Underrated Kdrama Gems: 2021 Edition

 

Continuing on in my quest to list out all underrated kdramas throughout the years (my first attempt was the 2020’s), here’s my take on the best underrated kdramas from the next year. As a reminder, “underrated” to me means no big awards, no big ratings, and minimal talky-talky on social media.

 

Bulgasal: Immortal Soulses are 

I think Bulgasal might be one of the kdramas you recommend to friends who think they don't like kdramas. Th drama is so beautiful to look at, and the story is captivating. There's also no wonky CGI either; the monsterdone with makeup (and are scary!) It's rated MA for a reason: so much violence and gore. I think production spent half the budget on fake blood. Truth time: Lee Joon captured my heart with his performance as the put-upon villain.

Hello Me!

A miserable 37-year-old temp worker gets a wake-up call when her 17-year-old self pays her a visit.
Lee Re (Castaway Diva) charms as the younger lead. Some deep concepts wrapped up in a big helping of kdrama cheese.

Here’s My Plan

Here's My Plan is a quirky, four-episode watch about a girl taking revenge on those who ruined her life. Dark yet heartwarming, show does a good job at pacing itself, although complex plotlines are wrapped up rather neatly within final minutes. OST is primarily 80's/90's rock/punk.

Lost

A dark, moody melancholy story about two lost souls trying to feel human, whatever that description means. Fans of the show are quick to point out that this drama is not for everyone; there’s a lot of depression, wrongdoing and even a suicide club. But the chemistry of the leads are off the chart, and the ending gives hope.

Love Scene Number

Love Scene Number is a collection of four short dramas (eight eps total), each featuring women at different ages. The storylines are mature, messy & real, w/a lot of sex. The emotions may be complex enough to warrant longer episodes; however the stories are told sufficiently w/o filler.

Mad For Each Other

Mad for Each Other could have gone so wrong, but instead went so, so right! I can't say enough how absolutely pitch-perfect this drama is, with unique characters treated w/love & sensitivity. The fact it told a full rich story in a short time only adds to its brilliance. Romance, comedy, sensitivity to trauma and mental health, and the need for community and relationships. Prepare to be affected.

Monthly Magazine Home

The stories of homeownership in South Korea told through the eyes of several workers of a luxury property magazine. The ending, though, will be the key point of whether one likes this drama;  many people dismissed it with a flourish of strong emotions and words because of an episode-16 upset.

I am not one of those people and even liked the ending because I felt it fit with the overall theme of the drama, but to each his own. The ending can be a bit of a letdown to some, and those who think the ending was rushed have a point too.

On the Verge of Insanity

This drama is a hard sell for a must-watch drama: middle-aged people trying to survive a difficult workplace. The 1st two eps might make you stop; the show feels too real. But keep watching, & you'll be rewarded with a clever, witty tale & a hero we didn't know we needed. All these experienced actors are killing it!

Scripting Your Destiny

A god w/no love experience copies a makjang writer's novel to create a cringey dream romance between her & another human. Problems arise when the god starts falling for her. A logical, angst-lite drama that makes good use of its shorter format to tell an engaging tale.

She Would Never Know

If you're looking for a quiet romance melo full of sweetness and charm, I highly recommend this drama. Rowoon may be part of the reason for its overall appeal, but the show's cosmetic-colored palette contributes too, along with characters' resolutions to bad behavior.   To be honest, the male lead starts off problematic, and you may be tempted to drop it (many did), but those problems get resolved with him apologizing in two subsequent episodes. A satisfying ending makes for a fitting conclusion to this solid comfort watch.

 

The Great Shaman Ga Doo Shim

A web drama that's part ghost story, part biting commentary on South Korea's academic system. Story manages to pace itself well in its four hours, but it's the leads Kim Sae Ron and Nam Da Reum that shine.

Work Later, Drink Now

This drama is a heartfelt, humorous tale of a trio of likeable alcohol-binging besties. A drama makes good use of its shorter episodes and leaves us with a callback to episode 1 and the desire for the promised Season 2. The amount of liquor consumed is astounding.

You Are My Spring

You Are My Spring is not "as advertised." It's something way better. Show gives off serious #ItsOkayToNotBeOkay/ #PsychoButItsOkay vibes! It's told like a dark fairy tale where the little girl's favorite book is Edgar Allen Poe's "The Black Cat." One of the best mysteries you'll ever watch is found inside a romantic comedy pretending to be a melodrama. I have to stop myself from describing You Are My Spring with the phrase, "It's got everything," I sound like Stephano from a Saturday Night Live skit.