Have you ever started watching your most-awaited K-drama, feeling excited, only to lose interest halfway through? You’re not alone. This year, many shows had big budgets and famous actors, but still couldn’t live up to expectations. Let’s look at the Korean dramas that disappointed fans and critics in 2025.
The Worst Korean Dramas of 2025 According to Industry Insiders
Joy News 24 recently polled 110 entertainment industry professionals, from producers to journalists. They weighed in on the year’s best, and yes, the most disappointing. Here are the K-dramas that received the “worst” title in 2025.
“Twelve” (28 Votes)
Disney+’s superhero action drama “Twelve” marks Ma Dong-seok’s return to the small screen after nine years. This fantasy K-drama, set in a world of zodiac deities, offers a unique twist on the superhero genre. With a 20-billion-won budget and stars like Park Hyung-sik, So In-guk, and more top stars, this series created high expectations.
Unfortunately, the show faced challenges. The poor CGI and weak character development left viewers feeling disappointed. Starting strong at 8.1% viewership, it quickly dropped to the 2% range. The action seemed forced, and the story didn’t resonate.
“When the Stars Gossip” (15 Votes)
Gong Hyo-jin and Lee Min-ho in space should have been a dream! tvN drama, “When the Stars Gossip,” with its 5-year preparation and 50-billion-won budget, aimed to be Korea’s first space-station romance. The hype was real.
Yet, the plot twists felt illogical, and the CGI often looked awkward. Audiences criticized “random fruit fly mating scenes” and “a chaebol family’s artificial insemination in space.” It closed with a mere 2.6% viewership. It turned a grand space adventure into just another predictable love story.
“Squid Game” Season 2 and 3 (10 Votes)
After its groundbreaking first season, Netflix invested about 100 billion won in “Squid Game” Seasons 2 and 3. The drama’s fans really looked forward to its return. They hoped it would bring back the magic of the original.
However, many felt the execution was disconnected. Various controversies overshadowed the story. As a result, the ending left many viewers unsatisfied. It lost the raw and compelling quality that made the original so impactful.
“Tempest” (7 Votes)
Disney+’s “Tempest” reportedly had a 70-billion-won budget. The series brought together the powerful duo, Jun Ji-hyun and Gang Dong-won. K-drama fans have been excited about this pairing since it was announced.
The high-budget production received criticism for its inconsistent pacing, confusing storyline, and various controversies. It couldn’t quite deliver the captivating story audiences hoped for.
“Crushology 101” (6 Votes)
MBC’s webtoon-based K-drama “Crushology 101” aimed to present a relatable youth romance today. It explores the complex world of modern dating and young love. Many viewers began seeking a fresh, engaging perspective.
Although the drama has a youthful premise, it struggles to relate to viewers. Many find the story predictable and the characters lacking depth. It felt like a series of clichés strung together.
Other K-Dramas
While different in genre, “Kick Kick Kick Kick,” “Netflix’s Gyeongseong Creature 2,” and “Confidence Queen” shared a common thread of missed potential.
KBS 2TV’s “Kick Kick Kick Kick” (5 votes) had a lively cast aiming for office comedy. But its humor often felt off, and the story lacked clear direction.
Netflix’s “Gyeongseong Creature 2” (4 votes) struggled to recapture the unique appeal of its first season, with new developments that didn’t quite hit the mark.
Prime’s “Confidence Queen” (3 votes) promised a clever con artist drama, but its complex plot left viewers confused.
Learning, Growing, and Looking Forward
This list shows that K-drama success depends more on compelling stories and skillful execution. It doesn’t rely only on big names or massive budgets. Each project offers unique outcomes and teaches us valuable lessons about production and storytelling.
Despite these flops, the industry thrives on fresh ideas and innovation, and we should honor the dedication behind each creation. What lessons have you learned from these dramas, and what excites you about the future of K-content? Please share your thoughts below.
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