While 2025 has delivered plenty of popular and critically acclaimed K-dramas, it has also been a year of staggering disappointments. The worst K-dramas of 2025 have left viewers frustrated, let down by misleading trailers, poor writing, or simply unlikable characters. Let’s take a closer look at the dramas that, at least until now, have been deemed the most disappointing of the year.

Motel California: A Story With No Heart or Hope

Among the worst K-dramas of 2025 is Motel California, a show many expected to be a heartfelt exploration of love, identity, and redemption. Starring Lisa Yung as Ji Kong, a woman of mixed race who returns to her rural hometown after building a successful life in Seoul, the premise held promise. Viewers anticipated an emotional reunion with her childhood love Chon Yan Su (Na and Wu) and a meaningful social commentary.

Instead, Ji Kong emerged as an unlikable protagonist, constantly angry, bitter, and emotionally closed off. Her repetitive victim mentality and poor treatment of those around her made the series frustrating and devoid of character growth. Rather than resolving its themes or offering hope, the plot fixated on an endless cycle of setbacks. Viewers ultimately felt cheated by the emotionally flat storytelling, the wasted potential, and a monotonous, angst-ridden atmosphere.

The Witch: A Promising Idea Turned Stalker Fantasy

Another major disappointment was The Witch, starring Ro Jang Yui as Park Mi Jang, a woman ostracized due to the tragedies that follow her. Labeled a “witch” by society, she draws the attention of investigator Lee Dong Jinn (Got7’s Jin Young), who seeks to disprove the supernatural rumors.

Although the setup hinted at a thoughtful critique of defamation and mass hysteria, the show derailed into a sluggish romance where Dong Jinn’s obsession with Mi Jang bordered on stalking. His actions, like collecting personal information and sharing it with colleagues, were unsettling—and worse, never addressed or punished. Despite a shared history between the leads, the narrative contradicted itself, presenting them as strangers. As the drama shifted from social commentary to an unbelievable love story, Mi Jang’s character became sidelined in favor of the male lead’s intrusive quest. A slow pace, confusing character motivations, and a rushed, unexplained ending only sealed its status as one of the year’s worst.

Check-in Hanyang: Romance Promised, Politics Delivered

Set in the Joseon era, Check-in Hanyang started strong with its promising ensemble cast and intriguing setup. The show focused on four interns at a grand guest house: a prince in disguise (Be and Huk), a woman masquerading as a man (Kim Jiun), a reluctant heir (Jun Gunju), and a hardworking son from a poor family (J Chon of DKZ).

While viewers expected heartwarming camaraderie and budding romance, the plot took an unexpected and disappointing turn into palace politics. The interns’ stories were dropped in favor of repetitive betrayals and slow-moving intrigue, causing the show to lose its charm and emotional stakes. The romance felt flat due to poor chemistry among the leads, and the drama’s length only magnified its flaws. Audiences quickly lost interest, with many dropping it before completion.

Hoe’s Diner: From Creative Concept to Cringe Comedy

Another letdown was Hoe’s Diner, which wrapped in April 2025. The fantasy-comedy followed a Joseon-era food critic who time-travels to the modern day and opens a restaurant. With K-pop idols Schuman (EXO) and Exie (Cosmic Girls) headlining the show, fans were eager for a charming watch.

But Schuman’s character, once labeled a genius, came across as clueless and unconvincing. Rather than demonstrating historical brilliance, the protagonist stumbled through awkward slapstick scenes that felt forced and unfunny. His stiff acting didn’t help, while Exie’s performance was equally incoherent, making both leads appear clueless and unrelatable. Add in lazy writing, illogical decisions, and unrealistic plot devices—like a single police officer managing every situation—and you’ve got a recipe for disappointment. What could’ve been a fun ride turned into an exhausting mess.

When the Stars Gossip: From Space Romance to Space Tragedy

Topping the list of the worst K-dramas of 2025 is When the Stars Gossip, a big-budget space romance starring Gong Ho Jinn and Lee Minho. The drama had everything going for it—a unique setting, an A-list cast, and even a BTS OST sung by Jin.

But from the third episode onward, fans began noticing problems. Chemistry between the leads was lacking, and the space concept felt underused. Viewers stuck around hoping for a satisfying resolution but were shocked by the tragic ending: Eve dies giving birth in a heart-wrenching finale that contradicted the show’s promotional tone. Marketed as a feel-good romance in space, the show betrayed expectations with an ending that felt needlessly tragic and emotionally manipulative. Even cast member Hanji admitted the ending was painful—defending it didn’t make it any easier to accept. What was expected to be a groundbreaking hit instead turned into one of the year’s most painful flops. For more K-Drama recap, do check out the link below.

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