20 Most Hated K-Drama Characters: Who Makes Your Blood Boil?

Most hated K-drama characters are often the villains who cause immense pain and suffering to the protagonists. Whether heroes or villains, the characters often leave a lasting impression. While many K-drama villains are intentionally despicable, some characters take things to an entirely new level.

They’re not just bad; they’re infuriating, making viewers want to reach through the screen in frustration. Today, we’ll delve into some of the most aggravating characters that K-Drama has to offer—those who go beyond typical villainy to make our blood boil. From neglectful mothers to manipulative fathers and conniving socialites, these characters have earned their place in infamy. This blog post will explore some of the most hated K-drama characters that have left a lasting negative impression on viewers.

We’ll delve into the reasons why these most hated K-drama characters became so universally disliked.

1. Dong Eun’s Mother in The Glory

Dong Eun’s mother from The Glory is a prime example of a character who infuriates audiences beyond belief. In a drama filled with tension and emotional turmoil, her presence takes the frustration to another level. Dong Eun, the protagonist, suffers immensely due to her mother’s neglect and outright betrayal. Instead of protecting her daughter, Dong Eun’s mother allies with the very people who torment her child, driven by selfishness and greed.

Her character represents a betrayal so deep that it leaves the viewers seething. The lack of maternal instinct, combined with her calculated decisions to prioritize her welfare over her daughter’s safety, makes her one of the most despised characters in K-Drama history. The subtle but powerful acting in The Glory further amplifies this, making Dong Eun’s mother a standout antagonist who is as loathsome as they come.

2. Sang-mi’s Father in Save Me

If there’s a character that epitomizes the word “repulsive,” it’s Sang-mi’s father, Im Joo-ho from Save Me. His actions go beyond negligence into the realm of active harm. In a shocking and distressing plotline, this man willingly offers his daughter to a cult leader under the guise of religion. His motivations are rooted in his selfish desire for status and financial gain, completely disregarding the well-being and autonomy of his daughter.

Throughout the series, the father’s actions evoke a visceral reaction from the audience. The sheer horror of a parent sacrificing their child to a dangerous cult leader for personal gain is hard to stomach. His character not only disgusts viewers but also adds to the series’ commentary on societal and familial failures. Watching the heroine struggle against her father’s betrayal makes his character a symbol of the ultimate parental failure, leaving viewers both enraged and heartbroken.

3. Cheon Seo-jin in Penthouse

Seo Jin from Penthouse is a masterclass in embodying the “rich and ruthless” trope. As a character, she isn’t just a villain; she’s a venomous presence who thrives on others’ misfortune. Her ruthless actions and manipulative schemes create a level of animosity that is unmatched. Seo Jin stops at nothing to get what she wants, trampling over anyone who stands in her way, all while maintaining a facade of respectability.

Her unapologetic approach to achieving her goals, no matter the cost, makes her a character viewers love to hate. Seo Jin’s cold, calculating demeanor and her lack of remorse or empathy are what make her truly detestable. Watching her manipulate and destroy lives for her benefit can be maddening, as her privileged status often shields her from the consequences of her actions. This stark imbalance of justice in Penthouse is what keeps viewers glued to the screen, hoping for her eventual downfall.

4. Yeon-hwa from Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Yeon-hwa is the quintessential K-Drama antagonist who managed to walk away unscathed while everyone else faced heartbreak or worse. From the very start of Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, she was a master manipulator, orchestrating chaos with a smile. Her actions didn’t just complicate the lives of the lead characters—Hae Soo, Wang So, and Wang Wook—but effectively derailed their happiness.

Yeon-hwa was always several steps ahead, using her wit and cunning to secure her position. She wasn’t just seeking power; she was determined to get everything she desired, regardless of the collateral damage. Her marriage to Wang So, a strategic move to consolidate her influence, was a prime example of her cold-blooded ambition. She wasn’t in it for love or loyalty; it was all about securing her future.

While Hae Soo suffered heartbreak and Wang So and Wang Wook were left in turmoil, Yeon-hwa walked away clean, her hands metaphorically washed of the chaos she sowed. She achieved her ambitions without facing the repercussions that other characters did. This lack of justice is what leaves viewers fuming. How could someone cause so much pain and walk away victorious?

Yeon-hwa’s trajectory makes her one of those characters who you love to hate. Her manipulations are the catalyst for the tragic ending, and her ability to evade any form of retribution leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of many viewers.

