Here’s a list of exciting upcoming films and series from Japan and South Korea that are sure to grab attention.
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- Alice in Borderland Season 3 (Japan)
Based on the manga by Haro Aso, Alice in Borderland follows Arisu, who finds himself in a parallel universe where survival depends on winning dangerous games. The games are divided by four suits of a deck of cards. The Joker card has now appeared, marking the return of the series. Fans can expect a thrilling and emotional journey as the show explores themes like humanity, sacrifice, and the search for meaning in life.- Director: Shinsuke Sato
- Cast: Kento Yamazaki, Tao Tsuchiya
- Executive Producer: Kaata Sakamoto (Netflix)
- Producers: Akira Morii, Tomoki Takase
- Production: ROBOT
- Based on the manga: Alice in Borderland by Haro Aso
- Bullet Train Explosion (Japan)
A remake of the 1975 film Bullet Train, which inspired Hollywood’s Speed, this thriller from director Shinji Higuchi brings together spectacular visuals and human drama. The story follows a group of people racing to save lives on a bullet train in dangerous situations.- Director: Shinji Higuchi
- Based on the film: Bullet Train directed by Junya Sato
- Key Cast: Tsuyoshi Kusanagi
- Alternate Title: 新幹線大爆破
- Dalah: Death and the Flowers (Thailand, Netflix)
Releasing on Netflix on February 27, 2025, Dalah centers around a floral designer who gets involved in the mysterious murder of a prime minister-elect just before his wedding. As she uncovers high-society secrets, the hunt for the killer leads her into deeper danger.- Directors: Thanika Jenjesda, Alisa Pien
- Executive Producer: Prabda Yoon
- Writers: Rutaiwan Wongsirasawad, Aticha Tanthanawigrai
- Production Partner: Sweet East
- Key Cast: Urassaya Sperbund, Chayanit Chansangavej, Naphat Vikairungroj, Vachirawich Wattanapakdeepaisan
- Glass Heart (Japan)
Glass Heart tells the story of Akane Saijo, a college student and aspiring drummer, who is unexpectedly kicked out of her band. Things change when a famous musician, Naoki Fujitani, notices her talent and invites her to join his new ensemble.- Directors: Kensaku Kakimoto, Kotaro Goto
- Based on the book: Glass Heart by Mio Wakagi
- Production: ROBOT
- Key Cast: Takeru Satoh, Yu Miyazaki, Keita Machida, Jun Shison, Masaki Suda
- Genie, Make a Wish (South Korea)
This romantic comedy follows Jinn, a genie who has been asleep for a thousand years, and his new master, Ka-young. The two must navigate their conflicting desires for three wishes, leading to magical accidents and touching moments.- Writer: Kim Eun-sook
- Production: Hwa & Dam Pictures
- Key Cast: Kim Woo-bin, Suzy, Ahn Eun-jin, Noh Steve Sang-hyun, Ko Kyu-phil, Lee Zoo-young
- Samurai Standing (Japan)
Set during the Meiji period in Japan, Samurai Standing follows Shujiro Saga, a skilled warrior who participates in a deadly competition in Kyoto with a 100 billion yen prize. He enters the game to save his sick wife and child.- Lead Cast, Producer, and Action Choreographer: Junichi Okada
- Directors: Michihito Fujii, Kento Yamaguchi, Toru Yamamoto
- Based on the novel: Ikusagami by Shogo Imamura
- Mantis (WT) (South Korea)
A spin-off of the 2023 film Kill Boksoon, Mantis follows an assassin named Mantis as he returns to the world of hired killers. He faces rivals and old allies, all fighting for the top spot in the killer world.- Director: Lee Tae-sung
- Writer: Byun Sung-hyun, Lee Tae-sung
- Production Company: SEE AT Film Co., LTD
- Key Cast: Yim Si-wan, Park Gyu-young, Jo Woo-jin
- Melody & Kuromi (Japan)
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of My Melody and the 20th anniversary of Kuromi, Melody & Kuromi brings the iconic Sanrio characters to life in a charming stop-motion animated series. The show follows their adventures in the magical world of Mariland.- Director: Tomoki Misato
- Writer: Shuko Nemoto
- Based on Characters: Sanrio
- Production: TORUKU from WIT STUDIO
- Revelations (South Korea)
In Revelations, a pastor and a detective are caught up in a missing-person case. The pastor believes it’s his divine mission to punish the culprit, while the detective is haunted by visions of her dead sister. This supernatural drama delves into themes of faith, justice, and the supernatural.- Director: Yeon Sang-ho
- Writers: Yeon Sang-ho, Choi Gyu-seok
- Based on the comic: Revelations by Yeon Sang-ho and Choi Gyu-seok
- Producer: Yang Yoomin Hailey
- Executive Producers: Alfonso Cuarón, Gabriela Rodríguez
- Key Cast: Ryu Jun-yeol, Shin Hyun-been
- Romantics Anonymous (Japan)
Releasing in 2025 on Netflix, Romantics Anonymous is a heartwarming romantic comedy about two individuals who are too shy to connect with others. The man is afraid of being touched, while the woman struggles with making eye contact. Their worlds collide when they discover their shared passion for chocolate. The series features a global cast and showcases some of the finest creative talent from Asia and beyond.
