The Most Underrated K-drama, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the K-drama you think is the most underrated!

Updated on Apr 30, 2024 06:58

In the sea of K-dramas available today, some gems don't get the spotlight they deserve. These hidden treasures often slip through the cracks amidst the buzz of blockbuster shows. Creating a ranking of the most underrated K-dramas helps bring these overlooked stories to the forefront, giving them the recognition they merit. By participating in this ranking, fans elevate these lesser-known dramas and share them with a broader audience. Casting a vote not only boosts the profile of these underrated gems but also influences future viewers who are on the lookout for exceptional stories that haven't hit mainstream awareness. Your vote can make a real difference in highlighting quality content.

What Is the Most Underrated K-drama?

1

36
votes
Misaeng (Incomplete Life)

This drama is often overlooked due to its lack of romance and action, but it provides a realistic and heart-warming story about a man struggling to adapt to the corporate world.
Misaeng (Incomplete Life) is a South Korean television series that aired in 2014. It is based on a webtoon of the same name by Yoon Tae-ho. The drama explores the struggles of young office workers as they navigate through the competitive corporate world, highlighting their personal growth, relationships, and the challenges they face in the workplace.

Genre: Drama

Original release: October 17, 2014 – December 20, 2014

Episodes: 20

Main cast: Im Si-wan, Lee Sung-min, Kang So-ra, Kang Ha-neul

Based on: Misaeng webtoon by Yoon Tae-ho
2

31
votes
Signal

This crime thriller is praised by those who have watched it, but it is not as popular as other dramas in its genre. The plot revolves around a team of detectives who communicate with a detective from the past through a mysterious radio.
Signal is a popular South Korean drama that falls under the thriller, mystery, and fantasy genres. It follows the story of a young profiler from the present who receives mysterious radio transmissions from a detective in the past. Together, they work to solve cold cases and prevent crimes from happening. The show is known for its gripping plot, intense suspense, and intricate storytelling.

Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Fantasy

Country of Origin: South Korea

Original Language: Korean

Number of Episodes: 16

Original Network: tvN
3

15
votes
Stranger (Secret Forest)

Another crime thriller that is often overshadowed by other dramas, but it has a strong cast and an intriguing plot about corruption within the justice system.
Stranger (Secret Forest) is a critically acclaimed K-drama that combines elements of crime, mystery, and political intrigue. It follows the story of Hwang Shi-mok, a prosecutor with an unusual condition that renders him unable to feel empathy. When a high-ranking official is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Shi-mok teams up with the tough and determined police inspector Han Yeo-jin to uncover a web of corruption and conspiracy within the prosecutor's office and the police force.

Genre: Crime, Mystery, Political Drama

Episodes: 16

Network: tvN

Original Release: June 10, 2017 - July 30, 2017

Main Cast: Cho Seung-woo, Bae Doo-na
4

8
votes
My Mister

Kim Won-seok

This drama follows the unlikely friendship between a middle-aged man and a young woman who is going through a tough time. It has a mature and emotional storyline that is not often seen in K-dramas.
My Mister is a critically acclaimed South Korean drama series that explores the complexities of human connections and the struggles of the working class. It delves into the lives of three brothers and a woman who unexpectedly come together to find solace and support in their darkest times. The series beautifully portrays the resilience of the human spirit and the power of empathy.

Genre: Drama

Director: Kim Won-seok

Writer: Park Hae-young

Original network: tvN

Original release: March 21 – May 17, 2018
5

3
votes
Reply 1988

Lee Woo-jung

This coming-of-age drama is a nostalgic trip back to the 80s and 90s, and it has a heart-warming story about family, friendship, and first love. It is often overshadowed by the other dramas in the Reply series.
Reply 1988 is a K-drama series that captures the lives of five friends and their families living in the same neighborhood in Seoul during the late 1980s. The story revolves around their personal growth, friendships, and the nostalgic moments of their youth.

