In 2024, many Korean dramas have captured the audience’s attention with stellar performances and engaging storylines. However, not every show has received the praise it deserves. Some dramas, despite their low ratings, offer interesting narratives and memorable moments that are worth your time.
These hidden gems often get overshadowed by more popular series, but they contain unique stories and performances that can impress viewers. From emotional rollercoasters to thought-provoking plots, these dramas prove that high ratings don’t always equate to quality.
In this list, we highlight 20 Korean dramas from 2024 that, despite their underwhelming ratings, offer rich storytelling and intriguing characters. These shows may have slipped under the radar, but they provide a fresh perspective and engaging content for those willing to study beyond mainstream hits.
Whether you’re a fan of drama, romance, or mystery, these underrated series promise to deliver entertainment and depth. Let’s discover some of the year’s most overlooked treasures.
1. A Shop for Killers
After starting college, Jian receives shocking news from the police—her uncle Jeong Jin Man has committed suicide. Having been her caretaker since her parents’ death, he was always mysterious but never seemed suicidal.
Trapped in her uncle’s home, Jian recalls the strange training he gave her during her childhood. These bizarre skills now become her only hope of staying alive as she faces each deadly threat.
As she fights back, Jian begins to question everything. She realizes there’s more to her uncle’s death and the danger surrounding her, forcing her to uncover the truth to save her life.
- Aired: Jan 17, 2024 – Feb 7, 2024
- No. of Episodes: 8
- Cast: Lee Dong Wook, Kim Hye Joon
- Streaming Platform: Disney+
2. Begins Youth
The drama follows the lives of seven boys, each dealing with challenges like family obligations, loss, poverty, and rejection. As they observe their school years, they face personal struggles that shape their growth.
Kim Hwan, returning to Songju-si, meets six boys who initially view him with suspicion due to his father’s reputation. Misunderstandings and conflicts arise, but over time, they form a close bond through shared experiences.
The boys travel, play, and share their struggles, realizing they all face similar family issues. This deepens their connection, and Hwan begins to appreciate his time in Songju-si, hoping these moments last forever.
However, Hwan’s father, Kim Chang Jun, disapproves of the boys, seeing them as a bad influence. For the first time, Hwan stands up for himself, confronting both his father and his own emotions.
- Aired: Apr 30, 2024 – May 14, 2024
- No. of Episodes: 12
- Cast: Seo Ji Hoo, Noh Jong Hyun, Ahn Ji Ho, Seo Young Joo, Kim Yoon Woo, Jung Woo Jin, Jeon Jin Seo
- Streaming Platform:
3. Flex X Cop
Jin Yi Soo has everything—wealth, status, and independence as a third-generation conglomerate. He has never needed help from others, but his life takes a turn when he gets caught up in a case.
Yi Soo joins the violent investigative team at Kangha Police Station, which specializes in catching robbers. He plans to use his wealth and connections to make his work easier.
Working under Detective Lee Kang Hyun, Yi Soo struggles to fit in. Kang Hyun, dedicated and smooth-talking, doesn’t care for Yi Soo’s privileged background, creating tension between the two.
Despite the rocky start, the partnership between Yi Soo and Kang Hyun will test Yi Soo’s abilities and force him to confront challenges outside his comfort zone.
- Aired: Jan 26, 2024 – Mar 23, 2024
- No. of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Ahn Bo Hyun, Park Ji Hyun, Kang Sang Jun, Kim Shin Bi
- Streaming Platform: Disney+
4. High School Return of Gangster
Kim Deuk Pal, a 47-year-old gangster, is the second-in-command of his gang. Despite his lack of education due to poverty, he dreams of attending university and has been studying hard to achieve this goal.
One day, Deuk Pal’s spirit unexpectedly possesses the body of a 19-year-old high school student, Song Yi Heon, who is about to commit suicide. Yi Heon had been suffering from severe bullying, which pushed him to the brink of despair.
Now in Yi Heon’s body, Deuk Pal takes matters into his own hands, confronting and punishing the bullies. Along the way, he befriends Choi Se Kyung, a model student who seems to have a perfect life.
