Industry professionals, media, and filmmakers have shared their opinions on the “worst K-dramas of 2023”, and 7 names have made the list
Joynews24 recently revealed their ranking of the worst K-dramas of 2023. The list was compiled based on a survey of 200 industry professionals, including people from the entertainment, media, journalism, and film industry in South Korea.
Below is Joynews24’s full list:
1. “Durian’s Affair”
With a total of 37 votes, “Durian’s Affair” is the first name on this list. Called the “shame of the broadcasting station” by Joynews24, this K-drama has an overly exaggerated plot to the point of being deemed offensive. The most controversial aspect of the show was the story of a daughter-in-law who has romantic feelings and often flirts with her… mother-in-law.
2. “The Escape of the Seven”
Expected to be the new “Penthouse”, yet “The Escape of the Seven” turned out to have a “slapstick” plot with endless irrational details. This K-drama has received numerous criticisms, and some Korean netizens even demanded that it be banned from airing. The drama received 26 votes in Joynews24’s poll.
3. “The Real Has Come”
In third place with 23 votes is “The Real Has Come” from KBS. The reason for the drama’s low rating was the unconvincing performance of the male lead, played by Ahn Jae Hyun, who originally, wasn’t supposed to be the male lead in this production.
4. “My Lovely Boxer”
“My Lovely Boxer” received 13 votes. Even before its premiere, the drama was not highly anticipated by the audience due to the school violence scandal involving the leading actress, Kim So Hye. Upon airing, the drama received low ratings due to its dull script and unconvincing acting performances
5. “The Uncanny Counter 2: Counter Punch”
Due to the huge success of its 1st season, “The Uncanny Counter 2: Counter Punch” was one of the most highly anticipated works in 2023. Unfortunately, the second season had too many plot holes, and the change of broadcasting station from OCN to tvN also compromised the quality of the show. It ended up receiving 10 votes in the survey.
6 – 7. “King the Land” and “Pandora: Beneath the Paradise”
“King the Land” and “Pandora: Beneath the Paradise” received 8 votes each in this poll for 2023’s worst K-drama. Both dramas were criticized for having poor scripts that didn’t match the caliber of their cast. While “King the Land” was placed in the category of “high-rated blockbusters” by JTBC this year, its popularity didn’t correlate with the quality.
