2025 has been one of the strongest years for K-dramaland in recent memory. Networks have dropped hit after hit—spanning fantasy romances, legal comedies, gritty thrillers, and heartwarming family dramas. Viewers tuned in massively, and several shows posted record-breaking numbers for their networks.
Below is the definitive list of the Top 10 Highest Rated K-Dramas of 2025 so far, based on nationwide TV ratings (so far!).
10. Walking on Thin Ice (KBS2)
Peak rating: 5.1%
A gritty and emotional mystery that follows Kunganu, a housewife thrown into financial ruin after her husband’s medical crisis. A desperate decision entangles her in the criminal underworld when she accidentally acquires a bag full of illegal substances. Forced into survival mode, she teams up with Eigyong, a teacher living a double life.
A slow-burn hit that stood out in its weekend slot.
Watch this K-drama legally:
Viki, KOCOWA+, Netflix
9. Queen Mantis (SPS)
Peak rating: 7.4%
This crime thriller introduces Jungishin, a woman imprisoned for murders decades earlier. Her estranged son—now a police officer—is pulled back into her dark legacy when new killings resemble her old crimes. The chilling mother–son tension carried the drama to a strong finale.
Watch this K-drama legally:
Netflix, Viki, Prime Video
8. Beyond the Bar (Channel A)
Peak rating: 7.7%
A character-driven legal drama about rookie lawyer Gang Hyo Min, who has a strong moral compass but zero social finesse. She’s mentored by the ruthless but brilliant Yunokun, and the show blends courtroom tension with family warmth.
A major success for Channel A, becoming its highest rated series of 2025.
Watch this K-drama legally:
Viki, KOCOWA+, Prime Video
7. Undercover High School (NBC)
Peak rating: 8.3%
An action-comedy about an NIS agent (Sagang Jun) who disguises himself as a high school student to find missing Joseon-era gold. Along the way, he forms an unlikely alliance with a kindhearted teacher (Jingi Ju). Packed with laughs, action, and heart.
Watch this K-drama legally:
Netflix, Disney+, Viki
6. Shin’s Project (tvN)
Peak rating: 9.5%
A legal comedy centered on Mr. Shin, a fried-chicken-shop owner secretly known as a legendary negotiator. His skills pull him into bizarre lawsuits and heated public disputes.
One of tvN’s most successful weekday dramas ever.
Watch this K-drama legally:
TVING, Viki, Netflix
5. The Haunted Palace (SBS)
Peak rating: 11%
A supernatural historical romance starring Yukon and Bona, focusing on a reluctant shaman and a serpent spirit trapped in the body of her first love. Their struggle against a vengeful royal spirit builds into a dramatic, emotional finale.
Watch this K-drama legally:
KOCOWA+, Viki, Netflix
4. Love Scout (SPS)
Peak rating: 12%
A charming office romance featuring Hanjimin as a socially awkward but powerful CEO and Yuan Ho, her new secretary who balances work life with single fatherhood. Warm writing and strong chemistry carried the series to big Friday-night numbers.
Watch this K-drama legally:
Netflix, Viki, Prime Video
3. Our Golden Days (KBS2)
Peak rating: 13.8%
A comforting, multi-generational family melodrama that explores the emotional highs and lows of contemporary Korean families. With nostalgia, humor, and heartfelt storytelling, it became a dependable weekend favorite.
Watch this K-drama legally:
KOCOWA+, Viki, Netflix
2. Buried Hearts (SBS)
Peak rating: 15.4%
A high-stakes revenge thriller starring Park Yongshik. The story follows Sodongju, a man with photographic memory who uncovers a massive political slush fund and uses it to dismantle the corrupt forces behind his family tragedy.
The finale broke into the mid-teens, becoming SBS’s biggest drama of 2025.
Watch this K-drama legally:
KOCOWA+, Viki, Disney+
1. Bone Appetit, Your Majesty (tvN)
Peak rating: 17.1% — #1 K-Drama of 2025 So Far
A fantasy romance phenomenon starring Yoona and Ichamian. A modern chef is suddenly transported to the Joseon era and forced to cook for a notorious king. What follows is a rich blend of romance, humor, political twists, and gorgeous food sequences.
Its finale’s massive 17.1% viewership makes it the reigning champion of 2025.
Watch this K-drama legally:
TVING, Viki, Netflix
Final Thoughts: Which One Will You Watch Next?
From pulse-pounding thrillers to swoony historical romances and tear-jerking legal dramas, 2025 has been loaded with exceptional storytelling. Whether you’re catching up or planning your next binge, these 10 shows delivered some of the year’s strongest ratings — and biggest emotions.