5 Must-Watch New KDramas Releasing This December 2025

New kdramas are set to deliver an exciting conclusion to the year this December 2025, with several highly anticipated releases hitting screens just in time for the holiday season.

December offers an impressive range of genres, from star-studded legal thrillers to heartwarming romantic comedies. K-drama enthusiasts can look forward to some of the best new kdramas featuring renowned actors like Jeon Do-Yeon, Kim Go-Eun, Jung Kyoung-Ho, and Park Seo-Joon. Additionally, this month's lineup includes new romance kdramas alongside thought-provoking thrillers, ensuring there's something for every viewer preference.

Among the top new kdramas releasing this month are "The Price of Confession" (December 5), "Pro Bono" (December 6), "Surely Tomorrow" (December 6), "Love Me" (December 19), and "Idol I" (December 22). These five must-watch series showcase the continued evolution of Korean television production, each bringing unique storylines and talented casts to screens worldwide.

The Price of Confession

Among the most anticipated new kdramas of December 2025, "The Price of Confession" stands out as a gripping mystery thriller that promises to challenge viewers' perceptions and keep them on the edge of their seats.

Drama synopsis

"The Price of Confession" follows Ahn Yoon-soo, a free-spirited art teacher whose life is shattered when her husband Lee Ki-dae is stabbed to death in his studio. Despite her claims of innocence, Yoon-soo becomes the prime suspect due to her unusual behavior during questioning – asking for mild coffee, referencing CSI, and maintaining a smile despite the circumstances. As public opinion turns against her and evidence mounts, she is convicted and sent to prison.

While incarcerated, Yoon-soo meets Mo-eun, a mysterious woman feared as a "witch" by fellow inmates for her uncanny ability to read people. Mo-eun offers Yoon-soo a dangerous deal – she will confess to killing Yoon-soo's husband, but only if Yoon-soo commits an equally heinous act in return once released. This proposition sets in motion a complex tale of secrets, moral compromises, and the pursuit of justice.

Meanwhile, conscientious prosecutor Baek Dong-hun investigates every lead with unwavering conviction, while Yoon-soo's tenacious lawyer Jang Jeong-gu fights to prove her innocence. As the story unfolds, viewers must question what they believe about guilt, innocence, and the price one might pay for freedom.

Main cast of The Price of Confession

The series boasts an impressive ensemble of top Korean talent:

Jeon Do-yeon portrays Ahn Yoon-soo, the art teacher accused of murdering her husband. Jeon is known for her work in "Crash Course in Romance" and "Kill Boksoon".
Kim Go-eun plays the enigmatic Mo-eun, nicknamed "the witch" for her ability to see through others. Kim previously starred in "Little Women" and "Goblin".
Park Hae-soo takes on the role of Baek Dong-hun, the meticulous prosecutor pursuing the truth. Park gained international recognition through "Squid Game" and has appeared in numerous Netflix projects.
Jin Sun-kyu appears as Jang Jeong-gu, Yoon-soo's former boxer turned lawyer who fights relentlessly to prove her innocence.
Lee Ha-yul plays Lee Ki-dae, Yoon-soo's husband whose murder sets the story in motion.

Genre and themes in The Price of Confession

At its core, "The Price of Confession" is a mystery thriller that delves into the psychological aspects of its characters. Director Lee Jeong-hyo, who previously helmed the hit drama "Crash Landing on You," describes this as his first venture into the thriller genre.

The central theme revolves around prejudice and its destructive power. As the director explained, "The goal was to make viewers feel the danger of prejudice and how it can ruin people". The series examines how societal prejudices against women, particularly those who don't conform to expected behavior patterns, can lead to devastating consequences.

Furthermore, the show explores moral ambiguity rather than presenting a straightforward whodunnit. It challenges viewers to question their assumptions at every turn while examining the psychological cost of survival and the lengths people will go to for justice or revenge.

