MC writes:
Another idea for a Dear Fangurl post – would you want to do a list of shows that you love but are often passed over or neglected / underrated?
Cos every year there are so many new shiny shows but there are so many good ones that pass under the radar because of low ratings or are older etc.
This could be a love note or shoutout to them.
Let’s see.. what exactly shall we consider an underrated drama..?
Dear MC,
Thanks for the great question! You are so right; too often, we tend to neglect older or less buzzy dramas, in favor of newer, shinier shows coming out of Dramaland.
I also realize that because there are so many drama offerings these days, many viewers tend to just follow the buzz – because if lots of people are talking about it, it must be good, yes?
Also, FOMO is real (as I know all too well! 😅).
I’ve learned the hard way, though, that I don’t always agree with the buzz around a drama, ie, I may not find a buzzy drama to be as amazing as everyone else says, and conversely, I sometimes end up feeling that a drama that’s widely panned by drama fans is simply.. misunderstood. 💔
In this post, I’d like to give the spotlight to dramas that I feel deserve more love. Regardless of their age or ratings, here are some dramas that I wish more folks would check out.
A COLLECTION OF DRAMAS THAT DESERVE MORE LOVE
Before we dive into the list itself, I figured now is a good time to say, that what works for me, might not work for you. Different strokes for different folks, after all.
However, if your drama taste is like mine, I feel like there’s a good chance you’d like at least a few of the shows on this list.
18 Again
I honestly don’t know why more folks aren’t talking about this show. I loved – really really luffed – 18 Again when it aired.
It’s so heartfelt and sweet, and is full of warm, toasty love of all shapes and sizes. Besides romantic love, there’s parental love, familial love, and the love between friends.
I thought all the actors did great in this, but Lee Do Hyun stands out so much, for his excellent portrayal of an ahjusshi in a teenaged body. His youthful gravitas had me melting all over the floor. 😍
Review is here.
20th Century Boy and Girl
I think most folks passed over this one because it’s a small show with a small story.
I really liked this when I watched it, though. It’s so warm, easy and angst-lite; a perfect respite from stressful real-life situations, and a great way to unwind at the end of a tiring day.
Plus, Kim Ji Suk is such a melty, sweet boyfriend in this. ❤️
Flash Review is here.
A Jaunt [Drama Special]
The drama specials definitely get less attention than the full-fledged dramas, and I really liked this one.
Simple, heartwarming and poignant, it’s a great exploration of unlikely friendships, and what it’s like to feel invisible as an older person.
Flash Review is here.
A Piece Of Your Mind
Show got unceremoniously cut down to 12 episodes due to its initial poor ratings, so this show feels a bit like a wounded underdog, to me.
It’s dreamy and abstract, and warm and healing, with the right lens adjustments.
Review is here.
A Poem A Day
Quiet and unassuming, this one might get passed over in favor of its more exciting cousins. But Show is small, simple and sweet, with thoughtful touches of poetry.
As a plus, the OTP relationship trajectory isn’t tropey or predictable, which added a nice touch of freshness to my watch.
Flash Review is here.
After The Rain [Drama Special]
A down-to-earth story that’s full of heart, this little drama special is such a worthwhile investment of 2 hours.
Kim Kang Woo is hapless but earnest, Lee Seol is sweet and ethereal, while Shin Goo manages to be endearing and crotchety at the same time.
Flash Review is here.
All About Eve
Of course this used to be all the rage, but now, with newer and shinier dramas coming out all the time, I feel like most newer drama fans haven’t seen this one.
This is classic drama at its best. It’s a light, warm sort of melo (and importantly, not of the sobfest variety), with a nice male lead, a female lead who’s anything but a Candy, and OTP relationship dynamics that lean healthy.
It’s such an early vintage, that drama tropes weren’t even in place yet – which makes everything feel fresh, even though this is technically a retro watch.
Review is here.
Are You Human Too?
This show is reasonably popular, but I still wish more folks would give it a try. Viewed with a straight lens, this is way too melodramatic for sure.
But with an absurdist lens on, this is so much slurpy fun!
Plus, Seo Kang Joon does admirably at his dual roles of human and robot. 🤩
Review is here.
At Eighteen
This one is SO good, and so overlooked, y’all. Sensitively written, and very well-acted, this is a coming-of-age story that lands raw, earnest and grounded.
Ong Seong Wu is really good in this, and makes his character so easy to read, even though he’s a character who’s quiet and reticent. Impressive.
Worth checking out, even if you’re not usually into high school stories.
Review is here.
Bad Guys
I really liked this one, and am puzzled that it’s not more popular. Bad guys being harnessed to catch badder guys, with reluctant teamwork, growing camaraderie, and all kinds of badassery on display? Yes please, and thank you.
