10 K-Dramas You've Probably Never Heard Of

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The prisoners sitting together in Prison Playbook

Anja Djuricic was born in Belgrade, Serbia, in 1992. Her first interest in film started very early, as she learned to speak English by watching Disney animated movies (and many, many reruns). Anja soon became inspired to learn more foreign languages to understand more movies, so she entered the Japanese language and literature Bachelor Studies at the University of Belgrade.

Anja is also one of the founders of the DJ duo Vazda Garant, specializing in underground electronic music influenced by various electronic genres.

Anja loves to do puzzles in her spare time, pet cats wherever she meets them, and play The Sims. Anja's Letterboxd four includes Memories of Murder, Parasite, Nope, and The Road to El Dorado.

With so many K-dramas reaching heights of popularity and being on the most-streamed and most-watched lists, it's normal to feel overwhelmed by the number of options to choose from. Others don't get too involved with trending stuff, but rather wish to dig deeper and find what's underneath the popularity surface.

There's also a third group—the avid K-drama watchers who've seen both the popular stuff and the deep cuts, and are now desperately looking for a challenge. No matter which group you're in, there's one thing for sure—there are definitely, at least, 10 K-dramas you've probably never heard of. These are those ten, and #1 is a masterpiece.

10 'Angry Mom' (2015)

Kim Hee-sun and Kim You-jung walking together and talking in the K-drama Angry Mom

Angry Mom must be one of the most underrated K-dramas out there, and it's a school drama, though not the most typical of its kind. The show tackles serious issues, from school bullying to institutional cover-ups, which were uncommon in K-dramas at the time. Veteran actress Kim Hee-sun thrills as a mom-turned-student vigilante and shows off brilliant comedic chops. Despite its heavy themes, Angry Mom is a fun and heartfelt mother-daughter story, making it an underrated gem that both criticizes and celebrates the lengths a parent will go to protect their child.

Angry Mom follows Jo Kang-ja (Kim), who was a delinquent in high school and dropped out due to her teenage pregnancy. When her daughter grows up and goes to high school, too, Kang-ja discovers she is being viciously bullied at school. Determined to protect her, Kang-ja goes undercover at her daughter's school as a student to confront the bullies. However, while there, she uncovers deeper corruption within the education system and fights to expose the school's secrets. Blending great humor with social commentary, Angry Mom delivers both laugh-out-loud moments and hard lessons.

9 'Welcome to Waikiki' (2018–2019)

Kim Jung-hyun, Lee Yi-kyung and Son Seung-won from Welcome To Waikiki standing together looking nervous.

Welcome to Waikiki gained a cult following for being one of the most hilarious K-comedies in recent years. Its witty and sometimes outrageous scenarios, like filming a low-budget zombie movie or riding in a car in which the brakes don't work, make Welcome to Waikiki one of the funniest situational comedies out there. In 2018, the show became so popular that it was renewed for a second season, though only one star, Lee Yi-kyung, returned. It’s an effortless and feel-good watch that shows the lighter side of K-dramas, proving that struggling millennials and a baby can be endlessly entertaining.

Welcome to Waikiki is a slice-of-life comedy about three longtime friends, Dong-gu (Kim Jung-hyun), an aspiring filmmaker, Joon-ki (Lee), a goofy actor, and Doo-sik (Son Seung-won), a timid writer, running a failing guesthouse called "Waikiki." Their mundane lives are turned upside down when a single mother, Yoon-ah (Jung In-sun), unexpectedly arrives with her baby; the trio decides to help her raise her baby while juggling their own dreams and aspirations. The chemistry between the cast members is beautiful, though the star of the show is often Lee, its best part. Welcome to Waikiki is delightful because it makes daily life a lot more entertaining and interesting, delivering endless laughs through slapstick comedy, heartfelt moments, and the ensemble's sparkling relationship.

8 'A Bloody Lucky Day' (2023)

Fans of acclaimed actor Lee Sung-min can watch him in Park Chan-wook's No Other Choice these days, but in 2023, they watched him in the gritty and violent K-drama, A Bloody Lucky Day. He's joined by Yoo Yeon-seok, and the two engage in an intense cat-and-mouse dynamic in the show, with performances that did not go unnoticed—both earned nominations at the 2024 Baeksang Arts Awards for their work. A Bloody Lucky Day flew under the radar for many international viewers, but its blend of action and psychological tension makes it a hidden gem for thriller fans.