Release date and platform for The Price of Confession

"The Price of Confession" premieres on December 5, 2025, exclusively on Netflix. The series consists of 12 episodes, all of which will be released simultaneously, allowing viewers to binge-watch the entire thriller.

The show is produced by Studio Dragon in collaboration with Production H, continuing Netflix's strong commitment to bringing quality Korean content to global audiences as part of their 2025 lineup of Korean films and series.

Why The Price of Confession is a must-watch

"The Price of Confession" distinguishes itself as one of the best new kdramas of 2025 for several compelling reasons:

Exceptional performances: The series brings together two of South Korea's most respected actresses, Jeon Do-yeon and Kim Go-eun, who previously worked together in the 2015 film "Memories of the Sword." Their reunion has generated significant anticipation among viewers.
Masterful direction: Director Lee Jung-hyo, known for the hugely successful "Crash Landing on You," brings his distinctive visual style to a new genre.
Unpredictable storytelling: Unlike many thrillers that rely on cheap twists, "The Price of Confession" creates tension through psychological depth and moral complexity.
Thought-provoking themes: The examination of prejudice and its consequences gives the show depth beyond its thrilling plot.
Global appeal: The series has quickly gained traction beyond its traditional regional viewership, drawing international attention as one of the top new kdramas on Netflix.

With its compelling premise, star-studded cast, and exploration of profound themes, "The Price of Confession" promises to be an unforgettable addition to Netflix's catalog of new kdramas in 2025, offering viewers a tense, thought-provoking experience that will keep them guessing until the final revelation.

Pro Bono

Legal drama "Pro Bono" takes viewers inside the world of public interest law, offering a refreshing twist on the courtroom genre among new kdramas releasing in December 2025.

Drama synopsis

"Pro Bono" centers on Kang David (also known as Kang Da-wit), a former judge whose carefully constructed life collapses overnight. Initially, Kang is portrayed as a respected corruption judge nicknamed "The People's Judge," whose fiery sentencing of corporate CEOs earns him public adulation and puts him on track for a Supreme Court nomination. His world shatters when a box of illicit cash is discovered in his car, forcing his resignation despite his claims of innocence.

Afterward, Kang finds himself working in the place he least expected—a public interest law division at a top firm. There, he meets Park Gi-ppeum, a passionate public interest lawyer who became a "law enthusiast" after diving deeply into various hobbies. Unlike the materialistic and image-conscious Kang, Park believes a lawyer's mission is to protect human rights and realize social justice.

Together with their team at the non-profit organization "Pro Bono," they provide legal aid to victims with nowhere else to turn, using money earned from defending conglomerates to help those most vulnerable in society. Through this unlikely partnership, Kang begins a journey of redemption and discovers purpose in unexpected places.

Main cast of Pro Bono

The series features an impressive ensemble cast:

Jung Kyung-ho portrays Kang David/Da-wit, the fallen judge seeking redemption. Jung is known for his roles in popular dramas like "Hospital Playlist," "Crash Course in Romance," and "Prison Playbook".
So Ju-yeon plays Park Gi-ppeum, a principled lawyer with deep passion for justice. She previously appeared in "Lovestruck in the City," "Seasons of Blossom," and "A Love So Beautiful".
Lee Yoo-young takes on the role of Oh Jeong-in, a top lawyer at O&Partners who offers Kang a second chance.
Yoon Na-moo appears as Jang Young-sil, an 8-year veteran public lawyer who supports cases behind the scenes and has unusual hobbies like growing mushrooms.
Seo Hye-won plays fiery young lawyer Yoo Nan-hee, who treats everyone equally regardless of age.
Kang Hyung-suk portrays struggling public lawyer Hwang Joon-woo, whose excessive passion often leads to poor results.

Genre and themes in Pro Bono

"Pro Bono" blends legal drama with elements of comedy and life drama, creating a balanced viewing experience that tackles serious issues with occasional levity. The drama boldly addresses topics often trivialized in Korean society, including:

Prejudice and discrimination
LGBT rights
Harassment against idols
Violence against women

Notably, each episode centers on a different case involving marginalized communities. Episodes 1-2 focus on a stray dog, episodes 3-4 on a child with disabilities, and episodes 5-6 on a foreign laborer daughter-in-law. Through these stories, the drama highlights systemic issues in South Korean society while refusing to glorify the legal system—instead showcasing the messy, human struggles behind every case.

