K-dramas are taking over the world, and rightfully so. This year's Netflix K-dramas brought us some of the most captivating stories ever. These shows have made us sacrifice our sleep schedules. We just can't stop hitting the next episode button again and again. It seems like every other week, a new K-drama becomes the talk of the town.
These K-dramas are so swoon-worthy that resisting them is impossible. This year, Netflix truly outdid itself, delivering a fresh wave of K-drama masterpieces one after another. These series have taken over our binge-watching sessions and are here to stay.
Disclaimer: The article reflects the writer's opinion.
8 most popular K-dramas on Netflix in 2025 so far that stole our hearts and weekends
1) Mercy For None

If action sequences draw you in, then don't wait any longer and dive right into this K-drama. Its intense and well-choreographed action scenes are truly captivating. Nam Gi-jun’s past has a lasting impact on his life.
He tries to move on, but he's unable to do so. The death of his brother forces him to return to a life of crime to uncover the truth behind his brother’s death and seek revenge. For your upcoming weekend, this K-drama is definitely worth adding to your watchlist.
2) Weak Hero Season 2

This K-drama delves into the dark side of bullying in schools, depicted in a realistic and often heart-wrenching manner. Si-eun’s life changes after an incident with a close friend. Transferring to a new school, he avoids involvement due to his reputation. While his new classmates ignore him, the school is also filled with bullies who are involved in a union.
His new friends join the union, forcing him into trouble as he attempts to save them. He tries to prevent repeating his past. Through Na Baek-jin’s character, the series shows how victims can become perpetrators, as he was bullied as a child but later bullied others. This intense storyline makes it a must-watch.
3) The Potato Lab

Passion can be a powerful motivator in our lives. It encourages us to do things we might initially fear. Our passions give us a renewed sense of determination.
Mi-kyung is passionate about her potato research. She devotes herself fully to learning more about it. While her passion may be unique and somewhat unconventional, her determination is unmistakable.
For her, her research and the people she cares about are incredibly important. In contrast, So Baek-ho is quite different. He strictly follows rules and can be quite intimidating.
Their opposite personalities often clash. They argue and tend to avoid each other. However, love always finds a way. This K-drama is filled with intense, funny moments and a heartfelt romance between Baek-ho and Mi-kyung.
4) Heavenly Ever After

K-dramas offer fresh stories that provide new perspectives and respite. The unique storyline of this drama resonates deeply. Hae-sook and Nak-joon’s story leaves a lasting impact, especially her decision to maintain her 80-year-old face in heaven, contrasting with others who appear younger.
This decision highlights self-worth and love. Her husband, Nak-joon, always told her she was beautiful, regardless of age, which inspired her choice. The drama depicts their reunion after death, illustrating love's transcendent power and deepening its meaning.
5) Dear Hongrang

This K-drama is full of mysteries and complications that will keep you hooked. Set in the Joseon era, after the disappearance of a wealthy family's son, Hong-rang, things start to get difficult for them. His half-sister, however, never lost hope. She continued searching for him for years. But after twelve years, a man arrives claiming to be Hong-rang himself.
This triggers a series of mysteries and secrets. Jae-yi begins to become suspicious of the man’s identity. She senses that something is wrong and is determined to find the truth. She wants to discover whether this man is really her brother or not. If you enjoy watching historical K-dramas, then dive into this world of mysteries.
6) Karma

The thrill and suspense of this K-drama will make you question everything. For a weekend binge session, this K-drama will steal your heart.
Money can drive people to do heinous things. Through this series, we see how far people are willing to go for money. Park Jae-young’s decision to kill his father leaves a deep impression. His desire to claim the money from his father’s life insurance pushes him down a dangerous and heartbreaking path.
Every character in this K-drama highlights the story’s beauty. The single act of killing Jae-young’s father ignites a chain reaction. From the hitman he hires to carry out the job to everyone trying to cover it up, every part of this storyline will entangle you in a web of complications.
7) Squid Game (season 3)

One cannot deny that the release of the third season of this K-drama has probably been the most anticipated event of the year. The second season left viewers eager for more answers about the complexities of the game's world.
The way the game and those involved are secluded is genuinely intriguing. It makes us wonder about the many secrets of this universe. The VIPs take great pleasure in the suffering of the players, revealing various aspects of the human mind. Despite numerous chances for the players to opt out, greed played a crucial role in keeping them involved.
The desire for more leads to ruin, and while some positive characters tried to help others despite their struggles, ultimately, evil prevails. If you haven't watched the third season yet, don't wait any longer. You can binge it all in one sitting—each episode's suspense and constant thrill will make you hit the next button as quickly as possible.
8) When Life Gives You Tangerines

This list would be incomplete without adding this K-drama. If you're looking for a weekend binge-watch, then this K-drama is the perfect choice for you. Just be prepared to shed plenty of tears.
This K-drama not only makes you fall in love with the characters, but their heartbreaking stories will pull at your heartstrings deeply. Yang Gwan-sik will make you want to have a husband just like him. The way he cares for his beloved wife, Ae-sun, is truly remarkable.
It tells the story of three generations of women: Gwang-rye, her daughter Ae-sun, and her granddaughter Geum-myeong. Each woman faces her own struggles. Through Gwang-rye’s life, Ae-sun learns to stand up for herself and tries to stop her in-laws from making decisions for her children. Through Ae-sun’s life, Geum-myeong breaks free from the cycle and chooses her happiness.
This K-drama provides a realistic view of life's challenges. It highlights the importance of human connection and shows how the right partner can make a difference in life, in a subtle and nuanced way.
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