In 2023, the Korean film industry produced many successful series that received praise from international audiences, such as “The Glory” and “Moving.” However, alongside these successes, there were also projects that left the audience disappointed. Recently, KDramaStars listed four series considered to be the biggest disappointments of the year.
Sweet Home 2
The second season of the popular Netflix series, a survival blockbuster awaited by audiences for three years after the significant success of the first season in 2020, turned out to be a letdown for the most loyal fans. In fact, the first season of the series had already sparked considerable controversy, mainly revolving around the issue of CGI. Moving to the second season, the controversies became even more diverse. In the new installment, the series faced a barrage of criticism regarding both the script and the performance of the cast, especially the new characters. The only viral scene from Sweet Home 2 was Song Kang’s nude.
Vigilante
Produced by Disney+, the film was expected to be a blockbuster following the success of “Moving” and “The Worst of Evil.” The project gathered an impressive cast, featuring renowned names such as Nam Joo Hyuk, Yoo Ji Tae, Lee Joon Hyuk, and more. However, upon its release, the film did not receive as much attention as anticipated. Many viewers felt that the potential of Vigilante’s script was great, but the team failed to explore it thoroughly. Additionally, some plot developments in the film were perceived as illogical, causing emotional detachment for the audience.
The Heavenly Idol
Following the resounding success of “Business Proposal,” Kim Min Kyu immediately disappointed fans with his lead role in “The Heavenly Idol,” co-starring Ko Bo Gyeol. The series received criticism for its overly simplistic script lacking compelling plot twists. Additionally, Kim Min Kyu’s styling and makeup in the series faced significant backlash. The failure of “The Heavenly Idol” had a severe impact on the rising South Korean actor’s reputation. Many believed that Kim Min Kyu lacked the competence to take on lead roles, suggesting that he is more suitable for supporting roles with a handsome appearance and less demanding acting requirements.
See You In My 19th Life
The series “See You in My 19th Life,” featuring the participation of the “queen of ratings” Shin Hye Sun, was a highly anticipated project by a large audience. Many viewers criticized the production team for ruining the storyline from the original comic. The team devoted considerable time to the antagonist plotline, omitting numerous touching details from the original work when adapting it into the series. Additionally, the perceived lack of “chemistry” between Shin Hye Sun and her co-star Ahn Bo Hyun was considered emotionally deficient, failing to evoke resonance with the audience.
