If you’re a K-drama fan looking to discover hidden gems, Amazon Prime Video might surprise you. While it doesn’t get as much attention as Netflix or Viki when it comes to Korean dramas, it still offers a treasure trove of series that are often overlooked. Many of these dramas fly under the radar but are absolutely worth watching. From heartwarming romance to suspenseful thrillers, these underrated K-dramas on Amazon Prime deserve a spot on your watchlist.
Here are ten must-watch underrated K-dramas that you can stream on Amazon Prime right now.
1. One More Time
This unique time-loop romance drama stars L from INFINITE as a struggling indie band singer who magically gets a second chance at life and love. After taking his longtime girlfriend for granted, he wakes up in a time loop where he relives the same day over and over again. It’s a short series with just eight episodes, but it packs emotional depth, beautiful music, and a lesson about appreciating the people who truly care about you. The raw storytelling and indie vibe make it feel refreshingly different from typical K-dramas.
2. The Idolmaster KR
If you’re into music and behind-the-scenes drama in the entertainment world, this one’s for you. Based on the popular Japanese game and anime, The Idolmaster KR tells the story of aspiring K-pop idols trying to make their debut. With real-life idols playing fictional versions of themselves, it blends reality and fiction in an entertaining way. The show explores themes like perseverance, betrayal, friendship, and sacrifice. Though not a mainstream hit, it offers an interesting look into the K-pop trainee system with plenty of catchy performances.
3. Goodbye Mr. Black
This revenge-filled drama follows a Navy officer who is betrayed by his best friend and presumed dead. He returns with a new identity, determined to take revenge and uncover the truth. Inspired by The Count of Monte Cristo, Goodbye Mr. Black combines suspense, action, and melodrama in just the right amounts. The intense performances by Lee Jin-wook and Moon Chae-won bring emotional complexity to the story. Despite having all the ingredients of a hit drama, it didn’t get the attention it deserved when it first aired, making it a perfect pick for this list.
4. Lovely Horribly
Blending horror, mystery, and romantic comedy, Lovely Horribly is one of the most unique K-dramas you’ll find. Park Si-hoo plays a top actor who shares a strange fate with a drama scriptwriter, played by Song Ji-hyo. Whenever something good happens to one of them, something terrible happens to the other. Their lives intertwine through a cursed destiny, ghostly hauntings, and a suspenseful script that begins to mirror reality. The quirky yet spooky vibe makes it stand out from other romantic comedies. It didn’t top the ratings chart, but its originality makes it worth watching.
5. My Secret Terrius
This action-comedy drama brings together thrilling espionage and heartwarming parenting in an unexpected way. So Ji-sub plays a former NIS agent who ends up becoming a babysitter for his neighbor’s twins after her husband mysteriously dies. The series mixes spy missions with lighthearted family moments, making it both entertaining and heartfelt. With witty dialogues and plenty of unexpected twists, it’s an easy binge-watch. It didn’t receive as much international attention as some other spy-themed dramas, but it’s a hidden gem on Amazon Prime.
6. The Lies Within
For fans of dark political thrillers, The Lies Within delivers a gripping and intense ride. The drama follows a newly elected assemblywoman and a detective as they try to uncover the truth behind her father’s mysterious death and her husband’s disappearance. The pacing is slow at times, but it builds a tense atmosphere that keeps you hooked. The show tackles corruption, power, and family loyalty in a thoughtful way. While not a blockbuster hit, it’s perfect for viewers who enjoy a slow-burn mystery with a strong female lead and intricate storytelling.
7. Personal Taste
Personal Taste is a classic rom-com that somehow didn’t get the same global recognition as other hits from its era. Starring Son Ye-jin and Lee Min-ho, the story centers on a woman who believes her new roommate is gay, not realizing he’s just pretending to gain access to her architect father’s house for a project. What follows is a delightful series of misunderstandings, emotional growth, and eventually, love. The drama balances humor and romance well, with themes about identity, self-worth, and trust. It’s one of those shows that gets better with each episode, even if it didn’t go viral when it aired.
8. God’s Quiz
This medical crime drama blends forensic science with gripping mysteries. God’s Quiz centers around elite doctors in Korea’s top medical examiner’s office as they solve puzzling deaths linked to rare diseases. With multiple seasons available, it’s a great pick for fans of procedurals. What makes this drama different is its mix of science, suspense, and emotional storytelling. Ryu Deok-hwan delivers a standout performance as the genius yet quirky lead doctor. Although hugely popular among Korean crime drama fans, it’s often overlooked by international viewers, especially since it’s not widely talked about on mainstream K-drama lists.
9. The Guardians
The Guardians tells the story of ordinary people who take justice into their own hands after losing loved ones to crime. Each member of the group has a personal vendetta, and together they work outside the law to bring criminals to justice. The drama explores the flaws in the legal system, the pain of loss, and the thirst for justice. The cast delivers strong emotional performances, especially Kim Young-kwang and Lee Si-young. It’s a powerful, character-driven story that hasn’t received enough international love but deserves your time.
10. Individualist Ms. Ji-young
This short but impactful mini-series focuses on Ji-young, a woman who prefers to live life completely alone. After being forced into interactions with her cheerful neighbor, she slowly starts opening up and healing from past trauma. With only two episodes, Individualist Ms. Ji-young is perfect for a quick watch, yet it leaves a lasting impression. The drama dives deep into introversion, emotional walls, and the value of human connection without dragging the story. It’s often overlooked due to its short length, but it’s beautifully written and emotionally rewarding.
Bottom line
Amazon Prime might not be the first platform that comes to mind when you think of K-dramas, but it’s home to some seriously underrated gems. These dramas may not have dominated the headlines or trended on social media, but they offer rich storytelling, strong characters, and fresh perspectives. Whether you’re in the mood for romance, suspense, comedy, or something experimental, there’s something on this list that will surprise and satisfy you.
Next time you open Amazon Prime, skip past the obvious picks and give one of these lesser-known K-dramas a try. You might just discover your new favorite series.
