Kdrama fans know that not every series can be a hit. Despite high expectations, some shows fell flat in 2024. Whether due to poor writing, weak acting, or unengaging plots, these dramas left viewers underwhelmed.
Note: The following rankings are based on Joy News 24’s recent survey that asked 200 industry professionals to weigh in on the best and worst of 2024. The results, presented below, are solely based on their opinions and do not reflect our own views.
Worst Kdramas of 2024
Let’s take a look at the worst K-dramas of 2024
Queen Woo
Boasting an all-star cast, including Ji Chang Wook, Jeon Jong Seo, and Jung Yu Mi, “Queen Woo” surprisingly topped the list as the worst K-drama of 2024.
Out of 200 industry experts surveyed, 39 chose “Queen Woo” as the worst drama of the year.
TVING’s original series “Empress Woo” (also known as “Queen Woo”) is a historical drama that follows Empress Woo’s struggle to secure the throne after the king’s sudden death.
Despite its 30 billion won budget and being TVING’s first historical drama, “Queen Woo” received mixed reviews and failed to meet some viewers’ expectations.
It faced criticism for its explicit content, which some deemed unnecessary and excessive. This led to a restricted rating, limiting the show’s accessibility.
Additionally, the use of Chinese-style costumes and other creative choices raised questions about the show’s commitment to accuracy.
The Escape of Seven: Resurrection
“The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection” ranked second in the “Worst Drama of the Year” with 37 votes. The SBS drama focused on sensationalism rather than storytelling, leading to poor ratings.
The drama, which followed seven individuals reborn after a revenge reset, failed to leave a lasting impact. Moreover, it was largely overshadowed by off-screen events, including Hwang Jung Eum’s divorce and producer Joo Dong Min’s exit.
The drama’s unrealistic plot and shocking events no longer grabbed viewers’ attention. The villain suddenly became a good person, which did not make sense to viewers. Actor Um Ki Joon played three different roles, which added to the narrative’s chaos.
Beauty and Mr. Romantic
KBS’s weekend drama “Beauty and Mr. Romantic” secured third place in the “worst Kdrama” rankings with 28 votes.
The show follows the story of a top actress, Im Soo Hyang, whose life unravels overnight, and a rookie drama PD, Ji Hyun Woo, who helps her regain her footing.
Despite initial excitement – Ji Hyun Woo’s return to weekend dramas after winning the 2021 KBS Drama Awards, and Im Soo Hyang’s KBS weekend drama debut – the show failed to deliver.
Viewers lost interest in “Beauty and Mr. Romantic” due to absurd plot twists. The story follows top actress Park Do Ra (Im Soo Hyang), who makes a drastic decision due to her mother’s debt and fake news.
The drama introduces extreme characters, including Park Do Ra’s mother, Baek Mi Ja (Cha Hwa Yeon), a gambling addict who exploits her daughter, and Gong Jin Dan (Go Yoon), a stalker who falsely accuses her of being a sponsor.
The plot becomes increasingly unrealistic as Park Do Ra fakes her own death, undergoes full-body reconstructive surgery, loses her memory, is kidnapped by Gong Jin Dan, gets into a car accident, and is diagnosed with paralysis.
Viewers grew increasingly disappointed as the absurd twists continued until the very end.
Love Next Door
Next on the list, tvN’s drama “Love Next Door” garnered 13 votes. Starring Jung Hae In and Jung So Min, the highly-anticipated drama received mixed reviews. Despite Jung Hae In’s first-ever romantic comedy, viewers were left unimpressed with the weak storyline and slow-paced development.
“Mom’s Friend’s Son” lost viewers mid-series due to an overabundance of unnecessary plot twists. For instance, Seok Ryu’s (Jung So Min) unexpected stomach cancer diagnosis, Seung Hyo’s (Jung Hae In) parents’ near-divorce, and the sudden return of Seok Ryu’s fiancé.
Additionally, viewers felt that Seok Ryu and Seung Hyo’s romance developed too late in the series, starting in the 11th episode (Belated).
Gyeongseong Creature 2
Viewers had high expectations for Park Seo Joon and Han So Hee’s “Gyeongseong Creature 2,” which is set in modern-day Seoul.
Receiving 9 votes, fans felt that season 2 was overly stuffed. Season two of “Gyeongseong Creature” loses focus, expanding too broadly across Seoul, introducing superpowers, and multiplying villains, unlike the contained, straightforward storyline of season one.
Moreover, Han So Hee and Park Seo Joon’s romance lacked spark. The narrative is bogged down by confusing plot twists and excessive CGI. The show’s cliffhanger ending raises doubts about whether it’s worth continuing.
Sweet Home Season 3
Netflix’s “Sweet Home” Season 3, starring Song Kang, Go Min Si, and Lee Do Hyun was a letdown for many viewers. The final season of “Sweet Home” ranked 5th Worst Kdrama with 8 votes.
The audience found it hard to follow as the plot kept shifting. They opined that the plot was quite disappointing compared to the first season.
The show received overwhelmingly negative feedback in its first week, with over 90% of initial reactions negative.
Audiences struggled to connect due to unnecessary characters, a disjointed storyline, and subpar visuals.
According to Good Data Corporation’s analysis of online public opinion, fans harshly criticized the show, labeling it “chaotic” or “boring.”
Sweet Home Season 2 also did not receive reviews from audiences and critics. Exceptions were high since Eun Hyuk (Lee Do Hyun) was returning in the final season, who was believed to be dead in season 2. Even Lee Do Hyun’s return and “Sweet Home” being Song Kang’s final release after military enlistment failed to hook viewers.
Red Swan
Action-romance Kdrama “Red Swan” starring Kim Ha Neul and Rain received 6 votes. Premiered from July 3-31, the drama follows Oh Wan Soo (Kim Ha-neul), a former professional golfer and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, who appears to have a perfect life with her wealthy husband Kim Yong-guk (Jung Gyu Woon). However, behind closed doors, she discovers Yong-guk’s infidelity and abuse.
After narrowly escaping an assassination attempt in Manila, Wan-soo meets Seo Do Yoon (Rain), who becomes her personal bodyguard. As they navigate threats and uncover the truth, Wan Soo learns about her husband’s family’s illicit business dealings, including money laundering schemes.
“Red Swan” begins with a bang but falters due to clichéd plotlines and lackluster chemistry between Rain and Kim Ha Neul.
Korea Khitan War
“Korea Khitan War” ranked 7th in the Worst Kdrama of 2024” category, with 6 votes. The drama had a rough start with the opening episodes failing to meet expectations.
Starring Choi Soo Jong, Kim Dong Jun, and Ji Seung Hyun, the drama premiered from November 11, 2023, to March 10, 2024.
The historical drama streamed on Netflix and Rakuten Viki did not hook viewers despite impressive performances by leads and supporting actors.
Lastly, 20 respondents opted not to answer the question about the worst Kdrama of the year.