Not every K-Drama manages to win the hearts of audiences. While many series become beloved classics, others face harsh criticism for weak storytelling, poor execution, or failing to live up to expectations. Some dramas have been particularly controversial, drawing backlash from viewers for various reasons, including bad writing, disappointing endings, or lackluster performances.
This article explores some K-Dramas that received significant backlash due to not being good, analyzing the reasons behind their criticism and how they were received by audiences.
A Time Called You – A Disappointing Remake
A Time Called You, a 2023 Netflix drama, was highly anticipated as a Korean adaptation of the Taiwanese hit Someday or One Day. However, despite the hype, it faced criticism for lacking the emotional depth and narrative charm of the original. Many viewers found the pacing sluggish and the chemistry between the leads lacking, which made it difficult for the drama to capture the same magic that made the original such a success.
Fans of Someday or One Day felt that A Time Called You failed to add anything new or improve upon the source material, making it feel like an unnecessary and weaker retelling. The drama’s reception was mixed, with some appreciating the effort but many others expressing disappointment in its execution.
Snowdrop – A Controversial Misfire
Despite having a star-studded cast, including BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and actor Jung Hae-in, Snowdrop became one of the most controversial K-Dramas in recent years. The historical romance thriller was accused of distorting historical events, leading to backlash from both Korean and international audiences. The drama’s portrayal of South Korea’s pro-democracy movement of the 1980s was seen as insensitive and inaccurate, leading to calls for its cancellation.
Beyond the controversy, Snowdrop was also criticized for its slow pacing and confusing storyline. Many viewers felt the drama struggled to balance its political themes with its romance elements, resulting in an inconsistent and frustrating watch. While some fans defended the show, the backlash overshadowed its success.
The King: Eternal Monarch – Overhyped but Underwhelming
Written by renowned screenwriter Kim Eun-sook, The King: Eternal Monarch was expected to be a grand fantasy romance drama. With Lee Min-ho and Kim Go-eun as the leads, the hype surrounding the drama was massive. However, once it aired, it quickly became a divisive topic among K-Drama fans.
Criticism centered on its confusing plot, underdeveloped characters, and excessive product placement. The alternate universe concept had potential but was poorly explained, leaving many viewers struggling to follow the story. Some also felt that the romance between the leads lacked depth, making their relationship feel forced rather than organic. Despite its high production value, The King: Eternal Monarch is often remembered as a disappointment compared to the expectations set before its release.
Jirisan – A Wasted Opportunity
With an A-list cast, including Jun Ji-hyun and Ju Ji-hoon, and a script written by Kingdom writer Kim Eun-hee, Jirisan was expected to be a top-tier thriller. However, the drama faced heavy criticism for its weak storytelling and awkward CGI effects, which made the mountain-setting scenes feel artificial.
Many viewers were frustrated with its disjointed narrative structure, which relied heavily on flashbacks and failed to build tension effectively. The drama also struggled with pacing issues, making it difficult for audiences to stay engaged. Given the high expectations, Jirisan ended up being one of the biggest disappointments in recent K-Drama history.
Why Some K-Dramas Fail
Several factors contribute to the downfall of certain K-Dramas:
- Weak Writing and Plot Execution – Many dramas start with promising concepts but fail due to underdeveloped scripts, forced plot twists, or unconvincing resolutions.
- Poor Chemistry Between Leads – Romance dramas often suffer if the main couple lacks believable chemistry, making their relationship feel unconvincing to viewers.
- Overuse of Tropes and Clichés – Some dramas rely too much on familiar storylines without offering anything fresh or engaging.
- Production Issues – Poor CGI, rushed editing, and excessive product placement can make a drama feel cheap and distracting.
- Controversial Themes – Dramas that mishandle historical events or social issues often face backlash from audiences who find them insensitive or inaccurate.
Final Thoughts
While K-Dramas continue to dominate the global entertainment scene, not every show is a hit. Some highly anticipated dramas end up disappointing audiences due to weak storytelling, bad pacing, or poor execution. Whether due to controversies or simply not meeting expectations, these dramas serve as reminders that even with big budgets and star-studded casts, success is never guaranteed in the world of television.