- Director: Sho Tsukikawa
- Writer: Kim Ji Hyun
- Based on the film: Les Émotifs anonymes directed by Jean-Pierre Ameris
- Production/Showrunner: Lim Seung-young
- Developed by: Park So-yeon
- Producers: Kim Yong-eun, Choi Gi-young, Kim Keum-sil, Takuro Nagai, Mao Osaki
- Production: YONG FILM, RYU FILM
- Key Cast: Shun Oguri, Han Hyo-Joo, Yuri Nakamura, Jin Akanishi
- Sakamoto Days (Japan)
Season 1 Part 1 is already streaming, with Part 2 set to release on Netflix in July 2025. Sakamoto Days is an action-packed series about Taro Sakamoto, a legendary former hitman who seeks a peaceful life with his family. However, his past comes back to haunt him as he faces off against a group of assassins. The series promises intense action and thrilling moments as Sakamoto and his friends navigate both ordinary and dangerous situations.
- Director: Masaki Watanabe
- Based on the manga: Sakamoto Days by Yuto Suzuki
- Series Composition: Taku Kishimoto
- Character Design: Yo Moriyama
- Animation Studio: TMS ENTERTAINMENT
- Key Cast: Tomokazu Sugita, Nobunaga Shimazaki, Ayane Sakura, Nao Toyama, Hina Kino, Ryota Suzuki, Natsuki Hanae, Taku Yashiro, Saori Hayami
- Squid Game Season 3 (South Korea)
The final season of Netflix’s Squid Game is set to release in 2025. In this highly anticipated conclusion, Gi-hun (played by Lee Jung-jae) continues his quest to end the deadly game after losing his best friend. Meanwhile, The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) is still hiding his true identity, and the surviving players face increasingly dire consequences. Written and directed by Hwang Dong-hyuk, this season promises a dramatic and emotional finale to the story.
- Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
- Writer: Hwang Dong-hyuk
- Executive Producers: Kim Ji-yeon, Hwang Dong-hyuk
- Key Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, and more
- Alternate Titles: 오징어 게임 (O-jing-eo Ge-im)
- Life Gives You Tangerines (South Korea)
Premiering on Netflix on March 7, 2025, Life Gives You Tangerines follows the story of Ae-sun, known as “the remarkable rebel,” and Gwan-sik, whose nickname means “unyielding iron.” Set on Jeju Island, the series explores their childhood bond, with Gwan-sik harboring a long-time crush on Ae-sun. The show blends humor and drama in a heartfelt story about love and personal growth.
- Director: Kim Won-suk
- Writer: Lim Sang-choon
- Production Company: PAN ENTERTAINMENT, Baram Pictures
- Key Cast: IU, Park Bo-gum, Moon So-ri, Park Hae-joon
- 10Dance (Japan)
10Dance, set to release on Netflix in 2025, is a film that explores the unlikely partnership between two very different Shinyas. Despite their contrasting personalities, they join forces to compete in the prestigious 10-Dance Competition. Along the way, they clash, but also develop romantic feelings for each other. This story of passion, rivalry, and dance is based on the manga 10DANCE by Inouesatoh.
- Director: Keishi Otomo
- Based on the manga: 10DANCE by Inouesatoh
- Key Cast: Ryoma Takeuchi, Keita Machida
These upcoming releases from Japan and South Korea promise to offer a wide variety of genres, from action-packed adventures and thrilling mysteries to heartfelt romances. Fans of Asian cinema and television can look forward to these exciting new stories in 2025.