8 Must-Watch Korean Shows to Watch on Netflix Right Now (October 2025)

Following a thousand-year slumber, a genie is finally freed by a woman with intense emotional problems. Living under the thumb of her strict grandmother and going through the motions of a monotonous life, the arrival of Iblis (Kim Woo-bin) finally shakes things up for Ka-young (Bae Suzy). The eccentric genie must grant three wishes to this emotionless woman, and together the pair embark on a funny and fantastical adventure.

Genie, Make a Wish is a funny and light-hearted fantasy series that nevertheless has real emotional weight to it. Viewers will have a fun time watching Ka-young and Iblis’s odd couple pairing in an overarching narrative that has well-written episodic plots and fantastic performances from the two leads.

Years ago, Jung Yi-shin (Go Hyun-jung) was convicted of being a serial killer. Years later, a series of murders has emerged bearing hallmarks of Yi-shin. The police need help hunting down this disturbing copycat killer, and so Yi-shin is released from prison to help authorities catch her imitator. However, Yi-shin will only cooperate if her estranged detective son is assigned to the case. Though Cha Soo-yeol (Jang Dong-yoon) wants nothing to do with his criminal mother, the two must confront their past to find the killer.

Queen Mantis is an absolute must-watch for fans of thrillers, crime stories and mysteries. The well fleshed-out lead characters are compelling to watch, and the actors who portray them have excellent chemistry. Creepy and engrossing, Queen Mantis will quench a thirst not just for page-turner crime stories, but meaningful narratives with plenty of emotion as well as suspense.

After three years spent working abroad, 20-something video game developer Jun-hui (Jung Hae-in) returns home and reconnects with Jin-ah (Son Ye-jin), a 30-something district supervisor for a coffeehouse franchise. Jin-ah has been best friends with Jun-hui’s sister since childhood, but the two have never been much more than acquaintances. However, their reconnection turns into something much more than friends. The two attempt to navigate a romance amid South Korean taboos of age gap relationships.

This drama series isn’t just a heart-rending romance — it’s also an interesting commentary on various cultural taboos, not limited to age gaps, including those surrounding women’s careers, families, food and drinking. It skewers the culture of sexism and misogyny that frequently plagues South Korean work environments, while also being an affecting and engaging drama bolstered by the performances from Jung and Son.

Weak Hero, the story of a physically weak but intelligent boy who becomes entangled in escalating violence from high school bullies, gained an obsessive following quickly after the first season dropped on Netflix in March. The second season, known as “Class Two,” followed at the end of April, and fans are already clamoring for a third. 

Fans of Weak Hero are fascinated by the theme of high school bullying and using intelligence and strategy instead of physical strength. The series stars Park Ji-hoon in the leading role, showcasing a different side of his talent beyond his musical career as a former member of the boy band Wanna One. His performance has been particularly praised by critics for its depth and nuance, effectively capturing the internal struggles and growth of his character. The strong performances, intense storylines, violent action and complex emotional arcs make this show a great fit for fans of The End of the F***ing World.

The dark side of human nature is explored in this hit series that follows 456 cash-strapped contestants as they participate in a mysterious and deadly competition comprised of traditional children’s games with a dark twist. The stakes are life-threatening, and the ultimate prize is a life-changing 45.6 billion won. Beneath its gripping narrative lies a pointed critique of socioeconomic disparity and the desperation both perpetuated and exploited by capitalism.

With a third season set to release in June 2025, now is the perfect time to catch up on Squid Game. Get to know the talented cast of characters, which includes Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun, a down-on-his-luck chauffeur and gambling addict who enters the game hoping to settle his debts and reclaim guardianship of his daughter. Park Hae-soo portrays Cho Sang-woo, Gi-hun’s childhood friend and a disgraced investment banker. Jung Ho-yeon, in her breakout role, plays Kang Sae-byeok, a North Korean defector with her own motivations. 

High school drama meets zombie apocalypse in All of Us Are Dead, another hit South Korean series. The suspenseful drama is set in a high school under siege by a sudden zombie apocalypse. As a mysterious virus spreads, a group of students is forced to band together in a desperate fight for survival. The claustrophobic environment of the school amplifies the tension, as these teenagers grapple with not only the undead swarming the corridors but also the intense emotions and social dynamics among themselves. The series expertly combines horror, drama, and coming-of-age elements, creating a relentless pace that keeps viewers on edge. 

The show stars a talented ensemble cast, including actors Yoon Chan-young, Park Ji-hu, Cho Yi-hyun and Lomon, among others. This series is great for fans of the teen struggle for survival in Yellowjackets or the coming-of-age horror in The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.

The premiere high school drama out of South Korea, this show was many Americans’ introduction to K-dramas. Boys Over Flowers follows the story of a working-class girl named Geum Jan-di, played by Ku Hye-sun, who receives a scholarship to attend the prestigious Shinhwa High School. This elite institution is dominated by a group known as the F4, consisting of four wealthy and handsome boys led by the brash and arrogant Gu Jun-pyo, portrayed by Lee Min-ho.

The series develops as Jan-di becomes entangled in complex relationships with the F4, particularly with Jun-pyo, leading to a tumultuous journey of love, friendship, and rivalry. It’s a blend of romance, drama, humor and class commentary. It’s great for fans of teen soap operas like The O.C. or Gossip Girl.

Moon Gang-tae (Kim Soo-hyun), a psychiatric hospital worker who takes care of his autistic older brother, and Ko Mun-yeong (Seo Yea-ji), a successful children’s book author with an antisocial personality disorder, become romantically entangled in this drama series.

Ko Mun-yeong becomes obsessed with Moon Gang-tae, leading to an intense connection that evolves from disturbing to transformative. The chemistry between the two leads sells the darker elements of this story, which is ultimately one of healing, love and mental health. The series stands out for its unique storytelling approach, blending fairy tale elements with deep psychological exploration.

Viewers are drawn to the series not only for its strong performances but also for its stunning cinematography and insightful messages around mental health and personal growth. Blending a quirky visual style with heavy subject matter makes It’s Okay to Not Be Okay ideal for fans of Sex Education or Normal People.

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