A Bloody Lucky Day takes a simple premise and turns it upside down; it starts with Oh Taek (Lee), an ordinary taxi driver who agrees to drive a mysterious passenger (Yoo) across a long distance for a large fee. However, to his horror, Oh Taek soon realizes this passenger is a wanted serial killer. The trip turns into an intense game of wits, as Oh Taek must use his instincts and survival skills to outsmart the dangerous killer in the confines of his taxi. With its claustrophobic setting and gripping suspense, A Bloody Lucky Day delivers a unique experience, unlike a typical K-drama.

7 'Black Dog: Being A Teacher' (2019–2020)

Seo Hyeon-jin standing besides Ra Mi-ran sitting at her desk in K-drama Black Dog

Black Dog: Being a Teacher is another overlooked K-drama that flew under the radar when it aired, overshadowed by flashier shows, but those who watched it often call it a masterpiece. Black Dog was written by a former teacher, making the stories of staff room struggles and classroom triumphs authentic and realistic. The writing earned praise for shedding light on Korea's hyper-competitive school environment and the personal sacrifices teachers make; Seo Hyun-jin and Ra Mi-ran's performances were also widely praised. If you enjoy grounded, human dramas, Black Dog is an underrated gem that offers insight into the lives of teachers.

Black Dog is a slice-of-life drama set in a private high school, where Go Ha-neul (Seo) is a new temporary teacher who enters the cutthroat world of Korean education. Her teaching and convictions are idealistic, but after encountering bureaucratic hurdles and staff politics, Go finds herself less enthusiastic. Under the mentorship of veteran teacher Sung-soon (Ra), Ha-neul learns to navigate the competitive landscape and advocate for her students in a heavily rigged system. Black Dog is one of the rare school dramas that focuses on the teachers and the challenges they are faced with, depicting educators who want to make a difference.

6 'Chicago Typewriter' (2017)

Yoo Ah-in in Chicago Typewriter looking at someone off-camera

Chicago Typewriter may be the most well-known out of these unknown K-dramas; it has rich storytelling and great star power, but it didn’t make a big splash in ratings at the time of its release. Fans of the show are aware, but those who haven't seen Chicago Typewriter will be happy to know it's a bit of everything: romance, bromance, humor, drama, and patriotism, including a celebration of the power of literature and resistance. The production value is incredible, and the show has stunning visuals, beautiful costumes, and a fun soundtrack; critics and fans agree that Chicago Typewriter is one of a kind and lingers long after viewing.

Chicago Typewriter follows three characters bound by fate: Se-joo (Yoo Ah-in), a bestselling contemporary novelist with writer's block; Jeon Seol (Im Soo-jung), his devoted fan and aspiring writer; and Jin-oh (Go Kyung-pyo), a mysterious but brilliant ghostwriter. These three have an incredible karmic connection to the past, in particular the freedom fighters who were active in the 1930s in Japanese-occupied Korea. Through a vintage typewriter, their past lives’ memories resurface, linking their present struggles to an unfinished story of love, friendship, and betrayal from the past. It's a period drama with flashes of the future, and a blend of many genres.

5 'Just Between Lovers' (2017)

Won Jin-A and Lee Jun-ho in Just Between Lovers laying in bed

Just Between Lovers, also known as Rain or Shine, is one of the most emotional K-dramas of our time, but it's also heavily underrated. The show earned praise for its layered storytelling and breakout performances of its leads: this was Lee Jun-ho's (2PM) first major leading role, and he delivered a stunning performance that immediately established him as a promising actor (you can watch him in Cashero on Netflix soon). Just Between Lovers is often deemed a melodrama, but it successfully avoids the clichés of one; instead, it's an atypical revenge plot that doubles as a story of healing and love.

Just Between Lovers follows two young survivors of a tragic disaster: Lee Kang-doo (Lee) and Ha Moon-soo (Won Jin-ah), who both lost loved ones in a building collapse years ago, leaving them physically and emotionally scarred. After they meet later in life, Kang-doo and Moon-soo realize what they have in common and confront trauma, guilt, and grief, finding understanding and solace in each other's company. Quiet moments and heartfelt performances make the couple’s journey of rediscovering joy and love feel incredibly authentic, which is why Just Between Lovers can be healing for viewers, too.

4 'Misaeng: Incomplete Life' (2014)

The cast of Incomplete Life smiling in an office.

