January brought a wave of unforgettable K-dramas, each packed with gripping storylines, intense emotions, and stellar performances. From heart-stopping thrillers to heartwarming romances, these dramas kept fans on the edge of their seats, setting the perfect tone for the new year.
With so many releases, it’s easy to miss out on the best ones. That’s why we’ve curated a list of the most talked-about and must-watch K-dramas from January. Whether you love mystery, romance, or action, these picks will leave a lasting impression!
The Queen Who Crowns
Queen Won Gyeong, born into the powerful Min clan during the late Goryeo era, marries Yi Bang Won, the ambitious son of King Tae Jo, founder of the Joseon dynasty. When King Tae Jo names his second son, Yi Bang Gwa, as his successor, Lady Min and Yi Bang Won conspire to claim the throne.
Their efforts led to Yi Bang Won’s rise as King Tae Jong, marking the beginning of his rule.
However, as King Tae Jong takes multiple concubines, tensions rise between him and Queen Won Gyeong.
Her influence begins to wane as the king tightens his grip on power, leaving her struggling to maintain her authority and protect her family in a court filled with shifting loyalties.
Aired: 6 January 2025
No. of Episodes: 14
Cast: Cha Joo Young, Lee Hyun Wook
Streaming Platform: Viki
When the Stars Gossip
An astronaut and a tourist cross paths at a space station, setting the stage for an unexpected romance.
Kong Ryong, an accomplished OB-GYN, joins a space tour with a secret mission of his own. As the future son-in-law of Korea’s wealthiest conglomerate, MZ Group, his presence in space carries hidden motives.
Commander Eve Kim embarks on her first mission as a leader. A perfectionist, she demands discipline in an environment where even the smallest mistake can mean disaster.
Meanwhile, Kang Gang Su, a fruit fly research scientist, hails from a wealthy financial empire but chooses an unconventional path by venturing into space, seeking adventure beyond his privileged life.
Back on Earth, Kong Ryong’s girlfriend, Choi Go Eun, is the only heir to MZ Group’s fortune. Beautiful, intelligent, and highly capable, she stands as a role model in both business and society.
Aired: 4 January 2025
No. of Episodes: 16
Cast: Lee Min Ho, Gong Hyo Jin
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Motel California
Ji Gang Hui spent her childhood at Motel California, where her father ran the business in their small rural village. With a mixed-race background from her mother’s side, she was often the subject of gossip, leaving her with deep emotional scars.
Her first love was her childhood friend, Cheon Yeon Su. At 20, she left for Seoul, building a successful career as an interior designer. Now, 12 years later, she unexpectedly returns to her hometown, where she reunites with Yeon Su.
Cheon Yeon Su, now a veterinarian, has only ever loved Gang Hui. However, persistent matchmaking efforts from villagers have led him to let rumours spread about an engagement with a fellow vet.
Just as he settles into this routine, Gang Hui suddenly reappears in his life after more than a decade.
Aired: 10 January, 2025
No. of Episodes: 12
Cast: Lee Se Young, Na In Woo
Streaming Platform: Viki
Family Matters
A group of individuals with unique abilities pose as a family while fighting against dangerous criminals.
Han Yeong Su, the warm-hearted mother, possesses a special ability that she keeps hidden. Baek Cheol Hui, her husband, is a timid yet devoted man who also conceals his own extraordinary powers.
Their household includes Baek Gang Seong, a grandfather with a gruff exterior but a deep sense of loyalty. Meanwhile, 17-year-old twins Baek Ji Hun and Baek Ji U have contrasting personalities—Ji Hun is gentle and kind, while Ji U is sharp and strong-willed.
Together, they form an unconventional yet tightly bonded family, using their abilities to protect each other while facing formidable enemies.
Aired: 29 November 2024
No. of Episodes: 6
Cast: Bae Doo Na, Ryu Seung Beom, Lomon, Lee Su Hyun
Streaming Platform: Coupang TV
Unmasked
An investigative journalism team fights to expose the truth behind hidden scandals and mysterious events. The team is led by Trigger, a passionate leader with a strong sense of justice, and a determined PD who prioritizes individual success.
