Romance K-Dramas are the best binge material for romance readers who crave to find what they read in their beloved books on screens. These K-dramas are idealistic, too perfect, and somewhat unrealistic, but they fulfill everything you hope to find in a romance novel.
These dramas are the perfect watch for anyone who loves reading Romantic Comedy, a billionaire hero falling for his employee, and the hero being all protective over her, loving and caring for her.
Here are some of my favorite Romance K-dramas that all romance readers should watch at least once!
Business Proposal
Business Proposal is a perfect K-drama for romance readers who love the billionaire CEO falling for his employee who was pretending to be someone else for a while. It’s a lighthearted rom-com.
The heroine pretends to be her best friend and goes on a date on her behalf. The date, turns out to be the hero, who ends up liking her. Unfortunately for her, he is also her boss. I loved watching the chaos and drama these two created. Their romance is amazing and both have good chemistry.
The secondary main couples are also fun to follow and overall the story is good.
Tropes: Fake dating, workplace romance, romantic comedy
Where to Watch: Netflix
Strong Girl Bong-soon
Strong Girl Bong-Soon is that comfort K-drama series that will make you feel all the feels. It’s funny, filled with action and drama, a unique plot, and titillating romance.
The main characters are endearing. The heroine has supernatural strength and often gets into mischief. The hero is a heartthrob and employs her to be his bodyguard (and because he is smitten), and his falling for the heroine is just so dreamy. The addition of suspense and chaotic villains makes the series more addictive.
Tropes: Supernatural strength, love triangle, romantic comedy
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
What's Wrong with Secretary Kim?
This is a classic office romance K-drama, and probably the most recommended romance drama by everyone. As the name suggests, the story is about a narcissistic boss and his secretary. When she resigns from her job, the hero tries to retain her in very funny ways. Their romance is very cute and I loved every moment of it.
It’s a light-hearted romance with a little heavy backstory of both the main characters, mixed in with a healthy dose of romance, drama, and humor!
Tropes: Office Romance (Boss Employee), Romantic Comedy
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix, MX Player
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin)
I think Goblin is one of the most fantastic paranormal/supernatural Korean romances. Its intricate plot, the mystery behind the main and supporting characters, the history, and the romance – all packaged together make for one amazing story.
Honestly, I’m not a fan of the female main character, although the actress who plays her is fantastic. The rest of the cast is solid, though. The subtle romance, the characters’ dark pasts, and the hilarious interactions between the Goblin and his best friend really stand out. The tragedy woven throughout the plot will keep you engaged from start to finish.
This series made me laugh, cry, and fall for the heroes and the heroines. I was completely invested in the story.
Tropes: Supernatural/Paranormal, Age Gap
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix, MX Player
Tale of the Nine Tailed
This was my first K-drama, and it made me fall in love with the world of Korean dramas. I started watching this series because of its unique title, and I quickly became hooked. The concept was new to me, and I enjoyed learning about various aspects of Korean myths and legends.
Tale of the Nine Tailed is a good K-drama for anyone who wants to understand more about the Korean myths and legends. It’s not as heavy as the Goblin.
The plot is well-crafted—the romance, suspense, and action unfold at the right moments. The main characters are remarkable, and their romance develops slowly but steadily. Overall, it’s an intriguing watch.
Tropes: Paranormal/Supernatural, Past Life Connection
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix, Amazon Prime
Touch Your Heart
Another Lee Dong Wook favorite, Touch Your Heart is a light-hearted romcom that came out after Goblin. Usually, people like to think/pretend it’s the reincarnation of the second couple from Goblin. Watching the sunshine heroine and grumpy hero fall in love is fun. The secondary characters add their humorous touch to the plot. There are moments of hilarity, a touch of darkness, and the character development will ‘touch your heart’.
Tropes: Office Romance, Romantic Comedy
Where to Watch: Viki, MX Player
Shooting Stars
Another addictive watch for romance readers who love celebrity office romance where the main characters have this enmity and trade barbs and have an angsty relationship. It’s a typical romcom and you’ll love watching the main characters’ personal growth and romance from the initial introduction.
Tropes: Celebrity Romance, Frenemies to lovers
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
True Beauty
This series highlighted the high standards of ‘beauty’ in South Korea. The first few episodes captivated me as I felt for the heroine going through her worst moments. Although it begins with darkness, the story eventually shifts to a lighter tone as the heroine discovers and reinvents herself.
The love triangle is really frustrating because you don’t know who to root for. I loved both the heroes. The cast is all good looking and it’s a typical high school romance with the rivalry between two guys, good friends, jealous friends. The plot is great and you’ll love it.