5. Baek In-ha in Cheese in the Trap

If there’s one character that epitomizes self-centeredness and toxicity, it’s Baek In-ha from Cheese in the Trap. In-ha is flamboyant, entitled, and thrives on drama. Her obsession with Yoo Jung, her lack of respect for boundaries, and her manipulative tactics make her one of the most infuriating characters in K-Drama history.

Baek In-ha’s charm lies in her ability to manipulate those around her, including her brother Baek In-ho and the male lead Yoo Jung. She has a knack for turning every situation to her advantage, using emotional manipulation and deceit. Her constant meddling in the lives of others, particularly Yoo Jung and Hong Seol, the series’ protagonist, made her a relentless antagonist.

In-ha’s dramatic flair and over-the-top behavior make her a character that’s impossible to ignore. She often goes to extreme lengths to get what she wants, regardless of the consequences. Whether it’s sabotaging relationships or creating unnecessary drama, her antics consistently drive the plot’s tension.

What makes Baek In-ha truly maddening is her lack of growth throughout the series. While other characters face their flaws and evolve, In-ha remains static, unapologetically selfish, and manipulative till the end.

6. Park Hye-ran in Fight My Way

Ex-girlfriends making a comeback is a common trope in K-Dramas, but Park Hye-ran from Fight My Way takes it to another level. Her persistent efforts to win back Dong-man, even after their breakup, were nothing short of maddening.

Hye-ran’s return to Dong-man’s life after a failed relationship was more than just a blast from the past—it was a hurricane of emotional turmoil. Her constant attempts to reinsert herself into Dong-man’s life, despite knowing he had moved on, made her a frustrating presence in the show. She was unwilling to accept that their relationship had ended, repeatedly trying to undermine Dong-man’s budding romance with Ae-ra.

What irked viewers most about Hye-ran was her selfishness. She didn’t consider Dong-man’s feelings or the impact her actions had on his new relationship. Her focus was solely on reclaiming what she once had, with no regard for the emotional damage she caused along the way.

Hye-ran’s unrelenting pursuit of Dong-man, despite his clear disinterest, made her a character that many viewers wanted to see face consequences. Her inability to take no for an answer and move on made her one of the most exasperating characters in Fight My Way.

7. Soo Min and Min-Hwan from “Marry My Husband”

Soo Min: The Backstabbing Friend

In the whirlwind of betrayal that is Marry My Husband, Soo Min emerges as a character you love to hate. From the very beginning, she was a toxic presence in Ji-won’s life. She wasn’t just a bad friend; she was the epitome of a snake in the grass. Spreading malicious rumors about Ji-won back in their school days, Soo Min laid the groundwork for a lifetime of underhanded behavior.

Her ultimate betrayal? Stealing Ji-won’s fiancé, Min-Hwan, in a cold, calculated move. It’s the kind of treachery that makes viewers want to reach through the screen and give her a piece of their mind. Soo Min’s manipulative tactics and selfish ambition show no bounds, making her one of the most infuriating characters in K-drama history.

Min-Hwan: The Conniving Fiancé

If Soo Min is the scheming friend, Min-Hwan is the equally loathsome fiancé who matches her stride for stride in deceitfulness. His actions are not only dishonorable but deeply hypocritical. He pretends to love Ji-won while secretly entertaining a relationship with her so-called best friend. Min-Hwan’s lack of remorse and blatant disregard for Ji-won’s feelings is enough to boil anyone’s blood. His character serves as a reminder of how betrayal can come from those closest to us, making him a perfect match in villainy with Soo Min.

8. Da Kyung from “The World of the Married”

The World of the Married is a drama packed with emotional highs and lows, largely driven by Da Kyung, the young woman who engages in an affair with a married man, Tae Oh. Da Kyung is the epitome of entitlement, believing that she can simply step into another woman’s life without consequence. Her nonchalant attitude towards her affair makes her actions even more infuriating.

What makes Da Kyung particularly maddening is her willful ignorance of the destruction she causes. She walks into the lives of Ji Sun Woo and Tae Oh, tearing apart their family without a second thought. Her ability to manipulate situations to her advantage while feigning innocence makes her one of the most hated characters in K-drama lore. Her smug demeanor and lack of accountability drive viewers up the wall, cementing her place as a character who consistently raises our blood pressure.

9. The Overbearing Mother from “Something in the Rain”

A Thorn in the Side of Love

In Something in the Rain, the protagonist’s mother is a textbook example of a meddlesome parent who just can’t let her child live her life. Her incessant interference in her daughter Jin-ah’s relationship with Joon-hee is the root of much of the conflict in the series. While her concerns may stem from cultural expectations or generational differences, her methods are anything but supportive.

