Lee Dong-wook's Divorce Insurance flops in early episodes: Boring, filled with plot holes, say fans

Is there such a thing as a bad Lee Dong-wook series?

Well, not quite. But there is such a thing as a disappointing one—and The Divorce Insurance might just be it. Let’s be clear: There are no complaints about Lee Dong-wook himself. The man can go from a nine-tailed fox to a chilling serial killer without breaking a sweat, so playing a jaded, three-time divorcee? Child’s play. He’s compelling, charismatic, and as watchable as ever. The show, though? Not so much.

Despite having a promising creative team—director Lee Won-seok (Killing Romance) and writer Lee Tae-yoon (Secret Royal Inspector & Joy)—The Divorce Insurance is struggling to gain traction. Ratings are low, buzz is lukewarm, and even devoted fans are divided.

What is it about?

The plot is clever: Noh Ki-jun (Lee Dong-wook) is a top-notch insurance actuary with a glossy career and a less-than-glossy personal life. After three costly divorces, he pitches a radical new idea—divorce insurance, inspired by his own heartbreaks. Opposite him is Kang Han-deul (Lee Joo-bin), a smart and skeptical underwriter who’s freshly divorced herself. Despite initial doubts, she finds herself drawn into the bold project. Rounding out the cast are Ahn Jeon-man (Lee Kwang-soo), a risk-taker with the worst luck, and Jeon Na-rae (Lee Da-hee), a financial mathematician who treats love like an investment portfolio.

The concept is refreshingly honest and full of potential. However, the potential is wobbly. The show can’t quite decide if it wants to be sharp satire, quirky romance, or office dramedy—and ends up being a bit of everything and not enough of anything. The pacing stutters, the humour is hit-or-miss, and the emotional depth feels patchy.

What fans say

Still, not everyone’s checked out. Some viewers appreciate the show’s mature, low-conflict tone and subtle storytelling. One fan wrote, “It’s a show without conflict… The characters are messy, but they handle things like adults. It’s pretty light and healing.” Another noted that the absence of clichés is a refreshing change, and even welcomed the slow pacing.

But others aren’t buying it. They’ve pointed out glaring plot holes and tonal inconsistencies—one moment grounded policy talk, the next, pure absurdity. Some call it dull and emotionally distant. “I just can’t connect with any of them,” a viewer commented.

It’s not a total write-off. But unless The Divorce Insurance tightens its narrative and finds some emotional momentum, Lee Dong-wook might end up being the only policy people care about cashing in on.