However, Deuk Pal soon discovers that Se Kyung is dealing with his issues, secretly enduring domestic violence at home inflicted by his father. Together, they begin to face their struggles.
- Aired: May 29, 2024 – Jun 19, 2024
- No. of Episodes: 8
- Cast: Yoon Chan Young, Bong Jae Hyun, Lee Seo Jin
- Streaming Platform: Wavve
5. The Atypical Family
Bok Gwi Ju and his family possess different supernatural powers. Gwi Ju can travel back in time, but only to the happiest moments in his life. However, he is unable to change the past, which leaves him feeling stuck and leads to depression.
As his mental health deteriorates, Gwi Ju loses his ability to time travel. His family also begins losing their own powers, affected by modern-day issues such as insomnia, bulimia, and smartphone addiction.
One day, Do Da Hae becomes involved with Gwi Ju and his family. She moves in with them, and her presence starts to bring about unexpected changes in their lives.
Through Do Da Hae’s influence, the family begins to face their problems and confront their lost powers, discovering new ways to heal and move forward.
- Aired: May 4, 2024 – Jun 9, 2024
- No. of Episodes: 12
- Cast: Jang Ki Young, Chun Woo Hee
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
6. Chief Detective 1958
Set in the 1950s to 1960s, this prequel follows Detective Park Yeong-han, a man dedicated to apprehending petty thieves. Teaming up with three unique colleagues, he aims to confront the corruption plaguing society using common sense.
Park Yeong-han, played by Lee Je-hoon, is a detective angry at the injustice that undermines human dignity. Alongside him is Kim Sang-sun, known as “Mad Dog,” and Jo Gyeong-hwan, a wealthy police detective.
Seo Ho-jeong, a high-spec elite, also joins the team, aspiring to become a master investigator. Together, they fight the absurdities of corrupt power, determined to make a difference.
Meanwhile, Lee Hye-ju, owner of a nearby bookstore, plays a key role in the story. Over time, she becomes Yeong-han’s wife, adding depth to his personal life amidst his professional challenges.
- Aired: Apr 19, 2024 – May 18, 2024
- No. of Episodes: 10
- Cast: Lee Je Hoon, Lee Dong Hwi, Choi Woo Sung, Yoon Hyun Soo
- Streaming Platform: Disney+
7. Connection
Jang Jae Gyeong, a ten-year detective in Ahnhyeon’s narcotics unit, is forcibly addicted to a new, unknown drug. Despite his claims of innocence, the drug gradually deteriorates his mind and body, complicating his role as an officer.
O Yun Jin, a reporter for the Ahnhyeon Economic Daily, crosses paths with Jae Gyeong again after witnessing a woman die from drug use. She pursues the case for a scoop and becomes entangled in a dangerous web involving Jae Gyeong.
As they dive deeper, they discover connections to powerful figures like Geumhyung Group’s vice-chairman, Won Jong Su, and Ahnhyeon’s prosecutor, Park Tae Jin. The involvement of 50 million dollars further complicates their investigation.
Their high school friendship is corrupted by drugs and corruption, leading Jae Gyeong to declare retribution. The question remains—who is the drug lord behind it all, and who will emerge victorious in the end?
- Aired: May 24, 2024 – Jul 6, 2024
- No. of Episodes: 14
- Cast: Ji Sung, Jeon Mi Do, Kwon Yul, Kim Kyung Nam
- Streaming Platform: Viki
8. The Auditors
Shin Cha Il takes on the role of the audit team leader at JU Construction, a company plagued by corruption. Known for his cool demeanour and sharp judgment, he lacks faith in others but excels in carrying out his duties with decisiveness.
Gu Han Soo, a rookie employee, joins the audit team, hoping to use it as a stepping stone to transfer to the company’s Florida branch. However, working under Shin Cha Il changes his plans, and Han Soo begins to grow as an auditor, despite their contrasting personalities.
Hwang Dae Woong, the vice president and third son of the company’s founder, is determined to become president by surpassing his older brothers. His ambition fuels the corporate dynamics at JU Construction.
Yoon Seo Jin, another rookie, is an individualist aiming for success. She has known Hwang Dae Woong since childhood, but they maintain a professional distance, pretending not to recognize each other at work.
