The Korean drama scene is set for a major shakeup. JTBC has announced a strategic programming overhaul that will bring a double weekend drama lineup to life, starting July 2025, with big-name stars like Lee Dong-wook, Song Joong-ki and Seo Hyun Jin headlining the network’s ambitious new “Friday Series.”
This move introduces a fresh drama timeslot Fridays at 8:50 PM KST to complement its existing Saturday-Sunday offerings. With this Friday-to-Sunday schedule, JTBC aims to dominate the weekend with a continuous stream of high-impact dramas designed to boost both viewership ratings and cultural buzz.
A-Star-Packed Friday Night Revolution
1. “The Good Man”
Starring: Lee Dong-wook, Lee Sung Kyung
Kicking off the Friday Series, The Good Man blends noir romance with emotional storytelling. Lee Dong-wook stars as Park Seok-cheol, the eldest son of a powerful gangster family who hides an unexpected tenderness. Paired with Lee Sung-kyung as Kang Mi-young, a woman chasing her dream of becoming a singer, the drama promises a moving tale of love and redemption.
2. “My Youth”
Starring: Song Joong-ki, Chun Woo-hee
Next up is My Youth, a richly emotional drama featuring Song Joong-ki as a florist an unusual character choice and Chun Woo-hee, renowned for her deep, layered performances. The pair’s on-screen chemistry is expected to deliver a nuanced, emotionally resonant story.
3. “Love Me”
Starring: Seo Hyun-jin
Returning to the small screen, Seo Hyun-jin leads Love Me, a melodrama that delicately captures the subtle emotional landscapes of ordinary families. Known for her immersive acting style, Seo is set to deliver another memorable performance.
JTBC’s Weekend Reign Continues
While the Friday Series adds fresh excitement, JTBC’s Saturday-Sunday dramas remain just as strong. Recent hits like The Tale of Lady Ok, The Art of Negotiation and Heavenly Ever After have earned widespread praise. This weekend, the highly anticipated Good Boy, starring Park Bo-gum and Kim So-hyun, will premiere. Blending youth drama, comedy, and action, the show explores the trials and thrills of young police officers.
The second half of the year promises even more genre-diverse dramas:
- “Esquire” – A legal psychological drama starring Lee Jin-wook and Jung Chae-yeon
- “A Hundred Memories” – A retro romance set in the 1980s among bus conductors
- “The Story of Manager Kim” – A touching human drama with Ryu Seung-ryong
- “Waiting for Gyeong Do” – A stylish, visually striking series led by Park Seo-joon
JTBC’s Drama Empire Expands
JTBC has seen a 56% increase in average viewership ratings for dramas in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Known for past megahits like The World of the Married, Reborn Rich, and Doctor Cha, the network is aiming to reinforce its title as a drama powerhouse with the launch of the Friday Series.
In the Viewer Evaluation Index by the Korea Communications Commission’s research institute, JTBC has been ranked the top general programming channel for 11 consecutive years, scoring highest across creativity, entertainment value, and content diversity.
JTBC announced that beginning in the second half of 2025, the Friday Series will air two consecutive episodes every Friday at 8:50 PM KST, while the Saturday-Sunday dramas will air at 10:40 PM (Sat) and 10:30 PM (Sun), respectively.
The network reaffirmed its commitment to delivering innovative, genre-crossing dramas that will keep viewers engaged all weekend long. As JTBC doubles down on its weekend strategy, viewers can expect a packed lineup of premium content with stellar casts and gripping stories from Friday through Sunday night.
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