11 New K-Dramas to Watch in May 2025
The Korean drama industry continues to captivate global audiences with its compelling storytelling, diverse genres, and star-studded casts. May 2025 promises an exciting lineup of K-dramas, offering everything from heartwarming romances to gripping thrillers and supernatural mysteries. Whether you’re a seasoned K-drama fan or a newcomer, here are 11 must-watch new K-dramas premiering this month that you won’t want to miss.
1. Spring of Youth
Genre: Coming-of-Age, Romance, Music
Cast: Ha Yoo-joon, Park Ji-hu
Where to Watch: SBS, Viki
Premiere: May 6
Kicking off the month is Spring of Youth, a vibrant youth romance set against the backdrop of university life. Ha Yoo-joon, a member of the upcoming K-pop group AxMxP, stars as Sa-kye, a former K-pop idol who enrolls at Hanju University after being ousted from his band. There, he meets Kim Bom (Park Ji-hu), a talented vocalist, and together they form a campus band. This drama blends themes of love, personal growth, and the pursuit of dreams, making it a perfect pick for fans of music-driven stories.
2. Tastefully Yours
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama
Cast: Kang Ha Neul, Go Min Si, Kim Shin Rok
Where to Watch: ENA, Netflix
Premiere: May 12
Food and romance collide in Tastefully Yours, a heartwarming drama about Han Beom U (Kang Ha Neul), the heir to a fine-dining empire who lacks passion for food, and Mo Yeon Ju (Go Min Si), a food-loving chef running a single-seat countryside restaurant. Their paths cross when they open a small eatery together, sparking culinary creativity and romantic chemistry. Expect mouthwatering dishes and heartfelt moments in this delightful series.
3. Second Shot at Love
Genre: Romance, Drama
Cast: Not specified
Where to Watch: tvN
Premiere: May 12
Second Shot at Love is a touching romantic drama that explores rekindled connections. The story follows a mechanic who reconnects with her first love, now a medical specialist who mysteriously returns to their hometown. As they navigate their changed lives and past feelings, the drama delves into themes of sobriety, growth, and second chances. This one’s for fans of emotional, character-driven stories.
4. Shark: The Storm
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Cast: Not specified
Where to Watch: TVING
Premiere: May 15
A sequel to Shark: The Beginning (2021), Shark: The Storm follows a former mixed martial artist trying to escape his criminal past. His plans are derailed when he gets entangled with a gang boss running an illegal martial arts league. Packed with gritty action and intense drama, this series is a must-watch for fans of high-stakes crime stories.
5. Dear Hongrang
Genre: Historical, Romance, Thriller
Cast: Lee Jae Wook, Jo Bo Ah, Jung Ga Ram, Uhm Ji Won, Park Byung Eun
Where to Watch: Netflix
Premiere: May 16
Set in the late Joseon Dynasty, Dear Hongrang is a captivating historical romance with a thrilling twist. Lee Jae Wook stars as Hong Rang, a man who returns to his wealthy family after a decade-long disappearance, with no memory of his childhood. His half-sister, Jae Yi (Jo Bo Ah), grows suspicious and seeks to uncover the truth behind his absence. This drama promises mystery, romance, and a taste of the past.
6. Nine Puzzles
Genre: Thriller, Crime, Mystery
Cast: Not specified
Where to Watch: Disney+, Hulu
Premiere: May 21
Nine Puzzles is a gripping thriller following I-na, a criminal profiler haunted by witnessing a murder as a child. Her career leads her to cross paths with detective Han-saem, who once suspected her of being involved in her uncle’s murder. As they unravel a complex web of crimes, this drama offers suspense and psychological depth for thriller enthusiasts.
7. The Director’s Hater
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Cast: Not specified
Where to Watch: MBC
Premiere: May 23
This quirky MBC drama, also known as Director Maeng’s Malicious Commenter, centers on a director dealing with online hate and the chaos it brings to their professional and personal life. Blending humor with relatable themes of navigating public scrutiny, this series is perfect for those who enjoy lighthearted yet insightful stories.
8. Our Unwritten Seoul
Genre: Romance, Drama
Cast: Park Bo Young, Park Jin Young, Ryu Kyung Soo, Lee Jae In
Where to Watch: tvN, Netflix
Premiere: May 24
Our Unwritten Seoul tells the story of identical twin sisters, Yoo Mi Ji and Yoo Mi Ra (both played by Park Bo Young), whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways. This romantic drama explores love, identity, and family bonds, offering a heartfelt narrative and stellar performances. Fans of emotional romances won’t want to miss this one.
9. Oh My Ghost Clients
Genre: Supernatural, Comedy, Drama
Cast: Not specified
Where to Watch: MBC
Premiere: May 30
In this supernatural comedy, a labor attorney who prioritizes profit over justice experiences a near-death event that leaves him able to see ghosts. Suddenly, he’s tasked with helping spirits resolve their unfinished business. Oh My Ghost Clients combines humor, heart, and a touch of the paranormal, making it a unique addition to May’s lineup.
10. Good Boy
Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime
Cast: Park Bo Gum, Kim So Hyun
Where to Watch: JTBC
Premiere: May 31
Good Boy is an action-packed comedy about former Olympians who become special police officers, using their athletic skills to fight crime. Starring Park Bo Gum and Kim So Hyun, this drama follows the “Olympic Avengers” as they tackle violent offenders with a mix of humor and heroism. It’s a fun, high-energy series for fans of action and camaraderie.
11. Heavenly Ever After
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Cast: Kim Hye Ja, Han Ji Min, Lee Jung Eun, Son Suk Ku, Ryu Deok Hwan
Where to Watch: Netflix
Finale: May 25
Though not a premiere, Heavenly Ever After concludes in May, making it a must-watch for those following its weekly episodes. This fantasy romance follows Hae-sook, who ascends to heaven after a long life and reunites with her husband, Nak-joon, who appears as his younger self. Their timeless love story is a beautiful blend of emotion and fantasy, perfect for a heartfelt binge.
Why May 2025 Is a Great Month for K-Drama Fans
May 2025 offers a diverse range of K-dramas, catering to fans of romance, thriller, action, comedy, and supernatural genres. From the culinary charm of Tastefully Yours to the historical intrigue of Dear Hongrang and the action-packed Good Boy, there’s something for everyone. Platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and Viki make these dramas accessible globally, ensuring fans worldwide can dive into the latest Hallyu wave.
Which of these K-dramas are you most excited to watch? Let us know in the comments, and happy streaming!