Ratings Monopoly: SBS Unveils 2025 Lineup Starring Korea’s Top Actors

SBS, the undisputed leader in Korean drama ratings for five consecutive years, has revealed an impressive lineup of diverse and highly anticipated dramas for 2025.

According to Nielsen Korea, SBS dominated the 2024 mini-series scene with an average household rating of 9.3%, maintaining its No. 1 position for five years. In the coveted 20-49 demographic, a key metric for advertisers, SBS was the only network to surpass 3%, further solidifying its status as the "Top Drama Channel."

In 2025, SBS aims to continue its reign with an exciting mix of genres, including romance, thrillers, and fantasy. The lineup features ongoing hits like Love Scout as well as new dramas like Buried Hearts, Haunted Palace, Our Movie, Try: We Become Miracles, Would You Marry Me, The Mantis, Taxi Driver 3, Kiss Me For No Reason, and Human From Today.

Current Hit: Kicking off SBS’s 2025 lineup is Love Scout (directed by Ham Joon-ho and Kim Jae-hong, written by Ji Eun). Starring Han Ji-min and Lee Jun-hyuk, this office romance subverts the typical CEO-assistant trope with fresh chemistry and captivating storytelling. The drama has already achieved peak ratings of 14% and a 2049 rating of 4%, dominating headlines.

Revenge Thriller: Written by Lee Myung-hee and directed by Jin Chang-gyu, Buried Hearts (alternatively Treasure Island) centers on Seo Dong-joo (Park Hyung-sik), who hacks a 2 trillion won political slush fund and takes on the ultimate villain responsible for destroying his life. Park Hyung-sik and Heo Jun-ho’s intense performances promise a thrilling revenge saga.

Fantasy Body-Swap Comedy: Set in a mystical palace, Haunted Palace tells the story of Yeori (Kim Ji-yeon), a shaman who defies her destiny, and Kang Chul-i (Yook Sung-jae), a dragon spirit trapped in her first love’s body. Directed by Yoon Sung-sik (Mr. Queen), the drama’s unique mix of fantasy and romance is highly anticipated.

Healing Romance: Directed by Lee Jung-hum and written by Han Ga-eun and Kang Kyung-min, Our Movie stars Namgoong Min as a struggling film director who crosses paths with a free-spirited, terminally ill aspiring actor. The drama explores healing through creativity and love.

Sports Drama: The first Korean drama centered on rugby, Try (written by Im Jin-ah and directed by Jang Young-seok) follows a group of young athletes as they overcome adversity. Starring Yoon Kye-sang, Im Se-mi, and Kim Yo-han, the drama combines sports, friendship, and personal growth.

6. Would You Marry Me (우주메리미)

Romantic Comedy: Choi Woo-sik and Jung So-min lead this sweet yet intense rom-com about two strangers entering a 90-day fake marriage to win a luxury newlywed home. The charming duo is expected to deliver captivating on-screen chemistry.

7. The Mantis (사마귀)

Crime Thriller: Directed by Byun Young-joo and written by Lee Young-jong, The Mantis stars Go Hyun-jung and Jang Dong-yoon. The plot revolves around a woman imprisoned for past murders, only to face a copycat killer targeting her. The collaboration between Byun Young-joo (Helpless) and writer Lee Young-jong (12.12: THE DAY) promises a gripping thriller.

8. Kiss Me For No Reason (키스는 괜히 해서!)

Romantic Comedy: Jang Ki-yong and Ahn Eun-jin star in this lighthearted romance about a single woman pretending to be a mom for work and the team leader who falls for her.

Action Thriller: The iconic revenge drama returns with its third season after the second season’s record-breaking 25.6% ratings. Lee Je-hoon and the Rainbow Taxi crew are back to deliver justice.

Fantasy Romantic Comedy: Starring Kim Hye-yoon and Lomon, this drama follows a gumiho (nine-tailed fox) who refuses to become human and a star athlete entangled in her mysterious schemes.

SBS plans to revive its weekday drama lineup, delivering a wider range of content across genres like romance, historical dramas, and crime thrillers. A network representative stated, “In 2025, we’re committed to offering diverse, high-quality dramas to maintain our position as the No. 1 drama channel.” With its powerhouse lineup, SBS is poised to continue dominating the Korean drama scene.