Korean Dramas these days...

I can't comment much about recent dramas, last 2-3 years, b/c i took a break from K-dramas and just returned to watch SH:Ryeo!
I understand and agree w/ some of the things you mention...

--- Formulas/Cliches: I can't comment about the boring love, or weaker 2nd lead ... But, I can tell you that I left K-dramas b/c I got tired of the cliches, the formula writing, the over-used tropes.... As a fan of romance, I especially felt unsatisfied w/ the overly idealized love, especially the nonsense about some ridiculous obsession w/ a 1st love from childhood.... and the lack of realistic passion.

---  Recent changes: While oh hiatus, I heard great things about Secret, KMHM, Secret Love Affair, Bad Guys, Incomplete Life, Signal and Six-Flying Dragons ... I still haven't seen them, but I noticed that there seems to be more originality, more venturing outside comfort Zone of formulas, trying sensitive subject matters....
Upon my return, watching SH:Ryeo, I was immediately reminded why I left K-dramas... the shallow sentimentality, the vanity ,and the obsession w/ choco abs and plastic surgery.... Not to mention the cliches, i.e.  the poor girl running from debt collectors or  the clumsy, childish yet cheerful heroine, etc...etc...

But, I was also reminded why K-dramas are so popular, something about their formulas has universal appeal ...  Due to that success, producers play it safe and replay the formulas to ensure popularity .... 

--- The System: idk what happened to the shows you mention, but I can tell you that S.Korea has a system where they shoot about 3-4 episodes before drama goes on air, and continue filming as the drama airs... Sometimes, scripts are not yet completed, often they undergo changes as more episodes air ... and sometimes, there is a change in the lead b/c fans prefer the 2nd lead actor (Queen of reversals, Empress Ki, etc..) ... Empress Ki is a perfect example of how a perfect script (up to Ep23) underwent change and plot became a bit chaotic, lowered quality....
Recently, there have been many complaints about this production method and how the industry treats its workers... So it is undergoing change... SH:Ryeo for example, is pre-produced.

---  Romance and Passion: Now, as to the boring or love w/out excitement, I much prefer the way the Chinese do romance... They keep the Romanticized Idealism of true Love, but without the formulas and cliches, and they combine it w/ the realism of J-doramas, without the stark pessimism.... Although idealized, romance develops in a more natural way, the lovers get to know each other's personalities, and they compliment each other, fulfill the other's needs.... More importantly, passion is portrayed more realistically, w/ real kisses, and acknowledgement of existing desire, that is often absent in K-dramas..... This may have to do w/ the very conservative K-society, although it is not the reality of the existing contemporary S.K. .... China is less prude.
Also, the hero is not always idealized as  pure, he is more complex, w/ a darker side, or a more realistic anti-hero ... That said, C-dramas have some of the most amazing male lead characters, that every woman dreams of ... They are idealized yet realistic enough to believe they can exist in RL.

I am not saying that C-dramas are not formula or don't have cliches, or don't have problems...  I am saying there are themes, tropes, and subjects not found in K-dramas... and a lot more passion....  So if you want exciting romance, try C-dramas.

--- O.C. I speak in general terms, and my top favorite Dramas are K-dramas ... as I said, there is a reason they are popular.

I agree with you girl!

Thank you @rainruma, I didn't know you would give me so much titles (with description ! I'm lucky) and well sorted, I'm really greatful and can't wait to watch them ! 

Hmm, rather than "Korean dramas these days are boring because they have become too formulaic", I'm guessing that the most popular Kdramas have always been formulaic (as in, having similar cliches/tropes) and you just get bored of them eventually.

Doesn't mean that the Kdrama industry never makes anything that is fresh and interesting, though I admit that they're not always easy to find. If you're willing to look beyond your preferred genre and the popular stuff, you can always find something that doesn't make you feel like tearing your hair out ;)

@kittyflumpin ... "Also, you kids get off my lawn... LMAO! ..Grumpy old man?

COMPLETELY AGREE WITH YOU. Which is why I cleared My List and have started to watch Japanese dramas. 10 or 11 episodes and just 45 minutes each. Perfect! I know some think Japanese dramas are weird/sad/too realistic. But I disagree. Some are, but there are so many good ones with unique storylines! I recommend:

Date
Dear Sister
Ghostwriter
Tonbi
Mother
One Litre Of Tears
The Last Cinderella
Please Love The Useless Me
I'm Home
Mother Game
Priceless
Family's Form

And there are many more excellent Japanese dramas!

Even back in the day I found Kdrama was so cliche. It is hard to find something I like in Kdrama. But nowadays, it is extremely hard to find any interesting drama. Even to start something has been hard lately. I totally agree with @rainruma said. It is complicated. And given that not many audiences enjoy the tv drama these days, it is getting harder and harder to get a good one. The loyal audiences of Kdrama in Korea mostly are ahjumoni whom had to stays home all day. And they watch long series preferably. As of our favorites, which is mini series, getting neglected and neglected because the rating was not that good, even tough the share was high. To sum it up, it's been really boring. After signal earlier this year, I lost my taste :( (maybe because it was too good until everything seems bland)