Tropes: High School (YA) Romance, Makeover, Love Triangle
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
Light on Me (BL)
There are a lot of good Thai BL dramas, and the one I recently found was Light on Me, a Korean BL drama that’s done so well. This is more of a web series with very short episodes and based on an otome game or webtoon of the same name.
This is the story of the main hero as he discovers himself, exploring his likes and dislikes while navigating the challenges of school, friendships, and school dramas. Along the way, he experiences his first love. The characters become endearing, as each possesses a unique personality.
Tropes: Boy Love, Enemies to Lovers, High School (YA) Coming of Age Romance, Love Triangle
Where to Watch: Viki
Destined with You
Lately, many of the new K-dramas blend together with the same plot or predictable story. Destined with You stood out to me.
The story features a paranormal past connection between the main characters, and the plot is well-constructed. While romance is at the forefront, it works well with the overall mystery and comedic elements.
I really loved the main hero—he starts off as a narcissistic jerk, but watching him evolve into a loving boyfriend is just *chef’s kiss*!
Tropes: Fate and destiny, reincarnation
Where to Watch: Netflix
Hwarang
This story doesn’t really fit into the romance category, as it focuses more on the plot, the Hwarang (the main characters), and the historical context. Romance takes a backseat.
The star-studded cast will definitely entice you to watch. It features V (Kim Taehyung from BTS). The characters come together as part of the king’s army, known as the Hwarang.
Our group of heroes starts off as enemies—they dislike each other and frequently get into fights. One of the main heroes joins the group for a different purpose. Over time, their enmity evolves into friendship (a great part of the plot).
There is a love triangle, with two of the main heroes interested in the heroine, but it’s quite clear who she ultimately favors.
Tropes: Historical romance, bromance
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
Marry My Husband
There are very few series that truly grip me, but “Marry My Husband” did just that. I couldn’t stop watching it for two straight days. While the story includes elements of romance, what captivated me more was the immense support the heroine receives from the hero, along with her journey of revenge and the struggles she faces to achieve a happy ending.
In her first life, the heroine is betrayed and killed by her husband and her best friend. However, fate gives her a second chance, allowing her to go back 10 years before her marriage. And you want the heroine to seek that revenge, to get that justice she couldn’t then, for her eyes to be opened to the cruel truth.
Of course, the hero is a fantastic support. But it’s the heroine who steals the show – and her crazy, jealous, venomous best friend.
Tropes: Revenge, Second Chance Romance
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
King The Land
King the Land is another billionaire office romance; the hero is in a leadership role, being the heir to the business, while the heroine is a star employee there.
This series is a recommendation from my mom, who is a K-drama fan. I personally was not a fan of this series, but my mom was hooked on it from the start and promised that anyone who is an avid romance lover, will love this series.
Tropes: Office Romance
Where to Watch: Netflix
Itaewon Class
Itaewon Class, again, does not fall under the romance category as that is not the focus. However, it is beautiful to watch the story of an underdog who has always yearned for a peaceful, idealistic world fall for the heroine who can help him achieve it.
The hero has dealt with betrayal in his life. He clearly understands his goals and works steadily toward them. He does have revenge in mind, but unlike the typical vengeful hero, he seeks it through his own path—by achieving success. Again, like ‘Marry My Husband’, I was rooting for him the entire time. I loved his character so much. The story is fulfilling right up to the very end.
Tropes: Revenge, underdog success story
Where to Watch: Netflix
I am not a Robot
I Am Not a Robot features a unique storyline and a heartwarming romance between the main characters. The hero cannot endure anyone’s touch but a robot. And the heroine is pretending to be a robot who looks like her.
The story and all the characters are developed perfectly. In every episode, you get to know them, and like them all the more – the hero especially. The romance is slowly blooming but so beautiful. It’s worth the watch.
Tropes: “Pretend to Be someone else”
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix, MX Player
Where to watch K-Dramas?
Well, for all the recommended K-Dramas, I have also added the Where to Watch for you to quickly start watching them! However, you cannot subscribe to them all. So here’s how I rank the subscriptions especially for K-dramas:
Viki: Viki Rakuten is home to a wide variety of asian content including Korean, Thai, Chinese and Japanese dramas. If you’re into these, Viki may be a good choice.
Netflix: Netflix is a good option especially if you also love watching Hollywood series and movies. They have exclusive series and movies that you’ll not be able to watch anywhere else and it may be a good idea to subscribe for a few months.
Amazon Prime: With Prime subscription comes a lot of benefits – music, video and great online shopping experience. Although there aren’t that many great K-dramas.
Most of these romance kdramas are a comfortable watch. Heartwarming, toe-curling, and there’s something about the heroes (These people know how to show you an ideal romance hero lol).
If you’re a romance reader, these k-dramas are sure to be your favorites!