“5 Consecutive Years as No.1 in Average Korean Drama Ratings” SBS Unveils Its 2025 Lineup
According to Nielsen Korea’s analysis of major 2024 dramas, SBS recorded an average household rating of 9.3%, securing the No.1 spot for the fifth consecutive year and solidifying its reputation as the “No.1 Drama Channel”. In the 2049 (viewers aged 20~49) viewer demographic, which indicates program buzz and advertiser preference, SBS also ranked first, being the only channel to surpass 3%.
SBS has now revealed its 2025 drama lineup, aiming for a six-year winning streak. The upcoming slate includes highly anticipated dramas such as “Love Scout”, “Buried Hearts”, “Haunted Palace”, “Our Movie”, “Try: We Become Miracles”, “Would You Marry Me”, “The Mantis: Original Sin”, “Taxi Driver 3”, “Kiss Me for No Reason” and “Human from Today”.
“Love Scout” (directed by Ham Joon-ho & Kim Jae-hong, written by Ji Eun, produced by Studio S & EO Contents Group) kicked off the year with strong momentum. The drama, featuring Han Ji-min and Lee Joon-hyuk, subverts the traditional CEO-secretary dynamic, offering a fresh take on romance. It has already surpassed a peak rating of 14% and a 2049 rating of 4%.
“Buried Hearts” (written by Lee Myung-hee, directed by Jin Chang-gyu, produced by Studio S, A2Z Entertainment and Prumir Factory) is a revenge drama centered on Seo Dong-ju (Park Hyung-sik), who hacks into a ₩2 trillion political slush fund and goes head-to-head with absolute evil. Park Hyung-sik’s transformation into a dark and ambitious character, along with Huh Joon-ho’s commanding presence, raises expectations.
“Haunted Palace” (written by Yoon Soo-jung, directed by Yoon Seong-sik) is a fantasy rom-com drama about a shaman named Yeori, who rejects her fate, and Kang Cheol, an Imoogi creature trapped in the body of her first love Yoon Gap. The drama blends folklore with humor and suspense, featuring Yook Sung-jae, Kim Ji-yeon and Kim Ji-hoon, with a special appearance by Kim Young-kwang.
“Our Movie” (directed by Lee Jung-heum, written by Han Ga-eun & Kang Kyung-min, produced by Studio S & Beyond J) follows a struggling film director suffering from sophomore jinx and a free-spirited aspiring actress with a terminal illness. As they collaborate on a film, they heal their wounds and fall in love. Namkoong Min’s performance in this emotional melodrama is highly anticipated.
“Try: We Become Miracles” (written by Lim Jin-ah, directed by Jang Young-seok) is Korea’s first drama centered on rugby. It tells the story of passionate youth who throw themselves into the sport against all odds. Starring Yoon Kye-sang, Im Se-mi and Kim Yo-han, the drama is expected to deliver an inspiring sports narrative.
“Would You Marry Me” (produced by Samhwa Networks & Studio S) is a romantic comedy about two individuals engaged in a high-stakes “fake marriage survival” game to win a luxurious newlywed home. Choi Woo-sik and Jung So-min bring their undeniable chemistry to this sweet yet intense love story.
“The Mantis: Original Sin” (directed by Byun Young-joo, written by Lee Young-jong) is a crime thriller starring Go Hyun-jung and Jang Dong-yoon. The drama follows a woman who was imprisoned for serial killings years ago, only for copycat murders to emerge, leading to a chilling psychological battle.
“Kiss Me for No Reason” (written by Ha Yoon-ah & Tae Kyung-min, directed by Kim Jae-hyun, produced by Samhwa Networks & Studio S) is a heart-fluttering romance about a single woman who fakes being a mother to land a job and a team leader who falls for her. Jang Ki-yong and Ahn Eun-jin are set to deliver an emotional rollercoaster filled with romance and humor.
“Taxi Driver 3” (written by Oh Sang-ho, directed by Kang Bo-seung, produced by Studio S & Group Eight) marks the return of the hit series “Taxi Driver”. “Taxi Driver 2” was a massive success, achieving a peak rating of 25.6% and dominating viewership rankings in 16 countries. With Lee Je-hoon reprising his role, anticipation for another smash hit is sky-high.
“Human from Today” (written by Park Chan-young, directed by Kim Jung-kwon) is a romantic comedy starring Kim Hye-yoon and Lomon. It depicts the story of a nine-tailed fox woman who, after an unexpected accident with a renowned soccer star, transforms her into a human. Kim Hye-yoon, fresh off her stellar performance in “Lovely Runner”, promises another unforgettable character.
