Some K-dramas have the ~power~ to excite us the moment the cast or premiere is confirmed. However, other series don't receive the same attention and it takes time for them to be recognized. They're usually swept under the rug but that doesn't mean they're not worth your time—a number of these shows actually took home several awards and that already says a lot about them!
If you're looking for quality, underrated K-dramas that are guaranteed to climb your list of faves, here are eight of them on Netflix and Viu:
1. It's Okay, That's Love (2016)
Who’s in it: Jo In Sung, Gong Hyo Jin, EXO's D.O., Lee Sung Kyung, Lee Kwang Soo
Where you can watch it: Netflix and Viu
The short plot: A heartwarming masterpiece, It's Okay, That's Love shows the world of mental disorder patients and how they endure the pain brought by the stigma that surrounds them. Led by A-listers Jo In Sung and Gong Hyo Jin, this series will not only make you cry but will also provide the healing you're looking for.
2. My Mister (2018)
Who’s in it: IU, Lee Sun Kyun
Where you can watch it: Netflix and Viu
The plot: Witness IU in a different light as Lee Ji An, a poor young woman swamped wth so many burdens in life. She finds comfort when she met a middle-aged man named Park Dong Hoon, despite their age difference. The award-winning My Mister tackles the harsh realities and shies away from your typical K-drama plot.
3. Prison Playbook (2017)
Who’s in it: Park Hae Soo, Jung Kyung Ho, Krystal Jung, Jung Hae In
Where you can watch it: Netflix and Viu
The short plot: Famed baseball superstar Kim Jae Hyuk is already at the peak of success until he finds himself behind the bars for beating his sister's sexual attacker. That may sound a bit too dark but trust us, Prison Playbook is also a hilarious drama—the actors here are veteran comedians that you've already seen in a lot of series!
4. When The Camellia Blooms (2019)
Who's in it: Gong Hyo Jin, Kang Ha Neul, Oh Jung Se, Kim Ji Seok
Where you can watch it: Netflix
The short plot: Single mom Oh Dong Baek decides to put up a bar in the province after leaving the city, only to be ridiculed by her neighbors. But one police officer is brave enough to protect her and her son, even if it means disobeying his mother's wish.
P.S: When The Camellia Blooms won the Grand Prize in last year's Baeksang Arts Awards and was praised by critics for its outstanding storyline!
5.Mouse (2021, ongoing)
Who’s in it: Lee Seung Gi, Lee Hee Joon, Park Ju Hyun, Kyung Soo Jin
Where you can watch it: Viu
The short plot: Lee Seung Gi is back with the crime thriller drama Mouse and it's centered on the question: "Would you give birth to a child knowing they were a psychopath?”. That said, expect a lot of plot twists here which will leave you shocked and wondering how those revelations happened! Tbh, Mouse deserves the same hype as the other dramas that aired this year.
6. Chicago Typewriter (2017)
Who’s in it: Yoo Ah In, Go Kyung Pyo, Im Soo Jung
Where you can watch it: Netflix and Viu
The short plot: Chicago Typewriter follows the lives of three resistance fighters during the time when Korea was under Japanese rule. In the present, they're reincarnated as a ghostwriter, fangirl, and best-selling author. When you look at reviews online, you'll see how they're all positive and that's just a sign you shouldn't sleep on it!
7. Save Me (2017)
Who’s in it: Seo Ye Ji, Ok Taecyeon, Woo Do Hwan, Jo Sung Ha
Where you can watch it: Netflix, Viu
The short plot: A religious cult that hides the deepest and darkest secrets you can ever think of? If you're into creepy stories, Save Me will have you frustrated and addicted at the same time! There are also sharp societal messages injected here, which might might make you wonder if it's based on a true story.
8. Misaeng (2014)
Who's in it: Im Si Wan, Lee Sung Min, Kang So Ra, Kang Ha Neul, Kim Dae Myung
Where you can watch it: Netflix
The short plot: What makes Misaeng a gem is its plot that anyone can relate to, no matter what industry they're part of. Set in the workplace, the drama focuses on the struggles of being a newbie in a company, and the stress and inner turmoil attached to it. Although the premise may seem like a drag, it's a show that will hit close to home, promise!
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