Most Underrated Korean Dramas: Hidden Gems Every True K-Drama Fan Needs to Watch

In the ever-growing world of K-Dramas, it’s easy to get swept up in the buzz of popular titles like Crash Landing on You or Goblin. But while these blockbusters dominate headlines and streaming charts, many equally brilliant series slip quietly under the radar. That’s where the most underrated Korean dramas come in—hidden gems that offer powerful storytelling, unforgettable performances, and emotional depth that rivals even the most famous hits.

If you’re a true K-Drama fan looking for fresh recommendations beyond the mainstream, this list is for you. Whether you enjoy heartwarming romances, gripping thrillers, or thought-provoking slice-of-life tales, these overlooked dramas deserve a spot on your watchlist. Let’s dive into the lesser-known treasures that might just become your next favorite binge.

What Makes a Korean Drama “Underrated”?

Not every amazing Korean drama receives the recognition it deserves. While some series explode in popularity due to big-name actors, massive marketing, or viral moments, others quietly win over viewers with strong storytelling, rich character development, and heartfelt messages—yet still remain relatively unknown. So, what exactly makes a K-Drama underrated?

An underrated Korean drama is typically one that delivers exceptional quality but doesn’t get the widespread attention, ratings, or viewership it truly deserves. These dramas often fly under the radar due to limited promotion, lack of global exposure, or being overshadowed by bigger releases airing at the same time. Some may also have niche themes or unconventional storytelling that doesn’t appeal to mass audiences but deeply resonates with dedicated fans.

In short, underrated dramas aren’t lacking in quality—they’re simply waiting for the right audience to discover them. And once you do, they often leave a lasting impression far stronger than many hyped-up shows.

Most Underrated Korean Dramas You Shouldn’t Miss

These hidden gems may not have made headlines, but they’ve won the hearts of loyal fans—and they just might steal yours too. Each of these most underrated Korean dramas delivers something fresh, emotional, or beautifully unexpected. Let’s spotlight the must-watch titles that deserve far more love and recognition.

1. Just Between Lovers (aka Rain or Shine)(2017)

• Genre: Melodrama, Romance
• Main Cast: Lee Junho, Won Jin-ah, Lee Ki-woo
• Release Date: December 11, 2017 – February 6, 2018
• Platform: Viki, iQIYI

Summary:

Just Between Lovers tells the heartbreaking and heartwarming journey of two people connected by a shared tragedy. Lee Kang-doo, a former athlete whose dreams were crushed by a traumatic accident, now lives day by day, carrying both physical and emotional scars. Ha Moon-soo, an architectural modeler, also survived the same incident but hides her pain behind a calm exterior. As they work together on a memorial project, their silent wounds begin to surface, allowing them to slowly lean on each other for comfort, healing, and eventually love.
This drama excels in its quiet storytelling, layered emotions, and poetic visuals. Lee Junho’s performance is particularly poignant, and the OST enhances the melancholy tone. Though it didn’t generate mainstream buzz, Just Between Lovers is a masterpiece for viewers who crave sincerity and emotional depth in romance.

2. My Unfamiliar Family (2020)

• Genre: Family, Slice of Life, Drama
• Main Cast: Han Ye-ri, Kim Ji-seok, Choo Ja-hyun, Jung Jin-young, Won Mi-kyung
• Release Date: June 1, 2020 – July 21, 2020
• Platform: Viki, Netflix, iQIYI

Summary:

My Unfamiliar Family explores the complex emotional dynamics within a family where love is present but often misunderstood or unspoken. Kim Eun-hee feels more open with her friends than her own family, but a series of unexpected revelations brings long-buried secrets and misunderstandings to the surface. Each family member has their own emotional burden, but they slowly begin to rediscover one another—not as the roles they play (mother, father, sibling), but as individuals.
This drama beautifully balances realism with emotional sensitivity. With powerful performances and an introspective script, it challenges the notion that blood automatically equals closeness. It’s a quiet but meaningful watch that resonates deeply with viewers who appreciate life dramas centered around forgiveness and personal growth.

