The first half of 2025 brought a wave of heartwarming and emotionally resonant romance K-dramas, captivating audiences with tales of love, growth, and healing.
From nostalgic period pieces to quirky rural comedies, here are five standout series you shouldn't miss:
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The first half of 2025 brought a wave of heartwarming and emotionally resonant romance K-dramas, captivating audiences with tales of love, growth, and healing.1. When Life Gives You Tangerines (폭싹 속았수다)2. Melomovie (멜로무비)3. Love Scout (나의 완벽한 비서)4. Motel California (모텔 캘리포니아)5. The Potato Lab (감자연구소)
1. When Life Gives You Tangerines (폭싹 속았수다)
- Platform: Netflix
- Cast: IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri
- HighlightA sweeping romance set on Jeju Island, spanning from the 1960s to the present day. The series follows Ae-sun and Gwan-sik as they navigate life's challenges, offering a poignant exploration of enduring love and resilience.
- Reason to watchA must-watch for its rich Jeju local flavor, emotional storytelling, and deeply moving performances that resonate across generations.
2. Melomovie (멜로무비)
- Platform: Netflix
- Cast: Choi Woo-shik, Park Bo-young, Lee Jun-young
- Highlight: A tender tale of rekindled romance between a film critic and an aspiring director. Set against the backdrop of the film industry, it delves into themes of love, dreams, and personal growth.
- Reason to watchA sweet blend of dreams, love, and reality set in the creative world of filmmaking.
3. Love Scout (나의 완벽한 비서)
- Platform: SBS, Netflix (beberapa wilayah)
- Cast: Han Ji-min, Lee Jun-hyuk
- Highlight: An engaging workplace romance between a perfectionist CEO and her highly competent secretary. The series balances humor and heartfelt moments as the duo navigates professional and personal challenges.
- Reason to watchAn enjoyable watch with great chemistry and a relatable story about love in the workplace.
4. Motel California (모텔 캘리포니아)
- Platform: MBC
- Cast: Lee Se-young, Na In-woo
- Highlight: A heartfelt story of first love rekindled in a small-town motel. As the protagonists confront past wounds, the series offers a poignant look at healing and rediscovery.
- Reason to watchPerfect for fans of healing dramas and second-chance romance themes.
5. The Potato Lab (감자연구소)
- Platform: tvN, Netflix (beberapa wilayah)
- Cast: Lee Sun-bin, Kang Tae-oh
- Highlight: Set in a rural potato research institute, this romantic comedy follows the quirky interactions between a passionate researcher and a pragmatic director. Their evolving relationship brings humor and warmth to the countryside setting.
- Reason to watchA light and heartwarming series that brings both laughter and comfort.
✨ Hello Korea’s Recommendation!
This year’s key theme: “Warmth + Realism.”
Whether from OTT platforms or national TV broadcasts, the first half of 2025 has delivered some truly high-quality love stories.
If you haven’t watched them all yet, now’s the time—bookmark this list and let it guide your K-drama journey!
📺 Coming up next:
“10 Most Iconic K-Drama Quotes from the First Half of 2025”
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