Underrated K-Dramas You Should Be Watching

Without a doubt, K-Dramas have taken the world by storm, captivating audiences with their captivating storylines, relatable characters, and stunning visuals. 

But beyond the mainstream shows, there is a treasure trove of underrated K-Dramas that deserve just as much attention. These hidden gems offer unique perspectives, unforgettable characters, and heartfelt narratives that will leave you wanting more.
 

If you want to expand your Korean drama horizons and discover hidden gems that will surprise and delight you, look no further. At The Daebak Company, we have listed down some of these underrated shows that will captivate your attention.

Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014) is often considered an underrated K-drama for a variety of reasons, despite its critical acclaim and devoted fan base. Some of these reasons include its non-traditional storyline, lack of high-profile stars, minimal promotion, and slow dancing.

Despite being an underrated K-Drama, Misaeng: Incomplete Life has garnered a dedicated fan base. Its unique approach to storytelling, authentic portrayal of corporate lids, and powerful performances have allowed it to achieve cult status among those who appreciate its nuanced exploration of the human experience within the workplace.

Misaeng stands out for its raw and unfiltered portrayal of the corporate environment. Instead of romanticizing office life, the drama confronts the harsh realities, highlighting the struggles, competition, and challenges employees face striving to climb the corporate ladder.

Im Si-wan’s portrayal of Jang Geu-rae is widely praised for its nuance and authenticity. The entire cast delivers stellar performances, contributing to the overall excellence of the drama. The chemistry among the actors enhances the story's believability, drawing viewers deeper into the narrative in the K-Drama.

The characters in the show are not mere caricatures but fully fleshed-out individuals with distinct personalities, flaws, and aspirations. Geu-rae’s journey, in particular, is a compelling exploration of self-discovery and personal growth, making the audience emotionally invest in each character’s narrative.

At its core, Misaeng is an emotional rollercoaster that doesn’t rely on melodrama but rather on authentic storytelling. The relationships formed in the workplace and the characters' personal struggles evoke genuine emotions, creating a connection between the viewer and the narrative.

Missing Noir M (2015) is another show that deserves more recognition for its gripping suspense, well-developed characters, and unique storyline. 

Here are some reasons why Missing Noir M is so special:

• Intriguing Plot and Unpredictable Twists: Missing Noir M revolves around Gil Soo-hyun, a brilliant but troubled genius who leads a special missing persons unit. The underrated Korean drama delves into the world of unsolved mysteries and psychological suspense, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as they unravel the truth behind each case. The story is full of unexpected twists and turns, making it impossible to predict what will happen next.

• Complex and Relatable Characters: The characters in Missing Noir M are not one-dimensional stereotypes. They are complex individuals with their own motivations, flaws, and backstories. This makes them relatable and engaging, even when they make questionable decisions. Viewers can connect with the characters on an emotional level and root for them as they navigate the challenges they face.

  
  
• Unique Setting and Atmospheric Storytelling: The drama is set in the gritty underworld of Korea, where cases of missing persons are often shrouded in secrecy and corruption. The atmospheric storytelling and dark tone create a sense of suspense and danger that is palpable throughout the series. The setting also adds to the plot's intrigue and makes the characters’ struggles feel more real.

• High Production Value and Gripping Pacing: Missing Noir M is a well-produced drama with high production values. The cinematography is stunning, and the soundtrack is both atmospheric and suspenseful. The pacing of the show is also excellent, keeping viewers engaged from start to finish. There is never a dull moment, and the story moves briskly, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
• Thought-Provoking Themes and Social Commentary: While Missing Noir M is primarily a suspenseful thriller, it also explores some thought-provoking themes about the nature of justice, human memory, and the power of obsession. The drama touches on social issues such as corruption, police brutality, and the plight of missing persons, adding depth and complexity to the story.

Overall, Missing Noir M is a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered by more viewers. It is a suspenseful, well-acted drama with a unique storyline and memorable characters. If you are looking for a thrilling K-Drama that will keep you guessing until the very end, then Missing Noir M is definitely worth checking out. 

Another Miss Oh (2016) is a heartwarming and witty romantic comedy that deserves more recognition for its charming characters, relatable story, and unique take on the concept of soulmates.

Instead of the typical soulmate trope where two individuals are destined to be together, Another Miss Oh explores the idea of multiple soulmates. The show follows the story of two women named Oh Hae-young, both unlucky in love and constantly encountering each other.

As they get to know each other, they begin to question whether they might be soulmates, but with a twist: there could be multiple soulmates for each individual. The unique concept adds an extra layer of complexity and intrigue to the drama’s romantic storyline.

The year 2016 had several successful Korean dramas across different genres. If Another Miss Oh didn't face tough competition from other popular series during its release, it might have gained the same level of attention, contributing to a perception of underrating.

While this K-Drama has a devoted fan base, its specific storyline and tone might appeal to a more niche audience than dramas with broader themes. This could contribute to a perception of underrating among viewers with different preferences.

Korean dramas are subjective, and individual preferences play a significant role in how a drama is received. If Another Miss Oh didn’t align with the specific preferences of certain viewers, they might perceive it as underrated, especially if it didn’t match their expectations or preferred storytelling style.

