10 Exciting K-Dramas and OTT Releases to Watch in August 2025: From Twelve to Bon Appétit, Your Majesty

K-dramas are back this August with an eclectic mix of genres, from thrilling mysteries to heartfelt romances. With some major stars and new faces gracing the screen, here’s a curated list of the top 10 Korean drama and OTT releases to look out for this month.

1. Mary Kills People

Premiere Date: August 1 | Platform: MBC

Cast: Lee Bo Young, Lee Min Ki, Kang Ki Young

A Korean adaptation of the Canadian series, this gripping drama follows Dr. Woo So Jung, who secretly helps terminally ill patients end their lives, while a detective with a personal health crisis begins investigating.

2. My Lovely Journey

Premiere Date: August 2 | Platform: Channel A

Cast: Gong Seung Yeon, Yoo Jun Sang, Kim Jae Young

Based on a Japanese novel, this drama revolves around a former idol-turned-travel journalist who finds herself rediscovering life through her new profession—and a romantic twist.

3. Beyond The Bar

Premiere Date: August 2 | Platform: JTBC, Netflix

Cast: Lee Jin Wook, Jung Chae Yeon

This legal rom-com explores the relationship between a rookie lawyer and her cold but sharp senior in a prestigious law firm.

4. Love Take Two

Premiere Date: August 4 | Platform: tvN

Cast: Yum Jung Ah, Park Hae Joon, Kim Min Kyu

A tale of love and rediscovery, this drama follows a single mother reuniting with her first love in a countryside setting, leading to generational clashes and romance.

5. Splendid Days / Our Golden Days

Premiere Date: August 9 | Platform: KBS2

Cast: Jung Il Woo, Jung In Sun, Yoon Hyun Min

This 50-episode drama follows three friends navigating careers, friendships, and unrequited love in a slice-of-life ensemble narrative.

6. The Echoes of Survivors: Inside Korea’s Tragedies

Premiere Date: August 15 | Platform: Netflix

Director: Jo Seong Hyeon

This hard-hitting documentary explores four real-life Korean tragedies through the lens of survivors, unveiling shocking truths about cults and societal breakdowns.

7. My Golden Star / My Troublesome Star

Premiere Date: August 18 | Platform: ENA

Cast: Uhm Jung Hwa, Song Seung Heon

After losing her memory for 25 years, a former actress plots her return to the industry while unexpectedly falling in love with a once-violent detective turned traffic cop.

8. Aema

Premiere Date: August 22 | Platform: Netflix

Cast: Lee Honey, Bang Hyo Rin

Set in 1980s Chungmuro, this empowering drama showcases the rivalry between a top actress and a rising bar dancer as they compete for a leading film role in a male-dominated industry.

9. Twelve

Premiere Date: August 23 | Platform: Disney+, KBS2

Cast: Ma Dong Seok, Park Hyung Sik, Seo In Guk

This action-fantasy pits angels against demons, with Ma Dong Seok leading a group of supernatural beings to save humanity from an impending apocalypse.

10. Bon Appétit, Your Majesty

Premiere Date: August 23 | Platform: tvN, Netflix

Cast: YoonA, Lee Chae Min

A quirky culinary time-travel drama where a modern French chef is transported back to the Joseon dynasty to cook for a picky king. Sparks fly in this clash of cultures and cuisines.

August 2025 promises a rich lineup of Korean dramas across genres and platforms. Whether you're into fantasy epics, heartfelt romances, or real-life stories, there’s a K-drama waiting for you this month.