Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post (SCMP) has released its list of the 15 best Korean dramas of 2025, naming IU and Park Bo Gum’s When Life Gives You Tangerines as the No. 1 drama of the year.
SCMP praised the series for delivering “emotions and inspiration that no other drama could” and described it as “a work that captures Korea’s unique delicate sensibility on a grand scale.”
Set in Jeju Island after the Korean War, the drama follows a family overcoming hardships while reflecting Korea’s rapid social and economic changes in the 20th century.
The second place went to Way Back Love, starring Kim Min Ha and Gong Myung, described as “a story of a careless grim reaper and a girl who has lost her laughter.”
Third place was awarded to Severe Trauma Center, with SCMP highlighting “Ju Ji Hoon’s overwhelming charisma.”
Other rankings included:
- 4th: Aema (Lee Ha Nee, Bang Hyo Rin, Jin Sun Kyu)
- 5th: Nine Puzzles (Kim Da Mi, Son Seok Gu)
- 6th: Squid Game Season 3, noted for its tension and shocking deaths, though some viewers were disappointed by the ending compared to previous seasons.
- 7th: You and Everything Else (Kim Go Eun, Park Ji Hyun)
- 8th: The Price of Confession (Kim Go Eun, Jeon Do Yeon), praised as a thriller blending suspense and melodrama.
- 9th: The Dream Life of Mr. Kim (Ryu Seung Ryong, Myung Se Bin), recognized for its cynical look at Korean society and ambition.
- 10th–15th: Typhoon Family, Dear X, Our Unwritten Seoul, Friendly Rivalry, Weak Hero Class 2, and Melo Movie.
SCMP noted When Life Gives You Tangerines as the standout drama of the year, while other series were recognized for strong performances, engaging storytelling, and unique concepts, marking 2025 as a remarkable year for Korean dramas.
Source: [1]
