Netflix 2025 lineup includes boxing legend Manny Pacquiao in 'Physical: Asia'

Kang Dong-han, vice president of Korean content at Netflix, speaks during
Kang Dong-han, vice president of Korean content at Netflix, speaks during "Next on Netflix 2025," held in Yeouido, Seoul, Tuesday. (Netflix)

Netflix unveiled its 2025 content slate on Tuesday, promising a diverse lineup spanning TV series, films and entertainment shows.

The global streaming powerhouse detailed its strategic vision at the "Next on Netflix 2025" press event on Tuesday, emphasizing its commitment to genre-spanning storytelling.

"In the content industry, it's easy to fall into the temptation of repeating past successes. However, that is a trap. Neither viewers nor creators want to see or make the same thing over and over again. That’s why Netflix strives to take a different path," said Bela Bajaria, chief content officer at Netflix, in a statement released at the event.

"Netflix is not afraid to take bold risks because surprising audiences with new challenges is in our DNA. That’s why we boldly invest in stories that are distinctive, unique and even deeply Korean."

Kang Dong-han, vice president of Korean content at Netflix, underscored the platform's global reach and expansive audience.

"Netflix recently announced that its number of subscriber households worldwide has surpassed 300 million," said Kang, during the event. "Not only us, but other streaming services have also become incredibly popular."

Kang explained Netflix has therefore strategically opted for a diverse content slate, ensuring a viewing experience that spans multiple genres.

"Melo Movie," starring Choi Woo-sik (left) and Park Bo-young (Netflix)

Among the scripted highlights for 2025, "Melo Movie," starring "Parasite" breakout Choi Woo-sik and Park Bo-young, is set to debut on Feb. 14. The romance drama follows a film director who falls for an aspiring filmmaker.

"When Life Gives You Tangerines," led by global superstars Lee Ji-eun (singer IU) and Park Bo-gum, premieres March 7, chronicling a romance set on Jeju Island.

The second quarter sees the arrival of "Mercy for None," an adaptation of a widely celebrated crime noir webtoon headlined by veteran actor So Ji-sub, alongside "Karma," and the hotly anticipated "Weak Hero Class 2," an adaptation of a popular webtoon.

"Dear Hongrang," a period drama delving into a precarious relationship between Lee Jae-wuk and Cho Bo-ah, is set for a second-quarter release, as is the much-awaited "Squid Game" season three.

Lee Ha-nee in
Lee Ha-nee in "Aema" (Netflix)

The third quarter will see the premiere of the romance drama "Love Untangled" and the series "Aema," starring Lee Ha-nee, which explores the ascent of "Madame Aema," an erotic film that was hugely popular in 1980s Korea. Also slated for the third quarter are the action-thriller "Trigger" and the character-driven drama "You and Everything Else," starring Kim Go-eun.

In the fourth quarter, celebrated screenwriter Kim Eun-sook returns with "Genie, Make a Wish," a romantic comedy featuring Bae Suzy and Kim Woo-bin.

Meanwhile, "Can This Love Be Translated?," a romance drama starring Go Youn-jung and Kim Seon-ho, and "The Price of Confession," a high-stakes thriller starring Kim Go-eun and Jeon Do-yeon, are set to close the year.

Ryu Jun-yeol in
Ryu Jun-yeol in "Revelation" (Netflix)

Netflix’s roster of films for 2025 includes acclaimed director Yeon Sang-ho's "Revelation," a chilling horror-thriller starring Ryu Jun-yeol.

The platform will also launch its first Korean animated film, "Lost in Starlight," while "Wall to Wall," a suspense-driven thriller starring Kang Ha-neul, also joins the lineup.

Other upcoming films include "Mantis," a spin-off of Netflix’s hit action film "Kill Boksoon," and historical action-drama "Good News," featuring Seol Kyung-gu and set against the backdrop of a 1970s hijacking.

The fourth quarter will see the arrival of "The Great Flood," a disaster blockbuster starring Kim Da-mi and Park Hae-soo, alongside "Cashero," an adaptation of the popular Kakao webtoon.

Lee Se-dol in
Lee Se-dol in "The Devil’s Plan" season two (Netflix)

Netflix Korea, whose entertainment shows recently achieved breakout success, is returning with sequels to its major hits.

The streaming giant confirmed that star producer Na Young-suk will be spearheading a new Netflix entertainment series, though details on its premiere and format remain under wraps.

Adding to the entertainment show slate, the second season of "The Devil’s Plan" is confirmed for a second-quarter debut. Netflix revealed that the world-renowned Go master Lee Se-dol will participate in the new season of the reality game show.

The fourth quarter will introduce "Physical: Asia," featuring contestants in an international physical showdown. Among the high-profile participants is the legendary Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao.

Meanwhile, the hit cooking survival competition "Culinary Class Wars" returns for season two in the fourth quarter, with original judges Paik Jong-won and Ahn Sung-jae returning to the show.

Netflix Korea further announced that the hit documentary show "In the Name of God: A Holy Betrayal," which shook the nation in 2023, will return with a second season titled "The Echoes of Survivors: Inside Korea’s Tragedies." Details about the show have not been disclosed.