There’s something different about the dramas lined up for August 2025. These aren’t loud or flashy. They’re grounded. Each show, in its own way, takes a part of real life and quietly turns it inside out. Whether it’s death, first love, or courtroom mess, these stories don’t try too hard. They just exist. And that might be why they’ll stick.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s coming. Before diving in, think of this preview not just as a list—but as a feeling. What kind of story do you need right now? Something to cry with? To question the world? Or to escape into something strange and beautiful? This August lineup isn’t made for hype. It’s made for reflection. That quiet kind of drama season where you find a show by accident—and it ends up being the one you can’t stop thinking about.
1. Mary Kills People
“Mary Kills People” isn’t a typical medical show. It’s not about hospital drama or big surgeries. This one’s about death. Real, planned, silent death. The show follows a doctor who helps terminally ill patients die. Not legally. But privately. On their own terms. It’s based on the Canadian drama of the same name.
This version is directed by Park Joon-woo and written by Lee Soo-ah. It will air on MBC every Friday and Saturday at 9:50 PM KST. There will be 12 episodes. The setup is simple. One doctor. One detective. One question: is it right to help someone die if they’re suffering?
The tone here isn’t loud. It’s slow. Thoughtful. The doctor’s choices feel both wrong and kind at the same time. And the detective—he’s not just chasing a criminal. He’s trying to understand if this crime is even really a crime. This drama might not be for everyone. But for viewers looking for something that doesn’t offer easy answers, this could be the one.
You can read more about this drama- Here.
Real talk: this drama might raise questions about medical ethics, assisted death laws, and personal morality. If you’re the kind of viewer who googles things mid-episode, consider brushing up on South Korea’s laws on euthanasia. Spoiler alert—they’re strict. That contrast makes this story even more intense.
2. Love, Take Two
“Love, Take Two” airs on tvN from August 4, every Monday and Tuesday at 8:50 PM KST. Directed by Yoo Je-won and written by Sung Woo-jin, this series takes romance and gives it a different lens. A slower one. A grown-up one.
Lee Ji-an, played by Yum Jung-ah, is a single mother. Strong, quiet, dependable. She’s done all the hard work. Now her adult daughter, a med student, begins to rebel. Not in a wild way. Just enough to shake things up. Then Ji-an meets her old love, Ryoo Jeong-seok (Park Hae-joon). And everything feels strange again.
There’s nothing loud about this show either. It’s not about teenagers falling for each other overnight. It’s about a woman who thought she had already lived her story. And a man who thought that chapter was closed. There’s warmth here. But also a little bitterness. Because coming back to love after decades—it’s not easy. Especially when life has already shaped you into someone else.
This series speaks to people who feel left behind in typical K-drama romances. People who know love don’t always mean butterflies. Sometimes, it means starting again even when you’re tired.
3. Beyond the Bar
“Beyond the Bar” looks like a courtroom drama, but it’s more than that. It’s not just about trials. It’s about people behind the suits. Lawyers with regrets. Clients who are desperate. And real legal cases that don’t get perfect endings.
Directed by Kim Jae-hong and written by Park Mi-hyun, this show airs on JTBC every Saturday at 10:40 PM and Sunday at 10:30 PM. It will also stream on Netflix and TVING. The filming wrapped in early July 2025.
This one’s hard to pin down. It’s not trying to be flashy. And it doesn’t seem too interested in drama for drama’s sake. The focus is more personal. The characters feel tired. Real. Like they’ve been through too many cases and don’t always believe in justice anymore.
The pacing will likely be slow. And the topics might be hard. Not because they’re big. But because they’re small and common—like unpaid wages, divorce battles, and tenant disputes.
It’s a show that might take time to grow on you. But if you’re the kind of viewer who notices small things—how someone pauses before answering, or how silence says more than words—this might hit differently.
4. Twelve
Genre: Superheroes
Airing: August 23, 2025 | Sat-Sun, 9:20 PM KST | 8 episodes
This one stands out immediately. Not just because it’s on both KBS and Disney Plus, but because it’s trying to mix Korean culture with the superhero genre. That’s a risky move. “Twelve” is about 12 different heroes based on the zodiac signs, and they’re working together to fight evil spirits. Yes, it sounds a bit like fantasy, but it’s rooted in a very local idea—zodiac-based identity.
The concept has potential. The cast hasn’t been fully revealed, which usually means they’re either betting on story over star power or holding back for a surprise. The director Kang Dae-gyu and writer Kim Bong-han are known, but not exactly famous. That can be a good thing—less pressure, more room to try something different.
The tone? Likely serious with action-heavy scenes. But here’s the thing: superhero K-dramas don’t always land well. Some fans find them awkward. If “Twelve” gets the balance right—real stakes, some smart dialogue, and grounded characters—it might actually work. But if it goes too far into clichés or messy CGI, it’ll lose people fast. Still, for fans of myth, culture, and group dynamics, this might be a fun watch.
