If you are anything like us, you have probably fallen head over heels for a K-drama (or three) only to have your heart broken when it ended. While some shows get the luxury of multiple seasons, others aren’t so lucky.
Here are 17 popular Korean dramas that, despite their huge followings, won’t be getting another season.
Crash Landing On You
“Crash Landing On You” is a romantic drama about a South Korean heiress who parachutes into North Korea and finds love with a North Korean soldier.
Despite its massive popularity and record-breaking viewership, the show’s creators have confirmed that it will remain a single-season series.
Premiered in 2019, it remained the highest-rated tvN drama of all time until last year, surpassed by Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won’s “Queen of Tears”.
The drama starred Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin, who went on to become a real-life couple.
Business Proposal
“Business Proposal” (2022) had viewers all swooning over its adorable lead couple and laughing at its hilarious office antics. As much as fans would love to see more of this charming duo, the show’s creators have made it clear that this one’s a standalone story.
Starring Kim Sejeong and Ahn Hyo Seop, “Business Proposal” follows a single woman who agrees to pretend to be her friend on a blind date. However, things take a complicated turn when she discovers her date is her company’s CEO, who proposes to her the next day, unaware of her true identity.
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
Premiered in 2021, “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” is a heartwarming romantic comedy that follows a talented dentist who moves to a small coastal town. There, she falls for a charming local named Hong Du Sik.
The drama gained immense popularity for its picturesque setting, lovable characters, and sweet romance between leads Shin Min Ah and Kim Seon Ho. Unfortunately, the drama would not return for another season.
Something in the Rain
“Something in the Rain” premiered in 2018 with Son Ye Jin and Jung Hae In playing the lead roles. The show received acclaim for its unique plot, still, it will not be renewed for a second installment.
The drama follows a single woman in her mid-30s, who finds love in the most unexpected way with her best friend’s younger brother. However, their difference in age and social status also threatens to tear them apart.
Doctor Slump
“Doctor Slump” was one of the most highly-anticipated Kdrama of 2024 as “The Heirs” stars Park Shin Hye and Park Hyung Sik. Aired on JTBC, the drama received a lot of love and support from fans. It is a bummer that fans would not get to witness their chemistry in the second season.
The drama follows a successful plastic surgeon and a gifted anesthesiologist who reconnect at a low point in their lives. Romance blossoms as they find comfort in each other.
My Demon
Who did not love the chemistry between Do Do Hee and Gu Won in SBS’ “My Demon” (2023-2024)? The 16-episode fantasy romance drama was received well by the audience due to the talented cast including Song Kang and Kim Yoo Jung. Most fans wanted to see more of Do Hee and Gu Won in another season, unfortunately, it is not possible.
“My Demon” follows Do Do Hee (Kim Yoo Jung) who never believed in love. That was until she made a contract marriage with Jeong Gu Won (Song Kang), a demon who had lived for centuries by making dark deals with humans. However, when Gu Won’s powers vanished, he found himself bound to Do Hee, who held his fate in her hands.
My Liberation Notes
Starring Kim Ji Won, Lee Min Ki, and Son Suk Ku, the 2022 Kdrama “My Liberation Notes” is a thought-provoking drama that explores the themes of family, identity, and societal expectations.
It follows the lives of three siblings who feel suffocated by their ordinary lives in Sanpo Village.
Then, a mysterious stranger named Mr. Gu appears in their lives, shaking things up in unexpected ways.
The drama explores many issues that today’s youth face and is loved by the viewers. It has been confirmed that the show is not renewed for season 2.
Our Blues
“Our Blues” is a coming-of-age drama, following the lives of three friends. For those familiar with Kdrama know that it is one of the must-watch dramas of all times.
The 20-episode drama, aired in 2022, beautifully told the stories of various characters on Jeju Island. Despite its popularity, it was intended to be a standalone, anthology-style drama.
This 2022 tvN weekend drama starring Shin Min Ah, Lee Byung Hun, Cha Seung Won, Han Ji Min, and more.
