The 8 Most Criticized Korean Dramas of 2024: ‘Queen Woo’ Leads with Controversial Adult Content

Viewers have recently enjoyed a captivating array of K-dramas such as Marry My Husband, Queen Of Tears, Lovely Runner, and Good Partner. However, amidst these hits, the industry has also seen several lackluster productions in terms of storytelling and execution. In celebration of its 20th anniversary, JoyNews24, a popular magazine, surveyed 200 industry experts to compile a list of the eight worst Korean dramas of the year.

1. Queen Woo

Leading the list is the historical drama Queen Woo, featuring beloved actors Ji Chang Wook and Jeon Jong Seo. While rated 19+, the series was criticized for its overwhelming focus on provocative scenes that detracted from an otherwise promising narrative. Viewers noticed an unfortunate pattern where characters frequently appeared in compromising positions with little to no relevance to the storyline, reducing what should have been an engaging historical plot to a spectacle that felt disconnected from contemporary cultural expectations.

2. The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection

Taking the second spot is The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection. With a staggering production budget of 46 billion Won (roughly 850 billion VND), expectations were high for this series to replicate the success of Penthouse. However, following a lackluster season one, the sequel delivered a confusing and uninspired narrative. Despite considerable buzz online, the second season struggled to engage viewers, who grew disenchanted with its implausible plot twists. The series wielded its resurrection theme to exhaustion, leaving audiences thoroughly frustrated.

3. Beauty And Mr Romantic

In third place is Beauty And Mr Romantic, which, despite solid ratings between 15-20% during its run, was deemed ultimately forgettable due to its clichéd and superficial narrative. Marketed as a romantic comedy, the storyline devolved into heavy drama, disappointing viewers seeking a light-hearted escape. The series sparked controversy when the lead character, played by Im Soo Hyang, had to pose for nude photographs to settle her mother’s gambling debts, making the show even more uncomfortable to watch, despite Im Soo Hyang’s strong performance.

4. Love Next Door

The most unexpected addition to the list is Love Next Door. This series boasted an impressive cast and initially generated excitement, continuing tvN’s legacy of success. However, viewers found the familiar love story arc stale, featuring a female protagonist who abandons everything only to meet a charming, affluent male lead by chance. The plot was so predictable that most viewers could forecast it from the earliest episodes, resulting in a drama that was not terrible but might be described as overly familiar and lacking depth.

Jung Hae-in and Jung So-min’s chemistry is a hit “Love Next Door ranks first in popularity”

5. Gyeongseong Creature 2

Fifth on the list is Gyeongseong Creature 2, following the hit first season. The sequel faltered due to its transition to a modern-day setting, simultaneously losing the essence that made the first season compelling, which focused on the challenges faced under colonial rule. Instead, Season 2 ventured into a forgettable sci-fi scenario heavily reliant on CGI, ultimately disappointing fans who expected more from the talents of Han So Hee and Park Seo Joon.

6. Sweet Home 3

Similar to Gyeongseong Creature 2, Sweet Home 3 disappointed fans with its decline in quality. Under the direction of Lee Eung Bok, this season faced backlash over a scattered, intricate plot that veered too far from its predecessors. Character relationships became overly complex, featuring needless subplots. The animation quality also suffered, with creatures appearing even less believable than before, adding to viewers’ disappointment. Additionally, lead actor Song Kang’s portrayal was critiqued for its lack of vitality, leaving only his looks to redeem his performance.

“Sweet Home 3” Review: Unnecessary Brutal Scenes, Tiring to Watch

7. Red Swan

Prior to its release, Red Swan created considerable buzz due to its strong cast including Bi Rain and Kang Han Neul and its promise of intense corporate drama. However, it struggled to break free from the shadow of Penthouse, resulting in a series that failed to capture the intended comedic and dramatic elements. The storyline felt tedious, lacking a satisfying climax, while the high-society backdrop seemed anything but elite. Unfortunately, the chemistry between the leading duo fell flat, rendering the series an unsatisfying addition to the corporate genre.

8. Korean Khitan War

Last on the list is the ambitious Korea Khitan War, which had a budget of 50 billion Won. Initially receiving positive ratings, the series revealed critical shortcomings as it progressed. A significant letdown was lead actor Kim Dong Jun’s performance; as an idol transitioning to acting, his limitations were evident, characterized by awkward delivery and a lack of emotional range. This ultimately hindered viewer engagement, leading to unintentionally humorous moments throughout the serious historical narrative.