Her outright disdain for Joon-hee, coupled with her attempts to control Jin-ah’s choices, showcases her as a character who uses emotional manipulation to get her way. This mother’s rigid stance on societal norms and her lack of understanding or empathy towards her daughter’s feelings make her a character that viewers love to loathe. Her overbearing nature not only stifles her daughter’s happiness but also creates an endless source of tension throughout the series.

10. The Two Mothers in Mother – True Villains in Disguise

The 2018 K-Drama Mother revolves around the sensitive theme of child abuse and features two characters that audiences universally loathe. These two mothers, Ja-young and Soo-jin’s biological mother, perfectly embody the antagonistic forces that push the narrative into heart-wrenching territories.

Ja-young: A Portrait of Neglect

Ja-young, played by Ko Sung-hee, is the neglectful and abusive mother of Hye-na, the young girl at the center of the story. Ja-young’s character is one of the most detested in K-Drama history because of her horrifying actions. She not only neglects Hye-na but also inflicts severe physical and emotional abuse on her. Watching her callously disregard her child’s needs and manipulate those around her is infuriating, making her one of the most memorable villains in a K-Drama.

Soo-jin’s Biological Mother: Cold and Detached

The character of Soo-jin’s biological mother, played by Kim Hee-ae, is another who earns viewers’ ire. She is portrayed as a cold, detached woman who abandoned Soo-jin at a young age. Her reappearance and attempts to reclaim Soo-jin’s life, not out of love but out of selfish motives, is enough to make any viewer see red. The emotional scars she leaves on her daughter and the manipulative tactics she employs make her a true antagonist.

11. Joon Pyo’s Mother in Boys Over Flowers – The Quintessential Evil Matriarch

If you’ve watched Boys Over Flowers, then you know the true villain isn’t the typical love triangle, but rather Joon Pyo’s mother, Kang Hee-soo. Played by Lee Hye-young, Kang Hee-soo is the archetype of the controlling and ruthless chaebol matriarch who stops at nothing to control her son’s life.

Kang Hee-soo’s desire to maintain her family’s social status drives her to manipulate, bully, and even threaten those she deems unworthy, including Joon Pyo’s love interest, Jan-di. Her refusal to acknowledge Jan-di, her calculated schemes to separate the couple, and her emotional blackmail are enough to make viewers rage. She epitomizes the ‘villainous mother-in-law’ trope, but with an added layer of cold, corporate ruthlessness that is hard to forget.

Despite her son’s clear feelings, Kang Hee-soo is relentless in undermining his happiness. Her actions aren’t just about controlling Joon Pyo but are a reflection of her insecurities and obsession with status. Watching her tear apart her son’s dreams and manipulate his emotions adds layers of tension and frustration that make her a character you love to hate.

12. Yoo He-yi in You’re Beautiful – The Classic Mean Girl

In You’re Beautiful, Uee plays Yoo He-yi, the quintessential mean girl who stands in stark contrast to the sweet and naive protagonist. Her character is everything a good villainess should be: manipulative, selfish, and charmingly deceitful.

Yoo He-yi’s manipulative ways are a constant source of frustration for viewers. She uses her celebrity status to maintain her image while secretly sabotaging others. Her jealousy and entitlement lead her to interfere in the love lives of the main characters, particularly targeting Mi-Nam, played by Park Shin-hye. Her actions, driven by selfish motives, often leave the audience exasperated and yearning for her comeuppance.

What makes Yoo He-yi particularly infuriating is her ability to charm those around her while hiding her true nature. This duality adds a layer of complexity to her character, but also makes her more detestable. Her feigned innocence and victimhood are masterfully portrayed, making her a standout villain in the K-Drama universe.

13. Nayeon from “All of Us Are Dead”

When it comes to selfishness in K-Dramas, few characters evoke as much rage as Nayeon from “All of Us Are Dead.” This high schooler, trapped amidst a zombie apocalypse, doesn’t just stop at self-preservation—she crosses the line by endangering others, all in the name of her pride.

Nayeon’s actions are a perfect storm of selfishness and arrogance. When her classmates band together to survive the zombie onslaught, Nayeon remains the outlier, prioritizing her ego over group safety. Her most infuriating moment comes when she deliberately infects a fellow student, Gyeong-su, by smearing zombie-infected blood on a wound he sustained. This act wasn’t just a mistake; it was cold, calculated, and a consequence of her disdain for those she considered beneath her.

The audience’s frustration reached its peak when Nayeon finally received a well-deserved slap. This moment symbolized the collective anger of viewers who had watched her put everyone at risk because of her insecurities. Her arc serves as a lesson on the dangers of unchecked ego and the catastrophic results of placing one’s self above the welfare of others.