It’s essential to recognize that the perception of underrating can be subjective, and the K-Drama has been well-received by many viewers. If you enjoy romantic comedies with a unique premise and strong character development, Another Miss Oh is worth considering.

Prison Playbook (2017) is a brilliant series that deserves more recognition for its well-developed characters, heartwarming story, and unique portrayal of prison life.

While many K-Dramas have explored the harsh realities of prison life, Prison Playbook takes a more nuanced and human approach. The show focuses on the lives of inmates and correctional officers, showing their struggles, friendships, and moments of resilience. It doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of prison life but highlights the humanity of the people forced to live there.

The characters in Prison Playbook are some of the most well-developed and relatable in K-Drama history. They are not simply stereotypes or caricatures but complex individuals with flaws, motivations, and backstories. This makes them incredibly engaging and easy to root for.

Despite its setting, Prison Playbook is a heartwarming drama that celebrates the power of friendship and human connection. The inmates and correctional officers form unexpected bonds, and these relationships provide them with support and meaning in their lives. The story is full of moments of humor, camaraderie, and self-discovery.

Prison Playbook is written and directed with exceptional skill. The writing is witty and insightful, and the direction is poignant and humorous. The drama perfectly balances the darkness and light of prison life, creating a unique and compelling viewing experience.

If you’re looking for a drama that will stay with you long after you finish watching, then this show is worth checking out.

Radio Romance (2018) is a charming and heartwarming romantic comedy that deserves more recognition for its quirky characters, engaging storyline, and heartwarming messages. We give you some reasons why you should watch this show:

• Unique Concept and Setting: Radio Romance revolves around radio broadcasting, focusing on the lives of individuals working behind the scenes to create captivating stories that resonate with listeners. The drama delves into the challenges and rewards of radio production, showcasing the passion and dedication of those who work in the industry.

• Charming and Quirky Characters: The characters in Radio Romance make the show so endearing. They are not the typical cookie-cutter characters often found in romantic comedies. Instead, they are quirky, relatable, and often flawed individuals who make mistakes and learn from them.
• Heartwarming Messages and Themes: The K-Drama is not just a romantic comedy, it also explores deeper themes about love, friendship, and the power of human connection. Radio Romance emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself, following one’s dreams, and embracing the imperfections that make us unique.
• Enchanting Visuals and Soundtrack: Radio Romance is a visually stunning drama with a warm and cozy atmosphere. The cinematography is beautiful, and the costumes and sets are perfectly chosen to evoke the nostalgic charm of radio broadcasting. The show also features a lovely soundtrack with catchy tunes that perfectly capture the romantic and heartwarming moments of the story. 

While it has gained popularity, it might not have received the same international exposure as other K-Dramas. Limited accessibility on international streaming platforms or less promotion in the global market could contribute to a lack of global recognition.

It’s important to note that individual opinions on a drama can vary, and what one viewer perceives as underrated, another might view differently. If you enjoy romantic comedies, Radio Romance might still be worth exploring to see if it aligns with your personal preferences.

Doctor John (2019) is a hidden gem among K-Dramas that deserves more recognition for its captivating storyline, well-developed characters, and fresh take on the medical genre. Despite its impressive qualities, the show often gets overshadowed by more popular titles, relegating it to the realm of underrated gems.

Unlike conventional medical K-Dramas that often revolve around complex surgeries or life-threatening illnesses, Doctor John delves into the less explored territory of pain management. 

The show follows the story of Cha Yo-han, a genius anesthesiologist who can accurately diagnose and treat chronic pain, and Kang Si-youn, a compassionate doctor with a strong sense of justice. Together, they form an unlikely team to tackle the complex world of pain medicine.

The characters in Doctor John are complex and multifaceted, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative. Cha Yo-han is a brilliant but enigmatic individual who struggles with his pain and the weight of his extraordinary ability. 

Kang Si-young is a strong and empathetic doctor determined to make a difference in the lives of those suffering from chronic pain. Their relationship is challenging as they navigate their contrasting personalities and professional goals.

The show goes beyond the mere diagnosis and treatment of pain, delving into chronic pain's psychological and emotional aspects. The drama explores the impact of pain on individuals’ lives, relationships, and sense of self. It raises important questions about the medical treatment of pain, the role of empathy in patient care, and the power of human connection to alleviate suffering.

Doctor John is a high-quality production with excellent cinematography, a captivating soundtrack, and a well-paced storyline that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish. The show’s intricate medical cases, intricate character relationships, and thought-provoking themes combine to create a thoroughly satisfying viewing experience.

Doctor John is a must-watch if you’re looking for a medical drama that goes beyond the usual tropes and explores the complexities of human pain.

K-Dramas continually evolve and captivate audiences with their diverse genres and compelling narratives. While some gain instant fame, others remain hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. 

Give these underrated K-Dramas a chance, and you may find yourself immersed in stories that touch your heart and linger in your memory long after the final episode. Tell us at The Daebak Company if you like them, and don’t forget to recommend them to your friends!