It leans a little melodramatic in spots, but overall, I found this a really enjoyable ride. I especially enjoyed Jo Dong Hyuk and Ma Dong Seok in this. 🤩
Review is here.
Be Melodramatic
I feel like this one is quite popular, and yet, I still hope that more folks would check it out. Is that being greedy? Maybe. But this show is so quirky and refreshing, yet earnest and poignant, that I can’t recommend it enough.
It’s kinda like Age Of Youth, all grown up and with acquired idiosyncrasies to prove it, and I mean that in the best way.
Review is here.
Beethoven Virus
I enjoyed this one for the heartwarming underdog sort of story that it is. I loved the idea of the hodgepodge orchestra, so earnest in wanting to make their mark, and I thought Show did a solid job of giving various orchestra members a touch of the spotlight.
Kim Myung Min’s great as our resident grumpy maestro, and Jang Geun Suk looks great with the buzzcut.
Designated Survivor: 60 Days
I feel like many folks might pass over this one because of the political premise – I know I almost did. But this one turned out to be such an engaging, easy watch.
It was easy to want to root for Ji Jin Hee as our hapless low-profile Minister of Environment who suddenly finds himself having to fill presidential shoes.
I loved watching Ji Jin Hee grow into those shoes, and coming into his own. A very engaging underdog story.
Flash Review is here.
Do You Like Brahms?
Quiet and unassuming, I feel like this show is often passed over for how “boring” it’s reputed to be. Fair point, if you find yourself unable to jive with our leads.
However, if you’re an introvert, there’s a good chance you might like this one. I found it easy to understand our introverted lead characters, and I liked following them on their journeys of self-discovery.
I also very much enjoyed their love story; they make such an endearing pair of bashful lovebirds. ❤️
Review is here.
Familiar Wife
I feel like this one might be passed over because of the initial rough stretch, where our OTP is shown struggling a lot, and fighting a lot.
I’d say that this is par for the course, for any do-over story (otherwise why have a do-over, right?), and once that settles, this becomes a very heartwarming, warm and satisfying story.
The writing feels assured all the way through, and both Ji Sung and Han Ji Min are excellent in their roles.
Flash Review is here.
Find Yourself [China]
At first glance, this might look like so many other fluffy Chinese rom-coms coming out of China, but I really like this one because of the various thoughtful nuggets of introspection that we get sprinkled through our story.
This makes our drama world feel a little more weighty, and the noona romance fairytale, a little more earthy.
It helps that Victoria Song and Song Wei Long share excellent chemistry.
Review is here.
Five Children
A pretty rare story that explores what a second chance at love might look like, for single parents.
This one does lean a little OTT in spots, and is also a little treacly at times, but it’s really heartwarming to see two genuinely nice, decent people get a second chance at love, and to witness the blending of their families, parents, kids and all.
Flash Review is here.
Girls’ Generation 1979 / Lingerie Girls’ Generation
I think this one flew under the radar for a lot of folks because it’s a mini series with just 8 episodes. But if you like the nostalgic goodness in the Reply series, this little show hits a lot of the same good notes, with a much smaller time investment.
It’s engaging, endearing and charming, with lashings of bittersweet.
Flash Review is here.
Go Back Couple
A little underdog of a drama that works out to be heartwarming, sweet and poignant, once you get past the initial setup.
Jang Na Ra is excellent as usual, Sohn Ho Jun gets to display some very disarming bedroomy eyes, and Kim Mi Kyung is a treasure, as she always is.
Oh, and Jang Ki Yong is very endearing in this as well, as our smitten second lead.
Flash Review is here.
Hi Bye, Mama!
This comes from the same writer who gave us Go Back Couple, so it’s no surprise that this one manages to also be a great combination of heartfelt and poignant.
Show is a little more meandering than its older sister, but is sensitively written.
As a bonus, Kim Tae Hee and Lee Kyu Hyung are each the best I’ve ever seen either of them.
Review is here.
Kang Deoksun’s Love History [Drama Special]
A great little drama special that takes us on the journey of our protagonist, as she sets out to look for her lost love, but ends up finding friendship, purpose and self, instead.
I love how this one lands empowering and wholesome.
Flash Review is here.
King’s Daughter Soo Baek Hyang
I think the reason this flew under the radar for a lot of people, is that this show was aired as a daily drama, with 108 half-hour episodes. That’s 54 hours! Plus, the production values lean a little lower as well, which doesn’t exactly help.
HOWEVER. This turned out to be engaging, heartfelt, and really quite enjoyable, with Seo Hyun Jin delivering an excellently faceted performance as our titular King’s daughter.
Review is here.
Life is Beautiful
I think the reason most folks haven’t seen this one, is because of its age and its length. A 63-episode family drama circa 2010 isn’t exactly the first thing you’d reach for now, in 2021!
