The art of cinematography from South Korea is thriving and gaining global recognition. Their captivating dramas, nerve-wracking thrillers, spine-chilling horrors – all are must-watch content that deserves to be recommended widely. But they excel not just in these genres; their mastery extends to romantic comedies as well. These shows, cherished by their audience, are unique and humorous, a testament to the creativity of South Korean storytellers. Here’s a list of the top 25 romantic comedy dramas from South Korea.
A Business Proposal (2022)
This romantic comedy is adapted from a webcomic with the same title. The plot revolves around Shin Ha-ri, who agrees to stand in for a friend on a blind date, unaware that her mystery suitor is her boss. In an attempt to scare him off by disguising herself as her friend, she ends up recognizing him and all her plans backfire, particularly when he unexpectedly pops the question.
Welcome to Waikiki (2018-2019)
Three individuals named Dong Goo, Joon Ki, and Doo Shik, each distinct in personality, share a common vision and strategy. Together, they establish a lodging place called Waikiki in Itaewon, primarily catering to travelers from other parts of the world.
In a shared living space filled with unease and suspicion, Dong Goo aspires to be a film director, Joon Ki is an unconventional actor striving for success, and Doo Shik is a freelance writer who spends most of his days idle. They invite some relatives and companions to join them in this living arrangement.
What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim (2018)
Lee Young Goon serves as the self-centered and egotistical Vice Chairman within his family’s company, viewing himself with great admiration while showing minimal concern for those around him. After nearly a decade of a purely professional association, his competent and amiable secretary chooses to leave her position.
Upon her resignation announcement, a humorous mix-up unfolds and a captivating query surfaces: Could it be possible that Lee Young Goon and Kim Mi So, two individuals as different as night and day, might have romantic feelings for each other?
Crash Landing on You (2019-2020)
In this tale, we follow Yoo Se-ri, an acclaimed fashion magnate, who encounters a fateful mishap during paragliding, leading her into the heart of North Korea. There, she crosses paths with Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok, a distinguished military figure. Amidst the challenges of life in this nation, Yoo Se-ri develops feelings for him.
Currently, she needs to devise a method to return to South Korea, accompanied by her secret North Korean admirer who had been sheltering and safeguarding her. The duo must now strategize their departure, all the while concealing their affection from prying eyes.
Descendants of the Sun (2016)
This tale unfolds as a contemporary romance, centering around the bond between Captain Yoo Shi Jin of the South Korean Special Forces and Dr. Kang Mo Yeon, a surgeon at Seoul’s Haesung Hospital. Their lives become intertwined amidst significant happenings and various perils.
In a made-up nation called Urk, they find themselves right in the heart of a war zone, juggling both their personal and work-related challenges.
Fight For My Way (2017)
As a die-hard film enthusiast, I’d like to share the enchanting tale of two cherished childhood pals, Ko Dong Man – a high school Taekwondo sensation, and Choi Ae Ra – an impassioned dreamer with a zest for life who yearns to shine as a renowned broadcaster.
Gradually, they find themselves growing affectionate towards one another and must navigate this unexpected turn while considering their shared dreams and objectives. Meanwhile, Ko aspires for a successful career in UFC, while Choi too harbors lofty ambitions.
Legend of the Blue Sea (2016-2017)
In this work, we delve into a captivating tale that draws inspiration from an ancient Korean legend set within Korea’s historical narratives. The story centers around a fisherman named Kim Dam Ryung and the mermaid he calls Se Hwa, in the year August 1598. This fantasy-drama is based on a mesmerizing encounter between the fisherman and the mythical creature.
Currently, we delve into the tale of Heo Joon Jae, a cunning trickster possessing extraordinary powers, who flees to sunny Spain after pulling off a clever swindle. Here, he crosses paths with Shim Chung, a mermaid stranded on the shores of his beachfront resort.
Mr Queen (2020-2021)
In this delightful, side-splitting tale, we meet Jang Bong Hwan, a chef known for catering to the nation’s most influential political figures within the Blue House. Unbelievably, he gets transported into the body of Queen Cheorin during the Joseon era.
It won’t be long before she realizes that the circumstances and connections at court are far from straightforward, particularly regarding King Cheoljong, who harbors a shady and mysterious persona.
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)
Yoo Hye-Jin is an earthy, practical dentist who values honesty above all else. Her life is on the brink of a significant transformation as she relocates to the picturesque coastal village of Gongjin. Here, she crosses paths with Hong Du-Sik, affectionately known as Chief Hong by the locals.
