The K-Drama Disappointments of 2025: Industry Experts Weigh In
Brace yourself, K-drama enthusiasts! The year 2025 has seen some highly anticipated shows fall short of expectations, according to a revealing survey. JoyNews24's annual tradition of gathering industry professionals' opinions has shed light on the year's most underwhelming Korean dramas.
Here's a breakdown of the top three, as voted by 110 insiders:
Squid Game 3: This Netflix sensation, with a whopping ₩100 billion KRW investment for seasons 2 and 3, received 10 votes. But here's where it gets controversial: viewers found the execution lacking, and the controversies surrounding the show overshadowed its once-stellar reputation. Was it a case of too much hype, or did the show genuinely fall flat?
When the Stars Gossip: Starring Lee Min Ho and Gong Hyo Jin, this tvN drama had a five-year gestation period and a ₩50.0 billion KRW budget. Yet, 15 industry votes deemed it the second-worst. Critics and viewers alike criticized its illogical storyline and subpar CGI. Could the high expectations have contributed to its downfall?
Twelve: A fantasy drama starring Ma Dong Seok, this show had a lot going for it, including a unique twist on superhero tropes and a star-studded cast. However, 28 votes placed it at the top of the 'worst' list. Poor storytelling and CGI marred this ambitious project. And this is the part most people miss: despite a strong start, the ratings nosedived, indicating a sharp decline in viewer satisfaction.
The list continues with Tempest, Crushology 101, and Kick Kick Kick Kick, followed by Netflix's Gyeongseong Creature 2 and TV Chosun's Confidence Queen in the top 10.
What do you think? Were these shows truly the worst, or did they simply fail to meet sky-high expectations? Share your thoughts and discuss whether the industry is becoming too critical or if these dramas genuinely missed the mark.