Together, they navigate the challenges of investigative reporting while trying to save their struggling TV program.
As they uncover secrets and tackle high-stakes cases, the team faces opposition from powerful forces trying to silence them. With their careers and reputations on the line, they must balance their motivations with their commitment to the truth.
Aired: 15 January 2025
No. of Episodes: 12
Cast: Kim Hye Soo, Jung Sung Il, Joo Jong Hyuk
Streaming Platform: Disney+
Namib
Kang Su Hyeon is a top producer known for shaping idols using her unique methods and instincts. However, she unexpectedly loses her position at Pandora Entertainment.
At home, she is the primary provider, while her husband, Sim Jun Seok, takes care of their household and son, Sim Jin U. Once a music producer, Sim Jun Seok left his career behind after their son lost his hearing in an accident.
Determined to make a comeback, Kang Su Hyeon starts a new project to train an aspiring star. She selects Yoo Jin U, a trainee who has spent a decade pursuing his idol dream while struggling with family debt and setbacks.
Just as Yoo Jin U considers giving up, Kang Su Hyeon offers him a fresh opportunity. Meanwhile, Sim Jun Seok’s longing to return to music grows, leading Kang Su Hyeon to suggest he work as Yoo Jin U’s producer.
Aired: 23 December 2024
No. of Episodes: 12
Cast: Ko Hyun Jung, Ryeoun, Yoon Sang Hyun, Lee Jin Woo
Streaming Platform: Viki
Study Group
Yun Ga Min is a high school student who wants to excel academically but struggles to improve his grades. He attends Yusung Technical High School, a place known for its poor academic environment.
Despite his dedication to studying, he sees little progress, yet he remains determined to achieve his goal of entering college.
To support his studies, he forms a study group with fellow students. However, when his friends become targets of bullying, Yun Ga Min steps in with his hidden talent—fighting.
Meanwhile, his teacher, Lee Han Gyeong, who once tutored him during her university years, returns to the school as a temporary teacher. She secretly works to bring change to the troubled institution.
Aired: 23 January 2025
No. of Episodes: 10
Cast: Hwang Min Hyun, Han Ji Min, Cha Woo Min, Lee Jong Hyun
Streaming Platform: Viki
The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call
Baek Gang Hyeok is a highly skilled trauma surgeon with experience in war zones, known for his confidence and relentless drive. He joins a university hospital and takes charge of the severe trauma team.
A department that saves lives but causes financial strain on the hospital. Despite the challenges, he is determined to turn the team into an essential force in emergency medicine.
The trauma team includes Yang Jae Won, a former proctology specialist recruited by Baek Gang Hyeok, along with nurse Cheon Jang Mi and anesthesiology resident Park Gyeong Won.
Yang Jae Won becomes Baek Gang Hyeok’s first mentee, helping to transform the team from a struggling unit into a frontline emergency response group. Together, they take on critical cases and fight to prove their value to the hospital.
Aired: 24 January 2025
No. of Episodes: 8
Cast: Ju Ji Hoon, Choo Young Woo, Ha Young
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Love Scout
Kang Ji Yun, a highly successful CEO in the competitive headhunting industry, is fully dedicated to her career. Outside of work, however, she lacks even the most basic life skills.
Her secretary, Yoo Eun Ho, is the complete opposite—kind, well-mannered, and always looking out for others. A single father, he is adept at both parenting and managing a household.
While Ji Yun relies on him for everything, their professional relationship begins to take on unexpected emotional depth as they navigate their personal and professional lives together.
Aired: 3 January 2025
No. of Episodes: 12
Cast: Han Ji Min, Lee Joon Hyuk
Streaming Platform: Netflix
What a fresh start to 2025!
January delivered some of the most unforgettable K-dramas, leaving fans excited for what’s next. From emotional storytelling to thrilling twists, these shows set a high standard for the year ahead.
Which K-drama was your favorite this month? Did any of these make it to your watchlist, or is there one you think deserved more attention? Let us know your thoughts!
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