Copyright gqindia
When it comes to K-dramas, some shows grab all the spotlight, but there are many hidden gems that quietly leave a lasting impact. These are the stories that may not have trended online or grabbed fans’ attention, yet they are rich in emotion, creativity, and heart. From moving romances and clever thrillers to slice-of-life dramas full of warmth, here are some of the most severely underrated K-dramas that truly deserve your attention and a spot on your watchlist. 10 underrated K-dramas you need to watch right now; on JioHotstar, Viki Rakuten & more 1. Dali & Cocky Prince – JioHotstar A delightful opposites-attract story that’s equal parts quirky, emotional, and stylish. It follows Jin Moo-hak (Kim Min-jae), a brash but kind-hearted businessman, and Kim Dal-ri (Park Gyu-young), an art gallery director with grace and intellect. Their worlds couldn’t be more different – he knows money, she knows art – but their chemistry is pure magic. The show stands out for its witty banter, unique visual flair, and a love story that grows through genuine respect and understanding. Despite its charm and heart, this K-drama didn’t get the attention it deserved, making it one of the most underrated modern rom-coms. 2. Doctor John – Amazon Prime Video Doctor John is an emotionally rich medical drama that explores pain, both physical and emotional, in a way few shows do. It follows Cha Yo-han (Ji Sung), a brilliant anesthesiologist who can't feel physical pain, returns to medicine after serving time in prison, and Kang Si-young (Lee Se-young), a warm-hearted resident who learns to see medicine and life differently through him. What makes Doctor John truly special is how it tackles ethical questions about euthanasia, empathy, and the right to end suffering, while developing a touching bond between its leads. With subtle performances, sensitive writing, and a strong emotional core, this K-drama deserved far more recognition than it got. 3. Life – Netflix From the creators of Stranger (Secret Forest), Life is a gripping, thought-provoking series that dives deep into the politics of the healthcare system. It follows Ye Jin-woo (Lee Dong-wook), a compassionate doctor, and Koo Seung-hyo (Cho Seung-woo), a profit-driven hospital president, as they clash over what truly matters in saving lives – people or power. Instead of typical hospital melodrama, it gives you sharp dialogue, layered characters, and moral complexity that feels unsettlingly real. There are no easy heroes or villains; just human beings navigating ethics, capitalism, and empathy in a broken system. It’s slow, beautifully written, and a rare, intelligent medical K-drama. 4. Ghost/Phantom – Viki Rakuten Ghost (also known as Phantom) is one of the earliest and smartest K-dramas to dive into the world of cybercrime and digital identity. It follows detective Kim Woo-hyun (So Ji-sub), a former cyber investigator who uncovers a massive online crime network. But when he dies under mysterious circumstances, someone else takes on his identity to expose the truth. The K-drama keeps you hooked with tight plotting, suspenseful twists, and a surprisingly ahead-of-its-time take on hacking, data leaks, and digital manipulation. Despite its strong performances and clever writing, Ghost flew under the radar, overshadowed by flashier thrillers that came later. 5. The Master’s Sun – Netflix This spooky-sweet gem blends ghostly chills with heartfelt romance in a way only the Hong sisters (writers of the popular Hotel Del Luna, among others) can pull off. The story follows Tae Gong-shil (Gong Hyo-jin), a woman who sees ghosts and can’t get a moment’s peace until she meets Joo Joong-won (So Ji-sub), a self-absorbed CEO whose touch makes the spirits disappear. What begins as a bizarre, reluctant partnership slowly turns into a touching and funny romance between two lonely souls who learn to heal each other. Gong Hyo-jin and So Ji-sub share incredible chemistry, and the writing balances jump scares with moments of genuine tenderness. It’s a clever, comforting, and criminally underrated supernatural romance that proves K-dramas can make you laugh, cry, and shiver all at once. 6. When the Weather Is Fine – Netflix Mok Hae-won (Park Min-young), a cellist who leaves Seoul and returns to her hometown after growing weary of city life. There, she reconnects with Im Eun-seob (Seo Kang-joon), a gentle bookstore owner who has silently loved her for years. This drama isn’t about big twists or dramatic conflicts – it’s about the small, tender moments that make life meaningful. With its beautiful winter scenery, slow pacing, and introspective storytelling, it captures loneliness, forgiveness, and the healing power of love and community. When the Weather Is Fine is a quiet, poetic drama that feels like a warm blanket on a cold day. 7. Watcher – Viki Rakuten The story follows three people – police officer Do Chi-gwang (Han Suk-kyu), detective Kim Young-goon (Seo Kang-joon), and lawyer Han Tae-joo (Kim Hyun-joo). Their lives are forever changed by a tragic incident from the past. They come together years later to investigate internal police corruption, uncovering secrets that challenge everything they believe in. What makes the K-drama so compelling is its intense atmosphere, intelligent writing, and layered character psychology. Every episode peels back emotional and ethical complexity rather than relying on easy thrills. Seo Kang-joon, in particular, shines in one of his most underrated performances, portraying trauma and moral conflict with depth and restraint.
