The new year is coming soon, bringing an exciting lineup of new Korean dramas. Are you ready for it? Explore the upcoming Korean dramas premiering in January 2025 and add them to your watchlist!
January 2025 Must-Watch New Korean Dramas
1. “Love Scout” ( 나의 완벽한 비서) – January 3
- Directed by: Ham Joon Ho
- Screenwriter: Kim Ji Eun
- Main Cast: Han Ji Min, Lee Joon Hyuk, Kim Do Hoon, Kim Yoon Hye
- Episodes: 12
- Airs: Friday, Saturday
- Where to watch: SBS, Netflix, Rakuten Viki
Synopsis:
The new Korean romance drama “Love Scout” follows the love story of a CEO and her secretary. CEO Kang Ji Yoon is skilled and successful, but her demanding career leaves little time for her family. Her secretary, Yoo Eun Ho, is highly competent and adept at childcare and household tasks. When their professional relationship becomes personal, it’s a game changer.
2. “When the Stars Gossip” (별들에게 물어봐) – January 4
- Directed by: Park Shin Woo
- Screenwriter: Seo Sook Hyang
- Main Cast: Lee Min Ho, Gong Hyo Jin, Oh Jung Se, Han Ji Eun
- Episodes: 16
- Airs: Saturday, Sunday
- Where to watch: tvN, TVING, Netflix
Synopsis:
“When the Stars Gossip“ follows Commander Eve Kim, who works in a demanding role at a zero-gravity space station. One day, obstetrician-gynecologist Gong Ryong visits the station as a tourist, forming a close bond with her. However, Eve’s suspicions arise when she uncovers Gong’s hidden motives for his visit to the station.
3. “The Queen Who Crowns” (원경) – January 6
- Directed by: Kim Sang Ho
- Screenwriter: Lee Young Mi
- Main Cast: Cha Joo Young, Lee Hyun Wook, Lee Yi Dam, Lee Shi Ah
- Episodes: 12
- Airs: Monday
- Where to watch: SBS, Netflix, Rakuten Viki
Synopsis:
“The Queen Who Crowns“ tells the story of Joseon Dynasty Queen Won Gyung, who is determined to create a new world and intends to share the power of her throne with King Lee Bang Won. This goal is opposed by royal concubine Yeong Sil, who is plotting against Won-kyung.
4. “Motel California” ( 모텔 캘리포니아) – January 10
- Directed by: Kim Hyung Min
- Screenwriter: Lee Seo Yoon
- Main Cast: Lee Se Young, Na In Woo, Choi Min Soo, Kim Tae Hyeong, Choi Hee Jin
- Episodes: 12
- Airs: Friday, Saturday
- Where to watch: MBC
Synopsis:
The new K-drama “Motel California“ is based on the romance novel “Home, Bitter Home” by Shim Yoon Seo. The story follows Ji Kang Hee, a young woman who spent her childhood at Motel California, a motel run by her father in their rural hometown. However, an unexpected turn of events forces her to move to Seoul with her family. Twelve years later, she decides to return to her hometown, hoping to reconnect with her roots, and she happens to cross paths with Cheon Yeon Su, her first love and childhood friend.
5. “The Good Man” (착한 사나이) – January 15
- Directed by: Song Hae Sung
- Screenwriter: Kim Woon Young
- Main Cast: Lee Dong Wook, Lee Sung Kyung, Ryu Hye Young
- Episodes: 14
- Airs: Wednesday, Thursday
- Where to watch: JTBC
Synopsis:
“The Good Man” follows the story of Seok Cheol, whose family has been a part of the gangster world for three generations. As the eldest son, he faces the challenges and trials that come with a life filled with tears and laughter, driven by his unwavering commitment to protect his family, career, and love.
6. “Unmasked” (트리거) – January 15
- Directed by: Yeo Soon Deong
- Screenwriter: Kim Ki Ryang
- Main Cast: Kim Hye Soo, Jung Sung Il, Joo Jong Hyuk
- Episodes: 12
- Airs: Wednesday
- Where to watch: Disney+
Synopsis:
“Unmasked” follows a group of investigative journalists, led by Chief Oh So Ryong, who publish a controversial report on their news program, Trigger, jeopardizing their careers. Now, the team must solve a 20-year-old case involving a famous actor’s unexplained demise to save their jobs.
7. “Study Group” (스터디그룹) – January 23
- Directed by: Lee Jang Hoon
- Screenwriter: Eom Sun Ho
- Main Cast: Hwang Min Hyun, Han Ji Eun, Cha Woo Min, Shin Soo Hyun
- Episodes: 10
- Airs: Thursday
- Where to watch: TVING
Synopsis:
“Study Group“ is an adapted Korean drama based on the webcomic of the same name, written by Shin Hyeong Wook and illustrated by Yoo Seung Yeon. The story follows Yoon Ga-min, a high school student who aspires to excel in his studies but only has a talent for martial arts. During his last year of high school, he creates a study group and declares that he would ace the college admission tests.
8. “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” ( 중증외상센터) – January 24
- Directed by: Lee Do Yoon
- Screenwriter: So Hyun Kyung, Choi Tae Kang
- Main Cast: Ju Ji Hoon, Choo Young Woo, Yoon Gyung Ho, Ha Young, and Jeong Jae Kwang.
- Episodes: 8
- Airs: Friday
- Where to watch: Netflix
Synopsis:
“The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call“ follows Baek Kang Hyuk, a genius trauma surgeon with experience in conflict zones, who leads a significant trauma team at a university hospital. Confident and determined, he transforms the underperforming team, saving lives while putting a financial strain on the hospital. The team includes his first student, Yang Jae Won, nurse Cheon Jang Mi, and anesthesiology resident Park Kyung Won.
Which new Korean dramas are you most excited to watch in January 2025?
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