7 Great Korean Dramas Without Actual Romance, Ranked by IMDb Score

Believe it or not, not all K-dramas are about romantic relationships and love affairs. In addition to romance, the genres of South Korean television range from horror and slice of life to sci-fi and mystery, providing twists and turns that can keep any viewer glued to the screen.

If you're not a fan of love stories, here are seven great shows that not only aren't about relationships, but also avoid unnecessary romantic subplots altogether.

Hot Stove League (2019)

The story of a professional baseball team in last place in the league and a star manager hired to coach them to championship status, despite his complete lack of baseball experience, is a realistic slice-of-life drama that will have you hooked from the first minute.

Navillera (2021)

This wholesome drama follows a 70-year-old man who has worked as a postman all his life, while dreaming of learning to dance ballet. Finally, after his 70th birthday, the protagonist finds the courage to pursue his lifelong dream, despite his family's disapproval, and inspires many people along the way.

Prison Playbook (2017)

The protagonist of the series is a superstar baseball pitcher who is imprisoned overnight after accidentally killing a man while protecting his sister from sexual assault. During his incarceration, he meets fellow inmates and law enforcement officers whose lives are portrayed in sometimes serious, sometimes comical ways.

Taxi Driver (2021-present)

The action-packed series revolves around the main character who suffered a tragic loss of his mother in the past, but wasn't able to avenge her death. So now he's doing it for others by working as an on-call driver for a company that helps clients avenge injustices in their lives.

Beyond Evil (2021)

This crime thriller centers on two police officers who not only battle evil while investigating a series of serial murders, but also deal with their own inner demons, causing them to cross all kinds of lines in their quest for justice. But is it justice they find?

The Fiery Priest (2019)

A special agent turned priest with anger management issues investigates the mystery of his colleague's death, taking down gangsters and corrupt officials along the way. The show takes a comedic approach to the story, with plenty of wacky humor and references to Korean pop culture.

Black Dog: Being A Teacher (2019)

When the main character becomes a private school teacher, she doesn't expect the education system to be so cutthroat and her position to come with so many challenges. Luckily, there are colleagues willing to help the protagonist grow as a person and a teacher, inspiring viewers in the process.