Looking for the top romance Korean dramas to spice up the new year? With dramas such as ‘Doctor Slump’, ‘Queen of Tears’, and ‘Lovely Runner’ topping the list of top romantic Korean dramas released in 2024, it might be hard to imagine that 2025 might bring the same amount of entertainment and originality. However, although the year has only just begun, here are the top romance Korean dramas that either carried on from the past year or are still ongoing and have millions of viewers around the globe with top ratings. Here are the top 5 romance Korean dramas to watch in 2025!

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When the Phone Rings

‘When the Phone Rings’ was released in late 2024 and ended in early 2025 with record-high viewership and ratings. Starring Yoo Yeon-Seok, who also acted as a heartfelt doctor in ‘Hospital Playlist’, as the main character, ‘When the Phone Rings’ features a couple in an arranged marriage who don't talk to each other. Chae Soo-Bin, who acts as the mute wife of Paik Sae-On, begins to have plans of her own when a kidnapper takes her hostage and her husband doesn't seem to care.

As the plot unwinds and many mysteries begin to reveal themselves, such as the disappearances of children at Nuri Dream Center, as well as the heritage of the main character Paik Sae-On, you will be drawn deeper into the story and watch as the two leads grow closer together and the main characters reveal the softer side to themselves. Although many critics have criticized the ending of the drama, ‘When the Phone Rings’ is undoubtedly one of the best romance dramas that was released recently and you will be giggling and rooting for their chemistry throughout!

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The Tale of Lady Ok

With twelve full episodes, its first episode releasing on November 30, 2024, ‘The Tale of Lady Ok’ climbed to the top of Netflix's Top 10 charts in South Korea, starring Lim Ji-Yeon and Choo Young-Woo. Set during the Joseon Period, a historical drama in the likes of ‘Goblin’ and ‘Captivating the King’, this year's most romantic drama so far breaks away from the traditional historical K-drama mold. Ok Tae-Young, portrayed by Lim Ji-Yeon, is a smart, strong-headed, athletic lawyer passionate about helping people.

However, her entire background is a fabrication, a secret that is exploited throughout the drama. As romance blossoms between the leads, ‘The Tale of Lady Ok’ captivates fans around the globe and proves to be an absolute must-watch.

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Love Scout

‘Love Scout’ was released on January 3rd, 2025, and quickly took over national ratings as the exciting story follows a headstrong and smart woman who is the CEO of a successful company. Her entire life surrounds her work because her industry is competitive and requires lots of time and dedication. Aside from her job and her work life, she has little to nothing.

A complete opposite of his boss, the secretary is friendly and socially active, while also being a single father. As romance between the two leads begins to blossom, viewers around the world are taken on a romantic and exciting storyline. Binge-watching through all the seasons, you will not be disappointed but will be kept on your toes, hoping for a happy ending for the two main characters.

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When the Stars Gossip

‘When the Stars Gossip’ debuted on January 4th, 2025, with high nationwide ratings. Starring Lee Min-Ho and Gong Hyo-Jin, the drama follows a space tourist and an astronaut as they begin to fall in love with each other. Perhaps the first Korean drama to feature a romance in space, ‘When the Stars Gossip’ creates not only giddy feelings in the viewers but a scientific and in-space interest as well.

Although the ratings are not as high as some of the other dramas on this list, only four episodes have been released so far, with the rest coming soon, and ratings are bound to rise as more viewers catch onto the trend and join the binge-watching on Netflix. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind love story with two stunning leads and great on-screen chemistry that will make you scream, laugh, and cry along with them from the beginning until the end!

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The Queen Who Crowns

With its first episode releasing on January 6th, 2025, ‘The Queen Who Crowns’ is one of the newest dramas on this list and an absolute gem. Queen Won Gyeong (acted by Cha Joo-Young) was born to a family full of prestigious political officials.

Married to King Taejong (acted by Lee Hyun-Wook), her relationship with her husband deteriorates when he begins to take concubines, and her power is diminished. Filled with romance, betrayal, and the classical schemes of historical dramas, ‘The Queen Who Crowns’ is impressive in its depiction of historical Korea, and contains an intricate and detailed plot to capture audiences around the world and take you on an adventure of love and betrayal.

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Although the year 2025 has only just begun, we still have a number of Korean dramas for fans around the world to watch. From world-famous dramas such as ‘When the Phone Rings’ to little-known ones such as ‘The Queen Who Crowns’, these are the top romance Korean dramas for you to binge-watch through the winter break. If there are other Korean dramas we missed in this article, please let us know in the comments!