Has the public lost interest in watching Korean dramas? Or is it simply that viewers can no longer commit to a 16-episode series where each installment runs for an hour or longer?
Struggling Ratings Across the Board
Recently, several dramas have struggled to surpass the 5% mark in domestic ratings. One notable example is 'Crushology 101', which had generated early excitement due to its cast of rising stars, including Roh Jeong Eui and Lee Chae Min. Despite the hype, the show struggled to even hit 1% viewership and reportedly ended with a 0% rating, sparking online chatter about its dismal performance.
Star power no longer guarantees success
This isn’t the first time a drama has underperformed despite a star-studded cast. Even with household names like Lee Min Ho and Kim Go Eun, 'The King: Eternal Monarch' failed to live up to expectations. Lee Min Ho’s more recent project with Gong Hyo Jin also received a lackluster reception, with viewers calling the storyline strange and hard to follow.
But the hits still exist
Not all hope is lost. Despite the slump, some dramas still manage to rise above. In 2025, 'Buried Hearts' and 'The Art of Negotiation' soared past the 20% viewership mark, proving that there’s still an audience craving quality storytelling. These hits tend to stand out for their fresh takes, gripping plots, and emotionally resonant characters.
Is creativity the missing ingredient?
Many are beginning to wonder if the problem lies in the creative direction of recent dramas. A growing number of series feel like recycled versions of older plots, offering little to no innovation. Viewers who once eagerly awaited new releases now find themselves disengaged or dropping shows midway.
As competition intensifies from international streaming platforms and other entertainment formats, such as short-form video and variety content, K-dramas are facing a turning point. The question now is whether creators will evolve with the times or continue to play it safe with familiar formulas.
SEE ALSO: Go Min Si cancels scheduled appearance amid school bullying allegations
SHARE
