The Worst K-Drama Casting Controversies of 2025: Viewers React to Age Gaps and Scandals
While 2025 has seen its fair share of successful Korean dramas, several high-profile productions have come under fire for questionable casting decisions. From uncomfortable age gaps to actors with controversial pasts, here are five K-Dramas that sparked viewer backlash this year according to Koreaboo:
1. Delusion
Set to premiere in 2026, Disney+’s upcoming mystery drama Delusion features Bae Suzy and Kim Seon Ho in leading roles. While many welcomed Suzy’s involvement, Kim’s casting drew criticism due to his past scandal involving allegations from his ex-girlfriend in 2021. Although the situation was later clarified and resolved, public sentiment remains mixed, making his return to mainstream drama a contentious move.
2. A History of the Losers
Premiering on February 26, A History of the Losers is based on a beloved webtoon about romantic underdogs. However, fans were dismayed by the casting of Cho Byeong Kyu and Song Ha Yoon, both of whom have faced school violence accusations in the past. Despite their denials, the controversy has left a stain on the drama’s reception.
3. My Dearest Nemesis
In this workplace romance, Moon Ga Young plays a team leader who finds her first love in her younger boss, portrayed by Choi Hyun Wook The casting stirred debate, as Choi was only 22 years old during filming—10 years younger than his character in the original webtoon and 6 years younger than Moon Ga Young. Critics questioned their romantic chemistry, though opinions softened after the show aired.
4. Boyfriend on Demand
Netflix’s rom-com Boyfriend on Demand (working title) stars BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and seasoned actor Seo In Guk. Following her heavily criticized performance in Newtopia, many viewers doubted Jisoo’s acting capabilities for a lead role. With Seo In Guk’s strong acting background, some feared a mismatch in on-screen dynamics.
5. Mean Love
This romance melodrama was mired in controversy long before its release, thanks to its significant age gaps between cast members. Lim Ji Yeon was paired with Lee Jung Jae, who is 17 years her senior, and the March announcement of Oh Yeon Seo—15 years younger than Lee—as his first love reignited the backlash. Critics called the casting “tone-deaf” and out of touch with modern viewer sensibilities.
As K-Dramas gain more global exposure, casting decisions are under heavier scrutiny than ever. These controversial choices serve as a reminder that star power isn’t always enough to guarantee audience approval—compatibility, timing, and public perception matter too.
