Top 12 K-Dramas That Flopped in South Korea But Topped Foreign Charts
South Korean dramas, with their diverse genres catering to global tastes, have won hearts worldwide. However, not every show that shines on the international stage receives the same love back home. Despite featuring top-tier casts and gripping storylines, some Korean dramas struggle to connect with local audiences. In this exploration, we dive into the top Korean dramas that, despite global success, faced a lukewarm response in South Korea.
- Nevertheless (2021): Lost in Translation Love Story
Directed by Kim Ga-Ram, Nevertheless stirred anticipation with leads Song Kang and Han So-Hee. The international audience found the love story endearing, but in South Korea, it fell flat with a mere 2.2% rating. Cultural restraints and a 19+ rating for adult content contributed to its domestic downfall.
- Tempted (2018): Tempting the World, Missing the Mark at Home
Directed by Lee Dong-Hyun, Tempted, loosely based on a French novel, failed to impress South Korean viewers. Despite a globally appealing storyline, local fans criticized its lack of depth and perceived portrayal of spoiled rich kids. Joy’s acting, praised internationally, faced heavy criticism at home.
- It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020): A Global Emotional Journey
This 2020 drama gained global popularity for its unique storyline and chemistry between Kim Soo-hyun and Seo Yea-ji. Despite an 8.6 IMDb rating, it struggled in South Korea, hitting a shocking 4.2. Local viewers complained about Kim Soo-hyun’s acting, yet international fans continue to cherish the emotional journey depicted in the series.
- The King: Eternal Monarch (2020): Parallel Worlds, Divergent Opinions
Directed by Jung Ji-Hyun, this Netflix-dominating drama initially soared with high ratings but stumbled due to a slow-paced plot. Confusion around parallel worlds and casting controversies led to declining domestic interest. While global audiences enjoyed the beautiful cast, South Korean viewers struggled to connect with the unfolding narrative.
- Hwarang (2016): Flower Boys Fail to Bloom at Home
Written by Park Eun-Young, Hwarang, featuring a star-studded cast, disappointed in South Korea with a 7.2% viewership rating. Despite international anticipation, the visuals didn’t live up to the hype, and the dramatics, sudden twists, and use of background music didn’t resonate with local viewers.
- Welcome to Waikiki (2018): Laughter Echoes Globally, Fades Locally
Welcome to Waikiki charmed global audiences with its engaging plot and a stellar cast, achieving an 8.2 IMDb rating. However, South Korean fans gave it a mere 1.7 rating, criticizing the plot. Despite the low domestic ranking, international viewers continue to cherish the humor and feel-good story.
- Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016): Unrequited Love for Ratings
Directed by Kim Kyu-Tae, Scarlet Heart faced a stark contrast in ratings. While international fans passionately defended the show, domestic viewership fluctuated between 11% and 5%. The lack of good cinematic and a heart-wrenching plot hindered its success at home.
- True Beauty (2020): Beautiful Outside, Predictable Within
Directed by Kim Sang-Hyub, True Beauty featuring Mun Ka Young, Cha Eun-Woo, and Hwang In-Yeop gained international popularity. However, it received a mere 4% rating in South Korea, criticized for its predictable plot and fans’ dissatisfaction with Hwang In-Yeop’s character.
- Uncontrollably Fond: Expectations and Realities
Uncontrollably Fond started strong in South Korea but witnessed a decline in ratings. While Korean viewers had reservations, it became the most-viewed K-Drama on a Chinese platform, showcasing the contrasting reception between local and international audiences.
- Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo: Domestic Skepticism, Global Adoration
Despite its 8.5 IMDb rating and widespread love internationally, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo faced skepticism in South Korea, receiving a 4.9 rating. Fans found the story unrealistic, creating a divide in the reception between domestic and international viewers.
- Doom at Your Service (2021): High Expectations, Low Ratings at Home
Despite featuring stars like Park Bo-young and Seo In-guk, Doom at Your Service struggled to capture local interest, maintaining low ratings of 4%. While the plot failed to engage South Korean audiences, international viewers fell in love with the dynamic between the protagonists.
- Extraordinary You: A Unique Plot, Yet Unextraordinary Ratings
This series, offering a zany plot and romance, failed to secure more than 5% viewership in South Korea. Despite this, it propelled actor Rowoon’s career and gained love internationally for its unique storyline and character dynamics.
Final Thoughts
These Korean dramas, falling short in their home country, have etched a place in the hearts of global audiences. Varying tastes, cultural nuances, and preferences contribute to the disparity in reception. While South Korea may not have fully embraced these shows, their international success speaks volumes about the global appeal of Korean dramas.
In a world of diverse tastes, these Korean dramas found solace beyond their borders.
