K-dramas With Badly-Written Plot But Succeeded Thanks To Cast: 'Hwarang,' 'Penthouse,’ More [Updated 2023]
While having a star-studded cast is a charm to most dramas, sometimes it's the only personality that most works have.
Many newer projects are so badly written that the talented actors are its only saving grace. In many cases, K-dramas fail because of bad script, which drags everything despite its great cinematography and high ratings.
In this list are South Korean dramas that were watched only because of the actors and actresses!
'My Roommate Is A Gumiho'
During the announcement of Jang Ki Yong and Girl's Day Hyeri's "My Roommate Is A Gumiho," many fans clamored for its release and anticipation skyrocketed.
Sadly, the drama was deemed uneventful and boring that many viewers contemplated whether to drop or continue watching it.
READ MORE: Jang Ki Yong Renews Exclusive Contract With YG - Agency Releases Statement
Though the two lead stars were the hottest of their generations, the drama was ruined due to its mediocre script. Thankfully, many fans subscribed to the drama from beginning to end.
Jang Ki Yong and Girl's Day Hyeri, and Kang Han Na and Kim Do Wan, truly saved the show, thanks to their unrivaled chemistry as couples.
'My Sassy Girl'
In 2017, Oh Yeon Seo and Joo Won remade Cha Tae Hyun and Jun Ji Hyun's iconic film of the same name.
READ ALSO: Joo Won Transforms Into Dark Hero in 'Stealer: The Treasure Keeper'
Before its release, expectations were through the roof. Unfortunately, the drama received immense criticisms due to its poor writing, which led to the drama's demise.
Good thing the onscreen couple saved the drama with their romantic moments and comical scenes.
'Hwarang'
Hwarang
Despite its international success, "Hwarang" is the best example of a drama that was cursed but saved, thanks to its star-studded lineup.
With Park Seo Joon, Park Hyung Sik, BTS V, SHINee Minho, Seo Ye Ji, Go Ara and more, the drama became the talk of the town even before its premiere.
READ ALSO: 'Our Blooming Youth' Episode 17 Experiences Slight Increase in Viewership Ahead of Finale
Much to fans' disappointment, "Hwarang" was a total letdown. Apart from its poorly curated script, the styling of the cast made it even worse. What kept the work afloat was the cast's intense synergy.
'The Penthouse'
The 2020 release "The Penthouse" was a huge project that dominated the screen with its betrayals, plot twists and issues.
Starring Lee Ji Ah, Kim So Yeon, Eugene, Uhm Ki Joon, and more, "The Penthouse" became the biggest work of the decade. However, Season 2 was a whole different story.
The script contained too many plot holes, surreal deaths and repetitive plot, which caused the work to spiral.
Despite all that, the drama still received sky-high ratings and this is all thanks to its cast members who portrayed their characters with excellence.
In fact, Kim So Yeon, who took on the role of Cheon Seo Jin, became a meme-worthy material for her dramatic scenes, which is still relevant up until this writing.
