean1994
'Study Group'
I'm so sorry, but this year didn't do it for me when it came to dramas. Lots of the dramas felt repetitive, lackluster in plot, and chemistry. There were hits like 'When Life Gives You Tangerines,' which I still have yet to watch. But while not a major broadcast drama, 'Study Group' is the one that stood out the most, thus becoming my favorite. Perfectly blending heart, humor, and high-stakes action in a way that feels both refreshing and meaningful.
The core message isn't just about school — it’s about friendship, resilience, and the courage to fight for your dreams even when the odds seem stacked against you. The series takes familiar school drama tropes and elevates them with chemistry-driven characters, clever humor, and thrilling fight sequences that never lose sight of the story’s emotional beats. It makes you laugh, gives you moments of genuine warmth, and then keeps you on your toes with stakes that feel real without ever becoming overly dark. The friendships feel earned, the character growth feels satisfying, and every episode leaves you invested in both the characters’ academic battles and their personal ones.
K-Soul
'When Life Gives You Tangerines'
I chose 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' for its beautiful portrayal of life as a journey shaped by time and seasons. The drama follows its characters through spring, summer, fall, and winter, allowing viewers to grow alongside them and form a deep emotional connection, not just with the story but with their own lives. Few dramas evoke emotion as powerfully as this one; even a single word, “Mom,” is enough to bring tears. Through its storytelling, the series gently reminds us of the sacrifices our mothers made, dedicating their lives to raising us and giving us the chance to live fully.
The drama takes this reflection a step further by shifting focus to the next generation, as Geum Myeong grows into motherhood and begins to understand her own mother’s life from a new perspective. At its core, 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' is also a story of enduring love, shown through Ae Soon and Gwan Sik, whose relationship withstands the trials of time. Blending comforting slice-of-life moments with profound emotional depth, the series invites viewers to reflect on the meaning of family, love, and the quiet strength that binds generations together.
SHARE
