Korean dramas have taken the world by storm, with global hits like Crash Landing on You, Goblin, and Vincenzo. But behind the spotlight, there are many hidden gems that didn’t get the attention they deserved. These underrated Korean dramas offer rich storytelling, emotional depth, and unforgettable characters. If you’re looking to expand your watchlist beyond the usual hits, these dramas are worth your time. Let’s explore ten underrated K-dramas you’ll regret missing.
1. Just Between Lovers (2017)
Just Between Lovers is a heart-wrenching drama that beautifully tells the story of two survivors of a tragic accident. Lee Kang-doo and Ha Moon-soo are strangers who find comfort in each other as they try to heal from the trauma of losing loved ones. This drama is slow-paced but incredibly deep. It focuses on emotional recovery, the pain of loss, and the power of human connection.
The acting by Lee Jun-ho and Won Jin-ah is subtle but powerful. The cinematography is soft and poetic, adding to the melancholic tone. If you love emotional dramas that focus on healing and realistic character growth, this one will stay in your heart long after the final episode.
2. My Unfamiliar Family (2020)
Family dramas often follow predictable paths, but My Unfamiliar Family breaks the mold. It explores how family members can become strangers to each other and how strangers can feel more like family. The story follows a woman named Kim Eun-hee who slowly uncovers secrets about her parents, siblings, and even herself.
What makes this drama stand out is its mature storytelling. It doesn’t rely on flashy romance or dramatic twists. Instead, it focuses on real emotions, deep conversations, and the complexities of relationships. If you want something thoughtful and grounded, this drama deserves your attention.
3. Hello, My Twenties! (2016–2017)
Also known as Age of Youth, this coming-of-age drama focuses on five young women living together in a shared house. Each has her own dreams, struggles, and secrets. The show explores topics like friendship, love, anxiety, trauma, and identity in a way that feels raw and relatable.
This series doesn’t try to be overly dramatic. Instead, it reflects the messiness of real life. The characters are diverse and well-developed, and their chemistry is what keeps the story engaging. It’s the kind of show that makes you laugh, cry, and maybe even feel a little less alone.
4. The Light in Your Eyes (2019)
If you love time-travel dramas but want something fresh and emotional, The Light in Your Eyes is for you. It tells the story of Kim Hye-ja, a young woman who discovers a watch that can turn back time. But every time she uses it, she ages rapidly. As she deals with the consequences of her choices, the drama explores the meaning of time, youth, and regret.
What seems like a light fantasy story transforms into a profound tale about aging, dementia, and love. The final episodes are especially emotional and full of unexpected twists. This drama may not have had high ratings, but it’s one of the most meaningful shows you’ll ever watch.
5. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (2018)
Starring Seo In-guk and Jung So-min, The Smile Has Left Your Eyes is a dark, psychological romance drama with suspenseful twists. The story follows a mysterious man with a painful past who falls in love with a warm-hearted woman. But their relationship becomes complicated as secrets from the past start to unfold.
This is not your typical romance. It has a heavy, almost tragic atmosphere that keeps you guessing until the end. The acting is phenomenal, and the story dives deep into trauma, guilt, and redemption. If you like complex narratives with emotional depth, this one will grip you from start to finish.
6. Life (2018)
Medical dramas are often fast-paced and full of action, but Life takes a different approach. Set in a hospital, it focuses on power struggles between doctors and the hospital’s management. Lee Dong-wook plays a dedicated ER doctor, while Cho Seung-woo plays a cold but intriguing CEO.
The drama questions the role of business in healthcare and the moral responsibilities of those in charge. It’s not just about saving lives, but about who gets to make the decisions and why. The writing is intelligent, the performances are powerful, and the themes are incredibly relevant. If you enjoy thought-provoking dramas, don’t overlook Life.
7. Save Me (2017)
Save Me is a psychological thriller that dives into the world of religious cults. When a family moves to a rural town, they become entangled in a cult that pretends to offer salvation but hides something sinister. The main character, played by Seo Ye-ji, tries to escape the cult’s control with the help of former classmates.
This drama is intense and emotionally heavy, but it’s also incredibly gripping. It sheds light on how vulnerable people can fall into dangerous systems. The writing is sharp, and the tension builds with each episode. If you’re into dark thrillers with strong social commentary, this is a must-watch.
8. Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014)
Misaeng is often praised by critics, but it still doesn’t get enough love from the wider K-drama audience. It’s a realistic look at office life in South Korea, following Jang Geu-rae, a young man who enters the corporate world without a college degree. The drama focuses on the struggles of ordinary workers, office politics, and the feeling of being invisible in a competitive world.
What makes Misaeng special is its authenticity. It doesn’t glamorize success. Instead, it celebrates small victories and everyday resilience. The characters feel real, the dialogue is meaningful, and the pacing allows you to connect deeply with their experiences. This show might not be flashy, but it’s powerful in its own quiet way.
9. Be Melodramatic (2019)
This romantic comedy is a hidden gem that deserves more love. Be Melodramatic follows three best friends in their 30s trying to balance careers, love, and personal growth. One is a scriptwriter, another is a marketing professional, and the third is a single mother returning to work. Together, they navigate the ups and downs of adulthood.
What sets this drama apart is its witty humor, heartfelt conversations, and realistic portrayal of female friendships. It doesn’t rely on cliches or exaggerated romance. Instead, it feels genuine and modern. If you’re tired of typical rom-coms, this one offers something fresh and relatable.
10. Forest of Secrets (Stranger) Season 2 (2020)
While the first season of Forest of Secrets was a critical success, many viewers skipped the second season, thinking it wouldn’t live up to the original. But Season 2 is just as brilliant, if not more nuanced. The story continues to follow prosecutor Hwang Si-mok and police officer Han Yeo-jin as they investigate corruption between the prosecution and police.
The season focuses more on systemic issues rather than individual crimes, making it slower but deeper. The performances by Cho Seung-woo and Bae Doona are once again flawless. The writing is sharp, intelligent, and full of suspense. If you enjoyed the first season, the second is absolutely worth watching.
Bottom line
There are so many Korean dramas released every year that it’s easy for some truly great shows to get buried under the hype. The dramas on this list may not have been the most talked-about, but they offer unforgettable stories, complex characters, and emotional journeys that deserve recognition. Whether you’re into romance, thriller, slice-of-life, or social commentary, these underrated Korean dramas will leave a lasting impression.