14. Jang Geun-won from “Itaewon Class”

Jang Geun-won in “Itaewon Class” takes despicable to a whole new level. As the privileged and spoiled heir of the Jangga Group, Geun-won spends the majority of the series being a thorn in Park Sae-ro-yi’s side, and just when you think he can’t sink any lower, he finds a way.

From the outset, Geun-won’s actions are driven by jealousy and entitlement. He is the embodiment of unchecked privilege, committing a hit-and-run that kills Sae-ro-yi’s father and shows no remorse. To add insult to injury, he uses his father’s influence to evade justice, leaving Sae-ro-yi to grapple with the devastating loss and the injustice that follows.

Geun-won’s most infuriating trait is his inability to take responsibility for his actions. Even after ruining Sae-ro-yi’s life, he continuously returns to torment him, fueled by an irrational desire to crush his rival rather than redeem himself. This relentless antagonism, combined with his cowardice and refusal to face the consequences of his deeds, makes him one of the most despised characters in K-Drama history.

15. Bun-ok from “Snowdrop”

Bun-ok from “Snowdrop” is another character that viewers love to hate. As a housekeeper in the women’s dormitory where much of the drama unfolds, Bun-ok harbors deep-seated resentment due to her lower socio-economic status. Her envy and bitterness culminate in acts of betrayal that leave audiences fuming.

Bun-ok’s betrayal is rooted in her desire for recognition and respect, which she believes she can obtain by siding with her enemies. In a bid to elevate her status, she turns on those who once treated her with kindness. This not only jeopardizes the lives of the main characters but also showcases the depth of her moral depravity.

What makes Bun-ok particularly loathsome is her willingness to abandon any sense of loyalty or empathy in pursuit of her goals. Her actions underscore a tragic flaw—her inability to recognize that true respect and dignity come from integrity, not deceit and betrayal. Watching her manipulate and scheme at the expense of others’ lives is infuriating, making her a prime example of how envy can corrupt a person’s soul.

16. Choi Myung-Hee (Kim Min-Jung) – Vincenzo

Choi Myung-Hee, portrayed by Kim Min-Jung in the hit drama Vincenzo, is a corrupt lawyer who works tirelessly for the nefarious Babel Group. Her actions are a constant source of tension and frustration for viewers, as she manipulates the legal system to protect and advance the criminal enterprise. Her unwavering ambition, combined with a complete lack of morality, makes her one of the most despicable characters in the show.

Choi’s ability to manipulate those around her, coupled with her unrelenting pursuit of power, makes her a standout antagonist. Unlike some villains who may have redeeming qualities or a tragic backstory, Choi Myung-Hee seems to thrive in chaos and corruption. Her loyalty to the Babel Group isn’t just professional; she believes in their corrupt ideology, making her a true believer in their cause. This unwavering support for evil, and her willingness to go to any lengths to achieve her goals, is what fuels viewers’ animosity towards her.

Her confrontations with the protagonist, Vincenzo Cassano, are particularly intense. While Vincenzo, played by Song Joong-Ki, employs cunning and strategy to fight for justice, Choi Myung-Hee counters with sheer ruthlessness. Her lack of empathy and her brutal tactics, which include framing innocent people and orchestrating violent acts, make her a character who incites both anger and fear.

17. Shin Ae Ri (Kim Seo Hyung) – Temptation of Wife

Shin Ae Ri, played by Kim Seo Hyung in Temptation of Wife, is a character that epitomizes betrayal and manipulation. Her calculated moves and unfeeling nature make her one of the most memorable villains in Korean drama history. Shin Ae Ri’s actions are driven by jealousy and a desire to see her rival suffer, which leads to some of the most dramatic and heartbreaking moments in the series.

Her character is the embodiment of a scheming antagonist who is willing to go to any length to get what she wants. Shin Ae Ri’s betrayal of her closest friends and family for her selfish desires creates a ripple effect of pain and destruction. She manipulates situations to her advantage, showing no remorse for the lives she ruins along the way.

What makes Shin Ae Ri particularly loathsome is her ability to maintain a facade of charm and sophistication, all while plotting the downfall of those around her. Her betrayal is not just personal; it’s systemic. She uses emotional manipulation and deception as her primary tools, making her a master at playing the victim or the savior, depending on what suits her best at the moment.

Her character’s evolution from a friend to a nemesis keeps the audience on edge, as viewers watch her betray those who trust her most. The sheer audacity of her schemes and the cold-blooded manner in which she executes them ensure that Shin Ae Ri remains one of the most hated characters in the K-Drama world.

