Top 5 Romance K-Dramas of Early 2025 💘

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:

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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✨ 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”