Embark on a captivating journey as we delve into the fascinating world of Korean dramas, exploring the top 9 masterpieces that, despite global appeal, failed to win the hearts of local audiences in South Korea. Join us in unraveling the mysteries behind these unexpected flops, and discover why these dramas stand as intriguing anomalies in the vibrant landscape of Korean entertainment.
Before we dive into the list, don’t forget to hit the subscribe button and turn on notifications for our latest updates. For more K-drama and K-pop content, check out our sister channel, Yaboyrocklee Reactions.
- “Tempted” (2018):
- Inspired by a French novel, “Tempted” directed by Lee Dong-Hyun follows the entangled love lives of three friends. Despite its source material and a cast featuring Woo Do-Hwan, Mun Ka-Young, Kim Min-Jae, and Red Velvet’s Joy, the drama failed to resonate with South Korean audiences. The conventional storyline and perceived entitlement of the characters left viewers dissatisfied. Despite international praise for Joy’s performance, she faced criticism locally.
- “Nevertheless” (2021):
- Anticipation surrounded Kim Ga-Ram’s 2021 series starring Song Kang and Han So-Hee, exploring a complex romance between a nonchalant flirt and a woman disillusioned with love. Despite global admiration for its charming plot, “Nevertheless” struggled in South Korea, earning a mere 2.2% rating due to viewers losing interest and cultural limitations leading to an adult rating.
- “Welcome to Waikiki” (2018):
- Despite receiving an impressive 8.2 IMDb rating and international acclaim, “Welcome to Waikiki” faced a stark contrast in South Korea with a 1.7 rating. The mismatch highlights the disconnect between local and global audiences, showcasing that what might not resonate domestically can become a global favorite.
- “The King: Eternal Monarch” (2020):
- Initially gaining popularity on Netflix, this parallel universe love story starring Lee Min-Ho and Kim Go-Eun faced diminishing ratings in South Korea. Viewers criticized the slow-paced narrative and confusion surrounding parallel worlds. Despite a beautiful cast and effective teasers, the drama couldn’t sustain its initial success.
- “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” (2020):
- Despite an 8.6 IMDb rating and international acclaim, this emotionally charged drama struggled in South Korea. Kim Soo-hyun’s acting faced criticism, leading to low ratings. However, the series remains a global phenomenon, showcasing the disparity in local and international preferences.
- “Hwarang” (2016):
- Featuring an all-star cast of flower boys, “Hwarang” failed to meet expectations in South Korea. Despite its popularity among worldwide fans, the drama’s dramatic elements, abrupt turns, and use of background music did not resonate with local viewers, resulting in a disappointing 7.2% rating.
- “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo” (2016):
- Despite a stellar ensemble cast, including IU, Lee Joon-Gi, Baekhyun, and Kang Ha-Neul, “Scarlet Heart Ryeo” faced fluctuating ratings between 11% and 5%. Despite being a favorite internationally, low ratings in South Korea dashed hopes for a second season.
- “True Beauty” (2020):
- Despite global popularity, “True Beauty” earned a mere 4% rating in South Korea due to a perceived lack of innovation in the plot. Hwang In-Yeop’s performance faced criticism, leading to disappointment among local viewers.
- “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo” (2016):
- Despite an 8.5 IMDb rating and global adoration, “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo” received a low domestic rating of 4.9%. The implausible storyline didn’t resonate with South Korean viewers, highlighting the unpredictable nature of local preferences.
In the unpredictable realm of K-dramas, the disparity between global and local reception often leaves fans puzzled. These nine masterpieces, despite their global appeal, faced unexpected challenges in their home country. As we explore the reasons behind these flops, it becomes clear that cultural nuances, narrative preferences, and even casting choices play a significant role in the success or failure of Korean dramas. Despite their domestic setbacks, these dramas continue to captivate audiences worldwide, showcasing the diverse and dynamic nature of the K-drama landscape. What are your thoughts on why these Korean dramas flopped? Let us know in the comments below.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through the unexpected twists and turns of Korean drama popularity. Don’t forget to subscribe for more exciting content, and check out Yaboyrocklee Reactions for additional K-drama and K-pop insights. Until next time, goodbye, and stay tuned for our next video!