This intriguing fellow, both good-looking and enigmatic, appears to be jobless yet consistently ready to help those in distress. Piqued by her curiosity, Yoo Hye-Jin resolves to learn more about him.
My Love from Another Star (2013-2014)
In this lighthearted romance, the plot occasionally ventures into the fantastical, introducing Do Min-Joon, an alien who has spent 400 years on Earth but will be able to depart in just three months. However, his life takes a turn when he encounters and develops feelings for the renowned actress Chun Song-Yi.
Over countless centuries, he’s striven to keep his distance from humanity, but a single incident could prove to be the hardest challenge yet for him.
I Am Not a Robot (2017-2018)
In a unique blend of romance and science fiction, the narrative unfolds around Kim Min Gyu, a wealthy and accomplished individual who leads a solitary existence due to an extreme sensitivity to tactile interaction with others. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he encounters a charming, compassionate girl disguised as a robot, causing a shift in his isolated world.
She’s performing actions for her former boyfriend, an exceptional robotics professor, whom she has grown particularly fond of. He happens to be the first person that Kim Min Gyu has allowed himself to become intimate with. This relationship offers him comfort and optimism, but unfortunately, it won’t last forever.
Reply 1988 (2015-2016)
One well-known, cherished South Korean romantic comedy television show takes us on a trip down memory lane to the 1980s. In this series, we become acquainted with five families and their adolescent children residing in a quaint Seoul neighborhood.
Although things appeared more straightforward back then due to a lack of sophisticated technology and constant updates on news, they were no less difficult, particularly for adolescents striving to find their path in life. Five companions, bonded since childhood, endeavor to get through their days, teenage years, and prepare themselves for the future.
It’s Okay Not To Be Okay (2020)
In this touching tale, we meet a man named Moon Kang Tae, a dedicated professional working in the psychiatric ward, and a gifted children’s book author called Go Moon Young. While Moon Kang Tae devotes all his time to his job, the talented yet loveless Go Moon Young is our other protagonist.
Fate seemed to draw them close as they gradually modified their unconventional behaviors, eventually aiding in the mending of each other’s emotional scars.
W: Two Worlds (2016)
In the imaginative digital comic series, W, the storyline unfolds as if it’s happening in our reality. Kang Chui, an exceptionally skilled and good-looking young man, gains fame after triumphing in a shooting contest. However, his life spirals out of control when his entire family is viciously murdered, and he is falsely implicated in the gruesome crime.
In the story, Yeon-joo, who is known as the daughter of a renowned author, finds herself visiting her father’s studio after his unexpected disappearance, hoping to uncover some clues about his whereabouts. However, she gets drawn into her father’s alternate universe, W’s world, where she encounters and develops feelings for Kang Chui.
Hotel del Luna (2019)
Deep within Seoul resides a unique and intriguing hotel, unlike anything anyone has encountered before. This establishment is managed by the self-centered and materialistic Jang Man Wol, who is bound to spend eternity here, serving the quirky demands of her unusual patrons.
Her sole means of freedom lies in discovering an individual who has transgressed a far greater wrong than herself, yet after millennia, she’s gradually losing faith. Then, she encounters Goo Chang Seong, compelled to manage the hotel due to his father’s arrangement with Man Wol from long ago.
Kill Me, Heal Me (2015)
In simpler terms, we have a character named Cha Do Hyun, originally from a well-off family, who’s been diagnosed with dissociative identity disorder following some severe, potentially fatal traumas. Entering the scene is Oh Ri Jin, an appealing and intriguing first-year psychiatrist, who unbeknownst to others, takes on the role of a secret therapist for Cha Do Hyun.
As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but question the straightforwardness of this story. It seems that Do Hyun has a sibling who’s delving into his life as part of an investigation on wealthy youths. The twist, though, is whether Do Hyun manages to keep his own reins or if one of his seven personas seizes control instead.
Oh My Ghost (2015)
In simpler terms, Plot Na Bong-Sun is a wallflower sous chef who lacks friends due to her shy demeanor. Since her youth, she has the unique ability to see spirits because of her grandmother’s role as a shaman. Unexpectedly, she gets taken over by the spirit of Shin Soon-Ae, a captivating ghost.
Her life undergoes a significant transformation, as she swiftly alters her mannerisms and interactions with people. In due course, she captures the heart of Kang Sun-Woo, a celebrated chef and her hidden admirer, though he is yet to move on from his former girlfriend.
