MBC has dropped its drama slate for 2025, which has led to fans expressing both excitement and indignation over its K-Drama lineup.

Among other shows that have gotten much interest is one featuring IU and Byeon Woo Seok. The upcoming series is being released on Fridays and Saturdays with 10 to 12 episodes each, a move away from the 16-episode foundation that is a K-Drama trademark.
Kdramas going from 24 eps to 16 eps And now 12-10 with less dramas released every year... It's so over https://t.co/nTFTS5dctg
— T⭒ (@OUJIHA0) December 12, 2024
Shorter series have arisen before. However, this burgeoning trend has prompted plenty of viewer complaints.
In 2010 k dramas used to be 20, 24 or 25 episodes. Then the norm was 16 episodes and now we don't even get that ?????? This is cuz of Netflix whether directly or indirectly smh https://t.co/C1ct70O3xZ
— Lina (@Eren_kisser) December 12, 2024
People took to social media upon hearing the announcement. Others were hungering for the change, saying condensing series can mean tighter storytelling and prevent narratives from spinning too far out of control.
One fan said, "K Dramas have a tendency to be a bit too long sometimes." Perhaps shorter episodes will help sustain the storytelling."
It's a nice change that the episodes are 12 or less now, I personally think 16 eps are a lot & a lot of drama with such amount of episodes ended up draggy, losing the plot & have unsatisfactory ending https://t.co/3nD2bbehBh
— ƒαrαн (@twinkyxstar) December 12, 2024
I think it's good tbh no time for fillers eps, the story will usually be packed for short eps drama like this. Like I used to watch jdorama with 10-12eps & they're perfect. Kdrama can go for 12eps, they will make it better imo
— woori (@freeworldkitty) December 12, 2024
Cdrama might have problem if it gets shorten tho😅 https://t.co/wll3VdSdQx
However, some expressed concern that the shorter season might limit the room for character development or plot complexity. "The connection I build with the characters along a longer series is my favorite, though," said one fan. "Is there even such a thing as a complete story to tell in 10 episodes?"
As much as I appreciate not dragging the drama &ending it within reasonable eps. I m still a sucker for 16 or 20 eps of drama w a good storyline ofcs. I just wish this doesn't become a norm.
— 𝑴𝒊𝒎𝒊 (@tranquillmuggle) December 12, 2024
12eps sometimes feel too rushed. Also the duration per ep has also gone down these days! https://t.co/jxUSJVHqXT
With K-Drama on the rise, the big question is whether this trend in programming will be contained in MBC land or topple over to other networks as well. It leaves fans wondering if this will help or hinder their experience.