5 Worst K-Drama In October 2023

The world of Korean dramas, often referred to as K-Dramas, is known for its diverse genres and captivating storytelling. However, not every drama that graces our screens manages to captivate its audience. In October 2023, several K-Dramas were released, each with its own unique storyline and cast. In this analysis, we will delve into five of the worst K-Dramas from that month, exploring what led them to fall short in terms of audience engagement, plot development, and character portrayal.

The Deal

“The Deal” is a 2023 South Korean streaming television series that initially seemed promising. With a plot revolving around two young men accidentally kidnapping their wealthy friend, the series had the potential to be an intriguing thriller.

The cast, featuring Yoo Seung-ho, Yoo Su-bin, and Kim Dong-hwi, added to the expectations. However, as the drama unfolded, it failed to live up to its potential.

The story centers around Lee Jun-seong, a former athlete facing financial struggles, and Song Jae-hyo, a medical student in a similar situation. They hatch a plan to kidnap their wealthy friend, Park Min-woo, for ransom. However, things take a wrong turn when they are seen by a witness, leading to a cat-and-mouse game with the police.

The show’s problems primarily stemmed from the execution of the plot. While the initial premise held promise, it quickly devolved into a predictable and lackluster series of events. The characters lacked depth, and their motivations were often unconvincing. Furthermore, the pacing was uneven, leaving viewers frustrated as they struggled to connect with the story.

High Cookie

“High Cookie” offered a unique concept, a dangerous handmade cookie that fulfills dreams with just one bite. However, the drama, which falls under the thriller, mystery, youth, and drama genres, did not deliver on its intriguing premise.

The series revolved around Choi Soo-young, a struggling temporary worker who takes it upon herself to investigate the dangerous cookie when her sibling gets into trouble due to it. The cookie also tempts Seo Ho-soo, a top student at Junghan High School, and Yoo Jung-ah, a determined aspiring actress. Yoo Sung-pil, a mysterious consultant, plays a role in their lives, offering to help them achieve their dreams through unethical means.

The drama struggled to strike a balance between its thrilling elements and character development. It relied heavily on the mysterious cookie concept without adequately exploring the psychological and emotional aspects of the characters. This resulted in a lack of empathy for the characters, making it difficult for the audience to connect with their struggles and choices.

The Third Marriage

“The Third Marriage” ventured into the melodrama genre with a complex love story. However, it fell short in terms of engaging storytelling and character dynamics.

Jung Da-jung, once a cheerful and optimistic woman, faces tragedy when her husband is killed in a car accident, leaving her with debt and the responsibility of supporting her daughter. She meets Kim Tae-joo, a wealthy businessman who offers to help her. Their growing attraction complicates the situation as Tae-joo is already married.

The drama’s main issue was its inability to create a compelling narrative around its characters. While the premise offered potential for a thought-provoking exploration of love, betrayal, and ethics, the characters remained one-dimensional, and their decisions lacked depth. As a result, the emotional weight of the story was lost, making it difficult for the audience to invest in the characters’ dilemmas.

Castaway Diva

“Castaway Diva” had an interesting premise, featuring an aspiring singer stranded on a deserted island for 15 years. However, despite its potential, the drama failed to deliver a captivating narrative.

Go Ra-ra, a talented singer, dreams of becoming a diva but is stranded on a deserted island for 15 years after a plane crash. Her return to society is met with challenges as the music industry has evolved, dominated by manufactured pop stars. Ra-ra’s journey to reclaim her dream is fraught with obstacles and competition.

The drama’s failure was in its inability to create a truly engaging and immersive world for the audience. While the concept of a singer returning from isolation had potential for deep character development and exploration, it felt rushed and superficial. The supporting characters and their motivations were underdeveloped, leaving the audience disconnected from the story.

The Matchmakers

“The Matchmakers” promised a romantic comedy set in the Joseon dynasty. The drama featured a love story amidst matchmaking schemes, but it struggled to create a compelling narrative.

Set in the Joseon dynasty, the story follows Shim Jung-woo, a young widower tasked with marrying off four young maidens representing Joseon. He enlists the help of Jung Soon-deok, a skilled matchmaker. As they work together, their feelings for each other develop, but their romance is threatened by a childhood friend of Jung-woo.

The drama’s shortcomings were in its execution. While the historical setting offered potential for rich storytelling, it often felt like a backdrop rather than an integral part of the narrative. The romantic entanglements lacked depth, and the character dynamics felt predictable, failing to create a captivating love story.

In October 2023, several K-Dramas hit the screens with unique premises and potential for engaging storytelling.

However, these five dramas— “The Deal,” “High Cookie,” “The Third Marriage,” “Castaway Diva,” and “The Matchmakers”—failed to deliver on their promises. Issues with plot development, character depth, and pacing contributed to their classification as some of the worst K-Dramas of the month. While the world of K-Dramas continues to evolve and captivate audiences, these dramas serve as a reminder that not every story can meet the high expectations of the genre’s enthusiasts.