- Aired: Jul 6, 2024 – Aug 11, 2024
- No. of Episodes: 12
- Cast: Shin Ha Kyun, Lee Jung Ha, Jin Goo, Jo Aram, Jung Moon Sung
- Streaming Platform: Viki
9. Blood Free
Blood Free has revolutionized the food industry by dominating the cultured meat market, ending the long tradition of consuming animal meat. The company’s CEO, Yoon Ja Yoo, who co-founded BF with On San, a physiology expert, faces growing scepticism from both in and outside the company regarding their chosen path.
Despite the success, internal and external doubts about Yoon Ja Yoo’s leadership emerge as questions arise about the ethical and practical implications of their approach. The foundation of Blood Free and its transformative impact on the meat industry are being scrutinized.
In a different realm, Woo Chae Woon, a Naval Academy graduate and former soldier, now works as a bodyguard. His transition from military service to private security highlights a shift from a public role to a more personal and protective one.
This juxtaposition of revolutionary business practices and personal career changes reflects broader themes of change and adaptation in both professional and personal contexts.
- Aired: Apr 10, 2024 – May 8, 2024
- No. of Episodes: 10
- Cast: Ju Ji Hoo, Han Hyo Joo, Lee Hee Joon, Lee Moo Saeng, Parl Ji Yeon
- Streaming Platform: Disney+
10. The Midnight Studio
In a hidden part of the city, a unique photo studio caters exclusively to ghosts, run by Seo Ki Joo, the 7th generation of his family cursed to operate this spectral business. Using a special camera, Ki Joo captures images of the departed, helping them fulfil their final wishes and find peace, though none in his family have survived past age 35.
Ki Joo’s routine is disrupted when Han Bom, a fiery lawyer fired for her relentless pursuit of justice, partners with him. Struggling to get by, Bom joins forces with Ki Joo to seek justice for both the living and the dead, blending their skills in a quest for truth and resolution.
The studio employs Assistant Manager Go, who draws in ghostly clients, and Baek Nam Gu, a former cop handling daily tasks. This eclectic team manages the complexities of their work, balancing the needs of their spectral clients with the challenges of their own lives.
Together, they investigate the enigmatic world of the afterlife, solving unresolved issues and uncovering hidden truths while facing the dangers tied to their unique roles.
- Aired: Mar 11, 2024 – May 6, 2024
- No. of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Joo Won, Kwon Na Ra, Yoo In Soo, Eum Moon Suk
- Streaming Platform: Viki
11. Captivating the King
Prince Lee In, deeply loyal to his older brother, King Lee Sun, faces a cruel twist of fate when he is taken hostage by the Qing Dynasty. Despite his loyalty, King Lee Sun perceives this as betrayal, leading to a rift that causes Lee In profound emotional suffering.
During his captivity, Lee In encounters a mysterious baduk player who intrigues him deeply. As circumstances shift, Lee In eventually ascends to the throne, becoming a powerful king outwardly, yet he remains internally troubled and burdened by his past.
Kang Hee Soo, a rising baduk player, falls in love with Prince Lee In. Her initial admiration turns into a complex web of fate and revenge, leading her to become a spy. Driven by a desire for retribution, she approaches King Lee In with hidden motives.
The intertwining lives of Lee In and Hee Soo disclose a story of loyalty, betrayal, and love, each character grappling with their struggles while oberving their fateful destinies.
- Aired: Jan 21, 2024 – Mar 3, 2024
- No. of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Jo Jung Suk, Shin Sae Kyeong, Lee Shin Young
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
12. Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale
Moon Cha Min, a wealthy chaebol heir and CEO of a social club, is known for his arrogance and disregard for women seeking fairy-tale romances. His life takes a turn when Shin Jae Rim, a new manager at his social club, joins in hopes of escaping her impoverished life and finding her own Prince Charming.
As Jae Rim works at the social club, she experiences personal growth and begins to embrace her reality. Her journey leads her to become more self-reliant, shedding her dependence on finding a romantic ideal.
