As 2025 draws to a close, K-drama enthusiasts are reflecting on another stellar year filled with captivating stories, unforgettable characters, and breathtaking visuals. From historical dramas to medical thrillers and heartwarming romances, here are 10 must-watch K-dramas that have defined the year:

1. When Life Gives You Tangerines: Starring IU and Park Bo-gum, this series is a heartwarming romantic drama about Ae Soon and Gwen Sik, who meet under unusual circumstances and discover the power of love and resilience. This series chronicles a mid-20th century love story filled with both heartwarming and heartbreaking moments, making it a strong contender for K-drama of the year.

2. Bon Appétit, Your Majesty: This culinary-themed drama follows a modern French chef, Yeon Ji-yeong (Yoona of Girls' Generation), who time-slips into the Joseon era after a big win. The series revolves around a new dish each episode, with the chemistry between Yoona and Lee Chae-min's brooding king adding to the romance.

3. The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call: A medical drama based on the webnovel "Trauma Center: Golden Hour," starring Ju Ji-hoon as Baek Kang-hyuk, a former combat medic. Kang-hyuk's unconventional methods initially clash with his colleagues but his skills eventually win them over. The series focuses on the intensity of saving lives in a tense emergency ward, with each surgery acting as a mini-character study.

4. Weak Hero Class 2: This sequel intensifies the original premise, with Park Ji-hoon reprising his role as Yeon Si-eun, now facing new challenges in a school rife with bullying and delinquency. The drama explores the theme of fighting the system and oneself.

5. Genie, Make a Wish: A romantic comedy with a fantasy twist, starring Kim Woo-bin as Iblis, an ancient genie, and Bae Suzy as Ki Ka-young. Iblis, imprisoned for 900 years, intends to seek vengeance on Ka-young's reincarnation but instead falls in love with her through magical mishaps.

6. Melo Movie: This romantic comedy series centers on Ko Gyeom (Choi Woo-shik), a movie critic, and Kim Mu-bee (Park Bo-young), an aspiring filmmaker. Reconnecting after five years, they revisit their past and give their romance a second chance.

7. Buried Hearts: A revenge thriller starring Park Hyun-sik as Seo Dong-ju, an executive director who steals from his company's slush fund but suffers amnesia after being attacked.

8. Undercover High School: Seo Kang-joon plays Jeong Hae-seong, an NIS agent who goes undercover at a high school to find missing gold bars. The series combines a spy premise with high school comedy-thriller elements.

9. The Price of Confession: This thriller features Kim Go-eun and Jeon Do-yeon. Jeon plays an art teacher accused of murdering her husband, and while in jail, she meets a mysterious woman (Kim) and they strike a dangerous deal.

10. Made in Korea: A December release starring Hyun Bin and Jung Woo-sung.

These K-dramas represent the diverse and compelling storytelling that has captivated audiences in 2025. With a blend of genres, talented casts, and high production values, these dramas have undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the global entertainment landscape.