Looking for the most anticipated Korean dramas ready to premiere and enliven your watchlist this season? The latest K-dramas offer a mix of fresh romance, thrilling plots, endearing comedy, and intense action with some titles available for streaming on popular platforms like Netflix and Disney+.
Fans can expect stories ranging from heartwarming twin crossovers to thrilling revenge missions. Here are ten of the most awaited upcoming Korean dramas, complete with star-studded casts, unique premises, and must-see streaming options.
1. Last Summer
Last Summer greets viewers with a romantic comedy centering around twin brothers Baek Do Ha and Baek Do Yeong, both played by Lee Jae Wook. The twins, despite identical appearances, show starkly different personalities—one social, one mysterious. Their lives intertwine with childhood neighbor Song Ha Kyeong (Choi Song Eun), forming an emotional triangle. After the twins’ parents separate, one moves to the US while the other stays in Korea. Complicated feelings arise as old connections turn into romantic tension. Available for streaming on Netflix, this drama promises both heartfelt and playful moments.
2. Nice To Not Meet You
Nice To Not Meet You brings a roster of familiar faces, including Lee Jung Jae as a once-famous actor struggling with motivation. In a twist of fate, his life collides with journalist Wi Jung Shin, played by Lim Ji Yeon, who relentlessly seeks the next big scoop. Adding complexity is Kim Ji Hoon as Lee Jae Hyung, a retired baseball player turned director. Their intertwined fates make this series a refreshing take on celebrity life and media chaos, perfect for those craving both drama and laughter.
3. The Manipulated
For fans of thrillers, The Manipulated features Ji Chang Wook in a story of an ordinary man, Tae Joong, whose life spirals after being falsely accused of murder. His pursuit to uncover the truth draws him into a battle of wits with Yo Han (Doh Kyung Soo), a cold and calculating figure. This series, streaming on Disney+, weaves crime and suspense, offering smart plot twists and psychological depth that make every episode gripping.
4. Dear X
Adapted from a popular webtoon, Dear X is a melodrama-thriller starring Kim Yoo Jung as Baek Ah Jin, a famous actress with a hidden past and traumatic childhood. Kim Young Dae plays Yoon Joon Seo, the unwavering companion who believes his love alone can save her. Together, their journey explores ambition, fear, and unwavering devotion. This anticipated drama is set to air via HBO Max, combining suspense with emotional storytelling.
5. As You Stood By
As You Stood By draws inspiration from Hideo Okuda’s novel Naomi to Kanako and follows Eun Su (Jeon So Nee), a luxury store employee grappling with childhood trauma. Her friend Hui Su (Lee Yoo Mi) faces domestic violence from her husband, Jin Pyo (Jang Seung Jo), which leads the pair into a dark alliance of survival and retribution. Set to premiere on Netflix, this intense narrative explores themes of friendship, pain, and courage to fight back.
6. Moon River
Historical drama enthusiasts will appreciate Moon River, starring Kang Tae Oh as prince Lee Kang, who quietly harbors a plan for vengeance after the loss of a loved one. Opposite him is Kim Se Jeong as Park Dal Yi, a witty merchant. A supernatural incident causes their souls to switch bodies, resulting in comedic yet poignant adventures. The unique mix of period setting and body-swap fantasy makes this series both touching and quirky.
7. Dynamite Kiss
In the mood for laugh-out-loud romance? Dynamite Kiss tells the story of Go Da Rim (Ahn Eun Jin), who pretends to be a married mother to secure a job at a baby goods store. Her deception puts her on a comedic collision course with her sharp, intelligent boss Gong Ji Hyuk (Jang Ki Yong). This Netflix rom-com offers playful chemistry, unexpected twists, and delightful charm for fans craving sweet escapism.
8. LOVE.exe
LOVE.exe explores the pitfalls of modern romance between Kang Min Hak (Kim Yo Han), a charismatic influencer, and Ju Yeon San (Hwang Bo Reum Byeol), a brilliant yet love-challenged student. Their worlds collide in utter chaos, highlighting both the humor and hurdles of young love amidst social media fame. As their relationship unfolds, the story promises both relatable mishaps and warming moments sure to hook viewers.
9. Heroes Next Door
Those seeking action will find Heroes Next Door compelling, tracking a group of ex-special forces soldiers drawn back together—not to serve the nation, but to protect their families and neighborhoods. Choi Kang (Yoon Kye Sang), Kwak Byung Nam (Jin Suk Kyu), and others reunite as danger threatens their ordinary lives. The drama promises camaraderie, suspense, and emotional stakes, appealing to audiences who love seeing everyday heroes rise to the occasion.
10. Taxi Driver 3
The much-anticipated return of Taxi Driver brings fans into another round with the Rainbow Taxi crew, who offers justice to those failed by the system. Lee Je Hoon reprises his role as Kim Do Ki, a naval academy graduate scarred by personal trauma. Each episode delivers high-stakes missions, clever tactics, and heartfelt narratives about vengeance and justice. This new installment ensures a continued blend of action, clever storytelling, and emotional depth.
Here’s a recap table for easy reference:
| Drama Title | Main Stars | Genre | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last Summer | Lee Jae Wook, Choi Song Eun | Romance/Comedy | Netflix |
| Nice To Not Meet You | Lee Jung Jae, Lim Ji Yeon | Comedy/Drama | – |
| The Manipulated | Ji Chang Wook, Doh Kyung Soo | Thriller/Crime | Disney+ |
| Dear X | Kim Yoo Jung, Kim Young Dae | Thriller/Melodrama | HBO Max |
| As You Stood By | Jeon So Nee, Lee Yoo Mi | Drama/Thriller | Netflix |
| Moon River | Kang Tae Oh, Kim Se Jeong | Historical/Comedy | – |
| Dynamite Kiss | Ahn Eun Jin, Jang Ki Yong | Romantic Comedy | Netflix |
| LOVE.exe | Kim Yo Han, Hwang Bo Reum Byeol | Romantic Comedy | – |
| Heroes Next Door | Yoon Kye Sang, Jin Suk Kyu | Action/Drama | – |
| Taxi Driver 3 | Lee Je Hoon | Action/Crime | – |
These titles feature a diverse range of genres—from sageuk to suspense, from lighthearted love to societal criticism. Streaming options like Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max make them accessible globally, allowing fans to easily catch every twist and heartfelt moment.
Viewers eager to see award-winning actors revisit beloved roles or explore new storylines should mark their calendars. As the excitement surrounding K-dramas continues to grow, these ten series signal another strong season ahead, offering stories that blend entertainment, emotion, and surprising originality. Keep an eye on these releases and claim your front-row spot in Korean drama’s evolving landscape.