3. Children of Nobody (2018)

• Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Psychological
• Main Cast: Kim Sun-a, Lee Yi-kyung, Nam Gyu-ri, Cha Hak-yeon (VIXX’s N)
• Release Date: November 21, 2018 – January 16, 2019
• Platform: Viki

Summary:

In this chilling psychological thriller, Cha Woo-kyung is a child counselor with a seemingly perfect life—until a tragic accident draws her into a web of mysterious child abuse cases and eerie poetry that seems to predict the victims. As she delves deeper into the crimes, she finds herself haunted by her own past traumas. Partnered with detective Kang Ji-hun, Woo-kyung must navigate a dark world where justice isn’t always black and white.
Children of Nobody is not just a thriller—it’s a psychological exploration of morality, memory, and guilt. The show’s pacing, poetic symbolism, and moral dilemmas keep viewers on edge. Kim Sun-a’s haunting portrayal adds a heavy emotional weight that makes this drama unforgettable, even though it slipped under the radar when it aired.

4. One Spring Night (2019)

• Genre: Romance, Slice of Life
• Main Cast: Han Ji-min, Jung Hae-in, Kim Jun-han
• Release Date: May 22, 2019 – July 11, 2019
• Platform: Netflix

Summary:

When librarian Lee Jeong-in meets Yoo Ji-ho, a kind pharmacist and single father, their unexpected bond challenges the life she thought she was satisfied with. Jeong-in is already in a long-term relationship, but Ji-ho’s quiet strength and sincerity awaken emotions she can no longer ignore. This drama carefully unpacks how love can be both liberating and complicated in a world where societal expectations weigh heavily on personal happiness.
Directed by the same team behind Something in the Rain, One Spring Night stands out for its subtle, naturalistic storytelling. The dialogue feels genuine, the pacing is patient, and the emotional honesty is refreshing. It’s a mature romance that doesn’t rely on dramatic tropes, but instead feels grounded in real-life decisions and consequences.

5. Life on Mars (2018)

• Genre: Crime, Mystery, Time Travel, Sci-Fi
• Main Cast: Jung Kyung-ho, Park Sung-woong, Go Ah-sung
• Release Date: June 9, 2018 – August 5, 2018
• Platform: Viki, Disney+ (select regions), iQIYI

Summary:

Detective Han Tae-joo wakes up in the year 1988 after being shot during a modern-day investigation. Confused and desperate to return to his time, he joins a rough-and-tumble detective team in a vastly different era of policing. As he navigates unfamiliar rules and methods, he begins solving cases in a time when intuition outweighed forensics—and in doing so, questions his own identity and purpose.
Life on Mars is a stylish, fast-paced remake of the UK series, but adds a unique Korean twist. It mixes retro comedy with noir-like suspense and emotional depth. Despite being critically praised, it remains underappreciated internationally—perhaps due to its niche genre. But for fans of time travel, crime thrillers, and character-driven stories, it’s a must-watch.

6. 365: Repeat the Year (2020)

• Genre: Mystery, Fantasy, Thriller
• Main Cast: Lee Joon-hyuk, Nam Ji-hyun, Kim Ji-soo, Yang Dong-geun
• Release Date: March 23, 2020 – April 28, 2020
• Platform: Viki

Summary:

Ten strangers are given the chance to reset their lives by going back exactly one year. While the offer seems like a miracle, the consequences are anything but. As members of the group begin dying mysteriously, two survivors—detective Ji Hyung-joo and webtoon artist Shin Ga-hyun—team up to uncover who or what is behind the deadly pattern.
365: Repeat the Year is a gripping thriller full of twists, suspense, and high-stakes storytelling. Every episode reveals new layers, and the time-loop concept is executed with precision and logic. It may not have received global hype, but it’s easily one of the smartest and most satisfying thrillers of its time.

7. A Piece of Your Mind (2020)

• Genre: Romance, Melodrama
• Main Cast: Jung Hae-in, Chae Soo-bin, Lee Ha-na, Kim Sung-kyu
• Release Date: March 23, 2020 – April 28, 2020
• Platform: Viki, iQIYI, Apple TV

Summary:

AI programmer Moon Ha-won, who clings to the memories of a lost love, unexpectedly meets Han Seo-woo, a compassionate sound engineer with a kind soul. As they share quiet moments, recorded memories, and unspoken sorrows, their connection grows into something beautifully healing.
A Piece of Your Mind is an understated, introspective romance that values emotional stillness over dramatic chaos. It’s visually stunning, musically rich, and filled with subtle gestures that carry immense emotional weight. While it didn’t appeal to mainstream audiences expecting typical romance tropes, it remains a favorite among viewers who appreciate calm, reflective storytelling.