Director Kim Sung-yoon explains that "Pro Bono" comes from Latin meaning "for the public good," and has evolved to describe professionals donating their skills to help others. This concept forms the heart of the series, which examines how one person's effort can potentially change the world.

Release date and platform for Pro Bono

"Pro Bono" premieres on tvN on December 6, 2025, and will air every Saturday and Sunday at 21:10 (KST). The series will also be available for streaming on Netflix globally, releasing on the same date.

The drama consists of 12 episodes in total, running from December 6, 2025, to January 11, 2026. Each episode has a substantial runtime of 70 minutes, allowing for in-depth storytelling and character development across the series.

The show is directed by Kim Seong-yoon and Baek Sang-hoon, with the script written by Moon Yoo-seok, a former chief judge who brings authentic legal experience to the storytelling.

Why Pro Bono is a must-watch

Among the best new kdramas of the season, "Pro Bono" stands out for several compelling reasons:

First, Jung Kyung-ho delivers another standout performance, with critics noting his ability to move "seamlessly from arrogance to awakening". His character's transformation forms the emotional core of the series.

Second, the drama refuses to romanticize justice as an instant win, instead showing partial victories and systemic loopholes that keep the storytelling grounded and realistic. This nuanced approach sets it apart from typical legal dramas.

Third, the series smartly balances heaviness with subtle humor that never overwhelms the important themes. The chemistry between the Pro Bono team members and their heartfelt dedication to their cases creates a dynamic that viewers will find engaging.

Finally, the show's empathetic approach to marginalized communities offers a powerful viewing experience. As one cast member noted, the script contains poignant lines like, "If there are no good people, what will you do?" answered with "I will become that good person"—embodying the spirit of hope that runs throughout the series.

For viewers seeking thoughtful new kdramas on Netflix in 2025, "Pro Bono" delivers a perfect blend of compelling storytelling, social relevance, and emotional depth that makes it essential viewing this December.

Surely Tomorrow

A poignant romantic melodrama joins the lineup of new kdramas this December 2025, as "Surely Tomorrow" explores the complexities of love that refuses to fade across time.

Drama synopsis

"Surely Tomorrow" chronicles the intertwined lives of Lee Kyeong-do (Park Seo-jun) and Seo Ji-woo (Won Ji-an), whose relationship unfolds across three distinct periods. The pair first fall in love in their early twenties while at university, yet eventually separate. Years later, they reunite in their late twenties and attempt to rekindle their romance, albeit with the same heartbreaking result. The story's central conflict emerges in their thirties when fate brings them together unexpectedly—Kyeong-do, now an entertainment journalist covering a sensational scandal, discovers the subject of his story is married to Ji-woo. As the scandal unfolds, Ji-woo actually thanks Kyeong-do for the article, as it finally provides her grounds for divorcing a husband she never truly loved. Their reunion against this backdrop of public scrutiny creates an unexpected third chapter in their complex relationship.

Main cast of Surely Tomorrow

The series features an impressive ensemble:

Park Seo-jun portrays Lee Kyeong-do, a dedicated entertainment reporter for Dongwoon Daily News who struggles with past alcoholism. This marks Park's return to Korean television after a five-year hiatus since his megahit "Itaewon Class".
Won Ji-an plays Seo Ji-woo, described as "unpredictable, lively, and capricious" yet carrying deep emotional pain. Won previously appeared in "Squid Game" and brings depth to a character who undergoes significant transformation.
Lee El takes on the role of Seo Ji-yeon, Ji-woo's elder sister and CEO of Jarim Apparel.
Lee Joo-young appears as Park Se-young, an art school director and mutual friend of both leads.
Kang Ki-doong portrays Cha Woo-sik, Se-young's husband and an aspiring actor.
Supporting cast includes Jo Min-gook, Nam Gi-ae, Kim Mi-kyung, and Jeong Ha-jin.

