5 Worst K-Dramas of Early 2025 That Had Viewers Asking, “Why Did I Even Start This?”
The first half of 2025 saw a wave of ambitious new K-dramas across genres, from romantic melodramas to sci-fi epics. However, not all lived up to the hype. While some series soared, others fell flat, disappointing viewers with weak scripts, uninspired acting, and unoriginal storytelling.
Here are the five most disappointing Korean dramas of early 2025.
1. When The Stars Gossip
Touted as Korea’s first big-budget sci-fi melodrama, this drama starred Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin and was set on a fictional lunar research station. Despite a massive 50 billion KRW budget, the show averaged a dismal 1.8% rating, peaking only at 2.36%.
Critics slammed its convoluted, illogical plot and lifeless character development. Lee Min-ho’s performance was labeled stale and repetitive, with many saying he remains stuck in the same “chaebol prince” mold. What was meant to be groundbreaking turned out to be a painful letdown for both fans and its star.
2. Crushology 101
Based on the webtoon Bunny and Her Boys, the story follows college student Bunny and her tangled love lines with four attractive male leads. Despite its vibrant visuals and eye-catching cast, the drama flopped hard, averaging 1.0% viewership, with some episodes falling to 0.7%.
Viewers criticized it for overused school drama clichés, shallow characters, and bland emotional arcs. Roh Jeong-eui’s performance was praised, but it wasn’t enough to save what many dubbed a glorified fanfiction.
3. Kick Kick Kick Kick
Marketed as a modern office comedy reminiscent of High Kick, this sitcom starred Ji Jin-hee, Lee Kyu-hyung, and Kim Do-hoon. Unfortunately, it delivered none of the laughs.
Ratings hovered around 0.3%, with viewers calling it awkward, nonsensical, and painfully unfunny. Pacing issues, forgettable characters, and dialogue that felt “written just to fill time” made it more of a chore than a comedy.
4. The Potato Lab
This slice-of-life drama focused on a quirky potato researcher and a forward-thinking CEO trying to save a failing research center. While it drew early interest with its healing tone and unique setup, it quickly lost steam. By episode 3, ratings stagnated at around 2%.
The show was criticized for repetitive scenes, lack of plot progression, and a central relationship that moved too slowly to stay engaging. Some even joked it felt like watching a research report instead of a drama.
5. The Divorce Insurance
Despite a stellar cast including Lee Dong-wook, Lee Da-hae, and Lee Joo-bin, this drama about a man developing insurance for engaged couples after three failed marriages tanked fast. What could have been a sharp satire turned into a messy, emotionally disconnected narrative. Ratings plunged from 3.2% to below 1%, making it one of tvN’s biggest misfires of the year.
From sci-fi missteps to uninspired comedies, these dramas prove that big names and bold ideas don’t guarantee success. Fans now look ahead to the second half of 2025, hoping for stronger scripts, fresher concepts, and dramas that can live up to their hype.
