February 18, 2025, SEOUL, KOREA – Kakao Entertainment, the operator of a multi-studio system encompassing both production houses and talent agencies, is set to reaffirm its position as a global studio in 2025 with unmatched, high-quality content. The company plans to adapt its popular webtoons/web novels into dramas as part of its IP crossover projects, while also presenting works starring top-tier actors. Through these efforts, Kakao Entertainment aims to broaden the horizons of K-dramas and K-movies globally and further demonstrate the power of its media business, backed by its robust multi-studio system.

Synergy-boosting IP crossover projects

Kakao Entertainment will intensify its IP crossover projects in 2025 to build synergies and expand the global fandoms of its IPs. Following the immense success of its dramas based on webtoons/web novels ― “A Business Proposal,” “Not Others” and “When the Phone Rings” ― the company aims to extend its winning streak this year. It will continue to plan and produce series that highlight the unique charms of the original works, along with fresh elements tailored for dramas, seeking to satisfy both existing fans and attract new audiences.

Leading the lineup is MBC drama “Crushology 101” (Directed by Kim Ji-hoon / Written by Sung So-eun, Lee Seul / Produced by Kakao Entertainment,) which will premiere in April. Starring Roh Jeong-eui, Lee Chae-min and Cho Junyoung, the series revolves around a college student named Bani, who stumbles upon attractive men after breaking up with her dark first love. Based on the Kakao Webtoon that has accumulated 170 million views, this upcoming drama about youthful campus romance is sure to captivate viewers this spring.

The Netflix series, “Karma” (Directed and written by Lee Il-hyung / Produced by Moonlight Film, Baram Pictures, Kakao Entertainment,) is also poised to be released in the second quarter of this year. It is a crime thriller following six people entangled in inescapable, ill-fated relationships. The drama features high-profile stars including Park Hae-soo, Shin Min-a, Lee Hee-joon, Kim Sung-kyun, Lee Kwang-soo, and Gong Seung-yeon. It is based on the webtoon of the same name from Kakao Webtoon, with Kakao Entertainment participating in the production to prove its expertise honed through previous hit projects.

Another attention-grabbing work is the forthcoming Watcha exclusive series, “Secret Relationship” (Created by Jung Soo-yoon / Directed by Yang Kyung-hee / Written by Lee Yoo-jin / Produced by Fuji Television Network, Inc., PLAYLIST, Kakao Entertainment) set to be unveiled exclusively in Korea on Feb. 27. It unfolds the romance story of Daon, who seeks an ordinary life but can’t have one, and three men attempting to seize him using their own secrets.

Lee Byung-hun, Song Hye-kyo, IU: Star-driven productions

Kakao Entertainment will mesmerize global audiences with numerous star-studded productions as well. One of the most buzzed-about is the Netflix series, “When Life Gives You Tangerines” (Written by Lim Sang-choon / Directed by Kim Won-suk / Produced by Pan Entertainment, Baram Pictures), starring big-name actors including IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri and Park Hae-joon. The newly released key art and date announcement trailer offer a sneak peek into this much-anticipated drama series, which follows the adventures of Ae-sun, “the remarkable rebel,” and Gwan-sik, nicknamed “unyielding iron,” through four vibrant seasons on Jeju Island. Slated for a March 7 premiere, the series will release four episodes every Friday for four weeks. Lim Sang-choon, writer of “When the Camelia Blooms” and “Fight for My Way,” has joined forces with director Kim Won-suk, known for “Misaeng: Incomplete Life,” “Signal” and “My Mister,” to create this eagerly awaited series.

The new Disney+ original series “Nine Puzzles” (Directed by Yoon Jong-bin / Written by Lee Eun-mi / Produced by Moonlight Film, Kakao Entertainment,) featuring actors Kim Da-mi and Son Suk-ku, will hit the platform in the first half of this year. It is a mystery thriller following a female profiler, the sole witness to an unsolved case from a decade ago, and a detective, who still suspects her as the prime culprit. Together, they uncover the secrets behind a new series of murders tied to an enigmatic puzzle piece. “Nine Puzzles” is also garnering attention as the second series from director Yoon Jong-bin, reputed for his hit, “Narco-Saints.”

