Top 5 Korean Stars Dominating OTT Platforms This Year

Meet the Korean stars dominating OTT in 2025.
From Ju Ji Hoon to Suzy, their performances define a new global era.
A look at the talent shaping Korea’s streaming success.

Streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, TVING, and Wavve have made Korean content more accessible than ever before. Throughout 2025, K-drama stars have competed fiercely not only on television but also across global streaming platforms and social media conversations. The most successful titles consistently break into Netflix’s Global Top 10, dominate Good Data’s buzz index (a firm that analyzes online discourse), and sweep major honors such as the Baeksang Arts Awards and Blue Dragon Series Awards.

To compile this list, data from Good Data, Nielsen ratings, Netflix Tudum, and Korean media reports were analyzed. Each name here demonstrates undeniable impact, achieving high ratings, generating massive global buzz, and earning recognition from critics and award shows alike. Together, they represent the powerhouses defining Korean OTT entertainment in 2025.

Ju Ji Hoon - The Commanding Leader in The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call

Ju Ji Hoon has long proven his star power, with Kingdom already establishing him as one of Korea’s most globally recognized actors. But his performance as Baek Kang Hyuk, a brilliant yet emotionally restrained trauma surgeon in The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call (Netflix), takes his reputation to new heights. Premiering in January 2025, the medical thriller instantly captured audiences across Asia and beyond. According to Soompi, it became one of the year’s most successful dramas, with Ju Ji Hoon winning Best Actor (TV) at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards, while the show swept three trophies at the Blue Dragon Series Awards including Best Drama.

The series focuses on the high-pressure world of emergency medicine, and Ju Ji Hoon’s portrayal of a doctor balancing intellect with compassion was widely praised. His ability to convey emotional depth beneath a stoic exterior struck a chord with global viewers. The drama’s continuous presence in Netflix’s Top 10 worldwide and the confirmed production of additional seasons cement his dominance in the OTT arena.

IU - Subtle Charisma in When Life Gives You Tangerines

Lee Ji Eun, known globally as IU, has always been a multifaceted performer, but her turn in When Life Gives You Tangerines further establishes her as one of Korea’s most skilled actresses. Set against the breathtaking landscapes of Jeju Island, the romantic drama follows Ae Sun (IU) and Gwan Sik (Park Bo Gum) as they struggle with love, poverty, and social limitations. Upon its release in March 2025, the series immediately soared to the Netflix Global Top 10 (Non-English) for two consecutive weeks and dominated Good Data’s TV–OTT Rankings for seven weeks. IU herself ranked No. 1 among the most talked-about celebrities online, with Park Bo Gum following closely.

The show’s impact extended far beyond the screen. Tangerines sparked the “Pokssak Sogatsuda Craze,” leading to a resurgence in vintage fashion, music covers, and even Jeju’s local tourism industry. Critics hailed IU’s nuanced performance, blending fragility and quiet strength with remarkable precision. Her Best Actress win at the Blue Dragon Series Awards solidified her evolution from beloved singer to full-fledged global actress who bridges artistry and emotional storytelling.

Lim Yoona - The Rating Queen in Bon Appétit, Your Majesty

Lim Yoona, actress and Girls’ Generation member, showcased one of the most ambitious transformations of her career in Bon Appétit, Your Majesty. The historical fantasy series, co-produced by tvN and Netflix, tells the whimsical yet touching story of Yeon Ji Young, a French chef who time-travels to the Joseon era and falls for a young king, Lee Chae Min. The drama’s success was overwhelming. KBizoom reported an average national rating of 17.1% and a peak of 19.4%, the highest for tvN in 2025. It also topped Good Data’s Buzz Index for five straight weeks and maintained a leading position on Netflix’s Non-English chart.

Yoona’s dedication to authenticity impressed both viewers and critics. She took lessons in French culinary arts, studied historical diction, and perfected delicate gestures that made her character come alive. Her chemistry with Lee Chae Min was electric, balancing humor and pathos with grace. The result was a globally adored hit that proved Yoona’s versatility and enduring influence as one of Korea’s premier OTT actresses.

Lee Chae Min - The Breakout Star of the Year

Lee Chae Min’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Previously recognized for his supporting roles, he earned his major breakthrough as the complex King Lee Heon in Bon Appétit, Your Majesty. His layered performance, ruthless on the surface but vulnerable at heart, earned widespread acclaim and positioned him as one of the most promising young stars in Korea. The Korea Institute of Corporate Reputation ranked him No. 1 in the Rising Star Brand Reputation Index for September 2025, surpassing industry favorites like Kim Yong Bin and Byeon Woo Seok with a remarkable score of 4.71 million points.

What sets Lee Chae Min apart is his relentless work ethic. He underwent months of culinary training, learned classical Korean dialogue, and engaged in rigorous physical preparation to fully embody his royal role. His portrayal resonated strongly with both domestic and international viewers, driving brand engagement linked to the series. As his popularity continues to surge, Lee Chae Min’s name is becoming synonymous with Korea’s new generation of OTT-leading actors.

Suzy (Bae Su Ji) - The Genie, Make a Wish Phenomenon

After her previous hits While You Were Sleeping and Vagabond, Suzy made a grand return to streaming platforms through Genie, Make a Wish, a fantasy romance penned by star writer Kim Eun Sook for Netflix. Initially met with mixed reviews for its pacing, the series gradually built momentum thanks to Suzy’s undeniable on-screen synergy with Kim Woo Bin. As reported by Soompi, the drama topped Good Data’s buzz rankings for both series and actors for two consecutive weeks, with Suzy securing the No. 1 position. According to KBizoom, Genie also surpassed 8 million global views within two weeks, becoming Netflix’s No. 1 Non-English title worldwide.

The show’s revival became one of 2025’s most discussed entertainment stories. It reached the Top 10 charts in more than 50 countries and claimed No. 1 in regions like Southeast Asia and Latin America. Suzy’s portrayal of Ka Young, a woman rediscovering her humanity after years of emotional detachment, was celebrated for its subtle emotional shifts and maturity. Her success marks not just a career resurgence but a defining proof that Suzy has evolved from idol icon to globally recognized actress capable of carrying complex, character-driven narratives.

The year 2025 highlights a transformative period for Korean talent in OTT entertainment. From gripping medical thrillers and heartfelt slice-of-life stories to whimsical fantasy dramas, Ju Ji Hoon, IU, Lim Yoona, Lee Chae Min, and Suzy have each elevated the global presence of Korean storytelling. Their ability to merge strong acting with powerful scripts and universal themes has redefined what it means to be a “Korean wave” star in the streaming era.

Beyond viewership numbers and awards, these five stars have influenced cultural trends, from fashion and music to tourism and online fandoms. While the OTT landscape will continue to evolve, this year firmly belongs to them, the undisputed rulers of Korea’s streaming screen who have bridged artistry, emotion, and worldwide appeal.

Source: Soompi, KBizoom, Korean Topik, Maeil Business Newspaper, Wikipedia, Hindustan Times