But trust me, you guys, this is SUCH a heartwarming, lovely watch, that you’ll feel sorry to reach the end.
I loved unwinding to this one; it felt like curling up in a cozy blanket, every step of the way. ❤️
Review is here.
Love For A Thousand More [Web Drama]
Being a small little web drama, it’s not surprising that many viewers wouldn’t be aware of this little show’s existence.
I was very pleasantly surprised by how engaging and thought-provoking this little fantasy story turned out to be.
How fun, that our protagonist is a crusty old immortal who looks like a young lady, who’s sworn off dating, after thousands of years of disappointments, but chooses to make a living from dishing out dating advice.
Cute, charming and really quite solid.
Flash Review is here.
Marriage Contract
I think most folks passed over this one because of the premise. A contract marriage situation where one party is suffering from a terminal illness just doesn’t sound like a lot of fun, right?
But honestly, this is so solid. UEE is SO good in this; this is literally the best I’ve ever seen her.
Lee Seo Jin is really good in this too, and Shin Rin Ah is so winsome as UEE’s little girl.
Importantly, our story is warm, and is firmly laced with hope and love, making it a satisfying and worthwhile watch.
Review is here.
Marriage Not Dating
I’m guessing part of the reason more people aren’t talking about this, is Show’s vintage, since it came out in 2014.
However, I also have the impression that this did fly under the radar for a lot of people, even when it aired.
Show is breezy and blithely wacky on the surface, but there is so much heart built into all the relationships, that Show is never short on feels.
Review is here.
Miss Korea
This show aired in the same time slot as ratings sweeper You From Another Star, which is probably why it flew under the radar for so many people.
However, it’s a great little slice-of-life drama about ordinary people who muster up their courage to pursue their dreams and overcome all the obstacles in their way, even when the odds seem stacked against them.
Heartfelt and completely worth the drama hours.
Review is here.
My Friend Is Still Alive [Drama Special]
Funny, thought-provoking, poignant and heartfelt, this little drama special managed to get under my skin in a big way.
Sensitively written, and ultimately, uplifting and touching, in spite of its heavier premise.
Flash Review is here.
My Unfamiliar Family
A compact family drama that boasts multiple excellent performances, and that manages to feel real, raw and heartfelt, in the midst of Show’s sometimes soapy, but consistently meaty plot developments.
Review is here.
Mystic Pop-up Bar
To be brutally honest, I think many folks might have passed over this one because of Hwang Jung Eum’s reputation for being screechy in her roles.
For the record, she is not at all screechy in this. In fact, I found her quite wonderful as our supernatural protagonist.
Although Show’s tone often leans comic and silly, there’s a whole lotta heart in this one, particularly with its found family feels.
Review is here.
Off The Course [Drama Special]
Show manages to balance the funny, the unexpected, and the heartfelt, and works out to be a pretty darn wholesome, enjoyable watch. Nam Ji Hyun and Park Ji Young are excellent in this; I totally believed that they had a prickly mother-daughter relationship, where they’d each been exasperated with the other for a long time.
Healing and uplifting.
Flash Review is here.
Oh Hae Young Again / Another Oh Hae Young
I think folks might have been upset with this one because it was marketed as a rom-com, when it really isn’t a rom-com.
Instead, it’s a melodrama (perhaps a bit of dramedy, arguably) that leans into the melancholy, and teases out the beauty that’s inherent in the melancholy.
Show has a couple of weak spots, but is so sensitively written, and so full of heart, that I can’t hold them against Show too much.
Review is here.
One Spring Night
I think some viewers might feel that this story is too muted, small and slow, but I really liked this one for the thoughtful writing and the healthy dynamics of the OTP relationship.
Our characters feel like real people with real flaws, and as a result, the romance feels real and raw as well, while managing to be aspirational, for how healthy it all works out to be.
Review is here.
One Warm Word
A sensitively written melodrama that deals with pain and healing in a thoughtful way. Many viewers avoid melodramas because of their reputation for angst, but any and all angst that Show serves up feels warranted, and is dealt with, with care.
Thought-provoking, engaging and ultimately warm.
Review is here.
Padam Padam
A melodrama with a fantasy twist, Padam Padam is beautifully filmed and excellently acted. It took me a few episodes to get sucked in, but once the crack bit, I was hooked. Jung Woo Sung and Han Ji Min are fantastic in this, but it’s Kim Bum’s angelic turn in this that stole my heart.
Interesting, romantic and thought-provoking.
Review is here.
Plus Nine Boys
Low-key, charming and thoroughly engaging, I really liked this little drama when I watched it. The premise is cute, and our various +9 boys (ages 9, 19, 29 and 39) all get their own little narrative arcs.
Relatable, and great for a spot of mild comfort food.
Flash Review is here.
