Slowburn Kdramas: Let’s face it, not every K-drama starts out the same; some feel like stinkers at first but end up being magnetic a few episodes in. It sometimes takes time to lay the groundwork for a show to truly make an impact, as worldbuilding and introducing emotional layers and character growth don’t always come around quickly. However, if you’re able to overcome the lull of the initial slow period, these dramas can leave you breathless for the remainder of the runtime, exploding with intensity, emotion and plot twists that can leave you reeling. With that in mind, check out these slowburn underrated Kdramas with unforgettable finales!
Best Slowburn Kdramas
Mother (2018)
Genre: Drama, Thriller
Cast: Lee Bo-young, Heo Yool, Lee Hye-young, Nam Ki-ae, Ko Sung-hee
Episodes: 16
Although one might think that 2018’s Mother is a slowburn Kdrama about a school teacher and an abused child, it slowly turns into one of the most intense shows that you might watch. As the bond between Soo-jin and Hye-na deepens, things take a more and more drastic turn as we are taken on a riveting chase that trespasses moral, ethical and legal lines. Lee Bo-young is a sight to behold in the show and delivers a memorable performance unlike anything else, with a finale that is both powerful and heart-wrenching
Nobody Knows (2020)
Genre: Mystery, Crime, Psychological
Cast: Kim Seo-hyung, Ryu Deok-hwan, Park Hoon, Ahn Ji-ho
Episodes: 16
This underrated Kdrama follows Detective Cha Young-jin, who, 19 years after her best friend’s death at the hands of the Stigmata serial killer, finds herself haunted. Dedicated to finding the culprit, she leads a solitary life but is thrust into a deadly game once more when her neighbour’s son mysteriously falls into a coma. The first few episodes of the series focus on unravelling the protagonist and can feel sluggish, but as soon as the series picks up steam, it transforms into a tense and intricate psychological thriller. With strong writing and layered performances, the payoff is worth the wait as Young-jin unearths more and more shocking details.
The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (2018)
Genre: Mystery, Romance, Melodrama
Cast: Seo In-guk, Jung So-min, Park Sung-woong
Episodes: 16
This drama starts off as a brooding, melodramatic romance between a distant male lead with a mysterious past, but it soon spirals into a heartbreaking mystery that drips with secrets, revelations and a tragic fate. The drama is as much a mystery as it is a melodrama and the combination of the two makes it a deliciously twisted watch. The final few episodes are packed with unexpected twists and emotional gut punches that linger long after the credits roll.
Beyond Evil (2021)
Genre: Psychological Thriller, Mystery
Cast: Shin Ha-kyun, Yeo Jin-goo
Episodes: 16
If it’s a slowburn that we are talking about, Beyond Evil is a must addition! The series begins as a moody procedural between mismatched detectives and eventually goes on a wild adventure that unravels a web of secrets, trauma and moral ambiguity. The slow build is almost painful and makes you want to rush to the end to see what comes out of the wild plot progression. The way the series intensifies in every episode will not, however, prepare you for the shocking twist in the end that not only redefines the title but also satisfies the intense craving for a satisfying end!
Call It Love (2023)
Genre: Romance, Melodrama
Cast: Lee Sung-kyung, Kim Young-kwang, Sung Joon, Ahn Hee-yeon, Kim Ye-won
Episodes: 16
Who said that romance dramas can’t be slow burns? Well, Call It Love will prove otherwise with its intense emotional upheavals and thrilling situations surrounding familial relationships and a need for revenge. Following a newly orphaned woman who is thrown out of her family home by her father’s mistress, the series is a rollercoaster of emotions that will loom heavy over your head in every episode. Everything about this series is melancholic, from the story, performances, to the cinematography. The ending delivers a powerful emotional release that rewards patient viewers with its subtle storytelling and character depth.
Which of these dramas are you excited to watch? Let us know in the comments below!
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