Soompi & Viki Staff Talk returns to discuss our favorite K-dramas from the first half of 2025!
Check out our staff’s picks below:
Somni: “Love Scout”
“Love Scout” kicked off 2025, and so far, no other competitor has won my heart in the first half of the year. In the drama, Lee Jun Hyuk shines as Yu Eun Ho, a capable single father who effortlessly manages both his professional and family responsibilities, while Han Ji Min portrays Kang Ji Yun, a workaholic CEO who clashes with him from the very first encounter. Going beyond just a typical romance, the drama delves into the complexities of work-life balance and the importance of human connection when everyone carries their own trauma and difficulties in life. Watching the evolving dynamics between the two, who start off with a CEO-employee relationship, as well as the touching family aspects offers both entertaining and heartwarming moments. Since its premiere in January, “Love Scout” has solidified its place as my favorite K-drama of the first half of 2025!
Watch “Love Scout”:
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Winnie: “The First Night with the Duke”
Of all the K-dramas that aired in the first half of 2025, “The First Night with the Duke” easily tops my list. This series completely took me by surprise—the plot is refreshingly unique: Seohyun plays a modern-day woman who suddenly finds herself possessing the body of a minor male character in her favorite romance novel. At first, she’s thrilled to be watching her beloved main characters up close…until she accidentally ends up in bed with the male lead (played by Taecyeon), turning herself into the unexpected plot twist of the story! I was instantly hooked as the setup is something I’ve never seen before. But what truly makes it a must-watch, especially for second-gen K-pop fans, is the casting. Seeing Seohyun and Taecyeon, iconic idols from Girls’ Generation and 2PM, share the screen with such playful, natural chemistry is a nostalgic treat. Their dynamic is hilarious and heart-fluttering.
Watch “The First Night with the Duke”:
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Natalie: “Study Group”
If there’s one K-drama series that’s taken the first half of 2025 by storm, it’s “Study Group.” The drama blends high school action with surprisingly deep emotional developments and somehow makes after-school study sessions feel like high-stakes missions. And needless to say, Hwang Minhyun, who plays Youn Ga Min, and the rest of the amazing cast bring their characters to life perfectly. To be honest, Hwang Minhyun doing a complete 180 from a quiet, bookish student to martial arts master who throws punches left and right was enough to get me hooked, totally binge-watch the entire series, and quickly fall in love with everyone in the “Study Group.” It makes me want to study too, just to hang out with them!
Watch “Study Group”:
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Deanne: “Motel California”
Some dramas don’t have to be loud to leave a lasting impression, but they stick with you quietly. “Motel California” is definitely one of them, letting love and healing unfold slowly but surely. What really makes it worth watching is its thoughtful directing and storytelling, anchored by Lee Se Young’s strong and confident performance as Ji Kang Hee—a woman who returns home facing the pain and memories she’s been avoiding for years. The snowy motel setting fits the atmosphere perfectly, which reflects the loneliness and stillness she has been storing up inside. The romance—her reunion with her first love Cheon Yeon Soo played by Na In Woo—is sweet and genuine, adding a hopeful, emotional touch to the drama. More than anything, “Motel California” shows that coming home isn’t just about returning to a place physically but about facing deep emotions and unresolved feelings. Full of small, meaningful moments, this drama offers a perspective on what it really means to be human—and it stays with you long after it ends!
Watch “Motel California”:
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Jinny: “The Haunted Palace”
“The Haunted Palace” is my favorite K-drama from the first half of 2025, combining horror with emotional storytelling in a way that feels fresh and unforgettable. Rather than leaning on jump scares, it builds a slow, eerie tension that keeps viewers hooked while exploring deeper themes like guilt, trauma, and generational secrets. The lead actors Yook Sungjae and Kim Ji Yeon deliver great performances, portraying the complex characters Yoon Gab and Yeo Ri, and Yook Sungjae’s dual roles additionally makes the storyline more interesting. The drama is visually stunning, and with its originality and emotional resonance, “The Haunted Palace” has become one of the best K-dramas of the first half of 2025.
Watch “The Haunted Palace”:
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Yeon: “Undercover High School”
I think my favorite K-drama from the first half of the year would have to be “Undercover High School,” an unexpected gem! “Undercover High School” is a drama that follows Jeong Hae Seong (Seo Kang Jun), a National Intelligence Service agent who goes undercover as a high school student to track down missing gold. Watching Hae Seong carry out his mission is incredibly thrilling and exciting, but for the romance lovers like me, the heart-fluttering story of Hae Seong and Soo Ah (Jin Ki Joo) is what kept me hooked until the end. The perfect balance of comedy, action, and romance with a high-quality script and directing makes it a captivating watch for fans of all genres!
Watch “Undercover High School”:
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Sala: “My Dearest Nemesis”
2025 has already impressed us with its strong lineup of K-dramas, but my personal favorite for the first half of the year has to be “My Dearest Nemesis.” The heart-fluttering and upbeat rom-com tells the story of Ban Ju Yeon (Choi Hyun Wook) and Baek Su Jeong (Mun Ka Young), who first meet via their online game characters during their school days then meet again in real life as boss and employee 16 years later. Not only did Choi Hyun Wook deliver laughter with his relatable nerdy character who secretly hides his hobbies, but Mun Ka Young also captivated with her portrayal of Baek Su Jeong who loves Ban Ju Yeon for who he is. Their sweet yet playful chemistry and honest love are definitely unforgettable highlights of 2025 so far!
Watch “My Dearest Nemesis”:
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What was your favorite K-drama from the first half of 2025? Also check out our masterlist of all K-dramas from the first half of the year here!
