K-Drama

7 K-Dramas With Leads Who Play The Fool First & Unleash Their Brilliance Later

written by Monica Morrison

July 17, 2024 6:00 am

7 K-Dramas With Leads Who Play The Fool First & Unleash Their Brilliance Later — Image credit: jTBC

Looks can be deceiving.

We all love a good underdog story. It is hard not to relate to a character who starts out in a disadvantaged situation and then works their way up. But it's even better when a seemingly simple protagonist suddenly reveals their hidden brilliance, outsmarting villains and serving justice along the way.

Do you love underdog arcs?

If this description sounds like your cup of tea, we've got good news. K-dramaland has at least seven top-notch dramas with leads who play the fool to reveal their talent and wit at the most surprising moment. Have fun!

Café Minamdang (2022)

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IMDb rating: 7.3/10

Where to stream: Netflix

Nam Han-joon, a brilliant criminal profiler, finds himself behind bars for a crime he never committed. Upon his release, he adopts the goofy persona of a shaman and fortune teller, all to secretly delve into the case that turned his life upside down.

My Secret Terrius (2018)

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IMDb rating: 7.6/10

Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa

In his mission to uncover the killer of his loved one, rogue NIS agent Kim Bon known as Terrius finds himself posing as the nanny for his newly widowed neighbor. To maintain his cover, the novice nanny must integrate with the local community, who view him as hopelessly incompetent at best.

One Dollar Lawyer (2022)

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IMDb rating: 7.9/10

Where to stream: Disney+, Hulu, Wavve

Can a defense lawyer charging just 1000 won ($1) be any good? Chun Ji-hoon's courtroom opponents certainly don't think so. However, his exceptional skills and captivating charm leave them astounded time and again.

Good Manager (2017)

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IMDb rating: 7.9/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Viki, Kocowa

Kim Sung-ryong, a humble accountant with a secret knack for fraud, gets hired by a big corporation. His initial plan to swindle the company takes an unexpected turn as he grows fond of his colleagues and the office environment. So Sung-ryong decides to use his genius to fight corporate corruption instead.

Live Up to Your Name (2017)

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IMDb rating: 8.0/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video

Heo Im, a skilled acupuncturist from the Joseon era, unexpectedly finds himself in the modern world. Here, he crosses paths with Choi Yeon-kyung, a cardiothoracic surgeon. Though initially dismissed by her and her colleagues, Heo Im quickly demonstrates his impressive medical expertise.

Reborn Rich (2022)

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IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Disney+, Viki, TVING

Yoon Hyun-woo devotedly served a wealthy chaebol family until they betrayed and killed him to hide their misdeeds. Reincarnated in the past as the family's youngest son, he now has a second chance. Fueled by a desire for revenge, Hyun-woo plans to turn the tables and make his enemies pay for their betrayal.

Misaeng: Incomplete Life (2014)

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IMDb rating: 8.5/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Disney+, Viki, Tubi, WeTV, iQIYI

After missing out on his dream of becoming a professional baduk player, Jang Geu-rae finds himself interning at a big trading company. Using his brilliant baduk strategies, Geu-rae starts to master the intricacies of corporate life, steadily earning the admiration of his colleagues and superiors.