The first half of 2025 has been a captivating period for K-drama enthusiasts, delivering a fresh batch of gripping stories, stellar performances, and unforgettable characters. These dramas kept audiences glued to their screens, with impressive viewership ratings solidifying their status as the season’s biggest hits. Let’s dive into the top 5 dramas that dominated Korean television screens based on their peak viewership ratings!
1. “Treasure Island” (보물섬) – SBS
Claiming the top spot with a remarkable 17.9% viewership rating, SBS’s “Treasure Island” reigned supreme. This drama masterfully blended political thriller with a revenge plot, earning immense praise and strong viewer engagement. Its gripping narrative and sharp execution clearly resonated with a wide audience, making it the undeniable leader of the first half of 2025.
2. “My Perfect Secretary” (나의 완벽한 비서) – SBS
Following closely behind, SBS’s “My Perfect Secretary” secured second place with a strong 14% viewership rating. This romantic comedy proved that feel-good narratives combined with delightful performances can still capture a significant share of the audience’s hearts. Its success highlights the continued popularity of the rom-com genre.
3. “Cinderella Game” (신데렐라 게임) – KBS
KBS’s “Cinderella Game” landed in third place, achieving a solid 9.8% viewership rating. This drama showcased the enduring appeal of the romantic and fantasy genres, captivating viewers with its unique blend of storytelling. Its strong performance solidified its position as one of the top contenders.
4. “Wonkyung” (원경) – tvN
tvN’s historical drama “Wonkyung” made a significant impact, reaching 9.5% viewership. This period piece captivated audiences with its intricate historical narrative and strong performances, demonstrating that well-produced historical dramas continue to draw dedicated viewers, especially when coupled with compelling character development.
5. “Guigung” (귀궁) – SBS
Rounding out the top five is SBS’s “Guigung”, which garnered a 9.1% viewership rating. This drama, likely a fantasy or historical drama given the genre trends, contributed to SBS’s strong showing in the first half of the year. Its success further reinforces the audience’s appetite for compelling narratives within the fantasy and historical genres.
Korean Dramas!
The first half of 2025 truly delivered a dynamic range of K-dramas, captivating both local and international audiences. These series not only provided compelling entertainment but also continued to showcase the global power and unique appeal of Korean storytelling!