Discover 5 Underrated K-Dramas Worth Watching

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Jul 26, 2026 ALN: There’s nothing wrong with rewatching Crash Landing on You for the 47th time, sobbing over Descendants of the Sun or having Queen of Tears permanently open in another browser tab. The classics are classics for a reason. But sometimes, the K-drama algorithm needs a little… encouragement. Beyond the mega-hits and endlessly recycled recommendations lies a treasure trove of shows doing everything from sweet romances and emotional family drama to twisty police procedurals and gloriously chaotic comedy.

So, if you’ve already exhausted the usual suspects, or simply fancy stepping off the well-trodden K-drama path, it’s time to dig a little deeper. From Catch the Ghost to Rain or Shine, these five gems prove that sometimes the best binge is hiding just beyond the algorithm’s spotlight.

1) Catch The Ghost

Hello to Kim Seon-ho and his dimples! Before the days of Start-up and the glowing success of Hometown Cha Cha Cha, Seon-ho was making his way up the ladder with this delightfully offbeat police procedural, Catch the Ghost. He is paired with Moon Geun-young’s fiercely determined subway cop, creating a mismatched duo that brings just the right amount of chaos to Seoul’s underground. The series combines elements of crime-solving, action, comedy, and surprisingly sweet emotional beats, ensuring that no single ingredient overwhelms the overall narrative.

Beneath its breezy, sometimes quirky exterior is a story that delves into themes of grief, family, duty, and the lengths people will go to protect those they love. Moon Geun-young brings conviction to her role as a woman searching for her missing autistic twin, while Seon-ho charms as a man whose cautious demeanor slowly gives way to courage. The blend of humor and heartfelt moments makes it a fun watch, showcasing the complexities of human relationships and the struggles faced by those in law enforcement.

Streaming on Viki.

2) Family By Choice

At its heart, Family by Choice is about three children who, despite not being related by blood, grow up as siblings under the same roof, supported by the two fathers who become their family. After years apart, they reunite as adults, bringing old wounds, unresolved feelings, and complicated relationships back to the surface. The strongest idea is: found family, built through shared meals, support, and the messy, everyday intimacy of people who have chosen one another. The writing is strong, with all the characters’ mettle shining through.

The romance aspect of the show proved more divisive, with some viewers finding the shift from sibling-like affection to romantic feelings rushed or uncomfortable, while others found Hwang In-youp’s emotional transition convincing. Still, the consensus was clear: this was a warm, often heartbreaking drama that could have benefited from more episodes. Importantly, it gave Hwang In-youp’s character the happy ending viewers desperately wanted, showcasing the power of love and familial bonds.

Streaming on Viki.

3) The Atypical Family

The Atypical Family takes the superhero genre, throws it into a family therapy session, and asks: what happens when your superpowers disappear because real life gets in the way? Bok Gwi-ju can travel back to happy moments in his past, but depression leaves him unable to access his ability. The rest of his dysfunctional family struggles with their own very modern problems—insomnia, smartphone addiction, and eating disorders—which have also robbed them of their powers. Enter Do Da-hae, a mysterious woman who moves into their lives and, naturally, complicates everything further.

This drama attempts to go far beyond fantasy romance and instead dives deep into themes of trauma and family dynamics. It is slow and poetic, requiring viewers to hold on to their patience as the narrative unfolds. The show poignantly reflects on the complexities of mental health and the impact of familial relationships, making it a relevant watch in today’s context where such themes resonate with many.

Streaming on Netflix.

4) Rain or Shine

This one is a painful, healing process. If you're up for Lee Jun-ho and Won Jin-ah to pummel your heart, then this is the K-drama for you. Rain or Shine is entrenched in guilt and the aftermath of a life-changing incident, holding up a mirror to what grief can look like—repulsive, disturbing, and sickening. Yet, you can’t look away. There’s nothing romantic or poetic about loss, as the storytelling illustrates. The themes are heavy and often silent, requiring time and emotional investment to fully appreciate.

The narrative revolves around Jun-ho’s Gang Doo and Moon-soo, who are survivors of a building collapse that occurred ten years prior, resulting in the tragic loss of 48 lives. This incident, while a headline-grabbing tragedy, fades from public memory, yet Rain or Shine narrows in on the aftermath, showing how even a ‘small’ incident reverberates for years in the lives of those left behind. The show’s ability to portray the rawness of grief and the struggle to find hope amidst despair makes it a compelling watch.

Streaming on Netflix and Viki.

5) The Red Sleeve

Another historical drama that is poignant, heartfelt, and raw, The Red Sleeve stars Lee Jun-ho (again) as King Jeongjo and his court lady, played by Lee Se-young. They share a deep, moving connection that is constantly challenged by the demands of time and duty. The show explores the complexities of love within the constraints of societal expectations and the historical context of their lives. The emotional depth and rich storytelling are sure to resonate with viewers who appreciate character-driven narratives.

6) Backstreet Rookie

Backstreet Rookie is the K-drama you watch when you want to decompress, laugh at some absolute nonsense, and let Kim Yoo-jung carry you through the chaos. The story follows Choi Dae-hyun, a sweet but somewhat hapless convenience-store owner, whose life is turned upside down when Jung Saet-byul, a fearless and fiercely loyal former troublemaker who has had a crush on him for years, turns up looking for a part-time job. Cue romance, silliness, family drama, and enough screaming to qualify as its own supporting character.

Saet-byul is the undisputed star: tough, funny, warm-hearted, and endlessly watchable. In contrast, Ji Chang-wook brings an adorably clueless charm to Dae-hyun. The romance may test your patience, the plot occasionally goes completely off the rails, and the comedy can be an acquired taste. However, if you’re after a chaotic, silly, and surprisingly sweet comfort watch, Backstreet Rookie knows exactly what it is and has a very good time being it.

As the K-drama landscape continues to evolve, the emergence of underrated gems like these highlights the diversity and depth of storytelling present in the genre. While mega-hits dominate the conversation, these shows offer unique perspectives and narratives that deserve recognition. Whether it's through exploring complex family dynamics, the realities of grief, or the whimsicality of love, these dramas reflect the richness of human experience, making them worthy of a binge-watch session. So, if you’re ready to explore beyond the mainstream, these K-dramas might just become your new favorites.