Despite high expectations, these five K-dramas started strong but ultimately left viewers feeling disappointed. Whether due to frustrating plot twists, underwhelming finales, or wasted potential, these dramas made many wish they had stopped watching sooner. Here are the K-dramas that fans regretted sticking with until the very end in February.
Table of contents
When the Stars Gossip
With a stellar cast including Lee Min-ho, Gong Hyo Jin, and Oh Jung-se, this Netflix sci-fi romance set in space had all the makings of a hit. But instead of soaring, “When the Stars Gossip” crashed and burned. What began as a promising love story between an astronaut and a space tourist soon became one of the most criticized K-dramas of the year. From polarizing plot twists to divisive intimate scenes, the drama faced backlash throughout its run.
But it was the finale’s devastating twist that pushed some viewers over the edge – leaving them wishing they had never boarded this journey in the first place.
Iron Family
Breaking away from the usual 8 to 16-episode format, “Iron Family” unfolds over 36 episodes, weaving a tale of hidden fortunes and long-buried secrets. The drama revolves around a powerful family that secretly hoards a massive sum of money and the rightful owner determined to track it down. In the middle of this high-stakes game are Da-rim, a visually impaired member of the family, and Gang-ju, the son of the man seeking justice.
Despite its extended runtime, many viewers felt the series lacked the character depth expected from such a lengthy narrative.
Love Scout
SBS’s latest romance drama, “Love Scout,” features Han Ji-min as a headhunting company CEO and Lee Joon-hyuk as her devoted secretary.
While the series gained popularity, some viewers were left baffled by its appeal. Many criticized the female lead’s characterization, finding her emotionally repressed and lacking depth. Her relationship with the male lead also sparked debate, as he often treated her in a patronizing manner, while she, in turn, seemed to regress into childlike behavior. Some even described their dynamic as unsettling rather than romantic.
Beyond the romance, the show’s portrayal of emotions felt overly simplified, with exaggerated expressions replacing nuanced acting. Despite the capable cast, the drama’s storytelling was seen as heavy-handed, leaving some viewers frustrated. While “Love Scout” found its audience, others struggled to finish the series, feeling it fell short of its potential.
The Fiery Priest (Season 2)
“The Fiery Priest” tells the story of an NIS agent-turned-Catholic priest and became such a massive hit that it led to a highly anticipated sequel.
However, Season 2 fell short for some fans, as it relied too heavily on fleeting pop culture jokes rather than strong storytelling. While the cast delivered solid performances, many felt the writing failed to recapture the magic of the original.
When the Phone Rings
“When the Phone Rings” is a 2024 Netflix romance thriller that follows a couple who enter a marriage of convenience, only to have their lives thrown into chaos after receiving a threatening call from a kidnapper.
Despite its compelling premise, many viewers who watched the series to the end in February expressed disappointment. Some felt that the plot took an unsatisfying turn, while others wished the drama had devoted more time to exploring the emotional depth of the main couple and their evolving relationship.
While these K-dramas started with promise, they ultimately left many viewers frustrated, proving that even the most anticipated series can sometimes miss the mark.
