2024 has been a blockbuster year for South Korean cinema, further solidifying the position of Korean dramas in the country’s entertainment industry. Audiences have been treated to an enticing lineup of dramas, from Marry My Husband, Queen Of Tears, to Lovely Runner and Good Partner. Alongside these big successes, K-biz has also witnessed the underwhelming performance of numerous projects in terms of both quality and production. Recently, to mark its 20th anniversary, renowned magazine JoyNews24 conducted a survey with the participation of 200 industry experts to select the top 8 worst Korean dramas of the year.
1. Queen Woo
Topping the list is the historical blockbuster Queen Woo, starring heartthrob Ji Chang Wook and “crazy girl” Jeon Jong Seo. Rated 19+, the series immediately faced backlash for its excessive use of steamy scenes, overshadowing what could have been a well-crafted, suspenseful plot more fitting for a movie. Practically every few minutes, a character appears naked, adding no useful information or relevance to the upcoming scenes. The abundance of intimate scenes between characters has created a confusing and unnecessary spectacle, leading this historical piece to be considered out of touch with cultural and social standards.
2. The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection
Right behind in second place is The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection. With an investment cost of 46 billion Won (around 850 billion VND), this high-budget project was expected to recreate the shockwave of Penthouse. However, reality didn’t live up to the dream. Despite the failure of season 1, the producers pressed on with a sequel, only for audiences to be served an incoherent, bland mix. The first season received much fanfare on social media, but season 2 barely made a splash, as audiences grew tired of outlandish, illogical plot twists. The ‘resurrection’ element, a signature of Penthouse, was milked dry, leaving viewers completely exasperated.
3. Beauty And Mr Romantic
Landing in third place is Beauty And Mr Romantic. Despite ratings hovering between 15-20% and topping viewership during its broadcast, this KBS project was still deemed a forgettable failure due to its clichéd and hollow storyline. Initially presented as a rom-com, the plot was instead filled with confusing drama rather than the lighthearted, refreshing content viewers had hoped for. The controversy peaked when Park Do Ra (played by Im Soo Hyang) had to take nude photos to repay her mother’s gambling debt. Im Soo Hyang’s stunning visuals and stable performance were the only things keeping viewers watching.
4. Love Next Door
Perhaps the most surprising entry on the list is Love Next Door. With a star-studded cast, this healing drama made waves across the drama landscape, continuing tvN’s streak of hits. However, some believed it received a low rating due to its worn-out love story trope, which begins with the female lead abandoning everything after feeling disillusioned with life, only for a wealthy, handsome male lead to appear in a “coincidence” that could hardly be more convenient. The plotline is so predictable that viewers could guess it from the first episodes. Love Next Door isn’t a terrible drama; it simply feels too familiar and one-dimensional.
5. Gyeongseong Creature 2
Ranking fifth is Gyeongseong Creature 2, following the massive success of the first season last year. What dampened its impact this time was the director’s decision to leap forward in time to a modern setting. The original appeal of Gyeongseong Creature lay in its portrayal of the struggles of those oppressed by colonialism, depicted in a unique, thrilling manner. The post-World War II era added a fresh element that kept the show from becoming stale. However, season 2’s shift into a forgettable sci-fi storyline, combined with over-reliance on CGI, diminished the quality, leading fans to lament its step backward despite the talents of Han So Hee and Park Seo Joon.
6. Sweet Home 3
Much like Gyeongseong Creature 2, the third season of Sweet Home failed to meet expectations, with its quality in steep decline. Director Lee Eung Bok’s “brainchild” generated intense controversy on social media due to its disjointed, convoluted storyline that strayed far from the previous seasons. The relationships among characters became entangled, and the show focused on unnecessary subplots. The CGI was another drawback, as the monsters looked even more unrealistic than in the first season, further adding to the disappointment. Lead actor Song Kang’s performance was criticized for being as stiff as a statue, with his handsome looks being the only saving grace.
7. Red Swan
Even before airing, Red Swan attracted significant attention, featuring a powerful cast, including Bi Rain and Kang Han Neul, and promising explosive scenes in Korea’s corporate universe. However, the impact of Penthouse seems too overwhelming, resulting in subsequent series falling short. Intended to explore the dark side of corporate elites filled with drama and secrets, Red Swan failed to deliver the necessary comedic elements. The plot was “bland as water,” lacked climax, and the high-society setting felt anything but elite. The chemistry between the main couple was also weak and detached. Ultimately, Red Swan felt like a ready-made product in the corporate genre and an underwhelming comeback for Bi Rain and Kang Han Neul.
8. Korea Khitan War
Rounding out the list is the 50 billion Won epic Korea Khitan War. Despite an impressive initial rating, the series gradually “revealed itself” with multiple flaws. Most disappointing was the lead actor Kim Dong Jun’s performance. As an idol turned actor, his talent showed many limitations, including awkward dialogue delivery and “wide-eyed” expressions that remained unchanged throughout the series. This lack of acting range made it difficult for viewers to stay engaged, with some moments unintentionally comedic despite the show’s historical theme.
Source: K14
