August 2025 K-drama watchlist: Beyond The Bar, Twelve, My Troublesome Star, and more set to shake your screen
From heart-fluttering romances and intense medical dramas to spine-chilling horror and supernatural thrillers, this month's lineup is packed with variety and excitement. Get ready to be hooked as these upcoming K-dramas take over your screens and stir up the K-drama universe once again.
Mary Kills People
Cast: Lee Bo-young, Lee Min-ki, Kang Ki-young
Release date: August 1
A Korean remake of the 2017 Canadian series, this gripping drama follows a respected emergency physician living a double life. By day, she saves lives; by night, she helps terminally ill patients end theirs through assisted euthanasia. But when a determined detective starts investigating suspicious deaths, a dangerous game of cat and mouse threatens to expose everything she's worked to keep hidden.
Beyond the Bar
Cast: Lee Jin-wook, Jung Chae-yeon, Lee Hak-joo, Jeon Hye-bin, Kim Yeo-jin
Release date: August 2
A rookie lawyer joins a top law firm and is paired with a sharp but emotionally distant mentor. While she's confident yet socially awkward, he's known for his cold demeanor and legal brilliance. As they tackle high-stakes cases, their frequent clashes slowly give way to mutual respect—and an unexpected emotional connection.
My Lovely Journey
Cast: Gong Seung-yeon, Yoo Jun-sang, Kim Jae-young, Hong Soo-hyun
Release date: August 2
Former idol Kang Yeo Reum finds healing as a travel reporter for One Day Travel. Outwardly cheerful, she secretly battles anxiety about her future. By her side is longtime friend and agency CEO O Sang Sik, a former boxer turned entertainment executive. Together, they navigate work, healing, and the possibility of second chances.
Love, Take Two
Cast: Yum Jung-ah, Park Hae-joon, Choi Yoon-ji, Kim Min-kyu
Release date: August 4
Single mother Lee Ji An runs a construction site while raising her daughter, top medical student Hyo Ri. Their lives change when Ji An's first love, Ryu Jeong Seok, returns with his son, Bo Hyeon. When Hyo Ri arrives in a camper van and parks outside their flower farm, emotions bloom and old wounds resurface.
Our Golden Days
Cast: Jung Il-woo, Jung In-sun, Chun Ho-jin, Lee Tae-ran
Release date: August 9
Lee Ji Hyeok appears to have it all - confidence, wit, and success—until a personal downfall forces him to reevaluate his life. Alongside him are Ji Eun O, a passionate cafe manager who once loved him, and Park Seong Jae, his wealthy friend who hides a deep loneliness and struggles with conflicted feelings.
My Troublesome Star
Cast: Uhm Junghwa, Song Seung-heon, Lee El
Release date: August 18
Once the youngest Best Actress winner, Im Se Ra vanished after a tragic accident. Twenty-five years later, she returns to the spotlight. Meanwhile, detective Dokgo Cheol, who once vowed to marry before 40, has grown jaded. When their paths cross, a heartfelt, healing romance unfolds between two people chasing lost dreams.
Aema
Cast: Lee Ha-nee, Bang Hyo-rin, Jin Sun-kyu, Cho Hyun-chul
Release date: August 22
Set in 1980s Chungmuro, top actress Jung Hui Ran is bold, outspoken, and impossible to control. Dropped from Madame Aema by ruthless producer Koo Jung Ho, the role is given to nightclub dancer Sin Ju Ae. Refusing to back down, Hui Ran fights to reclaim her place - dragging rookie director Kwak In U into a whirlwind of power, pride, and ambition.
Twelve
Cast: Ma Dong-seok, Park Hyung-sik, Seo In-guk, Sung Dong-il, Lee Joo-bin, Ko Kyu-pil, Kang Mi-na, Sung Yoo-bin, Ahn Ji-hye, Regina Lei
Release date: August 23
Twelve celestial beings, once animals, are sent to Earth with divine powers to protect humanity. Led by the fearless tiger angel Tae San, they face off against Asura—the banished demon king seeking vengeance. In a battle of light versus darkness, the angels risk everything to save the human world.
Bon Appétit, Your Majesty
Cast: Im Yoon-ah, Lee Chae-min, Kang Han-na, Choi Gwi-hwa
Release date: August 23
Top chef Yeon Ji Yeong is suddenly transported from her modern kitchen to a royal palace. There, she must cook for King Yi Heon, a sharp-tongued ruler with a deadly palate. As palace politics simmer and tempers flare, sparks fly between the chef and the king in this time-traveling culinary romance.
K-drama that began in July
While fans eagerly await the new August K-dramas, several series that premiered in July will also continue their run into the new month.
Law and the City
My Girlfriend Is the Man!
The Nice Guy
Bitch X Rich Season 2 (final episode airs August 1)
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