Star power, low ratings: K-dramas that flopped or split audiences in first half of 2025

Time of India

10-07-2025

In the glitzy world of K-dramas, star-studded casts and big budgets often promise blockbuster success - but 2025 had other plans. Despite high expectations, several dramas stumbled out of the gate, leaving audiences divided and ratings in freefall. Here's a look at the shows that shone on paper but faltered on screen in the first half of the year.
Spring of Youth
Cast: Ha Yoo-joon, Park Ji-hu, and Lee Seung-hyub
Plot: After an accident derails his career, The Crown's lead vocalist Sa Gye is forced to enroll at Hanju University, where he meets Kim Bom - a gifted keyboardist who gave up Ivy League dreams after her mother's death. As they grow closer, Sa Gye rekindles his passion for music and quietly forms a new band. But tensions rise with Seo Tae Yang, a brilliant guitarist and med student, sparking a rivalry in both music and love.
Despite its compelling premise, the K-drama struggled in South Korea, with ratings dropping below 1% after just three episodes. However, it did find a strong international following, especially on streaming platforms in North America and Southeast Asia.
Dear Hongrang
Cast: Lee Jae Wook, Jo Bo Ah, Jung Ga Ram, Uhm Ji Won, Park Byung Eun & Kim Jae Wook
Plot: Set in the late Joseon Dynasty, the drama follows Hong Rang, who returns home after a 10-year disappearance with no memory of his past. His half-sister Jae I, once close to him, is determined to uncover the truth behind his vanishing. Raised in privilege, Hong Rang now searches for his true identity, while Jae I battles a difficult home life with an abusive stepmother and distant father.
The drama drew mixed reactions from viewers. While its stunning visuals, strong performances, and evocative soundtrack earned praise, many criticized the rushed storytelling, underdeveloped characters, and problematic romantic arc. The short 11-episode format, along with controversial themes - particularly the implied 'incest' storyline - fueled further debate and divided opinions.
Tastefully Yours
Cast: Kang Ha Neul, Go Min Si, Kim Shin Rok and Yoo Soo Bin
Plot: Han Beom U, the heir to a major food conglomerate, runs Seoul's top fine dining restaurant - but ironically, he has no real appreciation for taste. Meanwhile, Mo Yeon Ju, a chef driven by her obsession with flavour, operates a hidden one-table restaurant in a remote countryside village. When their paths cross, the two opposites come together to open a small restaurant in the city of Miraek, Jeonju. As they navigate the challenges of running it, they grow closer, learn from each other, and slowly fall in love.
The series, struggled with low ratings in South Korea but found global success on Netflix, topping charts in several countries. Its popularity abroad highlights a clear divide between domestic and international audience appeal.
Our Movie
Cast: Namkoong Min, Jeon Yeo Been, Lee Seol and Seo Hyeon Woo
Plot: Lee Je Ha, once hailed a genius for his debut film, went on a 5-year hiatus, haunted by fears of a sophomore slump. Ready to return, he begins working on a romance about someone with a limited time to live. During research, he meets Lee Da Eum, an aspiring actress battling a rare, incurable disease. Drawn to the script, she helps shape the story and sees it as a turning point in her dream to act. As they collaborate, the two - each grappling with their own struggles - slowly fall in love.
The drama failed to generate the same buzz or positive word-of-mouth as other popular K-dramas, falling short of expectations. Overall, it didn't achieve the level of success that was anticipated.
Divorce Insurance
Cast: Lee Dong Wook, Lee Joo Bin, Lee Kwang Soo and Lee Da Hee
Plot: No Gi Jun, a product developer at an insurance company, has been divorced three times. He decides to create a divorce insurance policy, viewing divorce as an unexpected life disaster. He forms a special team that includes Kang Han Deul, an underwriter who changed her outlook after her own divorce; An Jeon Man, a cautious risk surveyor stepping out of his comfort zone; and Jeon Na Rae, a financial mathematician who has no regrets about her short-lived marriage. Together, they tackle rising divorce rates with a bold new insurance idea.
