The mid-year K-drama slump is officially over! As summer heats up, so does the television lineup, and June 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and exciting months in recent memory. From the earth-shattering conclusion to a global phenomenon to a webtoon romance that’s set to capture our hearts, the upcoming slate is a feast for every type of fan.
We’re seeing a fascinating clash of genres: gritty, high-stakes thrillers on streaming giants are going head-to-head with whimsical fantasies and poignant melodramas on traditional networks. So, grab your calendars, prepare the snacks, and get ready to clear your schedule. Here are the six upcoming K-dramas you absolutely cannot miss in June 2025.
1. Squid Game Season 3
- Release Date: June 27, 2025
- Platform: Netflix
- Starring: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon
The Lowdown
The final game is about to begin. The global phenomenon that redefined television returns for its highly anticipated final season. Picking up from the shocking cliffhanger of season two, we see Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), now with his iconic red hair, fully committed to a new, perilous mission: not just to survive, but to dismantle the entire twisted organization from the inside. This time, it’s not about the money; it’s about revenge and justice.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Let’s be honest, the return of Squid Game is more than just a premiere; it’s a global cultural event. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk has promised a finale that will provide a satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion to Gi-hun’s journey. We can expect to finally understand the full history of the Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) and see police officer Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon) play a critical role after his ambiguous fate. The most chilling new addition? The introduction of Chul-su, the rumored male counterpart to the terrifying Young-hee doll, who will preside over a new set of deadly, mind-bending games. This isn’t just a must-watch; it’s the epic conclusion we’ve all been waiting for.
2. Mercy for None
- Release Date: June 6, 2025
- Platform: Netflix
- Starring: So Ji-sub, Heo Joon-ho, Gong Myoung
The Lowdown
So Ji-sub returns to the dark and gritty world of crime thrillers as Nam Gi-jun, a former enforcer for a powerful syndicate who has spent years living a quiet life. When his younger brother is brutally murdered in what appears to be a gang-related hit, Gi-jun is pulled back into the violent underworld he fought so hard to escape. His quest for vengeance puts him on a collision course with a ruthless new crime boss (played by the legendary Heo Joon-ho) and a determined young detective (Gong Myoung).
Why It’s a Must-Watch
So Ji-sub is a master of brooding intensity, and this role feels like a perfect fit, reminiscent of his iconic performance in A Company Man. Paired with Heo Joon-ho, who excels at playing charismatic yet terrifying villains, the on-screen tension is guaranteed to be electric. Mercy for None promises to be more than just an action series; it’s a deep dive into themes of loyalty, the price of redemption, and whether one can ever truly leave their past behind. Expect slick, brutal fight choreography and a morally complex story that will keep you guessing until the very end.
3. The First Night with the Duke
- Release Date: June 11, 2025
- Platform: KBS2
- Starring: Seohyun, Ok Taec-yeon
The Lowdown
Based on the wildly popular web novel of the same name, this drama is a delightful escape into fantasy romance. Cha Seon-chaek (Seohyun), a pragmatic college student, suddenly finds herself transported into the world of her favorite romance novel. The problem? She’s been reincarnated as a minor character destined for a tragic end. To change her fate, she makes a bold decision: she must spend a single night with the cold and aloof male lead, Duke Gyeongseong-gun (Ok Taec-yeon), to alter the original plotline.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
This is the classic “Isekai” (transported to another world) trope done right. The chemistry between Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun, known for her elegant and graceful presence, and 2PM’s Ok Taec-yeon, who has proven his comedic and charismatic chops in dramas like Vincenzo, is the main draw. Their unexpected encounter kicks off a chain reaction of hilarious misunderstandings, palace intrigue, and a slow-burn romance that blossoms against all odds. Expect gorgeous traditional hanboks, witty banter, and a heartwarming story about rewriting your own destiny.
4. Head Over Heels
- Release Date: June 23, 2025
- Platform: tvN
- Starring: Cho Yi-hyun, Choo Young-woo
The Lowdown
Adapted from Ahn Su-min’s beloved webtoon, Head Over Heels is a modern fantasy-romance poised to be tvN’s next big hit. The story revolves around a centuries-old prophecy that binds two souls together. Cho Yi-hyun stars as a woman who can see glimpses of the future, while Choo Young-woo plays her fated first love, who is unaware of their shared destiny. As they navigate the challenges of modern life, mysterious and magical events constantly pull them together, forcing them to confront a fate that was sealed long ago.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
After her breakout role in All of Us Are Dead, Cho Yi-hyun has become a rising star, and this leading role will showcase her versatile emotional range. The drama blends the slice-of-life charm of a campus romance with the high stakes of a supernatural mystery. It explores poignant questions about fate versus free will and whether love can truly conquer all obstacles, even time itself. It’s the perfect watch for fans of heartfelt, destiny-driven stories like Extraordinary You.
5. Hunter with a Scalpel
- Release Date: June 16, 2025
- Platform: U+ Mobile TV / Disney+
- Starring: Park Ju-hyun, Kim Young-dae
The Lowdown
This psychological thriller promises to be a nail-biting ride. Park Ju-hyun delivers a chilling performance as Seo Se-hyun, a brilliant forensic pathologist who is one of the best in her field but also secretly lives with antisocial personality disorder. Her meticulously controlled world begins to unravel when she works on a case that bears an eerie resemblance to a string of cold cases from her childhood. As she digs deeper, she uncovers dark secrets that suggest her own esteemed father may have been a serial killer, putting her career, her sanity, and her life on the line.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
Park Ju-hyun has consistently impressed with her intense roles (Extracurricular), and this complex character seems tailor-made for her. Hunter with a Scalpel isn’t a typical crime drama. It’s a character study that forces us into the mind of a protagonist who thinks like a killer but works for justice. The dynamic between her and a suspicious detective, played by Kim Young-dae, will be a central pillar of the show, blurring the lines between ally and enemy. Prepare for a tense, atmospheric thriller that will mess with your head.
6. Our Movie
- Release Date: June 13, 2025
- Platform: SBS TV
- Starring: Namkoong Min, Jeon Yeo-been
The Lowdown
Get your tissues ready. This classic melodrama features two of the industry’s most compelling actors. Namkoong Min plays a once-celebrated film director whose career has stalled after a devastating health diagnosis. Jeon Yeo-been co-stars as an aspiring actress full of passion and talent, who is also facing her own life-altering health challenges. The two cross paths when they decide to collaborate on one final film project—a movie that mirrors their own struggles and hopes.
Why It’s a Must-Watch
This is the kind of character-driven, emotionally resonant story that SBS excels at. The power of this drama will lie in the performances of Namkoong Min and Jeon Yeo-been, both of whom are known for their ability to convey deep and nuanced emotions. Our Movie is set to be a touching and beautiful narrative about finding love and purpose in the face of mortality. It’s a story about art, healing, and how creating something beautiful together can become the ultimate act of living.
Final Thoughts: A Month of Unmissable Television
June 2025 is serving up a full-course meal for K-drama lovers. Whether you’re in the mood for the adrenaline rush of a final showdown, the intricate plotting of a psychological thriller, or the comforting warmth of a fated romance, there is truly something for everyone. The sheer diversity and quality of these six dramas prove that the golden age of K-dramas is still going strong.
Now the big question is: which drama will you be watching first, and which one do you predict will be the surprise hit of the month? Share your thoughts in the comments below
