Kdramas that deserve more recognition
This is basically a list of kdramas I've watched that I rarely see being talked about or recommended and that, despite their quality, comparatively have a low amount of viewers or simply deserve more than some "top dramas". These are not necessarily masterpieces, they might be good but not great yet still deserve more recognition. This is not a list of underrated dramas either, AKA dramas that have a lower rating than they deserve (although it might still apply to some titles in this list), but in my opinion they are usually better than the titles we keep hearing about over and over.
I'm partly using MDL # of watchers as a reference, however I also include a bit of my experience in various forums talking about kdramas and recommendations. I don't know about the popularity of these shows in South Korea, this is from a western perspective.
Also, some of these dramas are recent and it's not entirely fair to compare them to older ones, so if they gain more traction over time they might be deleted from the list. I won't put any ongoing shows or ones that have just ended, unless I'm sure they won't get any popularity boost anytime soon.
+100,000 watchers > Most famous dramas
50,000 to 99,999 watchers > Very popular dramas
20,000 to 49,999 watchers > You've most likely heard of it
10,000 to 19,999 watchers > A bit more niche
1 to 9,999 watchers > You're in too deep
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![Amanza]()
1. Amanza
Korean Drama - 2020, 10 episodes
To be fair, for some time it was a bit hard to find this drama anywhere. However, I believe it's now on Viki which should help.
There was a lot of work put into Amanza, and the fact that it's a mix between (beautiful) animation and live action makes it very unique. It addresses a heavy topic: cancer, so it's hard and sad to watch, but it's necessary that some shows deal with it.
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![Would You Like a Cup of Coffee?]()
2. Would You Like a Cup of Coffee?
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
Honestly, I get why this doesn't have a larger audience. But it's such a soothing and homely drama: I watched it while it was ongoing, and it was the best moment of my week every time. I definitely recommend watching it during stressful times to help you relax.
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![Children of Nobody]()
3. Children of Nobody
Korean Drama - 2018, 32 episodes
I was honestly surprised to see how low the viewer count was for this one but I think it's recurring how underrated "heavy" dramas are, which is truly a shame seeing how well-written and smart the plot can be. They usually are the most impactful shows too, the ones you think about years after. I watched Children of Nobody a long time ago and I don't think I could ever forget about it.
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![The Good Detective]()
4. The Good Detective
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
I thought this drama had everything to become popular, so I'm curious as to why it isn't more famous when it even has a second season. This was a delight to watch, really entertaining with its loveable characters. It was hard to look away from the screen even for a second.
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![Hope or Dope]()
5. Hope or Dope
Korean Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
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![Duel]()
6. Duel
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
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![WATCHER]()
7. WATCHER
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
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![One Ordinary Day]()
8. One Ordinary Day
Korean Drama - 2021, 8 episodes
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![Juvenile Justice]()
9. Juvenile Justice
Korean Drama - 2022, 10 episodes
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![Circle]()
10. Circle
Korean Drama - 2017, 12 episodes
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![Solomon's Perjury]()
11. Solomon's Perjury
Korean Drama - 2016, 12 episodes
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![At a Distance, Spring Is Green]()
12. At a Distance, Spring Is Green
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
Quite famous already, and it has flaws for sure. However, I think it's worth watching because of how differently it touches upon topics that are usually not given the proper treatment in Korean shows.
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![I Have Not Done My Best Yet]()
13. I Have Not Done My Best Yet
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
Some people will find this show boring... but I honestly find it captivating, relatable and overall quite wholesome.
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![Beyond Evil]()
14. Beyond Evil
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
Beyond Evil is not unknown by any means. However, it is probably one of the best shows I've seen in my life, including non-Korean ones. The writing is exquisite, almost flawless, and the OST is unforgettable. Simply put, Beyond Evil is beyond good.
tl;dr popular in the kdrama bubble, but not enough on a global scale
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![D.P.]()
15. D.P.
Korean Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
This is a bit similar to the Beyond Evil case. It's quite popular already, and I've actually seen it recommended several times. However, I think it's one of those top quality TV shows (again, not just among Korean dramas) that deserves even more than what it has.
tl;dr popular in the kdrama bubble, but not enough on a global scale
