Top 10 Romantic K-Dramas to Binge Watch (Happy Ending is Guaranteed)
Like a cozy blanket on a chilly autumn day, these shows will give you all the wholesome feels.
You might've watched some of them already, cause they are sure iconic; still, most of these Korean dramas are insanely rewatchable.
1. Coffee Prince
The story revolves around Choi Han Kyu, a guy who's tired of his grandma setting him up on blind dates. So what does he do? He hires Ko Eun Chan to pose as his boyfriend. Plot twist: Ko Eun Chan is actually a girl who just happens to look like a boy. Shakespeare would've been proud of this modern takedown of gender norms, don't you think? The banter between Choi Han Kyu and Ko Eun Chan is nothing short of delightful. The series was such a hit that it inspired remakes around the globe.
2. The Legend of the Blue Sea
Ever wondered what The Little Mermaid would look like if Prince Eric was a con artist? Well, The Legend of the Blue Sea is here to answer that question. This series is a modern take on a Korean legend, featuring a mermaid named Se Hwa and a con man. The visuals are stunning, with scenes shot in beautiful Spain.
3. My Love from the Star
An alien named Do Min Joon has been stuck on Earth for 400 years. He's had more careers than Barbie at this point. He crosses paths with Cheon Song Yi, a former child actress who's down on her luck. With his legal expertise and, ahem, alien superpowers, Do Min Joon helps her navigate through life's challenges. This series sparked a fried chicken and beer craze in South Korea.
4. Boys Over Flowers
High school dramas are a dime a dozen, but iconic Boys Over Flowers stands out. The story centers around the F4, the most popular and wealthy boys in school, and their interactions with a less affluent student, Geum Jan Di. The leader of F4, Gu Jun Pyo, starts off as a total jerk, bullying her for not fawning over him like every other girl. But love has a way of changing people. The series does have its share of criticism for focusing on materialism and depicting violence, so please be warned: some parts of the series sure didn't age well.
5. Goblin
The story starts in the Goryeo Dynasty with Kim Shin, a military general who's cursed to live forever as a goblin. Fast forward to modern times, and he's still searching for his bride to break the curse. Along comes Ji Eun Tak, a high school student who can see ghosts. Kim Shin's roommate is the Grim Reaper, who also finds love in the most unexpected of places.
6. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is the perfect getaway, at least on screen. Yoon Hye Jin, a city dentist, moves to the quaint seaside town of Gongjin and crosses paths with Hong Du Shik, the town's handyman. Now, Du Shik isn't your average handyman; this guy is the town's jack-of-all-trades. He helps out seniors, fixes things around the village, and even takes care of dental hygiene. The series is like a warm cup of tea on a rainy day – perfect for a comforting binge-watch.
7. Crash Landing on You
Love knows no borders, and Crash Landing on You proves just that. Yoon Se Ri, a successful South Korean businesswoman, goes paragliding and ends up crash-landing in North Korea. But don't worry, Captain Ri Jeong Hyuk comes to her rescue. The series offers a unique glimpse into life in North Korea, and guess what? The creators even consulted North Korean defectors to keep things authentic.
8. It's Okay to Not Be Okay
It's Okay to Not Be Okay is a breath of fresh air in a genre that often shies away from complex topic of mental health. Moon Gang Tae works at a mental health facility and takes care of his brother, who has autism. Enter Ko Moon Young, a children's book author dealing with her own emotional trauma. The series tackles its subject matter with grace and sensitivity, making it a must-watch for anyone looking for depth in their dramas.
9. Descendants of the Sun
Descendants of the Sun pairs Yoo Shi Jin, a Special Forces captain, with Dr. Kang Mo Yeon, a renowned surgeon. Sparks fly, but so do bullets. The series explores the complexities of maintaining a relationship when you're in high-risk professions. It was such a massive hit in Korea that it even won awards.
10. Twenty-Five Twenty-One
This series is chronicling a relationship that evolves over decades. It starts in 1998 with Na Hee Do, a competitive fencer, and Baek Yi Jin, a rich boy who's seen better days. The chemistry is electric from the get-go, but love isn't always a smooth ride, is it? The series beautifully captures the ups and downs of love and life, making it a perfect binge-watch material.