While Netflix is packed with global hits like Squid Game and The Glory, many underrated K-dramas quietly deliver powerful storytelling, emotional depth, and unforgettable performances. If you’re searching for hidden gem Korean dramas on Netflix in 2026, this curated list spotlights ten must-watch series that deserve far more hype. From sports underdog stories to supernatural courtrooms and psychological thrillers, these binge-worthy picks prove that the best shows aren’t always the loudest.
1. The Winning Try (Sports Drama)
If you’re craving a rare sports-focused K-drama on Netflix, The Winning Try delivers an inspiring underdog redemption arc. Starring Yoon Kye-sang and Im Si-wan, the series follows a disgraced former rugby player who returns as coach of a struggling high school team. What makes it underrated is its emotional character development and gritty realism, rather than flashy melodrama. The drama balances intense match sequences with heartfelt mentorship, teamwork, and personal growth. It’s a refreshing change from romance-heavy plots, offering motivational storytelling that sports drama fans shouldn’t overlook.
2. You and Everything Else (Friendship Drama)
Kim Go-eun and Park Ji-hyun shine in this emotionally raw friendship drama that spans decades. You and Everything Else explores lifelong bonds between two women who are both best friends and rivals, reconnecting amid devastating news of terminal illness. Instead of leaning on clichés, the drama portrays honest conversations, resentment, forgiveness, and deep affection with realism. It’s an underrated Netflix K-drama because it focuses on female friendship rather than romance, giving viewers a mature and heartfelt story. Expect layered performances and tearjerking moments that linger long after the finale.
3. Dynamite Kiss (Rom-Com)
For fans of feel-good romantic comedies, Dynamite Kiss is a hidden gem filled with chaotic fake-marriage antics and workplace chemistry. Jang Ki-yong and Ahn Eun-jin bring electric comedic timing to this trope-filled but irresistibly charming series. While it may not reinvent the rom-com genre, it excels at delivering laugh-out-loud misunderstandings, slow-burn romance, and undeniable chemistry. The show flew under the radar compared to bigger Netflix romance hits, yet it’s perfect for binge-watching when you want lighthearted escapism. If you love contract relationships and office romance tropes, don’t miss this serotonin boost.
4. As You Stood By (Thriller)
Dark, gripping, and emotionally charged, As You Stood By centers on two best friends plotting against their abusive husbands. Starring Jeon Jong-seo and Lee Yoo-mi, this psychological thriller explores survival, trauma, and solidarity between women pushed to their limits. The drama avoids sensationalism, instead focusing on tense atmosphere and moral complexity. Its layered storytelling and strong performances make it one of the most underrated thriller K-dramas on Netflix. If you enjoy suspense-driven narratives with emotional stakes and unpredictable twists, this intense story will keep you hooked from start to finish.
5. Beyond the Bar (Legal Drama)
Legal K-dramas often gain attention for high-profile cases, but Beyond the Bar quietly stands out for its character-driven storytelling. Featuring Jinyoung and Jung Chae-yeon, the drama follows an ambitious young lawyer navigating an elite law firm while clashing with a demanding mentor. The show balances courtroom battles with personal ethics, ambition, and romantic tension. Its underrated status comes from its focus on internal struggles rather than dramatic scandals. With sharp dialogue and fiery chemistry between leads, this series is perfect for viewers who enjoy realistic legal dramas with emotional depth.
6. Oh My Ghost Clients (Supernatural Legal)
Blending comedy, heart, and courtroom drama, Oh My Ghost Clients offers a unique twist on the legal genre. Yeon Woo-jin plays a lawyer who suddenly begins seeing ghosts of former employees seeking justice for workplace grievances. The supernatural premise adds humor and warmth, while each case highlights social issues and corporate accountability. Despite strong ratings, this creative series didn’t receive mainstream buzz. It’s an ideal Netflix pick for viewers who love fantasy elements mixed with meaningful storytelling. The emotional resolutions and quirky ghost interactions make it both entertaining and surprisingly touching.
7. Typhoon Family (Period Family Drama)
Set during the 1997 IMF financial crisis, Typhoon Family tells a powerful story of resilience and survival. Starring Kim Min-ha and Lee Junho, the drama follows a working-class family fighting to save their business during economic collapse. Its historical backdrop adds authenticity, while the characters’ struggles feel relatable and timely. Unlike flashy period epics, this underrated K-drama focuses on ordinary people facing extraordinary hardship. The emotional family dynamics, economic tension, and themes of perseverance create a moving narrative. It’s a must-watch for fans of socially grounded, character-driven Korean dramas.
8. Queen Mantis (Psychological Thriller)
If you love mind games and morally complex characters, Queen Mantis delivers chilling psychological tension. Goo Hyun-jung plays an imprisoned serial killer who assists her son, portrayed by Jang Dong-yoon, in catching a copycat murderer. The mother-son dynamic adds emotional intensity to the crime investigation. Rather than relying solely on shocking twists, the drama builds suspense through psychological depth and character exploration. Despite strong performances, it remained underhyped compared to mainstream thrillers. For viewers seeking a dark, cerebral Netflix K-drama with layered storytelling, this one deserves a spot on your watchlist.
9. Last Summer (Rom-Dramedy)
Last Summer captures the bittersweet nostalgia of first love and unresolved past trauma. Lee Joo-wook and Cho Sun-young portray childhood neighbors who reunite and confront a tragic shared history. The drama gently balances humor and heartbreak, making it a comforting yet emotional binge. Its understated storytelling may be why it remained underrated, but the subtle chemistry and reflective tone create a deeply immersive experience. Fans of slow-burn romance and coming-of-age themes will appreciate its sincerity. It’s a perfect choice if you’re searching for a heartfelt Netflix K-drama about love, growth, and healing.
10. Heavenly Ever After (Fantasy Romance)
Few dramas explore love beyond age and time as beautifully as Heavenly Ever After. Kim Hye-ja stars as an elderly woman who reunites with her youthful husband, played by Han Ji-min, in the afterlife. This fantasy romance delicately examines aging, devotion, and eternal love. Rather than focusing on spectacle, the series leans into emotional storytelling and philosophical reflection. Its gentle pacing may have kept it from viral popularity, but it resonates deeply with viewers seeking meaningful romance. If you want a touching, thought-provoking Netflix K-drama, this timeless love story is unforgettable.
Conclusion
These underrated K-dramas on Netflix prove that hidden gems often rival blockbuster hits in quality and storytelling. Whether you’re into thrillers, legal dramas, sports underdog stories, or heartfelt fantasy romances, this list offers something fresh for your next binge-watch. Skip the obvious trending titles and discover these overlooked Korean dramas; you might just find your new favorite series.
