Introduction

When talking about K-Dramas, we often celebrate the hits that captivate audiences worldwide. However, the flip side of that glittering industry includes shows that struggled to find their footing and, in many cases, ended up with abysmal ratings. According to Namu Wiki, K-Dramas that register viewership ratings of 0% for more than two episodes qualify as some of the worst. Here's a look at 20 of the lowlights in the K-Drama realm, which, surprisingly, also includes some stories of redemption.

1. Bubble Gum

This 2015 tvN drama featuring a friends-to-lovers storyline surprisingly peaked at only 0.710% in its 13th episode.

2. Ex-Girlfriends’ Club

Originally intended to span 16 episodes, this drama fell short at 12, culminating in a meager average of 0.79%. A high-profile topic about relationships and love just couldn’t bring in viewers.

3. Hogu’s Love

Adapted from a webtoon, this story about unrequited love and secrets averaged just over 1%, with a notable low of 0.772% in episode 5.

4. Heart to Heart

While it had a promising start, its average rating of 1.52% indicated mixed viewer reception for this romantic entanglement.

5. Entourage

An adaptation of the American series, this 2016 drama floundered with a low average of just over 1%, possibly due to its dark humor that didn’t resonate with local tastes.

6. Tomorrow, with You

This fantasy romance ended up with ratings that dipped to as low as 0.868%, despite starting strong.

7. Dae Jang Geum Is Watching

Its average rating of 1.1% might reflect a creatively thin storyline focusing on the lives of three siblings.

8. About Time

Despite its fascinating premise where a woman can see life spans, it averaged 1.586% with its worst episode landing at 0.887%.

9. A Poem a Day

This medical drama barely broke the 1% barrier, closing with a disappointing average slightly above that mark.

10. When the Devil Calls Your Name

Inspired by Goethe’s “Faust,” this show surprised with a good start but eventually dipped to 0.945%.

11. Live On

This K-Drama, focusing on high school dynamics, managed a below-average 0.687% overall.

12. Sweet Munchies

While addressing themes of sexuality, it still fell short in capturing an audience, averaging only 0.775%.

13. Welcome

This adaptation of a webtoon was panned for its low ratings, achieving an average of just 1.7%.

14. Oh My Ladylord

A rom-com that stumbled with a rating of just 1.6%, often cited as a low point in MBC’s drama lineup.

15. Love All Play

A sports romance that struggled on prime-time television, with its finale doing worse than its pilot.

16. Imitation

Featuring K-Pop idols, this drama just couldn’t win over viewers and slumped to an overall average of 0.885%.

17. Nevertheless

Despite a solid start, a toxic romance failed to sustain interest, recording a low of 0.994%.

18. Idol: The Coup

Focusing on a failing K-Pop group, this drama fell flat with a dismal average rating of 0.601%.

19. Never Give Up

This story about two contrasting men failed spectacularly, averaging under 1%.

20. Extraordinary Attorney Woo

Though it premiered with a dismal 0.9%, word-of-mouth propelled it to record-breaking success, with the finale hitting an impressive 17.5%—a true testament to the saying, “It’s not how you start, but how you finish!”

Conclusion

While these K-Dramas faced the struggle of low ratings, some eventually found respective audiences through streaming or nostalgic appeal. The rise and fall of these series underscore the volatile nature of television, especially in a competitive market like K-Dramas. Keep an eye on the industry because you never know which flop might become next year’s sleeper hit!