Soompi & Viki Workers Discuss returns to debate our favourite Okay-dramas from the primary half of 2025!
Try our workers’s picks under:
Somni: “Love Scout”
“Love Scout” kicked off 2025, and to date, no different competitor has received my coronary heart within the first half of the yr. Within the drama, Lee Jun Hyuk shines as Yu Eun Ho, a succesful single father who effortlessly manages each his skilled and household duties, whereas Han Ji Min portrays Kang Ji Yun, a workaholic CEO who clashes with him from the very first encounter. Going past only a typical romance, the drama delves into the complexities of work-life steadiness and the significance of human connection when everybody carries their very own trauma and difficulties in life. Watching the evolving dynamics between the 2, who begin off with a CEO-employee relationship, in addition to the touching household facets affords each entertaining and heartwarming moments. Since its premiere in January, “Love Scout” has solidified its place as my favourite Okay-drama of the primary half of 2025!
Watch “Love Scout”:
Winnie: “The First Night with the Duke”
Of all of the Okay-dramas that aired within the first half of 2025, “The First Evening with the Duke” simply tops my checklist. This collection utterly took me without warning—the plot is refreshingly distinctive: Seohyun performs a modern-day lady who out of the blue finds herself possessing the physique of a minor male character in her favourite romance novel. At first, she’s thrilled to be watching her beloved important characters up shut…till she unintentionally results in mattress with the male lead (performed by Taecyeon), turning herself into the sudden plot twist of the story! I used to be immediately hooked because the setup is one thing I’ve by no means seen earlier than. However what really makes it a must-watch, particularly for second-gen Okay-pop followers, is the casting. Seeing Seohyun and Taecyeon, iconic idols from Ladies’ Technology and 2PM, share the display with such playful, pure chemistry is a nostalgic deal with. Their dynamic is hilarious and heart-fluttering.
Watch “The First Evening with the Duke”:
Natalie: “Study Group”
If there’s one Okay-drama collection that’s taken the primary half of 2025 by storm, it’s “Research Group.” The drama blends highschool motion with surprisingly deep emotional developments and by some means makes after-school research periods really feel like high-stakes missions. And for sure, Hwang Minhyun, who performs Youn Ga Min, and the remainder of the superb solid carry their characters to life completely. To be trustworthy, Hwang Minhyun doing an entire 180 from a quiet, bookish scholar to martial arts grasp who throws punches left and proper was sufficient to get me hooked, completely binge-watch all the collection, and rapidly fall in love with everybody within the “Research Group.” It makes me need to research too, simply to hang around with them!
Watch “Research Group”:
Deanne: “Motel California”
Some dramas don’t must be loud to depart a long-lasting impression, however they follow you quietly. “Motel California” is certainly one among them, letting love and therapeutic unfold slowly however certainly. What actually makes it price watching is its considerate directing and storytelling, anchored by Lee Se Young’s robust and assured efficiency as Ji Kang Hee—a lady who returns dwelling going through the ache and recollections she’s been avoiding for years. The snowy motel setting matches the environment completely, which displays the loneliness and stillness she has been storing up inside. The romance—her reunion together with her past love Cheon Yeon Soo performed by Na In Woo—is good and real, including a hopeful, emotional contact to the drama. Greater than something, “Motel California” reveals that coming dwelling isn’t nearly returning to a spot bodily however about going through deep feelings and unresolved emotions. Filled with small, significant moments, this drama affords a perspective on what it actually means to be human—and it stays with you lengthy after it ends!
Watch “Motel California”:
Jinny: “The Haunted Palace”
“The Haunted Palace” is my favourite Okay-drama from the primary half of 2025, combining horror with emotional storytelling in a means that feels contemporary and unforgettable. Somewhat than leaning on bounce scares, it builds a sluggish, eerie pressure that retains viewers hooked whereas exploring deeper themes like guilt, trauma, and generational secrets and techniques. The lead actors Yook Sungjae and Kim Ji Yeon ship nice performances, portraying the complicated characters Yoon Gab and Yeo Ri, and Yook Sungjae’s twin roles moreover makes the storyline extra fascinating. The drama is visually beautiful, and with its originality and emotional resonance, “The Haunted Palace” has develop into among the best Okay-dramas of the primary half of 2025.
Watch “The Haunted Palace”:
Yeon: “Undercover High School”
I believe my favourite Okay-drama from the primary half of the yr must be “Undercover Excessive Faculty,” an sudden gem! “Undercover Excessive Faculty” is a drama that follows Jeong Hae Seong (Seo Kang Jun), a Nationwide Intelligence Service agent who goes undercover as a highschool scholar to trace down lacking gold. Watching Hae Seong perform his mission is extremely thrilling and thrilling, however for the romance lovers like me, the heart-fluttering story of Hae Seong and Soo Ah (Jin Ki Joo) is what stored me hooked till the tip. The proper steadiness of comedy, motion, and romance with a high-quality script and directing makes it a charming look ahead to followers of all genres!
Watch “Undercover Excessive Faculty”:
Sala: “My Dearest Nemesis”
2025 has already impressed us with its robust lineup of Okay-dramas, however my private favourite for the primary half of the yr needs to be “My Dearest Nemesis.” The center-fluttering and upbeat rom-com tells the story of Ban Ju Yeon (Choi Hyun Wook) and Baek Su Jeong (Mun Ka Young), who first meet through their on-line sport characters throughout their faculty days then meet once more in actual life as boss and worker 16 years later. Not solely did Choi Hyun Wook ship laughter together with his relatable nerdy character who secretly hides his hobbies, however Mun Ka Younger additionally captivated together with her portrayal of Baek Su Jeong who loves Ban Ju Yeon for who he’s. Their candy but playful chemistry and trustworthy love are undoubtedly unforgettable highlights of 2025 to date!
Watch “My Dearest Nemesis”:
What was your favourite Okay-drama from the primary half of 2025? Additionally take a look at our masterlist of all Okay-dramas from the primary half of the yr here!
