Underrated Shows
Here I will be compiling a list of underrated shows which managed to capture my attention from start to finish and still linger in my mind years after watching. I hope you will take a chance on these shows, they're seriously so good!
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1. A Taxi Driver
Korean Movie - 2017
Not a show but definitely worthy of mentioning. It tells a story based on real-life events surrounding the Gwangju uprising. It will leave you crying at the end but you will be glad you watched it. The main character starts off ignorant, much like many during that time but as the story progresses, he realises he was wrong. People were suffering. To this day, there are people still alive that suffer from this event.
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2. Woman of 9.9 Billion
Korean Drama - 2019, 32 episodes
A gripping story filled with infidelity, greed, abuse, violence and slight romance. It definitely isn't for the light-hearted. This tells the story of a woman, who's husband is obsessed with her and abuses her. As the story unfolds you find out why she stayed, however, she is not weak. The more it unfolds, the more layers behind her character are revealed.
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3. 365: Repeat the Year
Korean Drama - 2020, 24 episodes
Way too short for a show this good! The story unfolds with a select group of different people, who are given the chance to travel back a year in time. During their time, members of the group are picked off and murdered one by one. It definitely had you on the edge of your seat the whole time.
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4. Age of Youth
Korean Drama - 2016, 12 episodes
Not that underrated but it definitely isn't appreciated enough. It depicts the lives of five young women, navigating their early 20's with college, love, work and friendship. Filled with plenty of laughs, an amazing cast and strong female leads. Beware though, there is an abusive relationship, so if you are triggered by this, please avoid.
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5. Best Wedding
Korean Drama - 2014, 16 episodes
She starts off as a strong female anchorwoman, both male leads are total asswipes. When getting involved with the first male lead she becomes pregnant, however, he 'cheats' on her and soon she is left alone through her pregnancy and childbirth while trying to remain the best in her field. Her character is broken down and her weaker side is shown but it is for the better as she tries to handle her career, her child and men. If you like strong female leads, this is for you!
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6. Birthcare Center
Korean Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
This show depicts the life of mothers post-partum, their struggles with their body, their relationships/friendships, dealing with motherhood and their careers. It really gives a whole new appreciation of what mothers deal with after childbirth.
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7. Cheat On Me, if You Can
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Despite many peoples opinion, this show was actually a gem. The female lead is a strong woman with a hidden past and an unusually dark way of thinking. Her husband constantly cheats on her but she is unaware despite her sharp senses. As the story goes on, she becomes more aware of his infidelity, she has a motto: If you cheat, you die. Her husband soon fears for his life, with each passing moment when his former lover and her ex friend is murdered.
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8. Cheo Yong
Korean Drama - 2014, 10 episodes
A supernatural drama based around a police station. With a lingering ghost of a high schooler, the male lead can see ghosts and is constantly pestered by her while trying to solve cases. It's confusing at first as there is a mysterious person hanging around but later on it all comes together. It's quite an enjoyable yet short drama with a great cast.
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9. Extracurricular
Korean Drama - 2020, 10 episodes
Immediately you are thrown into the drama, prostitutes, pimps, gangs. A school drama with a dark twist. The students are trying to make money any way they can. The quiet kid is a secret pimp, the popular girl is a secret prostitute, the rich girl is playing with fire. It's truly a great show, however, the second lead characters definitely are a fan favourite to look out for.
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10. Familiar Wife
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
A time-travelling romance story, which starts off bitter. A stay at home wife with two kids and a working husband, who always stays out to drink with his employees. They're no longer in love, when offered the chance, the husband goes back in time and gets given the chance to change his life. Now married to his first love, who is rich and beautiful, he realises he is truly unhappy. His ex-wife works at the same place he works and his best friend is interested in her. As he falls in love with her all over again, he regrets everything and wants to go back but he can't. It's an amazing show with a great cast and you're constantly left wondering how it could possibly end.
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11. Girls' Generation 1979
Korean Drama - 2017, 8 episodes
An enjoyable drama that is short with a great cast, different character personalities and relationships that are explored and overall a great storyline. Girls living their life during a hard time and trying to make their way in a constantly evolving world.
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12. Goong
Korean Drama - 2006, 24 episodes
Cheesy type acting, on a boys over flowers level, BUT it's much more enjoyable. The male lead has a girlfriend, the female lead is a cliche klutz but she's so charming. It's a royal family modern-day drama with angst, romance and a love square. Very catty and great OST! It's hard to look away.