Despite a strong cast and high expectations, the drama underperformed in Korea. While it did well on Amazon Prime Video, notably in Asia, domestic viewing in South Korea dropped dramatically, with the final episode receiving a relatively low 0.9% rating.
Potato Lab
Cast: Lee Sun Bin, Kang Tae Oh and Lee Hak Joo
Plot: Set in a mountain valley potato research center, the story follows Kim Mi Gyeong, a quirky scientist obsessed with developing a new potato variety named 'Mi Gyeong.' Her routine is disrupted by So Baek Ho, the handsome but aloof new director. Though they start off clashing, an unexpected office romance blooms between these two flawed yet endearing adults.
The drama elicited varied responses. While some viewers praised the unusual premise and chemistry between the protagonists, others found the plot unclear and the finale unsatisfying. Some felt that the drama concentrated too heavily on the potato lab, while others thought the main couple's reconciliation was hasty and implausible.
Kick Kick Kick Kick
Cast: Ji Jin Hee, Lee Kyu Hyung, Baek Ji Won and Lee Min Jae
Plot: Ji Jin Hui, a former star actor, teams up with ex-top PD Cho Yeong Sik - despite their rocky past - to start a production company called Kick Kick Kick Kick Company. Together, they run the company with a small team, including therapist Baek Ji Won and ambitious workaholic Lee Min Jae.
The drama failed in every manner, with many viewers not even noticing its release. Ratings hovered well at 2%, but by episode 10, had dropped to 0.3%. Many stated it lacked the personality and warmth of classic programs like High Kick, and that it exemplified why a genre should not be recreated.
Crushology 101
Cast: Roh Jeong Eui, Lee Chae Min, Cho Jun Young, Hong Min Ki and Kim Hyun Jin
Plot: Bunny, a top sculpture student at Yein University, once believed personality outweighed appearance - until a painful breakup shattered her confidence and left her questioning her worth. Now openly drawn to handsome men but still battling self-esteem issues, her world shifts when two captivating figures enter her life: Hwang Jae Yul, a warm and driven visual design student, and Cha Ji Won, a seemingly perfect chaebol heir.
Despite its global success, the drama is usually seen as a flop, especially in South Korea. It debuted with tremendous hopes and even topped global charts, but received extremely low viewership figures in Korea. According to some accounts, the ratings were as low as 0.8% and 0.9%, making it one of MBC's lowest-rated dramas ever.
When the Stars Gossip
Cast: Lee Min Ho, Gong Hyo Jin, Oh Jung Se and Han Ji Eun
Plot: The story follows an astronaut and a tourist who fall in love at a space station. Kong Ryong, an OB-GYN and future son-in-law of Korea's richest conglomerate, visits the station as a space tourist with a hidden agenda. Commander Eve Kim, a strict perfectionist, is on her first mission as commander. Also aboard is Kang Gang Su, a carefree heir-turned-scientist studying fruit flies. Back on Earth is Choi Go Eun, Kong Ryong's brilliant and beautiful fiancée, and the sole heir to the powerful MZ Group.
Despite its expensive budget and star-studded cast, this drama received low viewership and scathing reviews. It was criticized for its narrative, notably the space idea, and the chemistry between the two actors, Lee Min-ho and Gong Hyo-jin.
Motel California
Cast: Lee Se Young, Na In Woo, Choi Min Soo, Kim Tae Hyeong and Choi Hee Jin
Plot: Ji Gang Hui grew up at Motel California, run by her father in a rural village, and faced gossip due to her mixed heritage and unusual family background. Her first love was childhood friend Cheon Yeon Su, but at 20, she left for Seoul. Now a successful interior designer, she unexpectedly returns home after 12 years and reunites with Yeon Su. Cheon Yeon Su, now a village veterinarian, has only ever loved Gang Hui. Though pursued by locals hoping to match him with their daughters, he avoids confrontation by letting a rumour about marrying a fellow vet linger. Her sudden return reignites old feelings and unresolved emotions.
While not deemed a flop, the reviews were varied. While some viewers found it tiresome and monotonous, others praised the performances and character development, and some thought the cinematography was stunning. However, the drama acquired popularity on social media, mainly due to Lee Se-young's performance.
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