Top 12 Worst Korean Dramas of 2025

Top 12 Worst K-Dramas of 2025

Not every production can live up to audience expectations, and 2025 gave us plenty of examples. Even with star-studded casts and promising concepts, some dramas just didn’t land. Whether due to weak scripts, uneven pacing, or lack of chemistry between leads, these shows drew more criticism than praise.

Below, we’ve listed the K-dramas that disappointed viewers the most this year, with a closer look at what went wrong in each one.

Solo Camping for Two

The premise sounded charming: a lonely man, passionate about camping, meets a young woman eager to learn everything from him. It had the potential to be a lighthearted romantic comedy about human connection and nature.

In reality, Solo Camping for Two became a drawn-out watch. Its sluggish pacing and lack of chemistry between the leads made it hard to stay invested. The cinematography is beautiful and the scenery tranquil, but the story lacks emotional depth. The result is a visually soothing yet narratively hollow production.

Motel California

With a catchy name and mysterious tone, Motel California follows Ji Kang-hee, a woman returning to her hometown after 12 years to confront her past and reunite with her first love. The premise hinted at a reflective drama, but what viewers got instead was a confusing, unfocused story.

Overuse of flashbacks and disjointed storytelling make it difficult to follow. While the cast performs well, the script lacks depth and direction. In the end, Motel California wastes solid ideas with poor execution.

Newtopia

A couple tries to rekindle their love in the middle of a zombie apocalypse. The daring premise drew attention, but the delivery fell flat. Newtopia attempts to blend romance, comedy, and horror, but the result is an inconsistent tone that never quite settles.

There are flashes of creativity and emotion, but the lack of focus and erratic pacing break immersion. The series has intriguing ideas but never commits to one direction. Ultimately, Newtopia is more curious than compelling.

The Potato Lab

Its quirky title caught attention, and the story of a potato researcher falling for her new lab director had promise. The show aims for lighthearted humor but gets tangled in clichés and a predictable script.

The Potato Lab leans on everyday charm, but the story lacks rhythm and the leads lack chemistry. It’s a pleasant enough rom-com, yet one without memorable moments. The originality of its premise wasn’t enough to make it stand out.

Confidence Queen

Inspired by Japanese dramas about charming con artists, Confidence Queen arrived with sky-high expectations. Elegant costumes and slick visuals suggested a stylish and clever story.

But the writing quickly gets lost in repetitive scams and jokes that don’t land. It starts off energetic but loses steam, and the characters’ motivations feel shallow. Despite strong production values, Confidence Queen ends up looking good but saying little.

Gyeongseong Creature 2

Following the massive success of its first season, Gyeongseong Creature 2 had big shoes to fill. The original’s mix of historical horror and human drama was replaced by a modern-day setting; a risky shift that didn’t sit well with many fans.

This change stripped away much of the show’s emotional core. The second season feels unfocused, with underdeveloped new characters and a story detached from its roots. Though the performances and production remain strong, it’s widely seen as a step down from season one.

KickKickKickKick

With its eccentric title and daring mix of comedy, action, and music, KickKickKickKick was ambitious from the start. The plot follows ex-taekwondo athletes who form a boy band to pay off debts and regain fame.

On paper, it’s fun; in practice, it’s chaos. The slapstick humor wears thin, musical numbers drag on, and the tone swings wildly between parody and sports drama. Despite the cast’s energy, the messy direction makes it exhausting to watch.

KickKickKickKick could’ve been a cult comedy... but instead, it’s just forgettable.

Crushology 101

Aimed at younger viewers, Crushology 101 set out to explore modern love in the digital era, following students enrolled in a class about “understanding relationships in the modern world.” The trendy cast and premise generated buzz.

Unfortunately, the show feels shallow and unsure of its identity. It tries to tackle friendship, social media, and emotional intelligence but only skims the surface. Visually appealing yet hollow, Crushology 101 promises insight but delivers only catchy lines.

Tempest

Tempest introduced itself as a political thriller about corruption, espionage, and power. With a huge budget and international locations, it looked destined for success.

But the story doesn’t live up to its scale. The twists are predictable, the plot convoluted, and the pacing uneven, draining any real suspense. Critics noted that Tempest tries to imitate Western thrillers but lacks their narrative discipline. Visually stunning, emotionally hollow.

Squid Game 3

The third season of Squid Game launched under immense hype but struggled to keep the franchise fresh. The main issue: a lack of innovation. It repeats the formula without the spark that made the original a phenomenon.

The new games are imaginative, but the story leans too heavily on callbacks. Critics cited excessive exposition and forgettable characters. The social commentary gives way to generic action. Technically strong, yes... but Squid Game 3 proves that not every story needs another season.

When the Stars Gossip

With a high-profile cast and stunning visuals, When the Stars Gossip was one of the most anticipated romances of the year. Set aboard a space station, it follows two astronauts who fall in love while investigating a mysterious event.

Despite its breathtaking cinematography, the writing is scattered. The romance feels forced, with awkward dialogue and a confused mix of sci-fi, comedy, and existential drama. Critics praised the technical craft but lamented the lack of emotion. When the Stars Gossip is a prime example of style over substance.

Twelve

Twelve begins with a gripping premise: twelve strangers wake up in an isolated house with no memory of who they are and must uncover their connection. Initially, the suspense works, but it soon unravels.

Forced twists, shallow characters, and a rushed finale make it hard to stay invested. The tension feels manufactured, and inconsistent writing undermines the intrigue. Twelve starts strong but ends as a frustrating experience.

The dramas on this list aren’t total failures; but they do show how good ideas can fall flat in execution. From wasted potential to unfocused scripts and mismatched expectations, these series remind us that not every K-drama can strike gold.

So, which K-drama let you down the most this year? Share your thoughts in the comments!