The Netflix series “Two Women” (Directed by Jo Yeong-min / Written by Song Hye-jin / Produced by Kakao Entertainment,) starring Kim Go-eun and Park Ji-hyun, is poised to be released in the third quarter. Two Women chronicles the journey of two friends who have an enduring, complicated love-hate relationship. They find their lives intricately linked as they cross each other’s paths through various phases in life.

SBS’s “The Mantis: Original Sin” (Directed by Byun Young-joo / Written by Lee Young-jong / Planned by Studio S / Produced by Mega Monster, Merry Christmas) is set to air in 2025, too. Featuring actors Ko Hyun-jung and Jang Dong-yoon as mother and son, it is a story of a woman imprisoned for a serial murder case, who later discovers that a copycat killer is imitating her crime.

Another major project in the pipeline is IU and Byeon Woo-seok’s “Wife of a 21st Century Prince” (Working title; Planned by Kang Dae-seon / Written by Yoo Ah-in / Produced by MBC, Kakao Entertainment.) Set in a fictional constitutional monarchy in Korea, the romance drama follows a woman from a powerful, wealthy family who has everything except noble status, and the second son of the king, who can’t own anything despite being a prince. The drama, which is expected to enthrall viewers with the actors’ unparalleled chemistry, will start filming this year with a target broadcast in 2025.

“Eunsoo Good Day” (Literal title; Directed by Song Hyun-wook / Written by Jeon Yeong-shin / Produced by Baram Pictures, Slingshot Studios,) starring Lee Young-ae, Kim Young-kwang and Park Yong-woo, is slated to air on KBS2. It explores the secretive and risky partnership between a parent and a teacher that starts with the accidental discovery of an unknown bag.

Kakao Entertainment’s film lineup for 2025 is stellar as well, with acclaimed actor Lee Byung-hun’s much-awaited “The Match” (Directed by Kim Hyeong-joo / Produced by Moonlight Film, Co-produced by BH Entertainment) arriving on March 26. The upcoming film captures the journey of the legendary Korean Go player, Cho Hun-hyeon, as he strives for the top again with his indomitable spirit after being defeated by his disciple.

Kakao Entertainment has already seen remarkable success with movies like “Dark Nuns” (Directed by Kwon Hyuk-jae / Produced by Zip Cinema) that came out in January. The film is about people who engage in a forbidden ritual to save a demon-possessed boy. Actors Song Hye-kyo, Jeon Yeo-been and Lee Jin-uk appear on the movie, which has attracted over 1.6 million viewers in Korea with its compelling storyline and the actors’ passionate performances. It is also performing strongly abroad, sparking a sensation in Indonesia by drawing more than 1 million theatergoers. In the Philippines, “Dark Nuns” held the No. 1 spot on the local box office for two consecutive weeks following its release. 

Ha Jung-woo and Kim Nam-gil’s crime thriller “Nocturnal” (Directed by Kim Jin-hwang / Produced by Eulji Creative, Sanai Pictures) recently hit local theaters too, enjoying popularity with its nail-biting plot.

Fresh, curiosity-provoking unscripted shows

Kakao Entertainment will further enrich its production lineup in 2025 with the release of several unscripted shows featuring fresh, inventive concepts, which are bound to bring joy and laughter to viewers worldwide.

Notably, Mixed Martial Arts fighter-TV personality Choo Sung-hoon ― renowned for his massive appeal among the young generation ― will tackle a new challenge as the host of the talk show, “Try? Choo-ry!” (Directed by Kwon Dae-hyun / Produced by Kakao Entertainment.) With Choo exploring the lives of his guests through his signature witty approach and engaging persona, the show is expected to win the hearts of global audiences following its Netflix launch on Feb. 26.

Netflix’s makeover dating reality show, “Better Late Than Single” (Directed by Cho Wook-hyung, Kim Noh-eun, Won Seung-jae / Produced by Kakao Entertainment,) is set for premiere in the first half of 2025. It is likely to become another hit, offering a fresh take on dating reality shows and spark curiosity among viewers by helping individuals who have never dated before embark on their first relationships.

Regarding its 2025 roster, Kakao Entertainment said, “By consistently producing and showcasing fresh, diverse and well-crafted content that caters to audiences both at home and abroad, we will not only beef up our competitiveness as a global studio but also elevate the international clout of K-content.”