Top 10 K-Dramas to Avoid for New Viewers

K-dramas have seen a meteoric rise in popularity in recent years, and 2025 promises to be another significant year as Korean dramas continue to dominate streaming platforms and mainstream cultural conversations, much like the K-pop phenomenon has transformed global music. This proliferation is a testament to the Korean Wave, which has turned South Korea’s relatively compact entertainment sector into a worldwide powerhouse.

For those new to K-dramas, the sheer volume of options can be daunting. Although many series offer accessible entry points, beginners might also encounter shows that are better suited to seasoned viewers. These more intricate series, while not necessarily poor in quality, may be challenging for those unfamiliar with K-drama conventions. Below is a curated list highlighting series to explore and a few to approach with caution.

10 Empress Ki (2013 – 2014)

Lengthy and Intricate

Empress Ki stands out as a remarkable K-drama that captivated audiences during its original run. Set against a backdrop of opulent costumes and stellar performances, this 51-episode epic chronicles the Later Three Kingdoms era of Korea, stretching from the late 9th century to the late 10th century CE. However, its significant length renders it less ideal for newcomers who are still acclimating to the unique storytelling style of K-dramas.

The plot weaves a rich tapestry of historical events, palace intrigue, and political machinations as it highlights the journey of a woman who ascends to become Empress of the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty in China. While immensely entertaining, the depth and complexity may prove challenging for viewers not yet familiar with the genre’s typical narrative structure.

9 Innocent Defendant (2017)

Intriguingly Twisted

Jung-Woo behind bars in Innocent Defendant

Innocent Defendant leads viewers into a gripping narrative focusing on a prosecutor entangled in a life-or-death struggle after inexplicably waking up on death row. Stripped of his memories due to temporary amnesia, he must race against time to uncover how he became a convict.

Though the series delivers a thrilling experience, complete with nail-biting suspense, the complexity of its plot, particularly the memory loss element, might frustrate beginners who are still grappling with K-drama storytelling. The intertwining of thrilling legal drama and psychological twists makes it more suitable for seasoned fans of the genre.

8 Save Me (2017)

Incredibly Dark Themes

While many K-dramas delve into poignant narratives, Save Me’s intense and disturbing storyline pushes the limits of what might be considered an appropriate introduction to the genre. Focusing on a young woman ensnared by a religious cult, this series explores harrowing themes of manipulation and despair.

Set against the backdrop of the fictional cult Goseonwon, the story unfolds as Sang-mi and her family are tragically ensnared following a personal loss. A group of local youths attempts a rescue mission, injecting tension and urgency into the narrative. This K-drama, while masterfully executed, is decidedly dark for those just venturing into K-drama territory.

7 Strangers From Hell (2019)

Abundant in Dark Twists

Known alternatively as Hell Is Other People, Strangers From Hell weaves an intricate thriller that keeps viewers riveted. The narrative follows Jong-woo, a diligent intern who discovers that his dormitory is a breeding ground for bizarre and threatening neighbors.

With its complex web of tension and surprise, the series isn’t the best choice for newcomers to the K-drama world. The eerie dynamics with characters like Moon-jo, a seemingly benign dentist, serve to heighten the suspense, making it a mesmerizing watch—albeit one that might overwhelm first-time viewers.

6 The World Of The Married (2020)

Convoluted and Complicated

Currently the highest-rated series on South Korean cable television, The World of the Married offers a mesmerizing tale of love, betrayal, and revenge through its multifaceted characters and intricate plots. Featuring Seon-u, a brilliant doctor, this series explores the aftermath of her husband’s infidelity.

While it displays excellent storytelling, the convoluted nature of the plot ensures that it may be better appreciated by audiences already versed in typical K-drama tropes and themes.

5 The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)

Exploring Parallel Universes

The King: Eternal Monarch marks Lee Min-ho’s return to acting in a fantasy romance enriched with intricate world-building and dual realities. While it brilliantly blends romance and fantastical elements, its complex narrative structure may not be the best fit for K-drama beginners.

As the story follows a king who discovers a hidden portal to a parallel universe, where he encounters detective Tae-eul, the intertwining storylines can come across as convoluted for new viewers. This series is captivating but requires prior exposure to the K-drama style for a full appreciation.

4 Lawless Lawyer (2018)

Entangled Storylines

Featuring the unconventional duo of Sang-pil and Jae-yi, Lawless Lawyer reveals a world rife with corruption and crime in the fictional city of Kisung. Both characters employ unique methods, influenced by their tumultuous pasts in the criminal underbelly of society.

This K-drama is both entertaining and intriguing, yet its intricate backstories and overlapping plots might overwhelm those new to the genre. The layers of narrative reveal a complexity that typically requires familiarity with K-drama conventions for full enjoyment.

3 Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

Navigating Time Travel

Time travel narratives often polarize audiences, as they can both engage and confuse.Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo integrates time travel into its romantic plot, complicating its narrative significantly. It follows Ha-jin, a contemporary woman transported back to the Goryeo era through a solar eclipse.

While ultimately a cherished classic, the addition of time travel might render it less suitable for newcomers still mastering the more straightforward K-drama storytelling approach. Nevertheless, it deserves a place on any future watchlist.

2 You Are My Destiny (2008 – 2009)

Significantly Lengthy

The main duo hold up umbrellas in You Are My Destiny.

You Are My Destiny remains an iconic K-drama and holds a special place in fans’ hearts; however, its remarkable length—with a remarkable 178 episodes—can be daunting for any beginner.

As a series that showcases numerous classic K-drama tropes, it follows Sae-byuk, a resilient woman whose life shifts dramatically following a life-altering corneal transplant. With its enriching yet long-winded narrative, newcomers may find it challenging to digest all at once.

1 Guardian: The Lonely And Great God (2016 – 2017)

Rich in Mythology

Achieving status as a cultural milestone, Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, or Goblin, captivates with a mix of heart-wrenching romance and South Korean folklore. The story revolves around Kim Shin, an immortal general cursed to suffer until he finds his bride.

With its layered storyline drawing heavily from traditional folklore, its depth may resonate more with viewers already acquainted with Korean culture. For viewers unfamiliar with K-drama conventions, it may present challenges in fully grasping its rich narrative threads.

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