Beyond 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' and 'Squid Game'¡ªWhere to watch K-dramas that blew up?in?2025?on?OTT

The year 2025 isn't even halfway through, yet the K-drama world has already delivered a vibrant mix of heartwarming romances, gripping thrillers, and surprise viral hits. While When Life Gives You Tangerines and Squid Game Season 3 have dominated global buzz, quieter titles like Love Scout have also found their way into viewers' hearts. With each show offering something fresh¡ªbe it in storyline, cast chemistry, or genre-bending twists¡ªthis year's lineup is shaping up to be one of the most diverse and exciting yet.

If you've fallen behind or just want to dive into the hype, many of 2025's biggest K-dramas are streaming now on major OTT platforms. Whether you prefer slow-burn romances, fantasy dramas, or edge-of-your-seat thrillers, there's a must-watch show waiting for you¡ªproving there's more to this year than just the blockbuster titles.

Buried Hearts

Cast: Park Hyung Sik, Huh Joon Ho, Lee Hae Young, Hong Hwa Yeon and more

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Political

OTT: Disney+ and Hulu

The story centers on a high-stakes political slush fund worth 2 trillion won, which is secretly hacked by Seo Dong-ju (played by Park Hyung-sik) in a desperate bid to survive. Once known as a loyal and calculating employee at Daesan Group, Dong-ju finds himself cornered and forced to take matters into his own hands¡ªrisking everything for self-preservation. What follows is a gripping journey through corporate and political intrigue. The drama peels back layers of his character, revealing that when survival is on the line, even the most loyal man can turn ruthless.

Undercover High School

Cast: Seo Kang Joon, Jin Ki Joo, Kim Shin Rok and more

Genres: Action, Comedy, Romance, Crime

OTT: Viki

Jung Hae-seong (played by Seo Kang Joon), a top NIS agent facing demotion, is sent undercover to Byeongmun High School to locate King Gojong's hidden gold bars. Disguised as a student, he meets O Su-a (played by Jin Ki Joo), a passionate contract history teacher hoping for a full-time role. As their bond grows, Hae-seong uncovers the school's deep-rooted corruption and teams up with Su-a to take on the powerful forces lurking behind the scenes.

My Dearest Nemesis

Cast: Mun Ka Young, Choi Hyun Wook, Im Se Mi, Kwak Shi Yang and more

Genres: Comedy, Romance

OTT: Viki

In high school, Baek Su-jeong (Mun Ka Young) had a crush on an online gamer called "Black Dragon," only to be embarrassed when he turned out to be a middle schooler. Sixteen years later, she's working at Yongseong Department Store when the new head of strategic planning, Ban Ju-yeon (Choi Hyun Wook), is revealed to be her old crush. Still holding a grudge, Su-jeong must face their awkward past¡ªand the chance at something new.

Study Group

Cast: Hwang Min Hyun, Han Ji Eun, Cha Woo Min, Lee Jong Hyun, Shin Su Hyun, Yoon Sang Jung and more

Genres: Action, Thriller, Comedy, Youth

OTT: Viki

Yun Ga-min (played by Hwang Min Hyun), a student at the underperforming Yusung Technical High School, dreams of going to college despite his low grades and reputation for fighting. He starts a study group to turn things around but finds himself constantly defending his friends from bullies using his fists. His former university tutor, Lee Han-gyeong (played by Han Ji Eun), returns as a temporary teacher¡ªcarrying a hidden agenda and a determination to transform the school for the better.

The Potato Lab

Cast: Lee Sun Bin, Kang Tae Oh, Lee Hak Joo and more

Genres: Comedy, Romance

OTT: Netflix

Set in a mountain valley, this quirky romance unfolds at a potato research center where two mismatched adults find unexpected love. Kim Mi-gyeong (played by Lee Sun Bin), a passionate potato researcher, is secretly working on her dream spud. She initially butts heads with So Baek-ho (played by Kang Tae Oh), the charming yet aloof new director. Despite their differences, sparks fly, and Mi-gyeong finds herself breaking her no-office-romance rule.

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