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13. I Need Romance
Korean Drama - 2011, 16 episodes
Three women navigating adulthood: Romance, friendship, work. The show explores taboo topics such as sex lives, sexual diseases etc. The first female lead starts off with a good for nothing boyfriend, the second female leads are different. One wants to be married and in love, the other likes being single and messing around with men. It's very interesting to see the contrast between their personalities and lifestyle's yet they fit so well together as friends.
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14. I Picked Up a Star on the Road
Korean Drama - 2018, 10 episodes
SO FUNNY! Star-studded cast with strong comedy elements. The female lead is a little crazy, she's keeping a celebrity hostage, but it's so funny because of how it started with a misunderstanding. Short but it kept fun the whole way through.
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15. IN-SEOUL
Korean Drama - 2019, 15 episodes
Cute webdrama about students struggling their way through high school. The worries of grades, relationships and most importantly: FANGIRLING. The female lead is relatable. She takes things for granted, she starts of spoilt and childish with low grades but high expectations. The reality of life soon hits her and you can watch her develop as time goes by.
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16. Love Affairs in the Afternoon
Korean Drama - 2019, 16 episodes
A melo type drama, which portrays the female as a timid and conservative woman, however, as the story progresses she meets someone who she can't help but love. In turn, she develops as a character and becomes more outspoken, shocking her husband and her mother in law. The way the female main tries her best not to cross the line despite her deep feelings is something that grips you instantly. Even though she is married, you can see unhappiness on both sides and you will be screaming at the tv the whole time.
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17. Love in Sadness
Korean Drama - 2019, 40 episodes
A woman is abused by her husband, however, the reason behind it is very creepy. Everything about her husband will have you screaming as he is an evil, sadistic and obsessive character. The wife desperately tries to break free but he constantly is gaining on her. The suspense will leave you on edge and the ost's are truly amazing.
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18. Malmoe: The Secret Mission
Korean Movie - 2019
A heartwarming movie about how a group of people banded together to save the Korean language during the reign of the Japanese soldiers within Korea. The multiple layers of this drama show how the Korean people were oppressed and how their patriotic spirit helped them to overcome an awful time!
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19. Memories of the Alhambra
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
The show being set in Spain is a breath of fresh air as we get a new setting for kdramas. Along with that, the plot is fresh, gripping and will completely have you hooked. With uncertainty of how things will end due to the unpredictable yet grounded plot, it’s a breath of fresh air and a total hidden gem!
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20. My First Client
Korean Movie - 2019
Tears. Being based on a true story, this movie immediately tears you apart as it begins with the neglect and mistreatment of two children by their father. As we dive into the plot, it may seem a little slow at first but it’s setting upa backstory for the events that will happen. By the end you will be screaming, crying and feel completely heartbroken by what these children had to endure. It’s an absolute must-see.
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21. One More Time
Korean Drama - 2016, 8 episodes
NOW THIS WILL GET THE WATERWORKS GOING. An amazingly catchy ost lineup, great cast and a Fairly interesting storyline. Despite being set up to hate the male lead, you can’t help but feel devastated by the end as he is forced to live in a loop where his girlfriend dies. The two can’t seem to let go of each other by the end and neither will you. It’s such a beautiful show, I’m always wishing for a season 2, which is quite rare.
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22. Romang
Korean Movie - 2019
I’m sorry did you say waterworks? Yes! This show isn’t your regular romance movie, it’s about ageing, being in love and not being able to control yourself as you age. Following the main couple, we learn they have dementia andthey’re still in love with each other, however, each day it gets harder for the pair to live. They’re both unable to look after themselves or the other so they’re left to face the consequences of ageing. We follow them on their journey towards the end of their lives.
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23. Save Me
Korean Drama - 2017, 16 episodes
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24. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
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25. The Third Charm
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
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26. When the Camellia Blooms
Korean Drama - 2019, 40 episodes
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27. Misty
Korean Drama - 2018, 16 episodes
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28. The Bacchus Lady
Korean Movie - 2016
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29. Youth of May
Korean Drama - 2021, 12 episodes
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30. Sweet & Sour
Korean Movie - 2021
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31. Move to Heaven
Korean Drama - 2021, 10 episodes
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32. Marriage, Not Dating
Korean Drama - 2014, 16 episodes
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33. Alice
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
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34. Hello, Me!
Korean Drama - 2021, 16 episodes
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35. Anna
Korean Drama - 2022, 6 episodes
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36. Pachinko
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
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37. Remarriage and Desires
Korean Drama - 2022, 8 episodes
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38. Little Women
Korean Drama - 2022, 12 episodes
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39. Soulmate
Korean Drama - 2006, 12 episodes