January 2025 delivered a mix of K-dramas, some soaring high and others falling flat. Several dramas missed the mark, leaving viewers disappointed. Let’s take a closer look at these contenders for the “worst K-drama of January” title.
The Disappointments
When The Stars Gossip: This sci-fi romance, starring Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin, was highly anticipated. However, it failed to live up to the hype, with viewers citing weak character development, a dull plot, and a lack of chemistry between the lead actors.
Motel California:Lee Se Young and Na In Woo headlined this drama, which included a cliché weight loss trope. While the leads’ chemistry had potential, the excessive focus on the female lead’s past trauma and her on-again, off-again relationship with Na In Woo disappointed many viewers.
Study Group: This Hwang Min Hyun starrer suffered from another overused trope: the school bully versus virtuous guy conflict. The plot failed to develop beyond this familiar dynamic, and the comic relief scenes fell flat.
When the Phone Rings: The final episode of this drama featured a dramatic reunion between Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin that felt unnecessary. A mention of fictional countries, Paltima and Ismael, drew criticism for what some viewers perceived as a mockery of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The Queen Who Crowns: The drama’s excessive focus on a power-hungry woman, played by Cha Joo Young, did not resonate with viewers. They felt that her character’s development within the rapidly changing Joseon dynasty should have been the central focus.
Check In Hanyang: The romance between the leads, Bae In Hyuk and Kim Ji Eun, developed too slowly, feeling like a secondary storyline. The constant political struggles made what seemed like a lighthearted watch too intense for some viewers.
Which of these dramas disappointed you the most? Vote Below.
Saikat Nandy is an entertainment news writer who covers the latest trends and stories from the world of showbiz, has a keen eye for spotting the most interesting and relevant topics, and delivers them to his audience with flair and humor. He is also a freelance blogger, content writer, and website designer who loves to explore new technologies and creative ideas.
