There are several Korean dramas that have created a significant impact in the television landscape, especially those that seemed to have an excellent start but faltered in their second seasons (and even beyond). Many viewers are left lamenting, “The quality of the first season was phenomenal!”
1. Penthouse (Cuộc Chiến Thượng Lưu)
Initially hailed as the “crown jewel” of Korean television from 2020 to 2021, Penthouse opened with a captivating storyline involving power struggles, dark secrets, and twists that left viewers breathless. However, as the series progressed, especially in its third season, it descended into excessive melodrama. Main characters faced death only to return to life repeatedly, creating a convoluted narrative. The character Joo Dan Tae became increasingly villainous, while leads like Shim Su Ryeon and Oh Yoon Hee faced harsh consequences, leading to frustrating resolutions that diluted the show’s initial appeal. Fans were left hoping that the first season would be the definitive conclusion.
2. Squid Game (Trò Chơi Con Mực)
As a global phenomenon in 2021, Squid Game catapulted South Korea into the spotlight with its unique premise centered around survival games. The first season was a captivating mix of fresh ideas, intense gameplay, and deep character development, reflecting harsh societal issues. However, with the release of seasons two and three, the narrative began to flounder.
Lee Jung Jae returned as Gi Hun, but his character’s depth seemed to diminish, focusing instead on his role as a “hero” without the necessary power dynamics in play. The anticipated gameplay scenarios became scarce, leaning more towards political themes that felt dry. Global audiences expressed disappointment across social media, deeming the upcoming second season as lackluster and uninspiring.
3. The Uncanny Counter (Nghệ Thuật Săn Quỷ Và Nấu Mì)
Season one emerged during the supernatural drama surge and became a major hit, blending action, supernatural elements, and family emotions. However, season two struggled to maintain the same level of engagement. Despite upgrades in special effects, it was criticized for lacking emotional depth and over-reliance on CGI, which detracted from the authentic storytelling. The main character, So Mun, became less relatable, while new characters failed to resonate. Viewers found themselves needing recaps to understand the convoluted plot, which had strayed too far from its supernatural roots, leading to a disappointing viewing experience.
4. Sweet Home (Thế Giới Ma Quái)
The first season marked a significant milestone for Netflix Korea, establishing a unique horror genre and building deep character arcs. However, seasons two and especially three caused the series to decline dramatically. The third season lost its survival spirit, resorting to excessive plot twists, overcrowded character introductions, and an incoherent storyline. Many viewers found themselves needing to watch recaps just to follow the plot, with the conclusion being deemed unsatisfactory and lacking in depth.
5. Love Alarm (Cảnh Báo Tình Yêu)
Once a beloved teen rom-com that resonated with young audiences, Love Alarm began with a charming premise about a mobile app that alerts users when someone nearby has romantic feelings for them. However, after a long wait for the second season, it fell short of expectations. The female lead, Jo Jo (Kim So Hyun), chose a character who was not the initial love interest fans hoped for, resulting in a lack of chemistry. Viewers criticized the second season for being underwhelming, calling it “a lukewarm sequel” that failed to capture the magic of the first season.
6. Arthdal Chronicles (Biên Niên Sử Arthdal)
Often referred to as the “Korean Game of Thrones,” the first season of Arthdal Chronicles was groundbreaking with its rich storytelling and stunning visuals. However, after a four-year wait, the second season failed to live up to the hype, leaving audiences disappointed. The absence of leads Song Joong Ki and Kim Ji Won was a significant loss, and even though Lee Jun Ki and Shin Se Kyung were present, their characters lacked the captivating energy of the first season. The second season’s plot was criticized for being convoluted and lacking substance, with many viewers feeling the shift in tone rendered it a completely different series.
7. Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area
The Korean adaptation of the global hit series Money Heist generated significant excitement with its star-studded cast (Yoo Ji Tae, Park Hae Soo, Jeon Jong Seo, etc.). However, as it progressed into the second part, it became apparent that the series was struggling with pacing and plot coherence. Character development lagged, and the thrill of the original concept became diluted, transforming into a disjointed drama. Many fans labeled the second part as “Netflix Korea’s fanfiction,” reflecting a stark departure from the original’s gripping narrative.
8. Gyeongseong Creature (Sinh Vật Gyeongseong)
Season one concluded with powerful twists that left viewers eager for more. However, the second season jumped ahead in time, causing a disconnect with the established characters and plotlines. The contemporary version of the female lead was poorly received, with viewers noting a lack of depth in character development, despite Han So Hee’s talent. The narrative felt disjointed, with the historical context being overshadowed by the newly introduced elements, rendering it a different series altogether, unconnected to the original storyline.
9. D.P. 2 (Truy Bắt Lính Đào Ngũ)
D.P. made waves with its portrayal of the harsh realities faced by South Korean soldiers. Jung Hae In and Goo Kyo Hwan became beloved for their roles in this gripping narrative. However, the second season failed to capture the essence of its predecessor. Instead of continuing to explore the character dynamics, it shifted the focus to broader themes, diluting the emotional impact and creating a disjointed storyline that lacked the connection viewers cherished from the first season.
10. Believer 2 (Kẻ Tin 2)
The first installment was a standout film that gained immense popularity with its intense plot and stellar performances. However, Believer 2 fell flat, struggling to maintain the gripping atmosphere of its predecessor. Although it continued the pursuit of drug-related crime, the narrative became scattered, lacking cohesive storytelling and character development that made the first film so compelling. The film’s overall execution felt muddled, with emotional depth missing, leaving viewers only with a sense of disappointment.
