15 Underrated K-Dramas That Deserve More Hype

Maybe it's timing, maybe it's the competition; who knows? What's clear is they've got all the makings of favourites, just waiting for more K-drama fans to tune in.

1. Live Up To Your Name (2017)

Dr. Heo Im, a renowned acupuncturist from the Joseon era, finds himself transported 400 years into the future to modern Seoul, where he meets Choi Yeon-kyung, a cold-hearted doctor who only believes in Western medicine; together, they embark on a journey to blend their disparate medical philosophies and heal not only others' ailments but also their own personal wounds.

2. Hot Stove League (2019-2020)

The new general manager of the South Korean baseball team, Dreams, takes on the daunting task of transforming the team from a perennial loser to a winner. There are internal team conflicts to deal with, the money is always scarce, and they all struggle with skepticism of fans and media, all while fostering teamwork.

3. Master's Sun (2013)

Tae Gong-shil, who can see ghosts after an accident, meets Joo Joong-won, a miserly and selfish CEO of a large company, and realizes that her spectral companions disappear in his presence; their relationship develops as they solve various mysteries involving the spirits haunting her and uncover the truth behind his own past tragedy.

4. Miss Hammurabi (2018)

An idealistic new judge, Park Cha Oh-reum, navigates the challenges of the legal world alongside her more seasoned colleagues, including the realistic and pragmatic Im Ba-reun, as they deal with cases that reveal the complexities of society's injustices, highlighting the human aspect behind the law.

5. Hymn of Death (2018)

Based on true events, this tragic love story recounts the tale of Korea's first soprano, Yun Sim-deok, and her ill-fated romance with a married playwright, Kim Woo-jin, in the 1920s, exploring their passionate but doomed love affair against the backdrop of Korea's cultural and political turmoil.

6. Jealousy Incarnate (2016)

The complicated love triangle between Pyo Na-ri, a weather forecaster, Lee Hwa-shin, a news anchor with an inflated ego, and Go Jung-won, a wealthy heir, unfolds amidst the competitive world of broadcasting, with themes of rivalry, ambition, and unrequited love leading to unexpected romantic developments.

7. Misty (2018)

A popular news anchor, Go Hye-ran, becomes a suspect in a murder case; her estranged husband, Kang Tae-wook, decides to defend her despite their complicated relationship, unraveling a web of intrigue, ambition, and betrayal that tests their bond and exposes the dark side of media and celebrity.

8. Witch's Court (2017)

Ma Yi-deum, a seasoned prosecutor with a ten-year career, known for her ruthless tactics, is suddenly transferred to a special division dealing exclusively with sex crimes; she uses her unorthodox methods to seek justice for victims, navigating through cases that challenge her ethics and her understanding of justice.

9. When My Love Blooms (2020)

Han Jae-hyun and Yoon Ji-soo, former college sweethearts, reunite in their 40s under vastly different circumstances; he is a successful businessman, and she is a struggling single mother, leading them to confront their unresolved feelings and the choices that led them to their current lives.

10. Dali and Gamjatang (Dali and the Cocky Prince) (2021)

Kim Dal-li, an art historian from a wealthy background, and Jin Moo-hak, a man who has built a successful food company without much formal education, come together in a series of misunderstandings and conflicts that turn into an unusual romance challenging their worlds and perceptions.

11. Hello, Me! (2021)

A 37-year-old woman, Ban Ha-ni, who is on the verge of losing hope in her life, is visited by her 17-year-old self, who is full of optimism and drive; together, they confront past regrets and present challenges to make a better future.

12. The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)

Emperor Lee Gon of the Kingdom of Corea encounters detective Jung Tae-eul in the parallel world of the Republic of Korea; as they work together to defeat a common enemy and close the door between their worlds, they unravel the mysteries behind their connection and the consequences of their actions across parallel universes.

13. Inspector Koo (2021)

Koo Kyung-yi, a brilliant but unconventional former police officer turned insurance investigator, becomes involved in tracking down a serial killer; her quirky methods and keen insights lead her into a dangerous game of cat and mouse, challenging her wit and resolve.

14. Bring It On, Ghost (2016)

Park Bong-pal, a college student who can see ghosts, teams up with Kim Hyun-ji, a spirited high school ghost, to exorcise other spirits for money; their partnership leads to comedic antics, ghostly encounters, and an unexpected romance as they uncover the mysteries surrounding her death and past.

15. Chicago Typewriter (2017)

A best-selling author struggling with writer's block, his loyal fan, and a mysterious ghostwriter find themselves connected by a decades-old friendship that spans back to the 1930s, under the backdrop of the Japanese occupation of Korea; as they unravel their past lives' secrets, they must confront historical injustices and the true meaning of redemption.