Misaeng became a cultural phenomenon in Korea in 2014, sparking what local media called the "Misaeng syndrome." Misaeng was extraordinarily relatable to ordinary working people, serving as an accurate depiction of young professionals struggling with performance pressure, job insecurity, and toxic hierarchies. The drama’s outstanding ensemble cast and insightful social commentary set it apart from typical K-dramas that center on romance. Im Si-wan earned critical acclaim, while Lee Sung-min is often lauded as the heart of the series. Despite not having a central love plot, Misaeng kept viewers hooked from start to finish.

Misaeng follows Jang Geu-rae (Im), a former Go prodigy who fails to become a pro and instead lands an unsteady internship at a large trading company. Thrown into the deep end of Korea's corporate grind, Geu-rae must navigate office politics, impossible deadlines, and the steep learning curve of business life, using his strategic thinking skills to his advantage. Alongside fellow rookie coworkers and under the mentorship of his sympathetic boss, Mr. Oh (Lee), Geu-rae learns hard lessons about teamwork, sacrifice, and survival in a cutthroat workplace. For anyone curious about Korean work culture or simply craving a well-written human drama, this underrated series is a must-watch.

3 'Move to Heaven' (2021)

Often deemed one of the most underrated K-dramas of the past decade, Move to Heaven is a heartbreaking story inspired by real events. The series was partly based on an essay by a real-life trauma cleaner, depicting the dignity of the deceased and the compassion needed for the job. Critics praised the show’s delicate handling of heavy themes like death, regret, and estrangement. While it didn’t trend worldwide like some flashier Netflix K-dramas, those who already watched Move to Heaven were deeply moved by its humanity.

Move to Heaven centers on an unusual profession: trauma cleaning. Han Geu-ru (Tang Jun-sang) is a young man with Asperger's syndrome who, after his father’s death, continues the family business of cleaning out the belongings of those who have passed away alone, without anyone to mourn them. He's joined by his estranged uncle Sang-gu (Lee Je-hoon), an ex-con who becomes Geu-ru’s reluctant guardian and work partner. Each episode follows the duo as they pack up a deceased person’s "last treasures," finding untold stories about their life. This emotionally charged work allows the two to begin to heal their own wounds and form a family bond. Get a tissue, because Move to Heaven finds beauty in every life and death, and it's very emotional.

2 'Prison Playbook' (2017)

Prison Playbook may not be a widely known K-drama, but among hardcore fans, it's one of the best ever made. Directed by the creator of the hit Reply series, Prison Playbook has a similar mix of nostalgia, humor, and heart. While it portrays the harsh realities of prison life, it also highlights the humanity in convicts searching for redemption, giving them rich character development and arcs. The cast is exceptional, and it found a suitable, talented, and captivating lead in Park Hae-soo (Squid Game). Prison Playbook is an emotionally rewarding journey that reminds us that empathy and personal growth can flourish in even the unlikeliest of places.

Prison Playbook is a black comedy-drama that takes viewers to a prison setting in a way few shows do. The story follows Kim Je-hyuk (Park), a famous baseball pitcher, who is convicted and sent to prison after defending his sister from an abuser. Inside, Je-hyuk meets a lively group of cellmates and guards, each with their own stories and quirks. The series unfolds as a sort of slice-of-life look at daily existence in prison, diving into the characters' backstories, revealing the mistakes and circumstances that led them there. Despite the bleak setting, Prison Playbook manages to be warm, humorous, and uplifting, showing how, even behind bars, people find hope, laughter, and purpose.

1 'Mother' (2018)

Lee Bo-young and Heo Yool hugging and showing a sign to the camera in Mother

Mother is nothing short of a masterpiece, and there's plenty of proof of it: it won Best Drama at the 54th Baeksang Arts Awards, one of Korea’s highest honors, and even earned a nomination at the first-ever Cannes International Series Festival (Canneseries). Critics praised it for its honest portrayal of child abuse and the moral complexities of vigilantism, including the emotionally gripping performances. Lee Bo-young delivers a career-best performance, with even the little girl, Heo Yeol, gaining critical and award-show acclaim for her beautiful and complex portrayal of an abused child.

Mother follows elementary school teacher Soo-jin (Lee), who notices one of her students, 7-year-old Hye-na (Heo), showing signs of abuse at home. When the authorities fail to act, and the child's life is in imminent danger, Soo-jin makes a drastic choice: she kidnaps Hye-na to save her, deciding to become her protector and surrogate mother on the run. As they flee, the story explores their mother-daughter bond, the intense police pursuit, and the child's toxic family. Mother is a remake of a Japanese series, but the Korean version stands firmly on its own, asking the uncomfortable questions: can abduction be justified if it's to rescue a child, and what do we do when authorities fail our most vulnerable society members?