Genre and themes in Surely Tomorrow

Though marketed as a romance, director Lim Hyun-ook describes the series as "closer to a melodrama" with realistic portrayals of relationships that viewers will relate to. A distinctive aspect of the storytelling involves its non-chronological approach through shifting timelines. The director explains: "The characters are seen in different periods of their lives... Rather than the time period being important, the weight of their relationship across each period is more important".

Consequently, the series was filmed across all four seasons to visually distinguish the different stages of their relationship. This unique narrative structure allows viewers to experience the evolution of love across different phases of life, creating a richer emotional landscape than typical romantic dramas.

Release date and platform for Surely Tomorrow

"Surely Tomorrow" premieres on December 6, 2025, on both JTBC and Prime Video. The series airs on JTBC every Saturday and Sunday at 22:40 KST. Simultaneously, international audiences can stream it exclusively on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories.

The show follows a weekly release schedule with two new episodes every Saturday and Sunday. With twelve episodes in total, the series runs from December 6, 2025, through January 11, 2026. Each episode runs approximately 65-75 minutes.

Why Surely Tomorrow is a must-watch

Several elements make "Surely Tomorrow" stand out among the best new kdramas of 2025:

Park Seo-jun's return: After five years away from Korean television dramas, Park returns to the romantic genre that first established his stardom. His portrayal of Kyeong-do as "consistent, detailed, caring, considerate, yet determined" showcases his versatility.
Creative team pedigree: The series is directed by Lim Hyun-ook, known for his work on "King the Land" and "Reflection of You," and written by Yu Young-ah, who previously penned acclaimed dramas "Thirty-Nine" and "Divorce Attorney Shin".
Distinctive narrative structure: The non-chronological storytelling creates an engaging viewing experience, with visually distinctive time periods helping viewers track the relationship's evolution.
Emotional depth: Won Ji-an describes her character as undergoing "a diverse range of changes" throughout the series, promising substantial character development.
Authentic portrayal: Park describes the series as "closer to reality" with realistic moments that distinguish it from typical romantic fantasies.

For viewers seeking emotionally resonant new romance kdramas this winter, "Surely Tomorrow" delivers a thoughtful examination of how relationships evolve, end, and sometimes find unexpected new beginnings.

Idol I

Blending legal drama with K-pop culture, "Idol I" rounds out December's new kdramas with a unique premise that examines the complex relationship between idols and their fans.

Drama synopsis

"Idol I" centers on Maeng Se-na (Choi Soo-young), a brilliant criminal attorney nicknamed the "lawyer for villains" due to her reputation for taking on unpopular cases. Behind her professional facade, Se-na harbors a secret—she's a devoted fan of Do Ra-ik, the lead vocalist of popular boy band Gold Boys. Her personal and professional worlds collide dramatically when Ra-ik becomes a murder suspect. As Se-na takes on his defense, she uncovers unexpected truths that challenge her perception of the idol she's admired for years.

Main cast of Idol I

The series features a compelling ensemble:

Choi Soo-young portrays Maeng Se-na, the stoic lawyer with a hidden fangirl identity. As a former member of K-pop supergroup Girls' Generation, Choi brings authenticity to her role.
Kim Jae-young plays Do Ra-ik, the visual center and vocalist of Gold Boys. His character struggles with the dehumanizing aspects of idol life and the constant scrutiny from fans and media.
Choi Hee-jin takes on the role of Hong Hye-ju.
Supporting cast includes Kim Hyun-jin, Jung Jae-kwang, Kim Won-hee, Jeong Man-sik, Ahn Woo-yeon, Park Jeong-woo, and Choi Geon.

