10 Underrated K-Dramas That Are Perfect From Start to Finish

K-dramas, or South Korean TV shows of any kind, are becoming increasingly popular around the world, and that trend is likely to continue. While shows like Squid Game and the hit series Bloodhounds get a lot of well-deserved attention, many other excellent K-dramas are often missed. These shows might not be as famous internationally, but they’re still among the best K-dramas ever made and deserve to be recognized.

Many Korean TV shows, like those from other genres, don’t always get the attention they deserve. This can happen for various reasons – they might be on lesser-known streaming services, or they might be unconventional stories. Luckily, a lot of these hidden gems are still available for viewers outside of Korea who may have missed them originally.

Welcome to Waikiki is a Heartwarming Comedy

Many stories center around young people trying to break into the entertainment world. The 2018 comedy Welcome to Waikiki offers a fresh take on this theme, following three friends who are pursuing entertainment careers while running a financially unstable guest house. Their lives are further complicated when new guests arrive, also facing challenges in their own professions. In the second season, Lee Joon-ki (played by Lee Yi-kyung) returns as the guest house CEO, still determined to become an actor while managing the business.

Though it might not be as well-known internationally as some other Korean dramas, Welcome to Waikiki successfully combines silly humor with genuine emotional depth in its story and characters. It’s a funny and lighthearted show, with less of the heavy drama you often find in K-dramas, making it a really enjoyable and well-acted comedy.

Dr. Brain is a Mindbending Sci-Fi Thriller

Apple TV+’s initial foray into K-dramas was the intriguing sci-fi thriller, Dr. Brain, but it didn’t receive much attention. The show centers around Sewon Koh (played by Lee Sun-kyun), a neuroscientist who uses a new technology to explore the memories of people who have died. While looking into the unexplained deaths of his family, Sewon discovers a larger conspiracy and has trouble separating what’s real from the flood of memories he’s experiencing.

As the premise suggests, Dr. Brain is a haunting and dreamlike series that delves into themes of memory and identity as Sewon investigates the hidden truths about his family. Sadly, plans for a second season were cancelled following the unexpected death of Lee Sun-kyun. A truly multi-layered psychological thriller, Dr. Brain continues to be one of…

Chicago Typewriter is a Kaleidoscopic Semi-Period Piece

The K-drama Chicago Typewriter weaves together stories of historical struggles, reincarnation, and creative challenges. The show jumps between two eras: 1930s Korea under Japanese rule, focusing on three freedom fighters, and the present day, where those same fighters are reborn as a writer named Han Se-joo, his ghostwriter Yoo Jin-oh, and a devoted fan named Jeon Seol. As they reconnect, the mysteries of their past lives begin to unfold.

The TV show Chicago Typewriter centers around a compelling mystery filled with jealousy, love, and betrayal. Over its 16 episodes, the series slowly reveals clues and surprising twists, eventually providing satisfying resolutions. Chicago Typewriter skillfully blends romance and action, jumping between past and present timelines, with each episode building upon what came before.

Through the Darkness is a Gripping Crime Drama

2022’s Through the Darkness is a standout crime drama set in 1990s Seoul. It follows Song Ha-young (Kim Nam-gil), a pioneer in criminal profiling who studies the behaviors of serial killers. While he helps the police with new forensic techniques, his unique and often controversial methods also draw the attention – and ire – of both criminals and his colleagues.

Even though shows like Mindhunter and Luther have gained international attention, Through the Darkness hasn’t gotten the same recognition. Kim Nam-gil gives an outstanding performance as Ha-young, and the series expertly builds suspense as he delves into the psychology of criminals. With its captivating story and strong acting, Through the Darkness is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys psychological crime thrillers.

The Forbidden Marriage is an Emotional Historical Romance

Set in Korea’s Joseon dynasty, The Forbidden Marriage is a funny and touching story. It follows King Lee Heon (played by Kim Young-dae), who has been grieving the loss of his queen for seven years. Because he won’t consider remarriage, he issues a royal decree – the Geumhonryung edict – that forbids all unmarried women in the kingdom from getting married.

In the K-drama The Forbidden, Park Ju-hyun plays So Rang, a clever con artist who pretends to be able to communicate with the queen’s spirit. The show is only 12 episodes long, which is perfect because it tells a complete story without any wasted time. It’s a fun mix of comedy, romance, and suspense, with some genuinely creepy moments, making it one of the most overlooked K-dramas of recent years.