Genre: Romantic comedy

Writer: Lee Woo-jung

Director: Shin Won-ho

No. of episodes: 20

Original network: tvN
Reply 1988 in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most fun KDrama
- Position 3 of 10 in Most entertaining K-drama
- Position 4 of 10 in Most beautiful K-drama
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular Korean series on Netflix
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular K-drama on Netflix
6

16
votes
It's Okay, That's Love

This romantic comedy tackles mental health issues with sensitivity and humor, and it has a strong cast that delivers excellent performances. It is often overlooked due to its heavy subject matter.
It's Okay, That's Love is a South Korean television drama series that aired in 2014. It revolves around the lives of Ji Hae Soo, a psychiatrist with a traumatic past, and Jang Jae Yeol, a bestselling writer with a psychological disorder. The story explores their complex relationship and the challenges they face in accepting and understanding love, mental health, and personal growth.

Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

Episodes: 16

Original network: SBS

Original release: July 23 - September 11, 2014

Main cast: Jo In-sung, Gong Hyo-jin, Sung Dong-il, Lee Kwang-soo
7

13
votes
Dear My Friends

This drama follows a group of elderly friends and their daily lives, and it has a touching and poignant story about aging and friendship. It is not as popular as other dramas due to its mature subject matter.
Dear My Friends is a highly underrated K-drama that tells the heartwarming and poignant story of a group of elderly friends in their twilight years. It explores their struggles, joys, and everyday lives as they navigate through the challenges of aging and friendship.

Genre: Drama

Director: Hong Jong-chan

Writer: Noh Hee-kyung

Original network: tvN

Episodes: 16
8

14
votes
The Light in Your Eyes (Dazzling)

This fantasy drama has a unique premise about a woman who gains the ability to time travel, but it also has a heart-warming story about family, love, and self-discovery. It is often overlooked due to its unconventional plot.
The Light in Your Eyes (Dazzling) is a South Korean television drama series that aired from February 11 to March 19, 2019. It features a mix of romance, fantasy, and mystery genres, drawing viewers into a captivating storyline.

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Mystery

Original Network: jTBC

Original Release: February 11 - March 19, 2019

Episodes: 12

Main Cast: Han Ji-min, Nam Joo-hyuk, Kim Hye-ja, Son Ho-jun
9

7
votes
Kingdom

This historical zombie thriller is not your typical K-drama, but it has a thrilling and engaging story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It is often overlooked due to its genre.
Kingdom is a South Korean historical horror drama series that takes place during the Joseon era. It follows the story of Crown Prince Lee Chang as he investigates a mysterious plague that turns people into bloodthirsty zombies. As he uncovers a political conspiracy, he must fight to save the country and the royal family from the spreading epidemic.

Genre: Historical, Horror, Drama

Country: South Korea

Language: Korean

Number of Seasons: 2

Number of Episodes: 12
10

4
votes
Live

This drama follows the lives of police officers and the challenges they face on a daily basis, and it has a realistic and gritty portrayal of law enforcement. It is not as popular as other dramas due to its heavy subject matter.
Live is a South Korean television series that portrays the daily lives of police officers working in the Hongil Patrol Division. The drama explores the challenges, triumphs, and personal struggles of the police force as they navigate through various cases and maintain law and order in their community.

Genre: Drama

Director: Kim Kyu-tae

Writer: Noh Hee-kyung

Country: South Korea

Original language(s): Korean

Missing your favorite K-drama?

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Discussion

Ranking factors for underrated K-drama

Critical reception

How did the drama fair with critics and reviewers? Did they praise the story, performances, and overall production value?
Audience reception

What did viewers think of the show? Did it receive high ratings and positive reviews from audiences?
Popularity

Was the drama widely marketed and promoted? Did it receive a lot of attention and buzz? Or was it overlooked and underappreciated?
Awards and nominations

Did the drama receive any prestigious awards or nominations? This can be a good indicator of its quality and overall impact.
Originality and depth

How unique and engaging was the storyline? Did it have a strong message or themes that resonated with viewers?
Acting performances

Did the cast deliver strong performances and bring their characters to life?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most underrated K-drama. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or drama is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2484 views
137 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each drama once every 24 hours. The rank of each drama is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most underrated k-drama

Korean dramas, or K-dramas, have taken the world by storm in recent years. With their unique storylines, relatable characters, and stunning visuals, it's no wonder why they have amassed a massive following. However, some K-dramas have flown under the radar and haven't received the recognition they deserve. These underrated K-dramas often have hidden gems that make them worth watching. From heartwarming romances to thrilling action-packed plots, there's something for everyone in the world of K-dramas. In this article, we'll explore some of the most underrated K-dramas that deserve more attention.