Despite their contrasting personalities, Cha Min and Jae Rim find themselves drawn to each other. Their differences create a dynamic and evolving romantic relationship that challenges their initial perceptions and expectations.
Through their interactions, both Cha Min and Jae Rim face their transformations and develop a deep connection, discovering that love can emerge from the most unlikely of circumstances.
- Aired: May 31, 2024 – Jun 28, 2024
- No. of Episodes: 10
- Cast: Pyo Ye Jin, Lee Jun Young, Kim Hyun Jin
- Streaming Platform: TVING
13. The Midnight Romance in Hagwon
After leaving a high-profile job, Lee Joon Ho returns to his alma mater as an instructor, driven by his enduring feelings for his first love, Seo Hye Jin, who now teaches the Korean language.
Seo Hye Jin, renowned for her role in the celebrated “Miracle of Daechi,” has been a dedicated educator for fourteen years. Her life seems stable and fulfilled until Joon Ho reappears, stirring up memories of their past and presenting new challenges.
Joon Ho’s return brings unresolved emotions and disruptions, as he once struggled in her class and is now back in a different capacity. The dynamic between them rekindles old feelings and complicates their professional and personal lives.
As they observe these renewed interactions, both Joon Ho and Hye Jin confront their past and face the possibilities of their future, testing the boundaries of their emotions and careers.
- Aired: May 11, 2024 – Jun 30, 2024
- No. of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Jung Ryeo Won, Wi Ha Joon
- Streaming Platform: Viki
14. Wedding Impossible
Na Ah Jeong, an extra actress with unrecognized talent, struggles with her stagnant dating life while playing married roles on screen. Her real-life romance remains on hold due to her challenging circumstances. Her long-time friend, Lee Do Han, from the wealthy LJ Group, faces pressure to marry but has a hidden reason preventing him from doing so.
Do Han asks Ah Jeong, whom he’s known for 15 years, to pretend to be his wife to appease his family? She agrees, seizing the chance to take on a leading role in her life.
However, Lee Ji Han, Do Han’s ambitious younger brother, is determined to make Do Han the successor of the LJ Group. Ji Han’s plans are thrown into disarray by the sudden announcement of Do Han’s marriage. To thwart the wedding, Ji Han introduces Yoon Chae Won as a rival candidate for his brother’s bride.
As Ah Jeong prepares for her role, she is caught in a complex web of family dynamics and corporate ambitions, leading to unexpected challenges and emotional turmoil.
- Aired: Feb 26, 2024 – Apr 2, 2024
- No. of Episodes: 12
- Cast: Jeon Jong Seo, Moon Sang Min
- Streaming Platform: Viki
15. Bitter Sweet Hell
Noh Young Won, a celebrity psychiatrist, appears to lead a flawless life with her successful surgeon husband, Choi Jae Jin. However, her world shatters when she uncovers Jae Jin’s affair with Lee Se Na, a mysterious woman whose arrival sparks a cascade of tragic events.
Reeling from the betrayal, Young Won joins forces with her mother-in-law, Hong Sa Gang, in a desperate effort to salvage their family and prevent complete devastation. The partnership aims to untangle the web of deceit and confront the personal and familial challenges that have emerged.
As the story unfolds, Young Won and Sa Gang face numerous obstacles in their quest for resolution, emotional turmoil and confronting deep-seated issues in their family.
- Aired: May 24, 2024 – Jun 29, 2024
- No. of Episodes: 12
- Cast: Kim Hee Sun, Lee Hye Young, Kim Nam Hee
- Streaming Platform: Viki
16. Branding in Seongsu
So Eun Ho, the oldest intern at a marketing agency, is known for his youthful appearance and carefree attitude. Despite his ‘YOLO’ approach to life, he finds himself in constant conflict with his boss, the diligent and work-focused Kang Na Eon.
Kang Na Eon, the youngest and most successful marketing team leader, has achieved legendary status in the industry through sheer determination and sacrifice. Her rise to the top involved significant personal costs, including strained friendships and lost love. Her meticulously controlled life takes a dramatic turn when she clashes with Eun Ho, whom she initially views as inept.