Prison Playbook is a Surprisingly Comedic Prison Drama

While prisons aren’t typically known as funny settings, the show Prison Playbook offers a comedic take on life behind bars. The series centers on Kim Je-hyuk, a star baseball player who ends up in prison after accidentally causing someone’s death while protecting his sister. A surprising connection inside is Lee Joon-ho, a prison guard who used to be Je-hyuk’s baseball teammate. Over the course of his year-long sentence, Je-hyuk learns to navigate prison life and builds relationships with both the staff and other inmates.

Despite being a big hit on South Korean cable television, Prison Playbook didn’t achieve the same popularity internationally. Its unique comedic style might be one reason why, but the show always handles serious topics with respect. It balances funny moments with genuinely moving scenes, and features a talented cast. This darkly funny and compassionate series takes place inside a South Korean prison.

The Tale of Nokdu is a Webtoon Adaptation Full of Wit

In 2019, the comic Joseon Love Story: The Tale of Nokdu was turned into a funny and romantic live-action drama. The story takes place during the Joseon period and centers on Jeon Nok-du, played by Jang Dong-yoon, who is trying to find out who attacked his family. His search leads him to a hidden village where only women are allowed, and he has to pretend to be a woman to get inside. While there, he meets Dong Dong-joo (Kim So-hyun), a woman training to be a courtesan who is also seeking revenge for something that happened in her past.

Okay, so as someone who loves historical dramas with a funny twist, let me tell you about The Tale of Nokdu. It’s definitely a comedy, even though it’s set in the past. But it’s not just funny – the romance between the leads is really sweet and engaging, especially with Kim So-hyun playing this character, Dong-joo, who’s energetic and a little bit of a mess – they have great chemistry! You often hear about shows like Mr. Queen or The King’s Affection in this genre, but honestly, The Tale of Nokdu is just as fun and totally worth checking out.

Navillera is an Unlikely Entry in the K-Drama Genre

While many Korean dramas feature young and conventionally attractive actors, the 2021 series Navillera stands out by centering on a 70-year-old man. Shim Deok-chul, played by Park In-hwan, is a recent retiree who finally decides to chase his dream of learning ballet. At a local dance academy, he connects with Lee Chae-rok (Song Kang), a talented but discouraged young dancer. Deok-chul’s dedication and enthusiasm inspire those around him, including Chae-rok, to reconsider what they truly want in life.

Despite sometimes being overlooked, Navillera tells a moving and thoughtful story, especially considering its focus on an older main character. The journey of Deok-chul not only improves his family connections, but also motivates people of all ages, even those who aren’t interested in ballet. Navillera is a gentle, sincere, and emotional drama with broad appeal, centered around the pursuit of dreams.

Song of the Bandits is one of Netflix’s Best Westerns

As a huge cinema fan, I’m always thrilled when genres get mixed up in interesting ways, and the recent K-drama Song of the Bandits really delivered! It’s a Western… but from Korea! Set in the Gando region of China – a place that became a haven for Koreans fleeing Japanese rule – the story follows Lee Yoon, played by Kim Nam-gil. He’s an ex-Japanese soldier trying to make amends for his past by protecting these refugees. Naturally, that puts a target on his back from the Japanese army, but it also draws him into the larger Korean fight for independence. It’s a really compelling blend of history and action.

Though it hasn’t gotten as much buzz as other Korean shows, Song of the Bandits is likely Netflix’s strongest Western series. It combines classic Western elements like gunfights and train robberies with a story about a fight for freedom, offering a new spin on a well-loved genre. If you enjoy Westerns or K-dramas, Song of the Bandits is definitely worth checking out.

The Bequeathed is a Suspenseful K-Horror

Korean horror has been gaining international attention with hits like the historical zombie series Kingdom and the recent spooky film Exhuma. However, one excellent series that didn’t get as much notice is 2024’s The Bequeathed. The story starts when Yoon Seo-ha (played by Kim Hyun-joo) inherits her family’s land where their ancestors are buried, which triggers a series of unsettling events. As the police investigate a string of deaths potentially linked to the burial ground, disturbing secrets begin to come to light.

Although it’s not overly frightening, The Bequeathed is a captivating mystery that unfolds gradually, ultimately delivering a satisfying conclusion. It may not be as well-known as other K-dramas on Netflix, but it’s a great pick for those who enjoy horror and suspenseful thrillers.

2025-11-23 22:14