As the new year dawns, K-drama fans have plenty to celebrate with a fresh slate of captivating stories set to premiere this January. Whether you’re craving heartfelt romances, thrilling mysteries, or soul-stirring dramas, the lineup for 2025 promises to deliver something unforgettable. These new releases mark the perfect start to a year filled with excitement, emotions, and endless binge-worthy moments.
Get ready to dive into an array of gripping tales and discover which dramas will steal your heart this January!
Love Scout
Kang Ji Yun is the ultimate boss lady, thriving as the CEO of a headhunting firm with unmatched confidence and drive. In the fiercely competitive world of recruitment, her dedication knows no bounds—but outside the office, she’s utterly clueless about everyday life. That’s where Yoo Eun Ho comes in, her indispensable secretary who seems to have it all figured out.
Unlike his no-nonsense boss, Eun Ho is warm, kind, and a master of multitasking. Whether it’s managing Ji Yun’s chaotic schedule or excelling as a single dad, he handles it all with charm and ease. Together, this unlikely duo embarks on a journey that’s as heartwarming as it is surprising, blending humor, drama, and a hint of romance.
Premiere Date: January 3, 2025
Cast: Han Ji Min, Lee Jun Hyuk, Kim Do Hoon, Kim Yoon Hye
Genre: Business, Romance, Slice of Life, Drama
Where to Watch: Viki
When The Stars Gossip
Love takes flight—literally—in this cosmic tale of romance, secrets, and unexpected connections set against the dazzling backdrop of a space station.
Gong Ryong, an OB-GYN with a hidden agenda, boards the space station as a tourist. But there’s more to this trip than meets the eye—he’s not just any visitor; he’s also the future son-in-law of the MZ Group, Korea’s wealthiest conglomerate.
Commander Eve Kim, a no-nonsense perfectionist, is tackling her first mission in charge of the station. With danger around every corner, she keeps a tight ship, refusing to let even the smallest mistake slide.
Meanwhile, Kang Gang Su, a carefree fruit fly researcher with a privileged background, is out to spice up his life with an interstellar adventure. His bold and reckless nature adds an extra layer of excitement to the already dynamic crew.
Adding intrigue is Gong Ryong’s fiancée, Choi Go Eun, the brilliant and poised heir to the MZ Group. Beautiful, capable, and inspiring, she seems to have it all—but her presence casts an undeniable shadow over Gong Ryong’s journey.
As hearts collide and secrets unravel, When The Stars Gossip delivers a blend of romance, comedy, and sci-fi like never before.
Premiere Date: January 4, 2025
Cast: Lee Min Ho, Kong Hyo Jin, Oh Jung Se
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Sci-Fi
Where to Watch: Netflix
The Queen Who Crowns
Step into the turbulent world of palace intrigue, ambition, and betrayal in The Queen Who Crowns, a gripping historical drama that unveils the sacrifices and struggles of a queen caught between loyalty and power.
Born into the esteemed Min family during the Goryeo period, Queen Won Kyung marries Lee Bang Won, the ambitious son of King Taejo, founder of the Joseon dynasty. But when King Taejo names his second son, Lee Bang Gwa, as his successor, Lady Min and Lee Bang Won conspire to secure the throne for themselves.
Their plan succeeds, and Lee Bang Won ascends as King Taejong. However, the victory comes at a cost. As King Taejong takes multiple concubines, the once-strong bond between him and Queen Won Kyung begins to crumble. Tensions rise as the king asserts his authority, attempting to control not only his queen but also her influential family.
In this tale of ambition, resilience, and heartache, The Queen Who Crowns shines a light on the untold trials of a woman who dared to shape history.
Premiere Date: January 6, 2025
Cast: Cha Joo Young, Lee Hyun Wook, Lee Yidam, Lee Sia
Genre: Historical, Drama, Melodrama, Political
Where to Watch: Viki
Motel California
A small-town motel, long-buried emotions, and a love that transcends time—Motel California invites you into a heartfelt story of rediscovery, healing, and romance.
Ji Gang Hui grew up at Motel California, nestled in her rural hometown, where whispers and judgment followed her every step due to her mixed-race heritage and unconventional family background. Despite the gossip, her heart found solace in her childhood friend and first love, Cheon Yeon Su. But at 20, carrying the weight of her wounds, she left for Seoul to chase her dreams. Now, 12 years later, as a successful interior designer at the peak of her career, something calls her back to the place she once fled—her hometown.
Cheon Yeon Su, now a dedicated veterinarian, has quietly endured years of small-town matchmaking attempts, allowing a false rumor of engagement to protect him from unwanted advances. Yet, the only woman he’s ever loved is Ji Gang Hui. When she reappears after over a decade, the feelings he once thought buried resurface, threatening to upend his carefully constructed life.
Can they heal the scars of the past and find their way back to each other in the place where it all began?
Premiere Date: January 10, 2025
Cast: Lee Se Young, Na In Woo
Genre: Romance, Drama
Where to Watch: Viki
Unmasked
Get ready for a rollercoaster of laughs, suspense, and jaw-dropping revelations! Unmasked follows the exhilarating adventures of an investigative reporting crew fighting to uncover the truth while saving their program from the brink of cancellation.
At the center of the chaos is Trigger, a team leader driven by an unrelenting sense of justice, and a fiercely independent PD who marches to the beat of their own drum. Together, they dive into mysterious events, expose hidden truths, and battle their way through the hilariously unpredictable world of investigative journalism.
Can this dynamic duo crack the case and rescue their beloved program, or will the truth be too wild to handle?
Premiere Date: January 15, 2025
Cast: Kim Hye Soo, Jung Sung Il, Joo Jong Hyuk
Genre: Suspense, Mystery, Comedy
Where to Watch: Disney+
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