5 Lesser-Known but Brilliant K-Dramas Released in 2025, Ranked by IMDb

While big premieres with top actors dominate global charts, the true gems of Korean dramas often remain under the radar.

2025 is no exception – in addition to the highly anticipated hits, many little-known yet brilliant series have premiered that are definitely worth watching.

5. 'Return to the Palace', 2025

IMDb Score: 7.6/10

For many years, the shaman's granddaughter, Yeo-ri, has been haunted by an ancient serpent spirit named Gang Cheol. She once refused to help him become human, and now he sends her all sorts of misfortunes.

One day, Yeo-ri meets Yoon Gap, a civil servant, but he soon dies a victim of palace intrigue. The spirit then possesses Yoon Gap's body and gains Yeo-ri's trust.

Soon, the duo must travel to the royal palace to confront the evil spirits terrorizing the Joseon ruler and his family.

4. 'The Winning Try', 2025

IMDb Score: 7.9/10

The rugby team at Hanyang High School is struggling, and management is considering cutting funding.

To help the team get back on its feet, the principal hired a new coach: Ju Ga-ram, a former South Korean national rugby team player and the principal's student.

However, the other teachers are unhappy with this appointment because Ju left the national team several years ago due to doping allegations. The coach will now have to work hard to regain the students' trust and help them improve.

3. 'Dynamite Kiss', 2025

IMDb Score: 7.9/10

For several years now, Go Da-rim has been trying to pass the civil service exam. Things aren't going smoothly at home, either. Her sister ran away, leaving behind debts, and her mother was hospitalized with a heart attack.

Da-rim applies for a job opening at a baby products company. No education or experience is required – being a mother is enough. Go doesn't have children, but her desperate situation makes her pretend to be a mother.

She takes a position with a team of mothers, but her joy is short-lived. Her new boss is the man she had an affair with and ran away with without saying goodbye.

2. 'Bon Appétit, Your Majesty', 2025

IMDb Score: 8.0/10

Yeon Ji-yeong, a talented cook returning from France to Korea, is magically transported to the forests of the Joseon dynasty.

She doesn't immediately realize that she has traveled back in time. Upon meeting the real King Yi Heon, she mistakes him for a madman. The king is unfazed by Yeon's brazen behavior and appoints her as his personal chef.

While many are unwelcome in the palace, the brave and wise Yeon is quite capable of holding her own.

1. 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call', 2025-...

IMDb Score: 8.4/10

Baek Kang-hyuk, a slightly narcissistic but very charismatic surgeon, joins the trauma department of a large university hospital.

He is a gifted doctor and highly experienced surgeon who easily saves lives and truly loves his job. Over time, he connects with his colleagues and assembles a great team around him.

However, not everyone at the hospital is as dedicated to their calling as Baek is. Management constantly interferes, claiming that their work is "too expensive" for the hospital.