Top K-Dramas to Watch This Summer 2025: Your Ultimate Binge-Watching Guide
Summer is in full swing along with a new batch of K-dramas to check out! Whether you're looking for heart-pounding thrillers, swoon-worthy romances, or laugh-out-loud comedies, this summer's K-drama lineup has something for everyone. Here's our curated guide to the hottest new releases and must-watch upcoming shows.
Currently Airing & Recently Released
1. BITCH X RICH 2
- Genre: Teen Drama, School
- Status: Currently Airing (July 2025)
- Why Watch: School web drama Bitch x Rich returns for a second season this summer, continuing the story of class conflicts and teenage drama that made the first season such a hit.
2. Low Life
- Genre: Noir, Crime
- Premiere: July 16, 2025 (first three episodes drop opening day)
- Plot: A captivating noir series inspired by Yoon Tae-Ho's acclaimed webtoon, which centers on a treasure-laden ship from the Joseon era off the coast of Shinan. The story follows con man Oh Gwan-Seok
- Why Watch: Perfect for fans of dark, gritty storytelling with historical elements.
3. The Nice Guy
- Genre: Drama
- Premiere: July 18 on JTBC
- Why Watch: A character-driven drama that promises emotional depth and compelling performances.
Must-Watch July Releases
4. My Girlfriend Is The Man!
- Genre: Romance, Comedy
- Premiere: July 23, 2025 on Viu
- Why Watch: A fresh take on gender roles and relationships that's bound to spark conversations and deliver laughs.
5. The Winning Try (We Become Miracles)
- Genre: Sports, Youth
- Premiere: July 25 on SBS
- Cast: Yoon Kye Sang, Im Se Mi, Kim Yo Han
- Plot: About the coaches and players of a high school rugby team as they face ups and downs
- Netflix Release: July 25th, 2025 | New Episodes: Friday, Saturday
- Why Watch: Sports dramas always deliver on teamwork, perseverance, and heartwarming moments.
6. Law and the City
- Genre: Legal, Drama
- Platform: Disney+
- Why Watch: Streamers and broadcasters alike have reserved some major hitters for the summer season, and this legal drama is one of the standout titles.
Upcoming Gems to Add to Your Watchlist
7. The Murky Stream
- Genre: Historical, Period Drama
- Cast: Shin Ye Eun and former SF9 member Rowoon
- Setting: Set in the Joseon Dynasty, The Murky Stream sees Shin Ye Eun and former SF9 member Rowoon returning to the period drama scene. Based on Chae Man Sik's novel Takryu, the series follows the rise of Siyul (Rowoon) from a local gangster
- Why Watch: Rowoon's return to historical dramas and compelling source material make this a must-watch.
8. Genie, Make A Wish
- Genre: Romantic Comedy, Fantasy
- Cast: Kim Woo Bin and Suzy
- Plot: A light-hearted romantic comedy that tells the story of a listless girl Ga-young (Suzy) calling a genie (Kim Woo Bin) out of a lamp, who grants her three wishes
- Platform: Netflix in 2025
- Why Watch: The star power of Kim Woo Bin and Suzy combined with a magical premise promises pure entertainment.
Recently Premiered Hidden Gems
9. Salon de Holmes
- Genre: Mystery, Comedy
- Cast: Lee Si-Young, Kim Da-Som, Jeong Young-Joo
- Plot: Follows a group of housewives turned amateur sleuths who form a detective team in their apartment complex. Led by the sharp but struggling Gong Mi-Ri (Lee Si-Young), the team includes a bold, scooter-riding single mom (Kim Da-Som), a former elite cop (Jeong Young-Joo)
- Why Watch: Perfect blend of mystery and comedy with strong female leads.
10. Mercy for None
- Genre: Crime, Action
- Cast: So Ji-Sub
- Plot: Inspired by the popular webtoon 'Plaza Wars,' follows Nam Gi-Jun (So Ji-Sub), a powerful figure in Seoul's underworld who steps back from crime to avoid conflict with his brother
- Why Watch: So Ji-Sub's commanding presence and webtoon source material guarantee intense action.
Where to Watch
Netflix: The Winning Try, Genie Make A Wish, and various other titles
Disney+: Law and the City Viu: My Girlfriend Is The Man!
JTBC: The Nice Guy
SBS: The Winning Try
Why This Summer's Lineup is Special
From heartwarming romances to thrilling mysteries, this comprehensive list features all the upcoming K-dramas slated for release in 2025 across various TV channels and streaming platforms! What makes this summer particularly exciting is the diversity of genres and the return of beloved actors to both familiar and new territories.
The mix of established stars like Kim Woo Bin, Suzy, and So Ji-Sub with rising talents ensures there's something for both longtime K-drama fans and newcomers to the genre. Whether you prefer the historical grandeur of "The Murky Stream," the contemporary thrills of "Low Life," or the fantastical romance of "Genie, Make A Wish," this summer's offerings promise to keep you glued to your screens.
Pro Tips for Summer Binge-Watching
- Start with shorter series like web dramas if you're new to K-dramas
- Mix genres to keep your viewing experience fresh
- Follow release schedules as many shows drop episodes weekly
- Join online communities to discuss plot twists and theories
- Don't sleep on sports dramas - they're surprisingly emotional and inspiring
Get ready to clear your schedule because this summer's K-drama lineup is absolutely unmissable!