Top 10 Romantic K-Drama Series You Must Watch
Korean dramas, or K-dramas, have won over many hearts in the world through their picturesque romances, tightened plot twists, and emotionally charged storylines. And more interestingly, for those of you who are fond of romance dramas, here is a collection of some of the best romantic K-dramas that you can watch.
Crash Landing on You (2019–2020)
Plot: This drama is international as it tells the story of Yoon Se-ri, a South Korean heiress who, through a freak accident, landed into North Korea while paragliding. There, she meets Ri Jeong-hyeok, a North Korean army officer who saves her to hide and return to her home country safely. With significant political tension, family drama, as well as dangerous situations, against all odds, they fall in love.
Why Watch: The chemistry between Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin is palpable, and their forbidden love story vibrates with suspense, heartache, and hope. Romance transcends borders and obstacles.
Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God) (2016-2017)
Plot: "Goblin" is about the immortal Goblin, Kim Shin, who, according to his destiny, is cursed to live forever till he finally finds his "Goblin's bride," who will end his life. He finds Ji Eun-tak, a high school girl who claims that she is destined to break his curse. The drama revolved around themes of fate, reincarnation, and eternal love.
Why Watch: "Goblin" is a romantic fantasy drama that has all the ingredients of a magical and beautiful fantasy movie, with help from the stunning chemistry between Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun and the powerful fantasy elements. Moreover, the cinematography of this drama is said to be breathtaking.
Descendants of the Sun (2016)
Plot: This action-romance plot revolves around the love of a soldier, Captain Yoo Si-jin, and a doctor, Kang Mo-yeon. She is a product of a rich background, while he is a soldier with life-and-death stress. The views of these two people on life are not exactly aligned, making their relationship a challenge, not to mention that they are living in a country during war time. But despite all that, they strive to find ways through which they could make love work despite doing duty and fighting danger.
Why Watch: Descendants of the Sun was a global phenomenon: its thrilling combination of romance, action, and humanitarianism, with Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo's real-life chemistry not bothering to knock.
It's Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)
This drama follows the lives of Moon Gang-tae, caretaker at a psychiatric hospital, and Ko Mun-yeong, a popularly illustrated writer who writes for children but was emotionally hurt too. Together, they go through the journey to heal as both characters confront their past traumas and open themselves up to love.
Why Watch: It's a romantic drama with great balance on mental health awareness. With a beautiful love story and terrific performances from Kim Soo-hyun and Seo Ye-ji, this is a great mix of romance and mental health awareness.
Boys Over Flowers (2009)
Plot: Boy Over Flowers, one of the greatest classes in the K-drama world, is one that was all about Geum Jan-di, a poor girl who attends an elite school where she crosses paths with the F4, a group of four wealthy and handsome boys. From being bullied at first to getting entangled in a complicated love triangle with the leader of the F4, Goo Jun-pyo, and his best friend, Yoon Ji-hoo, it all makes for an exciting view.
Why Watch: This is a classic love drama, "rich boy, poor girl" and all the charm yet problematic of the lead male character. A must watch for any fan of K-drama romance.
Her Private Life (2019)
Plot: Sung Deok-mi is an art curator with a double life, being the biggest fan of a said idol star-a thing she keeps hidden from everyone. Her new boss, Ryan Gold, accidentally discovers this, and despite age and cultural differences, they grow very close and finally fall for each other. Concomitant to their romance, this event ends up making them overcome personal insecurity and face the professional lives.
Why Watch: Romance doesn't have to get too heavy, does it? Park Min-young and Kim Jae-wook's chemistry makes this romance an easy, breezy feel to it. And, fandom culture takes a pretty interesting turn.
What's Wrong with Secretary Kim? (2018)
Plot: It is a charming drama, telling a story about a narcissistic vice chairman of a major company, Lee Young-joon, and his capable and patient secretary, Kim Mi-so. Mi-so decides to quit her job since she spent quite a long time working for him. Young-joon realizes his deep feelings for her and starts trying to win her back, bringing together lots of hilarious and heartfelt moments.
Why Watch: Office romance starring Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young that leaves you laughing and warming your heart, making it one of the most loved rom-coms in the history of K-drama.
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016–2017)
Plot: "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo" is such a story about Kim Bok-joo, a weightlifter who dreams to turn gold, and Jung Joon-hyung, a swimming talent with his own struggles. As they pursue their athletic careers and slowly open up to each other, this drama comes in the form of a sweet and genuine coming-of-age love story.
Why Watch: This is a romantic drama that takes relatable lead characters played by Lee Sung-kyung and Nam Joo-hyuk as well as its self-love, friendship, and youthful love purity to the next level.
Strong Woman Do Bong-soon (2017)
Plot: The movie Do Bong-soon is a woman whose origin lies in superhuman strength, dreaming of using it for good rather than evil. She meets an eccentric and rich CEO named Ahn Min-hyuk, who makes her his bodyguard-and so much more-between action comedies and crime solving.
Why watch: Its quirkiness of action and romance makes this drama exciting to watch, as the chemistry between Park Bo-young and Park Hyung-sik really adds heart to the story.
Romance Is a Bonus Book (2019)
Story: Eun-ho is a prominent novelist and editor of his publishing company. His childhood friend, Kang Dan-i, suddenly reappears into his life as a newly divorced single mom with a desire to go back to work and restart her career. Kang Dan-i receives a job at Eun-ho's company, and the workplace soon evolves into a friendly connection turning into deeper romance in the midst of working together.
Why Watch: Mature romance focusing on second chances, personal development, and the trials and tribulations of balancing love with a demanding career. Hysterical chemistry between Lee Jong-suk and Lee Na-young injected much-needed heat and authenticity into this romantic slice-of-life story.
K-dramas are love stories that talk of dramatic, emotionally provoking plots and visual beauty. If you are looking for a wide array of dramas with different plots and characters and genres, these top 10 romantic K-dramas have something for everyone regardless of whether your mood is that of a heart-pounding romance, a lighthearted rom-com, or an emotional tearjerker. The engaging characters with love stories that will never be forgotten make K-dramas a favorite among fans all over the world.
