15 Must-See Netflix K-Dramas That Are Criminally Underrated

Netflix 's trove of K-Dramas holds some real hidden gems, 15 of which are so underrated, it's almost criminal.

These series pack in all the charm, drama, and twists you'd want, yet they've flown under the radar, unnoticed by many. They're the kind of shows that, once discovered, you can't help but binge-watch through the night, wondering how you ever scrolled past them.

1. Be Melodramatic, 2019

This series intimately explores the lives of three 30-year-old best friends navigating love, career, and the complexities of life in the entertainment industry; balancing humor and heartache, they confront their pasts, present, and uncertain futures in Seoul.

2. Our Beloved Summer, 2021

Years after a documentary made them high school celebrities, two ex-lovers are reluctantly reunited in front of the camera in their late twenties, leading to a rekindling of old feelings and unresolved tensions amidst new challenges and changes.

3. Beauty Inside, 2018

An unusual love story unfolds between a famous actress, who mysteriously changes into a different person for one week each month, and an airline executive who cannot recognize faces, testing the bounds of love and identity.

4. Moment of Eighteen, 2019

This coming-of-age drama captures the emotional journey of an 18-year-old with a painful past as he transfers to a new school; he navigates first love, friendship, and the trials of adolescence, while challenging the prejudices of his peers and teachers.

5. Mr. Sunshine, 2018

Set in the early 1900s, a Korean boy returns to his homeland as an American soldier after a traumatic escape during a U.S. expedition, where he becomes involved in the historical events leading up to the Korean independence movement, finding love and conflicting loyalties.

6. The King's Affection, 2021

In a twist of fate, a girl, born as a twin in a royal family but abandoned for being female, assumes her dead brother's identity to become the crown prince, navigating court politics, forbidden love, and her hidden identity.

7. Secret Royal Inspector Joy, 2021

A quirky and unconventional royal inspector, teamed with an enthusiastic and optimistic female assistant, embarks on missions to uncover corruption and injustice in Joseon-era Korea, blending humor and historical drama.

8. Love Alarm, 2021

Set in a world where an app notifies users if someone nearby harbors romantic feelings for them, this series follows a love triangle among high school students, exploring themes of love, technology, and the complexities of human emotions.

9. A Love So Beautiful, 2020

A heartwarming tale of first love and friendship, following a cheerful high school girl's long-time crush on her aloof neighbor and classmate, chronicling their relationship's evolution from adolescence to adulthood.

10. Navillera, 2021

An unusual bond forms between a 70-year-old man pursuing his lifelong dream of ballet and a talented but troubled 23-year-old ballet dancer, as they inspire each other to overcome their limitations and fulfill their dreams.

11. Run On, 2020

In this slice-of-life romance, a former track star who is lost in translation and an adventurous foreign film translator cross paths, leading to a relationship that helps them find direction and purpose in their lives.

12. Meteor Garden, 2018

A modern-day Cinderella story set in Shanghai, where an ordinary girl gets entangled with four rich and handsome but arrogant students, leading to a turbulent journey of romance, personal growth, and societal expectations.

13. So Not Worth It, 2021

Set in a university dorm, this sitcom portrays the diverse experiences, friendships, and romances of students from different cultural backgrounds living together, leading to hilarious and heartwarming moments.

14. Part-Time Idol, 2017

This series follows the journey of a former producer who returns to the entertainment industry to form a co-ed idol group, addressing the highs and lows of the K-pop industry, talent management, and the personal struggles of the aspiring idols.

15. Backstreet Rookie, 2020

A lighthearted romantic comedy about a convenience store manager and his quirky part-time employee; their professional relationship evolves amidst various comedic and romantic encounters, challenging societal norms and expectations.