As 2025 shapes up, K-drama fans are gearing up for another year of exciting projects. 2024 had plenty of memorable shows, from “The Queen Of Tears (눈물의 여왕)” starring Kim Soo-Hyun (김수현) and Kim Ji-Won (김지원), to “The Lovely Runner (선재 업고 튀어)” starring Byeon Woo-Seok (변우석) and Kim Hye-Yoon (김혜윤). These shows have received rave reviews in the past year, raising the expectations for what’s coming in 2025.
There’s a long list of Korean dramas set for a 2025 release, including the highly-anticipated series finale for “Squid Game”. However, what everyone’s talking about are the actors and actresses who will make their long-awaited return to the screen. Here are ten Korean stars that will appear in new dramas in the new year:
Seo Kang-Joon (서강준)
Actor Seo Kang-Joon first captured the public’s attention when he starred in the 2016 romance drama, “Cheese In The Trap (치즈인더트랩)”. However, the 31-year-old hasn’t appeared in any new projects since his military discharge in 2023. Thankfully, fans will soon be able to catch him in a new drama, “Undercover High School (언더커버 하이스쿨)”, set for release in the first half of 2025.
Hyun Bin (현빈)
Renowned actor Hyun Bin recently appeared in the blockbuster movie, “Harbin (하얼빈)”, but it’s been five years since he last appeared in a K-drama. However, there is exciting news for fans who patiently waited for the “Crash Landing On You (사랑의 불시착)” star’s new drama because the actor will star in a 2025 Disney+ series titled “Made In Korea (메이드 인 코리아)”.
IU (아이유)
Singer-actress IU took a break from acting to return her focus on his singing career, but she’s back on the screen, taking up a few new roles. In 2025, the “Hotel del Luna (호텔 델루나)” star will appear in Netflix’s “When Life Gives You Tangerine (폭싹 속았수다)”, alongside Park Bo-Gum, and in MBC’s “The 21st Century Grand Prince’s Wife (21세기 대군 부인)”, alongside Byeon Woo-Seok.
Park Bo-Gum (박보검)
As mentioned, Park Bo-Gum will star in the upcoming Netflix series, “When Life Gives You Tangerine”, with IU. His JTBC drama series, “Good Boy (굿보이)”, will also air in 2025, after it got pushed back from its original 2024 release date. These two new projects mark Park Bo-Gum’s first drama appearances since “Record Of Youth (청춘기록)” in 2020.
Lee Min-Ho (이민호)
Lee Min-Ho will also star in his first K-drama in years, playing the male lead in the newly released “When The Stars Gossip (별들에게 물어봐)”. The show is the actor’s first Korean series since “The King: Eternal Monarch (더 킹: 영원의 군주)” in 2020. However, he did star in Apple TV’s “Pachinko”, which released its second season in August 2024.
Gong Hyo-Jin (공효진)
Also starring in “When The Stars Gossip” is actress Gong Hyo-Jin. Like her co-star Lee Min-Ho, this new project is the actress’ first K-drama in years. Her last drama was the 2019 KBS drama, “When The Camellia Blooms (동백꽃 필 무렵)”, in which she played the female lead alongside co-stars Kang Ha-Neul (강하늘) and Kim Ji-Seok (김지석).
Ma Dong-Seok (마동석)
Ma Dong-Seok is a familiar face on the silver screen, having acted in two blockbuster movies in 2024. However, it’s been nearly ten years since he last appeared in a television series – so fans are excited to learn about his new drama. The star will soon play the lead in “Twelve (트웰브)”, a fantasy action superhero drama set for release in 2025.
NamGoong Min (남궁민)
Actor NamGoong Min is well-recognised for his acting prowess, able to act in both comedic and dramatic roles. After a short break from acting, the star will make his return to the screen in 2025, appearing in the melodrama “Our Movie (우리 영화)”, as a movie director who falls in love with a film actress, played by Jeon Yeo-Been (전여빈).
Gianna Jun Ji-Hyun (전지현)
Iconic actress Jun Ji-Hyun received critical acclaim for her appearance in “My Love From The Star (별에서 온 그대)”, so it’s no surprise that the public looks forward to her new role in 2025. The 43-year-old will appear in “Tempest (북극성)”, her first K-drama project since “Jirisan (지리산)” in 2021.
Kang Dong-Won (강동원)
Actor Kang Dong-Won has a long list of movies to his name, but his last K-drama appearance was over two decades ago in 2004. Many have waited years to see him in a drama, so many are excited to hear he’s acting alongside Jun Ji-Hyun in “Tempest”. The multifaceted star will also produce the series, premiering in 2025.
Which star and K-drama are you looking forward to in 2025?
Sources: Soompi (1)(2)(3)(4), Allkpop, Marie Claire, Deadline