Review Notebook Of My Embarrassing Days [Drama Special]
Such a great little drama special. Show is light, earthy and cute, managing to feel like a full story, even though it’s only an hour long.
Jeon So Min is relatable and likable, while Park Sung Hoon is swoony and adorkable.
Totes recommend.
Flash Review is here.
She Would Never Know
It breaks my heart that so many folks dropped this early because of problematic behavior shown by the male lead in Show’s first couple of episodes.
I’m here to tell you that he learns from his mistakes, and changes, and Show becomes this wonderfully earthy, sweet, melty romance, and stays consistently lovely to the very end.
Highly recommend. ❤️
Review is here.
Someday Or One Day [Taiwan]
If you follow Taiwanese dramas, this wouldn’t be underrated at all, because Show took the Taiwanese dramasphere by storm when it aired.
However, if you don’t follow Taiwanese dramas, you may not have heard of this show. In which case, I’m here to tell you that it is fantastic.
Excellently written, and delivered with so much heart, that I couldn’t serve up my heart to Show fast enough.
It’s best to go in blind; just know that there’s a fantasy element, and this is a romance.
Review is here.
Thank You
A warm, low-key, healing melodrama that feels raw and heartfelt.
Jang Hyuk is badass as our rogue doctor with a hidden marshmallow heart, and Gong Hyo Jin is soft yet steely as our single mom who’s working to do her best for her HIV-positive daughter.
The First Half Of My Life [China]
If you follow Chinese dramas, this wouldn’t be underrated to you, because it was all the rage when it aired.
However, if you don’t follow Chinese dramas, you might have missed this one, which is why I’ve got this show listed.
Such a sensitively-written, mature, engaging story of our protagonist’s journey towards finding herself and her mojo, after her life falls apart.
There’s something very elegant and sophisticated in the way Show is written and handled; highly recommend.
Flash Review is here.
The King Loves
This might be a spoiler, but if you’ve been curious to watch a recent-ish drama where the second lead gets the girl, this could be your ticket.
As a serious drama, this might disappoint, but if you take this mainly as a love story, and remain open to the loveline between Hong Jong Hyun and Yoona, you might find this nicely engaging and enjoyable – like I did.
Review is here.
The Light in Your Eyes / Dazzling / Radiant
I think this show is very special. Don’t think of this as a rom-com. It’s more of a warm melodrama that sometimes lands a bit like a dramedy.
There’s a fantasy element to this, but Show knows what it’s doing and where it wants to go.
So trust it, even when things feel weirdly off-kilter, and everything will fall into place, when you get near the end.
Affecting and beautiful.
Flash Review is here.
The Third Charm
Such a thoughtful and sensitive portrayal of personal journey.
If you’ve ever loved and lost, and yet could still say that it was worth the cost, this drama would resonate with you.
(I know that’s a little spoilery, but believe me, knowing this going in, is better than trusting in Show’s teasers and trailers, which lean (falsely) rom-com. 😅)
Review is here.
The Three Musketeers
A bold attempt to adapt an age-old tale across mediums and cultures, Show is breezy, entertaining and engaging enough to more than overcome its pacing missteps and logic lapses.
The musketeer crew is great, but the stand-out, for me, was Seo Hyun Jin as our modest, endearing Crown Princess.
Review is here.
Time Between Dog and Wolf
The production values lean low because of Show’s vintage, but this is engaging, heartfelt and rather cracky, all the way to the end.
It’s a treat to have Jung Kyung Ho and Lee Jun Ki sharing the screen, plus, this role gives Lee Jun Ki so much range to shine.
Twenty Again
Show leans understated and quiet, but is so warm, engaging and relatable that I loved it a lot, when I watched it.
Our cast is great, but it’s Choi Ji Woo who stands out; she is absolutely wonderful as our protagonist who decides to go back to school to reclaim the life that she gave up when she married early.
Satisfying, uplifting and rewarding. Love.
Review is here.
VIP
If you’re, 1, in the mood for some emo angst, 2, consider relationship-centered mysteries, well, mysterious enough, and 3, don’t mind allowing Show to tease you for a stretch, while it scatters clues and possibilities for you to puzzle over, then you just might find this story quite compelling – like I did.
Engaging, thought-provoking and quite cracky.
Flash Review is here.
IN CLOSING
I hope this list of shows gives you some new titles to add to your drama plate!
If you guys have more underrated shows to recommend, please feel free to share them in the comments below. Sharing is caring, plus, all the underrated lil underdogs need all the love that they can get!
Thanks, you guys.
Smooches. ❤️
~kfangurl
Quick, let’s go watch some drama! ❤️
POST-SCRIPT:
1. If you feel that I missed anything, or if you have your own insights that you’d like to share with the rest of us, do tell us about it in the comments!
2. Do you have a question of your own? Drop me a comment here or on the Dear kfangurl page, or send me an email!
