Why Are These Underrated K-Dramas Back on Netflix and Climbing the Charts Again?
- Disha Paul
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
Imagine catching a drama that ended years ago and suddenly seeing it rise back to the top of Netflix Korea’s Top 3. Does this sound unreal? It’s happening right now with several K-dramas making a stunning comeback on a global streaming platform.
Here are the three dramas blazing back onto Netflix!
1. Delightfully Deceitful (2023)
This revenge thriller went off-air in July 2023 and seemed to disappear… until July 25, 2025, when it shot into Netflix Korea’s Top 3.
Starring Chun Woo-hee and Kim Dong-wook, it follows a genius con artist, wrongfully imprisoned, who teams up with an empathetic lawyer to fight a corrupt institution through high-stakes deception.
Fast-paced and twisty, it’s 16 episodes packed with emotional tension and intelligent plotting.
2. Reflection of You (2021)
First aired on JTBC in late 2021. It tells the story of a successful painter whose life unravels when she reconnects with a former art student turned complex antagonist.
Leads Go Hyun-jung (Mask Girl, 2023) and Shin Hyun‑been bring gritty, heartbreaking performances to a drama layered in regret, betrayal, and revenge.
Though slow-burning and polarizing at release, it has since gathered a cult following on Netflix.
3. Nothing Uncovered (2024)
A 2024 mystery-romance-thriller starring Kim Ha‑neul, Yeon Woo-jin (A Virtuous Business, 2024), and Jang Seung‑jo (The Frog, 2024).
The series revolves around a reporter suspected of a murder case who digs into the truth while navigating tangled relationships with a detective and a novelist husband.
Despite modest initial ratings, its psychological intrigue and strong performances have earned it renewed interest on streaming platforms.
So Why Are They Returning to Netflix Now?
If a drama returns to Netflix, whether it aired last year or five years ago, it often means:
a) Streaming Algorithm + Viral Buzz
When fans start posting clips and thread discussions, Netflix’s recommendation engine notices. Delightfully Deceitful went viral on TikTok and Instagram, and Netflix’s algorithm rewarded it swiftly. Fans rediscovered and shared episodes, triggering the drama’s Top 3 surge.
b) Licensing Cycles & New Regional Rollouts
These dramas aren’t permanent fixtures. Netflix re-negotiates streaming rights regularly. Some titles only roll out internationally after a hiatus or return after rights renewals.
c) Perfect Format for Binge-Watchers
All three dramas offer a concise 16-episode arc with high emotional stakes, and that binge-friendly rhythm attracts new viewers quickly. Delightfully Deceitful fits modern viewing habits: short, sharp, thrilling.
d) Actor Popularity & Relevance
Actors like Kim Dong-wook or Kim Jae Young might have gained attention from more recent projects. Fans then revisit their earlier shows, compounding streaming views.
Viewer Reactions & Online Buzz
Reddit threads buzz about Reflection of You’s emotional impact:
“an emergency therapy session needed”
because fans found it intense and unforgettable.
Many viewers praised Reflection of You for its strong acting and unpredictable twists. Despite criticism for slow pacing, its cast's performances remained a standout.
What This Trend Shows
Netflix is proving that drama doesn’t expire; quality content can reemerge anytime. These shows teach an important lesson: ratings on broadcast don’t define a drama’s worth. S
streaming platforms give them second chances, and fans reward them.
Join the Conversation!
Were you surprised to find Delightfully Deceitful on Netflix’s Top 3 two years after it aired? Or want us to write a guide on how to track Netflix re-licenses or hidden K-drama gems?
Comment below and let us know!
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