Top 9 New K-Dramas in August 2025, From Dark Thrillers to Time-Traveling Chefs

Here are the new K-dramas premiering in August 2025
From controversial medical ethics, legal battles, to a modern chef in Joseon era
Should be on your watchlist this month for thrilling and romantic stories

As we step into August 2025, the K-drama landscape is brimming with an electrifying mix of genres—dark thrillers, heartwarming romances, legal battles, and even time-slipping gourmet adventures. Whether you're a fan of intense character studies or lighthearted escapism, this month’s lineup has something for everyone. Here’s a deep dive into the nine must-watch K-dramas premiering this August, packed with star-studded casts, gripping plots, and fresh storytelling twists.

Mary Kills People

Lead Cast: Lee Bo Young, Lee Min Ki, Kang Ki Young
Synopsis: A bold Korean remake of the Canadian series, this drama follows Woo So Jung (Lee Bo Young), a doctor secretly providing euthanasia to terminally ill patients. Her morally ambiguous world collides with Jo Hyun Woo (Lee Min Ki), a detective with a brain tumor, and Choi Dae Hyun (Kang Ki Young), a former plastic surgeon turned accomplice. Expect a tense, emotionally charged exploration of life, death, and ethics.
Where to Watch: MBC
Premiere Date: August 1 (Fridays & Saturdays, 10 p.m. KST)

Beyond the Bar

Lead Cast: Lee Jin Uk, Jung Chaeyeon, Lee Hak Joo, Jeon Hye Bin
Synopsis: A legal drama centered on Kang Hyo Min (Jung Chaeyeon), an idealistic rookie attorney mentored by the brilliant but icy Yoon Seok Hoon (Lee Jin Uk). As she navigates the cutthroat legal world, her growth from naive newcomer to formidable lawyer forms the core of this gripping narrative.
Where to Watch: JTBC
Premiere Date: August 2 (Saturdays at 10:40 p.m. & Sundays at 10:30 p.m. KST)

My Lovely Journey

Lead Cast: Gong Seung Yeon, Yoo Joon Sang, Kim Jae Young, Hong Soo Hyun
Synopsis: Based on a bestselling Japanese novel, this healing drama follows Kang Yeo Reum (Gong Seung Yeon), a former idol turned travel reporter who embarks on journeys for others—discovering her own path along the way. With warmth and introspection, it’s a story about finding purpose in unexpected places.
Where to Watch: Channel A & Viki
Premiere Date: August 2 (Saturdays & Sundays, 9:20 p.m. KST)

Love, Take Two

Lead Cast: Yum Jung Ah, Park Hae Joon, Choi Yoon Ji, Kim Min Kyu
Synopsis: A heartwarming comedy about a 43-year-old single mother (Yum Jung Ah) and her 23-year-old med student daughter (Choi Yoon Ji) who relocate to the countryside. Their fresh start brings chaotic encounters, life lessons, and a rekindled romance with an old flame (Park Hae Joon).
Where to Watch: tvN & Viki
Premiere Date: August 4 (Mondays & Tuesdays, 8:50 p.m. KST)

Our Golden Days

Lead Cast: Jung Il Woo, Jung In Sun, Yoon Hyun Min, Chun Ho Jin
Synopsis: A sprawling family drama exploring the idea that everyone has a "golden era"—whether in the past, present, or future. Through intertwined lives, the series reflects on love, regret, and the fleeting nature of time.
Where to Watch: KBS2
Premiere Date: August 9 (Saturdays & Sundays, 8 p.m. KST)

My Troublesome Star

Lead Cast: Uhm Jung Hwa, Song Seung Heon, Jang Da Ah
Synopsis: A whimsical rom-com about Korea’s biggest star, Im Se Ra (Jang Da Ah), who vanishes and wakes up as Bong Cheong Ja (Uhm Jung Hwa), an ordinary middle-aged woman with no memory of her past. With detective Dokgo Chul (Song Seung Heon) on her trail, chaos ensues.
Where to Watch: ENA & Viki
Premiere Date: August 18 (Mondays & Tuesdays, 10 p.m. KST)

Aema

Lead Cast: Lee Ha Nee, Bang Hyo Rin, Jin Sun Kyu
Synopsis: Set in 1980s Chungmuro, this fictional dramedy delves into the making of Korea’s first mainstream erotic film, Madame Aema. Top actress Jung Hee Ran (Lee Ha Nee) clashes with newcomer Shin Ju Ae (Bang Hyo Rin) in a fierce battle for fame and creative control.
Where to Watch: Netflix (Full season drop)
Premiere Date: August 22 (4 p.m. KST)

Bon Appétit, Your Majesty

Lead Cast: Lim Yoona, Lee Chae Min, Kang Han Na
Synopsis: A fantasy romance where Michelin-starred chef Yeon Ji Young (Lim Yoona) time-slips into the Joseon era and must cook for tyrannical King Lee Heon (Lee Chae Min). With royal intrigue and mouthwatering dishes, this is a feast for the senses.
Where to Watch: tvN
Premiere Date: August 23 (Saturdays & Sundays, 9:10 p.m. KST)

Twelve

Lead Cast: Ma Dong Seok, Park Hyung Sik, Seo In Guk
Synopsis: A high-stakes supernatural thriller about 12 zodiac angels (led by Ma Dong Seok’s Tae San) battling evil spirits unleashed upon modern-day Korea. With Park Hyung Sik as a demonic antagonist, expect epic action and mythology-rich storytelling.
Where to Watch: KBS2 & Disney+
Premiere Date: August 23 (Saturdays & Sundays, 9:20 p.m. KST)

August 2025 is shaping up to be an unforgettable month for K-drama fans, blending thought-provoking themes, laugh-out-loud moments, and edge-of-your-seat suspense. Whether you're drawn to the ethical dilemmas of Mary Kills People, the nostalgic charm of Aema, or the celestial battles in Twelve, there’s no shortage of stories to get lost in. So mark your calendars—your next obsession is just a play button away.

Source: SCMP, Soompi