5. My Lovely Journey
Genre: Daily Life, Drama
Airing: August 2, 2025 | Sat-Sun, 9:10 PM KST | 16 episodes
This one feels more personal. It’s about an idol-turned-travel reporter who never really got her moment. She starts going on trips requested by viewers, and through that process, she starts figuring out what really matters in life. There’s something soft and slow about it, at least from the premise.
The show could go either way. It could be a heartwarming series about self-growth and quiet healing. Or it might drag if it focuses too much on random travel scenes without strong emotional writing.
But because it’s a healing drama, expectations are different. People don’t watch these shows for twists. They watch them to relax, reflect, and maybe cry a little. Also, the travel angle could give it a beautiful backdrop, especially if they use real locations instead of cheap sets.
It’s being directed by Kang Sol, and the script is by Jeong Hee-hyeon. They’re not huge names, but again, that might help the story feel grounded. It’s not a show that screams for attention. It looks like the kind you find by accident, then keep watching because it makes you feel seen. Among the August 2025 K-Dramas, this one might quietly win hearts if it keeps things honest.
6. Our Golden Days
Genre: Family, Human
Airing: August 9, 2025 | Sat-Sun, 8:00 PM KST | 50 episodes
A 50-episode drama is a long-term commitment. Not everyone wants that. But “Our Golden Days” is likely aimed at viewers who enjoy slow, detailed storytelling. The drama talks about different generations in one family trying to understand each other. It sounds simple. But that kind of story needs a strong cast and even stronger writing.
The writer, So Hyeon-kyeong, is experienced in family dramas. Director Kim Hyoung-seok has handled emotional stories before too. That gives it a solid base. But 50 episodes are still a risk. If the pacing slips even a little, audiences might stop watching after the first few weekends.
This show probably won’t be flashy. No wild romances or high-concept plots. But if you like character-driven stories, it could be meaningful. Also, family dramas often do well on weekend prime time, especially on KBS.
People who liked shows like “My Father is Strange” or “Five Enough” may enjoy this one too. But younger viewers might find it a bit slow unless there’s a clever subplot added. Still, in a lineup like the August 2025 K-Dramas, this might become a dependable weekly habit for older viewers.
7. My Troublesome Star
It’s airing from August 18, every Monday and Tuesday at 10 PM on ENA, Genie TV, and TVING. It has 12 episodes. Now, the idea sounds pretty simple. A famous actress, Im Se-ra, is at the top of her career. She’s about to get a big award—Best Actress. But something goes wrong. There’s an accident. The result? She disappears from the industry for 25 years. And then she comes back.
But here’s the strange part. They don’t say if she just quits acting, loses her memory, or literally vanishes. The promo material is vague. That can mean either clever mystery—or sloppy writing. We’ll find out.
The drama, tagged as “Romantic-Comedy,” is directed by Choi Yeong-hoon and written by Park Ji-ha. It focuses on aging in the entertainment world, a detail rarely seen in romantic comedies.
The show’s setup resembles dramas where stars struggle with fame, time, and second chances. The show’s success depends on whether it explores aging with light humor or if it leans too much into slapstick or “youngify” the character, potentially testing viewers’ expectations.
8. Bon Appetit, Your Majesty
Now, onto Bon Appetit, Your Majesty. This one is even more bizarre—but maybe in a fun way. It premieres August 23, airing Saturday and Sunday nights at 9:20 PM. Again, 12 episodes.
The story? A top chef from modern-day Paris, played by Lim Yoona, somehow time-travels to the Joseon era. Yes, it’s a time-slip. Again. But this time, it involves royal food, a grumpy king, and possible romance in the kitchen. That’s the pitch.
The king is played by Lee Chae-min. He’s not a soft-hearted royal. The teaser says he’s a tyrant. But apparently, he has a taste for fancy food. Their relationship seems to start with survival—she cooks, he spares her life. And from there, it slowly changes.
The fantasy and historical mix here isn’t new. But what’s different is the food angle. The chef doesn’t just adapt—she brings fusion dishes to Joseon. Think French sauces on Korean ribs. Maybe not exactly that, but you get the idea. If done well, the food scenes could carry the show.
Chang Tae-you directs a fantasy drama with a script by HapJak, with mixed past work. The main challenge lies in the chemistry between the leads, Yoona’s ability to handle comedy and emotional scenes, and the balance between romance and tension. The drama faces the risk of treating Joseon as a cartoon background and must decide whether it wants to be thoughtful or entertaining, as it may not be able to do both.
These dramas don’t shout. They don’t come with big promises or viral catchphrases. What they offer is something else. A chance to see stories that aren’t trying too hard. They just are. And maybe that’s the shift K-dramas are making. Less fantasy. More truth. Less sugar. More weight. They won’t be everyone’s favorite. But they’ll stay with the right people. Quietly. Long after the episode ends.
Where To Watch Links-
Mary Kills People
Love, Take Two
Beyond The Bar
Twelve
My Lovely Journey
Our Golden Days
Bon Appetit, Your Majesty
My Troublesome Star
Which August 2025 K-drama feels the most personal to you?
How Does this Article Make You Feel?
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
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