There are many disappointing K-dramas in 2023 despite initially high anticipation and impressive casting
As 2023 approaches its end, it can be said that the K-drama industry has got a fair share of hits and misses within the year. Below are perhaps the 8 most disappointing K-dramas of 2023.
1. “The Heavenly Idol”
“The Heavenly Idol” marks a setback in the rising career of handsome actor Kim Min-kyu. After the success of “Business Proposal”, Kim Min-kyu, who had ascended to leading roles, chose a less appealing project with a lack-luster script that failed to captivate viewers. Additionally, Kim Min-kyu’s performance in this drama did not receive much praise.
2. “Family”
“Family”, a drama which marks Jang Nara’s return after marriage, turned out to be forgettable from start to finish.The drama’s script was deemed an attempt to force meaningless humor, turning an initially intriguing spy story into a dull narrative. Notably, some attempts at humor became distasteful, especially as the series attempted to explore a romantic relationship between two… preschoolers.
3. “Strong Girl Nam-soon”
Once highly-anticipated as the sequel of the famous series “Strong Woman Do Bong-soon”, “Strong Girl Nam-soon” ended up disappointing viewers with its uninspiring humor and exaggerated acting by the lead couple. The script itself also fell flat, and what audiences remember in the end were mostly the series’ forced humor and its second male lead.
On top of that, there are plans to produce another season for this series, concerning audiences as they feel the producers is dragging out an already boring plotline.
4. “The Escape of the Seven”
Previously hyped as the successor to the insanely successful “Penthouse” franchise, “The Escape of the Seven” turned out to be a poorly executed, illogical, overly dramatic, and forgettable work. Although the drama started with great promise, each episode left viewers frustrated and annoyed.
In fact, “The Escape of the Seven” was the only 2023 K-drama that was so poorly received, Korean audiences filed complaints about it with authorities, requesting a ban due to its violent scenes, child abuse, and attempt to tarnish the image of teachers. Overall, the drama was dubbed the “trash drama” of the year, and many were perplexed that it’s going to have another season.
5. “Durian’s Affair”
Despite exploring an interesting time-travel theme, “Durian’s Affair” delivered exaggerated and somewhat offensive stories. In particular, the continuous insertion of situations involving the daughter-in-law flirting with and seducing her mother-in-law were deemed distasteful.
Additionally, the drama’s conclusion failed to satisfy viewers, though its dramatic nature did manage to achieve an average rating of 8.1%.
6. “My Lovely Boxer”
“My Lovely Boxer” is one of the lowest-rated K-dramas in 2023, with ratings lingering in the 0-2% range, even though it aired on KBS, one of Korea’s largest public networks.
It is not an exaggeration to say that this drama is the most forgettable of the network this year, featuring a bland script and disappointing acting from leading actress Kim So-hye. While the leading actor’s performance was decent, his efforts alone was not enough to save this disappointing K-drama/
7. “King the Land”
King the Land” achieved high ratings and was an overall entertaining K-drama, but this is mostly due to the overwhelming popularity of the main couple, Yoona and Lee Jun-ho, along with their explosive chemistry.
Unfortunately, behind Yoona and Lee Jun-ho was a rather empty and shallow script with little character development and various unnecessary scenes.
8. “Bora! Deborah”
Finally, stunning beauty Yoo In-na had a disappointing comeback with “Bora! Deborah”, where her beauty is the only gem of the show. Overall, this K-drama is criticized for its shallow and childish script, and Yoo In Na’s acting performance in it was not highly regarded.
Source: K14, Hancinema
