7 Worst K-Dramas Of 2025, And Why They Need To Be Forgotten

2025

gave us several memorable K-dramas like When Life Gives Youn Tangerines, The Trauma Code, Bon Appétit, Your Majesty and Resident Playbook. However, it even offered some which fans would never wish to remember or revisit. From disappointing endings to sloppy plots and poor performances, several shows can be discussed in this list, which were initially highly anticipated, but upon release, fell so hard, they disappeared from our memories without a trace. While actor Lee Min-Ho had an unexpectedly below par year, Park Hyung-Sik gave two star opposite projects, both of which found place in best and worst lists.

7 Worst K-Dramas Of 2025

1. When The Stars Gossip

Cast: Lee Min-ho, Gong Hyo-jin, Oh Jung-se, and Han Ji-eunOTT: NetflixPlot: Astronaut commander, Eve Kim clashes with a wealthy, pragmatic OB-GYN space tourist, Gong Ryong on a space station, leading to an unexpected romance amidst dangerous secrets, including his hidden mission related to fertility.Reason to NOT watch: The list needs to start with this. When The Stars Gossip is a perfect example of how a show can turn from the most awaited to most dejected. Despite being a mega budget project, problem with its basic premise, illogical plot points, and forgettable performances made it a huge falure.

2. Twelve

Cast: Ma Dong-seok, Park Hyung-sik, Seo In-guk, Sung Dong-il, Lee Joo-bin, Ko Kyu-pil, Kang Mi-na, Sung Yoo-bin, Ahn Jihye (ko), and Regina LeiOTT: Disney+Plot: It follows 12 angels living on Earth in human form to protect humanity from evil spirits. When ancient evils, led by the crow-themed demon Ogui reawaken to conquer Korea, the angels, led by the tiger-powered Taesan must use their unique zodiac powers to fight back. The superhero story focuses on good vs. evil, mixing action, mythology, and drama.Reason to NOT watch: The show left viewers disappointed with its weak plot setup, poor character building, and low-quality CGI. It got slammed for its amateur choreography, unclear villain motives, and clunky pacing.

3. Squid Game 3

Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Wi Ha-joon, Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-shim, Jo Yu-ri, Lee David, and Roh Jae-wonOTT: NetflixPlot: The third season continues Gi-hun's struggle with despair after a failed rebellion. He is forced into deadlier games with other players. It culminates in his sacrifice for Jun-hee's baby (Player 222) and revealing the Front Man (In-ho) as the betrayer.Reason to NOT watch: A perfect example of how to ensure that a global blockbuster turns lackluster due to a bad finale. The finale season failed to connect emotionally and its unsatisfactory ending muddied its high reputation, leaving the audience screaming, all that aniticipation for nothing.

4. KICKKICKKICKKICK

Cast: Ji Jin-hee, Lee Kyu-hyung, Baek Ji-won, and Lee Min-jaeOTT: VikiPlot: Former entertainment stars Ji Jin-hee and Lee Kyu-hyung launch their own content company, Kick Kick Kick Kick Company, aiming for 3 million subscribers while navigating startup struggles with a dedicated team.Reason to NOT watch: Viewers found the story directionless, as its ratings kept falling to dismal numbers. It couldn't translate idol appeal and comedic potential into sustained success.

5. The Divorce Insurance

Cast: Lee Dong-wook, Lee Joo-bin, Lee Kwang-soo and Lee Da-heeOTT: Prime VideoPlot: An actuary, Noh Ki-jun after three failed marriages, develops a unique divorce insurance policy to help people with the financial aftermath of separation, leading to unexpected romance with his co-worker, Kang Han-deul, as they navigate love, loss, and creating a revolutionary product.Reason to NOT watch: The romcom with an interesting premise fails due to disjointed execution and low ratings

6. Tempest

Cast: Jun Ji-hyun and Gang Dong-wonOTT: Disney+Plot: A former UN ambassador, Seo Mun-ju's life unravels after her presidential candidate husband is assassinated. She teams up with a mysterious, stateless special agent, Baek San-ho to uncover the conspiracy threatening Korean Peninsula stability, battling political conspiracies, betrayals, and shadowy forces aiming for warReason to NOT watch: It's chaotic and wasteful ending despite a sizzling chemistry made it an over-ambitious messup. As episodes progressed, it became a confusing blend of politics, assassination plots, and vague global conspiracies, with no plot developed well.

7. When The Phone Rings

Cast: Yoo Yeon-seok, Chae Soo-bin, Heo Nam-jun, and Jang Gyu-riOTT: NetflixPlot: Baek Sa Eon, a former presidential spokesman, marries Hong Hui Ju, a mute newspaper heiress, in an arranged union. The two hold deep secrets. When Hui Ju is kidnapped, their distant relationship is challenged as they navigate the crisis.Reason to NOT watch: This one is a perfect example of how to mess up a brilliantly crafted show with a very disappointing ending. It garnered high ratings throughout its run, only to leave the audience not unhappy with a forced, non-convincing plot reference to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, despite fictional names (Paltima and Izmael). Many said the portrayal was insensitive or lacked accuracy in representing the reality.Check out our Top 10 K-Dramas Of 2025 and Top 10 K-Drama Performers Of 2025 too.Which K-drama left you disappointed? Let us know @TimesNow.