Missing Alchemy of Souls? Top 5 Korean fantasy-supernatural romance shows to watch in 2025

The first night with the Duke

The first night with the Duke

Premiered on June 11, 2025, the show may not have landed a Netflix or Prime deal, but it became one of the biggest hits in South Korea. Based on a popular webtoon, it’s now streaming on Viki and Dailymotion for global viewers. The K-drama follows a university student who suddenly wakes up as a minor character in her favourite historical romance novel. To set the plot back on track, Cha Seon Chaek (Seohyun) is compelled to cross paths with the male lead (Ok Taecyeon), sparking a new beginning filled with unexpected romantic twists. Available in over 14 languages, the drama also stars Kwon Han Sol, Seo Bum June, and Ji Hye Won.

The Haunted Palace

The Haunted Palace

Released in April 2025, The Haunted Palace streamed on Netflix in select regions and on Viki elsewhere. A fantasy period drama with a touch of horror, it stars Yook Sung Jae, Kim Ji Yeon, and Kim Ji Hoon. The story follows a palace official who becomes possessed by an Imoogi spirit desperate for heaven. Yeo Ri, a shaman refusing her fate as a medium, must face an ancient serpent spirit trapped in the body of her first love. Directed by Yoon Seong Sik, known for Bridal Mask (2012), You Are the Best! (2013), and Mr. Queen (2020),  the 16-episode series closed with one of South Korea’s highest ratings, peaking at 11 percent.

Also read: Netflix to release K-drama that got its lead actor banned after massive popularity sparked messy court battle

Newtopia (Influenza)

Newtopia (Influenza)

Released earlier this year, Newtopia, starring Park Jeong Min (Hellbound) and Kim Jisoo (Blackpink), is based on Han Sang Woon’s novel Influenza. The story follows Lee Jae Yoon, a soldier, and his girlfriend Kang Young Joo, a newcomer in the corporate world. After a messy breakup, a sudden zombie outbreak wrecks havoc in South Korea, forcing the ex-lovers back into each other’s life in a deadly downtown Seoul. Blending romance, fantasy, zombie action, and a pinch of comedy, the series delivers nail-biting suspense from start to finish. Newtopia is streaming on Coupang Play in South Korea and on Amazon Prime Video worldwide.

Mr Queen

While not a 2025 release, this Netflix addition has shot up to number 6 on Ranker’s list of most popular K-dramas, grabbing a spot as one of the strongest supernatural fantasy shows in recent years. The story follows modern-day head chef Jang Bong-hwan (Choi Jin Hyuk), who, after a string of mishaps and clashes with the police, falls into a pool to escape, only to wake up in the Joseon Dynasty, trapped inside the body of Queen Kim So Yong (Shin Hye-sun). The queen is on the verge of marrying King Cheoljong. Now, a man stuck in a woman’s body, Bong, struggles to adjust to palace life. The queen’s strange antics and surprising cooking skills soon catch the attention of the cunning king (Kim Jung Hyun), who harbours secrets of his own. What’s next is a wild, complex love story.

Bon Appétit, Your Majesty

After a long wait, Netflix is set to drop a high-stakes supernatural rom-com on August 23. The K-drama stars Lim Yoon A (King the Land, Big Mouth) and rising star Lee Chae Min (Crash Course in Romance, High Cookie) in yet another time travel tale set against a lavish royal backdrop. As the title hints, the story follows chef Yeon Jiyoung, who has trained to perfection in mastering French cuisine. At the peak of her career, she’s suddenly transported back to a royal palace. There, she’s ordered to cook for the “infamously temperamental tyrant, King Yeonhui (Lee Chae-min), a ruler with a killer palate and a deadly temper,” according to the official synopsis.