Genre and themes in Idol I

"Idol I" functions primarily as a legal mystery romance with elements of thriller. The series offers a candid examination of idol culture, peeling back the glamorous facade to reveal the emotional toll of fame. Through Ra-ik's character, viewers witness the contradiction between public adoration and private dehumanization. The show explores fan obsession, the machinery behind K-pop stardom, and the gap between idols' curated personas and their authentic selves.

Release date and platform for Idol I

"Idol I" premieres December 22, 2025, on ENA and Netflix. The 12-episode series follows a weekly broadcast schedule, airing every Monday and Tuesday at 22:00 KST. Two new episodes will be released weekly, with each episode running approximately 60 minutes. Outside Netflix, the series will broadcast on South Korean network ENA Genie TV.

Why Idol I is a must-watch

Among the top new kdramas of December, "Idol I" stands out for its unflinching portrayal of celebrity culture. The series refuses to romanticize idol life, instead presenting a nuanced view of both the privileges and isolation that accompany fame. Furthermore, the chemistry between the leads creates compelling tension as they navigate their transition from idol and fan to client and lawyer. Viewers seeking new kdramas that offer both entertainment and social commentary will appreciate how the show balances its thrilling murder mystery with thoughtful critique of the entertainment industry.

Made in Korea

Love Me

Emotional depth marks the December lineup of new kdramas as "Love Me" brings a contemplative exploration of loneliness, guilt, and the courage needed to open one's heart again.

Drama synopsis

"Love Me" follows Seo Jun-kyung (Seo Hyun-jin), a highly respected obstetrician-gynecologist whose professional success masks profound emotional isolation. Despite her wealth, fame, and beauty, Jun-kyung harbors what she calls her "best-kept secret" — a deep-seated loneliness she has normalized as a way of life. Her emotional withdrawal stems from a tragic accident years ago involving her mother, who was injured while delivering something to Jun-kyung at the hospital. This incident fractured her family, with Jun-kyung internalizing guilt and pushing herself into solitude as self-punishment.

Her carefully constructed emotional walls begin to crack following chance encounters with her neighbor Joo Do-hyun (Chang Ryul), a music composer whose easygoing, non-judgmental presence disrupts her carefully maintained solitude. As Jun-kyung slowly learns to trust again, parallel stories unfold with her father and brother, who are similarly struggling with grief and connection.

Main cast of Love Me

Seo Hyun-jin portrays Seo Jun-kyung, a successful OB-GYN who describes love as "choice and trust". For her character, once she chooses a feeling, she takes responsibility without running from it.

Genre and themes in Love Me

Based on the Swedish series "Älska mig," this melodrama delves into loneliness, guilt, and the possibility of healing. Director Jo Young-min, who previously helmed "The Interest of Love" and "You and Everything Else," creates a slow-burn narrative that examines how fractured individuals can begin their journeys toward emotional reconnection.

The show thoughtfully explores how grief manifests differently across family members, with each character processing loss in their own way. At its core, "Love Me" examines what it means to be seen and valued for who you are, rather than being viewed as a problem to fix.

Release date and platform for Love Me

"Love Me" premieres on December 19, 2025, on JTBC, airing every Friday at 20:50 KST. The 12-episode series will simultaneously be available for streaming in Korea on TVING and Netflix. International viewers can access it through global platforms including U-Next, Viki, and Viu.

Why Love Me is a must-watch

"Love Me" distinguishes itself among new kdramas of 2025 through its nuanced approach to emotional storytelling. Unlike many relationship dramas, it presents love not as a solution but as a challenging journey requiring courage. The ensemble cast brings depth to characters who are learning to confront rather than avoid their feelings.

Director Jo Young-min's previous critical success with "You and Everything Else" suggests a thoughtful approach to character development. The production team notes that rather than offering a single definition of love, the series shows different shapes and paces of connection even within the same family.

Most compellingly, early viewers praise the show's emotional authenticity and resonance, with its examination of how small, everyday relationships can reshape lives scarred by loss. For those seeking new kdramas with psychological depth beyond typical romance formulas, "Love Me" offers a powerful alternative.