Welcome To Samdal-ri
“Welcome To Samdal-ri” (2023-2024) received immense popularity for its leading cast including Ji Chang Wook and Shin Hye Sun. It follows the story of a young woman named Sam Dal, who returns to her hometown after living in the city.
The drama was aired on Netflix and JTBC and received a lot of love from global audiences. Despite an 8.1 IMDb rating, the drama will likely renew for season 2.
The King’s Affection
“The King’s Affection” is a historical Korean drama that aired from October 11 to December 14, 2021, on KBS2 and Netflix. The series, set during the Joseon Dynasty, tells the story of twins, where the daughter is sent away due to superstitions, but returns to the palace to assume her brother’s identity after his death.
Starring Park Eun Bin and Rowoon, the series received positive reviews for its unique storyline and strong performances. Even though it scored strong ratings, the drama will not return for another season.
Thirty-Nine
“Thirty-Nine” has been confirmed to be a limited series, which means it is intended to have only one season. The 2022 hit drama featured popular names such as Son Ye Jin, Jeon Mi Do, and Kim Ji Hyun.
“Thirty-Nine” revolves around the lives of three close-knit friends, all 39 years old, navigating life’s ups and downs together.
Tomorrow
“Tomorrow” is a 2022 South Korean television series that aired on MBC TV in 2022. The fantasy thriller drama is based on a Naver webtoon published in 2017 and consists of 16 episodes
Starring Rowoon, Lee Soo Hyuk, Kim Hee Seon, and Yun Ji On, it received positive reviews for its unique storyline. Unfortunately, “Tomorrow” is also classified as a limited series.
The story revolves around a young job seeker who meets grim reapers. They work to prevent suicides and he joins them as a contract worker in the crisis management team of death angels.
Café Minamdang
Netflix has ruled out “Café Minamdang” for the second season and listed it as a limited series. This 2022 KBS2 drama is about a former profiler turned con artist who runs a fortune teller shop. He uses his charm and skills to scam customers but also ends up helping them solve their problems.
It stars Seok In Guk and Oh Yeon Seo in lead roles and is based on a novel by Jung Jae-Han, published in 2010.
Mine
“Mine”, starring Lee Bo Young and Kim Seo Hyung, aired from May to June 2021 on tvN. It follows the journeys of two women, Seo Hi Soo, and Jung Seo Hyun, as they navigate their lives within a wealthy chaebol family.
Hi Soo, a former actress, struggles to maintain her identity after marrying into the family, while Seo Hyun, the intelligent wife of the first son, appears to have perfectly conformed to her role.
Unfortunately, “Mine” will not be renewed for another season.
The Bequeathed
“The Bequeathed” is a 6-episode Netflix Original series that did not score approval for a follow-up season. Premiered in January 2024, the mystery thriller drama tells the story of Yoon Seo Ha ( played by Kim Hyun Joo). She inherits her family’s gravesite after her uncle’s death.
Captivating The King
“Captivating The King” starring Jo Jung Suk and Shin Se Kyung, aired from January to March 2024. The 16-episode tvN drama concluded in March without a second season renewal.
Prince Yi In’s (Jo Jung Suk) life unravels when his brother, King Yi Sun, misinterprets his loyalty as a betrayal. Yi In finds comfort in a mysterious baduk player, Kang Hee Soo (Shin Se Kyung). When Yi In becomes king, Hee Soo, now a spy, seeks revenge, unaware of their past connection.
The 8 Show
Another Netflix Original “The 8 Show” starring Ryu Jun Yeol, Chun Woo Hee, and Park Jeong Min also did not get renewed.
It follows Eight individuals in need of financial assistance who participate in a reality series. They live together in a simple studio for 100 days. If they complete the program, they will share a 44.8 billion won prize. However, all expenses, including basic necessities, are inflated 1,000 times and deducted from the prize.
Which K-drama do you wish had been renewed for another season? Share your thoughts in the comments below.