Also Read: K-Drama: The Red Flags You Can’t Ignore (Toxic Love)

18. Kang Soo Jin – True Beauty

Kang Soo Jin from True Beauty is another character who makes viewers’ blood boil, albeit for different reasons than the previous two. Unlike the outright evil of Choi Myung-Hee or Shin Ae Ri, Kang Soo Jin’s betrayal is more personal and emotional, which hits closer to home for many viewers. She starts as the best friend of the protagonist, Lim Ju Gyeong, but her jealousy and insecurities lead her down a darker path.

Soo Jin’s initial portrayal as a supportive friend makes her eventual betrayal all the more painful. As the story progresses, she becomes envious of Ju Gyeong’s relationship with Lee Su Ho, and her jealousy transforms into bitterness. Soo Jin’s actions are driven by a desire to tear down Ju Gyeong, a move that feels like a knife to the back for both the character and the audience.

Her manipulative nature comes to the forefront as she spreads rumors and tries to expose Ju Gyeong’s insecurities. What makes Soo Jin particularly detestable is the sense of entitlement she carries, believing that she deserves Su Ho’s affection more than Ju Gyeong does. Her selfishness blinds her to the damage she causes, and her lack of accountability makes her a character viewers love to hate.

Soo Jin’s descent into antagonism feels like a betrayal of trust, not just between the characters but also with the audience, who initially root for her. Her actions are a reminder of how envy and insecurity can corrupt a person, turning a friend into a foe.

19. Lim Ji-mi in Twinkling Watermelon

In the heart of Twinkling Watermelon, Lim Ji-mi stands out—not as a beacon of hope, but as a formidable antagonist. Played by the brilliant Kim Joo-young, Lim Ji-mi is the chairwoman of the Seowon Arts High School Foundation. On the surface, she embodies the perfect image of authority and elegance. But beneath this facade lies a woman with a cold heart and a ruthless streak.

Lim Ji-mi isn’t just the chairwoman; she is also the live-in tutor and eventual stepmother to Cheong-ah. From the moment she steps into Cheong-ah’s life, her intentions are clear: to make the young girl’s life a living nightmare. She employs harsh and unyielding methods, torturing Cheong-ah emotionally and psychologically. Her goal? To ensure Cheong-ah becomes a submissive heir to the Jinseong Group while staying firmly under her thumb.

Lim Ji-mi’s actions are fueled by greed and the desire for power. Her lack of empathy, combined with her manipulative ways, makes her a character viewers love to hate. She has no qualms about using Cheong-ah’s vulnerabilities against her, ensuring that every moment of Cheong-ah’s life is fraught with stress and suffering. Her cold, calculating demeanor leaves no room for redemption, making her one of the most detested characters in Twinkling Watermelon.

20. Yoo-ra in Perfect Marriage Revenge

Enter Yoo-ra, the step-sister of Yi-joo, and a character who seems to thrive on malice. In Perfect Marriage Revenge, Yoo-ra is the embodiment of sibling rivalry gone wrong. Spoiled, conniving, and deeply favored by her parents, Yoo-ra is a character that makes viewers’ blood boil with every scheme she concocts.

Yoo-ra’s relationship with Yi-Joo is the epitome of a toxic sibling dynamic. From childhood, Yoo-ra has been pitted against Yi-joo, and she relishes every opportunity to outshine her step-sister. As they grow older, her jealousy only intensifies, driving her to make Yi-joo’s life as miserable as possible. She doesn’t just stop at petty pranks; she orchestrates elaborate schemes to undermine Yi-joo’s happiness and success.

One of Yoo-ra’s most infuriating traits is her obsession with marrying Do-guk, not out of love, but as a means to elevate her status and rub salt into Yi-joo’s wounds. Her selfish ambitions know no bounds, and she’s willing to go to any lengths, including manipulation and deceit, to get what she wants. Her constant need to one-up Yi-Joo creates a toxic environment that leaves viewers simmering with frustration.

Yoo-ra’s entitlement and her unrelenting pursuit of making Yi-joo suffer make her a standout villain in Perfect Marriage Revenge. She’s the type of character who gets away with too much for too long, keeping the audience on tenterhooks, eagerly awaiting her downfall. Her smug attitude and the ease with which she manipulates those around her make her incredibly detestable.

Join us as we discuss some of the most memorable (for all the wrong reasons) most hated K-drama characters in K-drama history. Do you agree with our list of the most hated K-drama characters? Share your thoughts in the comments below!