An unexpected kiss between them leads to a bizarre twist: their souls swap bodies. This sudden and mysterious change forces Eun Ho and Na Eon to each other’s lives, revealing the complexities and challenges they each face.
As they adapt to their new realities, they must confront their differences and discover what it truly means to walk in someone else’s shoes, leading to surprising insights and developments in their personal and professional lives.
- Aired: Feb 5, 2024 – Mar 14, 2024
- No. of Episodes: 24
- Cast: Kim Ji Eun, Lomon
- Streaming Platform: Viki
17. Queen of Divorce
Kim Sa Ra, once the daughter-in-law of South Korea’s top law firm, saw her life crumble after being betrayed by her husband. Now a divorce troubleshooter, she leads the team at Solution, a divorce settlement office where she fights for justice against unfair divorces and punishes deceitful spouses.
At Solution, Sa Ra collaborates with Dong Ki Joon, her business partner and advisory lawyer. Known for his tenacity and sharp intuition, Ki Joon earned the nickname “German Shepherd” during his time as a prosecutor. Despite his stellar career, he left the prosecutor’s office for reasons shrouded in mystery.
Together, Sa Ra and Ki Joon tackle the complexities of difficult divorce cases, offering support to those turbulent personal situations. Their combined expertise and commitment aim to bring fairness and resolution to clients facing challenging divorces.
- Aired: Jan 31, 2024 – Mar 7, 2024
- No. of Episodes: 12
- Cast: Lee Ji Ah, Kang Ki Young
- Streaming Platform: Viki, Prime Video
18. Frankly Speaking
Song Ki Baek, a 33-year-old announcer known for his impeccable manners and professionalism, faces a life-altering crisis when he develops a condition that causes him to speak impulsively and without a filter. This sudden change threatens his career and reputation.
On the other hand, On Woo Joo, an energetic TV variety show writer, becomes intrigued by Ki Baek’s newfound bluntness. Seeing an opportunity, she invites him to appear on her show, aiming to capitalize on his uncharacteristic behaviour
As Ki Baek faces the challenges of his condition and the impact on his career, Woo Joo’s show provides a platform that could either make or break him. Their interactions set the stage for unexpected developments and potential growth for both.
- Aired: May 1, 2024 – Jun 6, 2024
- No. of Episodes: 12
- Cast: Go Kyung Pyo, Kang Han Na, Joo Jong Hyuk
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
19. Nothing Uncovered
KBM Reporter Seo Jung Won, known as the Villain Hunter, made a name for herself with her hit show, “Nothing Uncovered,” exposing public villains with her incisive commentary. However, a shocking incident derails her career, forcing her to partner with her ex-lover, Kim Tae Heon.
Kim Tae Heon, a detective at Gangha Police Station, is known for his unorthodox methods. Their unexpected reunion during a case stirs up confusion and unresolved feelings as they work together.
Jung Won’s husband, Woo Jae, is a renowned mystery writer from a wealthy family. Despite his deep affection for Jung Won, he conceals his own emotional pain.
The situation becomes more complex as the three become entangled in a series of brutal murders, intertwining their fates in a tense and dramatic investigation.
- Aired: Mar 18, 2024 – May 7, 2024
- No. of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Kim Ha Neul, Yeon Woo Jin, Jang Seung Jo
- Streaming Platform: Viki
20. Tarot
“Tarot” is a horror series with seven episodes exploring unsettling events through the lens of tarot cards. Each episode reveals ordinary lives disrupted by supernatural occurrences linked to tarot readings.
The story begins as the main characters each receive distinct tarot cards. These cards bring about ominous changes and curses, deeply affecting their fates.
As the narrative unfolds, the characters confront increasingly disturbing and eerie situations. The tarot cards become instruments of fate, revealing darker aspects of their lives.
The series intertwines the mystical with the mundane, creating a chilling exploration of destiny and the supernatural.
- Aired: Jul 15, 2024 – Aug 5, 2024
- No. of Episodes: 7
- Cast: Cho Yeo Jung, Kim Sung Tae, ham Eun Jung, DEX, Park Ha Sun, Go Gyu Pil, Oh Yu Jin, Seo Ji Hoo, Lee Joo Bin
- Streaming Platform: TVING