8. The Light in Your Eyes (aka Radiant) (2019)

• Genre: Fantasy, Melodrama, Life
• Main Cast: Kim Hye-ja, Han Ji-min, Nam Joo-hyuk, Son Ho-jun
• Release Date: February 11, 2019 – March 19, 2019
• Platform: Viki

Summary:

Kim Hye-ja dreams of becoming a news anchor, but when she stumbles upon a watch that can manipulate time, her life takes an unexpected turn. In her quest to save her father, she ends up aging overnight. The story soon transforms from whimsical fantasy into a deeply moving exploration of aging, memory, and the fleeting beauty of everyday life.
The Light in Your Eyes is widely praised for its powerful twist, emotional storytelling, and life-affirming message. Kim Hye-ja’s performance is unforgettable, and the ending leaves a lasting impact. Though not as internationally hyped as other dramas, it’s a true hidden masterpiece.

What Fans Are Saying About These Underrated Dramas

One of the best ways to understand why these Korean dramas are truly underrated is by listening to the fans who have discovered them and fallen in love. Across social media, drama forums, and review sites like MyDramaList, Reddit, and Viki, viewers consistently praise these hidden gems for their unique storytelling, emotional depth, and unforgettable characters.

• Just Between Lovers has earned heartfelt praise for its raw portrayal of trauma and healing. Fans often highlight Lee Junho’s transformative performance and the subtle, poetic storytelling that makes the series resonate long after watching. Many describe it as “one of the most touching K-Dramas they’ve ever seen” that deserves more attention.
• My Unfamiliar Family receives kudos for its realistic depiction of family dynamics. Viewers appreciate its nuanced script and the way it portrays complicated relationships without melodrama. Comments like “finally, a drama that gets family right” and “so relatable and moving” are common.
• Children of Nobody stands out in the thriller genre with fans lauding its complex plot and Kim Sun-a’s haunting lead performance. Some have called it a “hidden psychological masterpiece” that kept them guessing till the last episode.
• For One Spring Night, fans praise its mature and natural romance, highlighting the chemistry between Han Ji-min and Jung Hae-in. Many appreciate the show’s honest take on love and societal pressures, calling it “refreshingly real.”
• Life on Mars has a loyal fanbase that loves its blend of time travel, crime procedural, and nostalgia. Comments often mention its “stylish production” and “unique concept” as reasons it should be better known.
• 365: Repeat the Year is frequently recommended by thriller enthusiasts for its suspenseful plot and clever twists. Fans describe it as “a rollercoaster ride from start to finish” and “an underrated gem that deserves more hype.”
• A Piece of Your Mind gets praise for its quiet and introspective storytelling. Fans note the emotional subtlety and beautiful cinematography, often calling it “a soothing drama that feels like a warm hug.”
• Lastly, The Light in Your Eyes is beloved for its profound message about life and time. Many viewers are moved by the emotional performances and “one of the most unforgettable endings” they’ve experienced in K-Dramas.

The world of Korean dramas is vast and filled with countless stories waiting to be discovered. While blockbuster hits often dominate conversations and streaming charts, the most underrated Korean dramas hold a special place for those willing to explore beyond the hype. These hidden gems offer rich storytelling, unforgettable characters, and emotional journeys that stay with you long after the credits roll.

Whether it’s the heartfelt healing in Just Between Lovers, the raw family dynamics in My Unfamiliar Family, or the mind-bending suspense of 365: Repeat the Year, these dramas prove that quality doesn’t always equal popularity. They challenge us to appreciate nuanced narratives and unique perspectives, rewarding viewers with truly memorable experiences.

So next time you’re looking for something fresh and meaningful to watch, don’t hesitate to dive into these underrated masterpieces. You might just find your new favorite drama—and become part of the passionate community that knows their true worth.