10 Rise-and-Fall K-Dramas That’ll Never Be As Popular As They Were Upon Release

The industry of South Korean dramas is flooded with shows of every genre. Dozens of series are released every month, and for the past few decades, K-dramas have proven to be one of the most popular shows.

However, while many of them are re-watched by fans from time to time, there are some shows that are never even mentioned in the many Reddit threads of K-drama recommendations. Even considering the fact that most of these shows have high ratings and were popular right after their release. So here are ten such shows to check out.

1. Reborn Rich (2022)

One such show is Reborn Rich, the 2022 drama about Yoon Hyun Woo and his revenge on those who wronged him. For many years, he worked as a very devoted secretary for the Soonyang chaebol family, who ran a huge business empire. When the power struggle between the children of the company owner begins, Yoon Hyun Woo is caught in the middle of the scandal and is brutally killed on the orders of a family member.

However, a miracle occurs and his soul ends up in the younger member of the Soonyang family. When he realizes what has happened, he makes it his mission to become the heir and take over the company. But will he succeed?

2. Prison Playbook (2017)

The series that was also extremely popular right after its release, but was forgotten by many after only a few months. The story of this K-drama revolves around Kim Je Hyuk, a baseball legend who ended up in prison. It's important that he did nothing wrong and was sentenced because he got violent with a man who tried to sexually assault his sister.

In prison, he started a new chapter of his life and the series gives us a good look at how he is going to make it. Luckily, he discovers that his childhood friend, who is now his huge fan, works there as a guard. So life begins to feel less like a burden.

“I will never understand why PP isn't loved more, it's one of my absolute favorites, I rewatch it regularly, the characters are all so well played,” Redditor SnowyAbibliophobe said.

3. Extracurricular (2020)

The premise of the series is pretty simple, but that doesn't make it any less terrifying. Everything gets more emotional when kids are at the center of the story and their actions affect other people. Extracurricular is a K-drama that revolves around four high school students who become criminals to make money. But we are sure they never imagined what their lives would turn into if they went down this dangerous path.

4. The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)

This period drama is about Lee Gon, the seemingly flawless Korean emperor whose citizens adore him and show him the utmost respect. However, the emperor himself hates his duty because he witnessed the brutal murder of his father when he was eight years old. Fortunately for him, he discovers a portal to another world where he can be free of the royal burden.

“Rarely have I seen this recommended but it was talked about a lot during its release as it was at the height of the pandemic, on Netflix and has two really known leads: Lee Min Ho & Kim Go Eun. Though I think it’s likely people have conflicting feelings about it, I really liked it,” Redditor thatfunrobot said.

5. Love To Hate You (2023)

Despite the fact that the series was released a little less than a year ago, the audience has already forgotten about it somehow. The K-drama once again proves to cynical viewers that love exists and that it finds you when you least expect it. The story revolves around two main characters, a successful lawyer who competes with men all the time and never loses to them, and a popular actor who never trusts a woman.

Both have lived their lives without believing in the power of love, but one day they are forced to start dating. Will this be the beginning of a romantic story for them? Check out to see for yourself!

6. Jewel in the Palace (2003)

This 20-year-old gem is for those who appreciate authenticity. Many fans of the show claim that they feel this K-drama should be mentioned more often because it is truly legendary. The series focuses on the life of a remarkable lady, Jang Geum, who became the first woman to be the chief royal doctor of her time.

However, viewers also mention that this drama might be a little difficult to watch for modern viewers who have become accustomed to the K-dramas released in the past 5-10 years, as the aesthetics and pacing of this drama are quite different from what we see produced today.

7. Our Blooming Youth (2023)

Our Blooming Youth is another comparatively new drama, the buzz around which seemed to end too soon. The ratings of this drama were huge, yet you almost never see anyone recommending this K-drama to watch. Everything about the show was perfect, especially the cast, including the phenomenal Park Hyung-sik.

The story revolves around Min Jae Yi, whose life changes in an instant when her whole family is murdered and she is accused of it. On the run, she meets the cursed crown prince Lee Hwan, who agrees to help her in exchange for her help in breaking his curse. But this tandem brings much more to the young people....

8. Go Back Couple (2017)

This K-drama was also talked about a lot right after its release, but within a month all the talking stopped. Honestly, we don't get why people don't mention this drama as the greatest rom-com. The story of this show is actually quite relatable. It focuses on a middle-aged couple who got married early because they were so in love and couldn't spend another day apart. But today, years later, they hate each other and wish their wedding never happened.

The time travel twist in the show takes them back to when they first met to help them understand why they fell in love in the first place.

9. My Lovely Sam Soon (2005)

Another old school drama that deserves more attention than it has ever got. This rom-com is about a young girl named Kim Sam Soo, an amazing pastry chef, who discovers that her boyfriend is cheating on her. Devastated, she breaks up with him and as if that was not enough, she also loses her job.

But the same night, she meets a charming restaurant owner who needs a baker and offers her a job. But it won't be easy, because they are both so strong minded...

10. Matrimonial Chaos (2018)

Despite the star-studded cast that even won several awards for their performances in this K-drama, Matrimonial Chaos is almost completely forgotten and is only remembered by the hardcore fans who watch it over and over again.

The series revolves around a man who never really understood what he wanted out of life: he wanted to be a musician, but failed, so he was forced to find a regular job. There he meets a woman and marries her, only to ask for a divorce after three years of marriage. But everything changes when he reunites with his first love...

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