2024 K-Drama Flops: Industry experts select the Worst K-Dramas of 2024

AKP STAFF

www.joynews24.com

There’s one category that always has the fiercest competition: "Worst Drama." This year, the gap between first and second place was only two votes, making it an intense race.

Entertainment and business magazine 'JoyNews24' conducted various polls with industry experts from September 30 to October 8, celebrating its 20th anniversary. A total of 200 industry insiders, including entertainment company employees, broadcast company staff, content creators, and entertainment reporters, participated and were asked to choose the worst dramas of 2024.

So here is the list of worst dramas of 2024 chosen by industry insiders:

Queen Woo

'Queen Woo' took the title of “Worst Drama,” with 39 participants in the survey naming it as the year’s worst drama.

The TVing original series 'Queen Woo' is a historical action thriller set within 24 hours, following Queen Woo (played by Jeon Jong Seo) as she navigates political intrigue to secure a new king amid the sudden death of the king, who left the princes and five tribes fighting for control. The drama garnered significant attention as TVING’s first attempt at a historical drama, with a 30 billion KRW (21.4 million USD) budget.

Set in the Goguryeo era, the drama featured unique elements like a marriage custom where a widow marries her deceased husband’s brother to maintain the family line and portrayed a bold, independent female lead in Queen Woo, adding to the anticipation.

However, upon release, 'Queen Woo' faced widespread criticism. Rated 18+, the series was criticized for overly explicit, decadent scenes, excessive nudity, and diminishing the appeal of the storyline. Notable examples included scenes involving nude court ladies attending King Gogukcheon (played by Ji Chang Wook) and a same-sex love scene between the high priestess Sabi (portrayed by Oh Ha Ni) and Usun (played by Jung Yoo Mi). Many viewers were frustrated, feeling that the show exploited female bodies as visual interest, undermining its aim to portray a strong, independent female narrative.

It also encountered controversy over historical distortion. Concerns began with the costumes’ Chinese appearance, escalating into accusations related to the Northeast Borderland History and Geography Project (attempts to claim Korean historical figures as part of Chinese history).

In response, Director Jung Se Gyo clarified, “We conducted consultations with history professors on the costumes and had to create some elements due to limited historical records. For the hairstyles and costumes, we referred to murals from the Goguryeo period.” Screenwriter Lee Byung Hak added, “This drama has nothing to do with the Northeast Project.”

The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection

'The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection' came in second place for the 'Worst Drama' of 2024 with 37 votes.

This was a drama that pursued only sensationalism without context not only failed to generate buzz but also struggled to gain viewership. The show left behind only issues like lead actress Hwang Jung Eum’s divorce and the departure of main PD Joo Dong Min, eventually fading from memory.

'The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection' is the second season of 'The Escape of the Seven,' depicting a renewed path of revenge and the intense collaboration of seven reborn individuals.

However, the usual “Writer Kim Soon Ok Effect,” a phenomenon in which viewers generously tolerate unrealistic or exaggerated plot developments, no longer worked. Implausible plot setups and sensational events failed to capture viewers’ interest. The transformation of a villain into a hero felt random, and Um Ki Joon’s portrayal of three characters confused audiences further.

Director Oh Joon Hyuk pointed out the differences, saying, “Season 1 focused on the original sins of the seven characters and their fight for survival, while Season 2 aimed to deliver satisfying revenge and just, fierce retribution.” Yet, it remains uncertain whether this was effectively conveyed to the audience.

Beauty and Mr. Romantic

The ambitious KBS weekend drama 'Beauty and Mr. Romantic' garnered 28 votes, securing third place in the “Worst Drama” category.

'Beauty and Mr. Romantic' tells the turbulent romance and life-turnaround story of a top actress Park Do Ra (played by Lim Soo Hyang) who suddenly hits rock bottom and the rookie drama producer (played by Ji Hyun Woo) who loves her and helps her get back on her feet again. The series generated interest even before airing, with Ji Hyun Woo returning to weekend dramas after his 2021 KBS Drama Award-winning role in 'Young Lady and Gentleman' and Lim Soo Hyang’s debut in a KBS weekend drama.

However, Beauty and Mr. Romantic sparked viewer anger due to its sensational and absurd plot, despite being a family drama. For instance, the lead character Park Do Ra (Lim Soo Hyang), who had supported her family for 15 years, faced another difficulty due to her mother's debt. With the immense difficulty in her life because of her mother, Park Do Ra even attempted to take her own life. However, her mother, Baek Mi Ja (played by Cha Hwa Yeon) compelled her daughter to take a nude photoshoot to earn more money. Not only that, the absurd storyline was compounded by abnormal characters. An obsessive stalker, Gong Jin Dan (played by Go Yoon), falsely accuses Park Do Ra of having a sponsor, and Baek Mi Ja is portrayed as a gambling addict.

The drama continued to present a series of implausible plot setups. After a near-death experience, Park Do Ra loses her memory and undergoes full-body reconstructive surgery. Later, as she lives under a new identity, she is kidnapped by Gong Jin Dan, gets into a car accident, and is diagnosed with paralysis from the waist down. The continuous over-the-top, frustrating developments left viewers deeply disappointed.

Other dramas that made the list include:
tvN's Love Next Door (13 votes)