10 underrated K-dramas of 2024 on Netflix & other OTT platforms that are an eclectic mix of genres — starring Ji Chang Wook, Kim Seon Ho, Kim Sejeong & more (2025)

Amid globally popular 2024 K-dramas like Queen of Tears and Lovely Runner are hidden gems that deserve just as much hype. Whether it is the recently concluded Gangnam B-Side starring Ji Chang Wook, Kim Seon Ho’s taut action thriller drama The Tyrant or Kim Sejeong’s slice-of-life rom-com series Brewing Love, the Korean dramas listed below are a diverse mix of must-watch content. Bookmark these criminally underrated K-dramas for your next binge-watch session…

10 underrated K-dramas on Netflix & other OTT platforms that are an eclectic mix of genres — starring Ji Chang Wook, Kim Seon Ho, Kim Sejeong & more

1. Gangnam B-Side – Disney+ Hotstar

Gangnam B-Side is a hard-hitting crime thriller series chronicling Gangnam’s dark side through the lens of three individuals — a restrained detective, who is a single father, a fierce broker (Ji Chang Wook) and an ambitious prosecutor — who are all looking for a missing woman. The unlikely trio forcibly team up to unearth the corruption connected with Seoul’s elite, from prominent celebrities to renowned politicians. Gangnam B-Side stars Jo Woo Jin, Ji Chang Wook, Ha Yoon Kyung, Kim Hyeong Seo and Oh Ye Ju.

2. The Tyrant – Disney+ Hotstar

Like Ji Chang Wook’s Gangnam B-side, The Tyrant is an expertly executed spy action thriller K-drama that revolves around The Tyrant Project, South Korea’s clandestine operation to develop a bioweapon that would give humans superpowers. When the US intelligence agency demands immediate termination of the dangerous program, one sample of The Tyrant Project is stolen. A cat-and-mouse chase immediately ensues as different agencies and personalities — including Director Choe, The Tyrant Project’s leader — pursue to retrieve the stolen sample for their personal motives. The Tyrant stars Cha Seung Won, Kim Seon Ho, Kim Kang Woo, Jo Yoon Su and Kim Joo Hun.

3. Brewing Love – Viki

Brewing Love is a refreshing rom-com drama that tells the love story between a liquor brand’s sales queen, who was a former Special Forces soldier, and a brewery’s CEO. While the former naturally hides her true emotions, the latter is super sensitive and an expert at catching others’ emotions. Along the way, the “opposites” attract and fall in love. Brewing Love stars Kim Sejeong, Lee Jong Won, Shin Do Hyun and Baek Sung Chul.

4. Mr. Plankton – Netflix

Mr. Plankton is a bittersweet rom-com that revolves around a lonely drifter, who only has a few months to live. With time ticking, he heads on a final journey to uncover the mystery behind his biological father’s identity. But it’s not before kidnapping his ex-girlfriend, who considers herself to be the most unlucky woman on the planet, on her wedding day. The former lovers embark on an adventurous journey, however, chasing them down is the latter’s warm-hearted groom and his strict mother. During his last voyage, the lead protagonist falls head over heels in love again with his ex while also making a family out of other quirky individuals, who bring ‘fun’ and joy into his otherwise miserable story. Mr. Plankton stars Woo Do Hwan, Lee Yoo Mi, Oh Jung Se, Kim Hae Sook, Lee El and Kim Min Seok.

5. A Shop for Killers – Disney+ Hotstar

A Shop for Killers is a terrific action mystery series centred on a young girl, who becomes the target of highly skilled assassins post the mysterious demise of her uncle, who owned a suspicious mall. In a bid to uncover the truth behind her loved one’s cryptic death, the main character heavily relies on her uncle’s training from when she was younger to escape from the deadly bad guys. A Shop for Killers stars Lee Dong Wook and Kim Hye Jun.

6. The Midnight Romance in Hagwon – Viki

The Midnight Romance in Hagwon is a heartwarming noona romance (a relationship between an older woman and a younger man) melodrama that depicts the confidential love story between Daechi-dong Academy’s famed hagwon (private educational institution) instructor and her new colleague, who was the former’s first student from a decade ago and considered the latter to be his first love. The couple strive to keep their relationship private, owing to the societal taboos attached to their heated romance. Ultimately, their personal and professional lives get entangled. The Midnight Romance in Hagwon stars Jung Ryeo Won and Wi Ha Joon.

7. Missing Crown Prince – Viki

Missing Crown Prince is a gripping rom-com saeguk (historical drama) that depicts the heart-fluttering love story between Joseon’s expert Crown Prince and an ambitious noblewoman, who is destined to be the former’s bride. However, the latter accidentally kidnaps the prince and a comedy of errors swiftly ensues as she hides her true identity from him. Nevertheless, romance blooms between the unexpected pair as they flee to protect the Crown Prince amid intense political unrest. Missing Crown Prince stars EXO member Suho, Hong Ye Ji, Myung Se Bin, Kim Joo Hun and Kim Min Kyu.

8. Romance in the House – Netflix

Romance in the House is a delightful rom-com family melodrama centred on a divorcee, whose family abandons him when his business fails (after prior multiple attempts!). More than a decade later, he’s now a billionaire who has purchased the building where his ex-wife, daughter and teen son currently reside. A not-so-amicable reunion takes place between the estranged family as the main protagonist is met with immediate animosity, particularly from his stern daughter. On the other hand, the daughter gets tangled in a unique romance with a kind-hearted heir, who is not at all interested in his family business. Turns out, he’s also the son of the Chairman under whom the daughter works. Romance in the House stars Ji Jin Hee, Kim Ji Soo, Apink member Naeun, SHINee member Minho and ASTRO member Sanha.

9. A Virtuous Business – Netflix

A Virtuous Business is a raunchy comedy-drama that is set in a rural village in 1992 when talking about sex was still taboo. The ambitious four Bangpan Sisters, a close squad, kickstart a risky business (door-to-door sales of adult products) together as they’re unanimously in pursuit of purpose, opportunity and independence. Their adventurous journey leads to a rare destination of self-discovery. A Virtuous Business stars Kim So Yeon, Kim Sung Ryung, Kim Sun Young, Lee Se Hee and Yeon Woo Jin.

10. Serendipity’s Embrace – Viki

Serendipity’s Embrace is a heartwarming rom-com K-drama that depicts the rekindled romance between an animation producer, who is afraid of love due to a tough breakup, and a financial planner, who had front-row access to the former’s lowest moments from when they were classmates. They were also each other’s first love. 10 years later, the former flames have an accidental reunion and embark on a moving journey to find true love and fulfil their dreams. Serendipity’s Embrace stars Kim So Hyun, Chae Jong Hyeop, Yoon Ji On and Kim Da Som.