Netflix scraps second seasons of multiple K-dramas

Netflix scraps second seasons of multiple K-dramas – Without making a big announcement, Netflix has quietly ruled out the return of many K-dramas for a second season.

By Megan Sauer

Often when Netflix pre-announces the release of an upcoming series, we find out that the original is a “limited series” or “mini-series.”  Netflix needs to properly label the original. 

This way, subscribers will know immediately if the series has already ended or if they can wait for a possible additional season.

As for dramas, we often learn this information in advance if multiple seasons are planned or if the series is split into two parts. 

The Kingdom, The Glory, Love Alarm, and Giving Saving Creatures are examples of K-dramas that get us two seasons to learn beforehand. The K-dramas like Alchemy of Souls and Hospital Playlist, which are licensed internationally are also in the list.

One pattern we’ve seen with Netflix is ​​that after the first season of K-dramas, renewals are limited to months or years.  There are still many K-dramas without confirmed cancellations, but Netflix has not clarified anything.

A Wikipedia contributor named Eric Knecht brought to our attention the fact that Netflix has attempted to rewrite history by changing the labeling of some K-dramas, turning them into “limited series.”

We’ve seen the following Netflix original K-dramas (and some Japanese dramas) become limited series without warning.

   A Time Called You – First added to Netflix on September 8, 2023.

   Celebrity: First added to Netflix on June 30, 2023.

   The Days – First added to Netflix on June 1, 2023.

   First Love – First added to Netflix on November 24, 2023.

   Glitch – First added to Netflix on November 24, 2022.

   Mask Girl – First added to Netflix on August 18, 2023.

The Sound of Magic – First added to Netflix on May 22, 2022.

A Time Called You, first released on Netflix on September 8, 2023, debuted on December 5 with the “1 season” label.  The timestamp on the Wayback machine confirms this.  Now, if you log into Netflix and search for the series, you will see it listed as a limited series.

It’s unclear if any of the K-dramas were considered for renewal, but changing their status to “limited series” would arguably be more than just canceling a large portion of the K-dramas. There are better public relations.

What do you think of Netflix turning these original dramas into limited series?  Let us know in the comments below!