18 Again (2020)
This captivating tale combines elements of fantasy, comedy, and drama as it follows a discontented couple in their late thirties who realize they desire more from life. The story unfolds around Hong Dae-yung, whose world begins to crumble when he loses his job, faces divorce proceedings by his spouse, and comes to terms with the fact that his twin sons are exploiting him for financial support.
In an extraordinary twist of events, he longs for a chance to travel back in time and finds himself mysteriously reawakened as his 18-year-old self, yet retaining all his 37-year-old wisdom. He embarks on a new journey, enrolling in the high school where his sons attend, gaining a fresh perspective on life by experiencing it from a different vantage point.
Our Beloved Summer (2021)
In this tale of growing up and romantic humor, we follow the lives of former lovers Choi Woong and Kook Yeon-soo, who had sworn off ever crossing paths again. However, life has a funny way of interfering with our plans, and before long, they find themselves entangled in a predicament that proves difficult to extricate themselves from.
A decade has passed since they collaborated on a documentary that gained immense popularity, and now circumstances have brought them back into contact. This reunion will offer us an insight into their intricate relationship and the emotions they harbor for one another.
True Beauty (2020-2021)
In this heartwarming tale, a high school student embarks on learning the skillful application of makeup following incidents of bullying and name-calling due to her perceived unattractiveness. Determined to reinvent herself, she sets out to create a stunningly beautiful image that will captivate all who lay eyes upon her.
Yu-kyung has long viewed herself as unattractive, but despite undergoing a physical transformation and gaining recognition at her new school, she remains apprehensive that her classmates will ultimately uncover her true visage. It isn’t until she crosses paths with Lee Su-ho, a strikingly handsome and well-liked student who grapples with the weight of his fame and adoration from peers, that things begin to change for her.
Because This Is My First Life (2017)
In a witty and engaging blend of comedy and drama, this narrative explores themes such as sexism, chauvinism, and societal stereotypes, showcasing their influence on personal perspectives and emotions. The tale unfolds around the lives of Nam Se Hee and Yoon Ji Ho, two distinct individuals who are on the brink of a life-changing connection.
Se Hee is a practical and sincere young man who doesn’t prioritize dating or women. He’s smart and generally composed, but he does have moments when he becomes angered. Ji Ho, on the other hand, is self-reliant and ambitious, currently in search of a new living space. Somehow, she winds up sharing her home with Se Hee as a roommate.
Doom At Your Service (2021)
This touching romantic drama follows the story of Tak Dong-kyung, an editor for a web novel company. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers she has a terminal illness with only three months left to live. To add to her troubles, she learns that her boyfriend is living a secret double life.
One fuzzy, star-struck night, I made a whim to a streaking celestial body, a wish born out of desperation. The world as I knew it was about to change, for better or worse. In a daring bid, I agreed to a hundred-day pact, risking all that I had ever known.
Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Youth (2016-2017)
As a passionate cinephile, I’d like to share with you an intriguing tale that unfolds in the historic Kingdom of Silla. This narrative revolves around an illustrious band of young nobles, known as Hwarang, who exerted significant influence during their time. The group comprises four gallant knights and one courageous maiden, all destined for greatness as they journey towards the capital city, Seorabeol.
One of them stands on the brink of kingship, unbeknownst to them, while another ordinary citizen harbors an unknown secret.
Weightlifting (2016-2017)
This captivating tale, rich with poignant moments, chronicles the journey of young individuals as they navigate life, romance, and camaraderie. This blend of comedy, drama, and sports centers around a tight-knit team of college athletes striving for their ambitions.
As they journey towards their sporting accomplishments, they’ll encounter various experiences that will foster their growth and help them uncover their life’s mission. Along this path, they’ll grasp the essence of genuine friendship and experience profound forms of love.
Itaewon Class (2020)
On the first day at his new school, Park Sae Ro Yi physically confronts a classmate who had been harassing him. Unfortunately, this classmate turned out to be the son of a prominent CEO who owns a restaurant where Ro Yi’s father works. When Ro Yi refused to apologize, he was expelled from school, leading to his father being terminated from his job.
As a movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase it like this: After a series of unfortunate incidents that landed me in prison, I vowed to exact my revenge on the CEO who wrecked my life. Upon my release, I embarked on a new journey, opening a thriving restaurant in the heart of Itaewon, Seoul. This culinary venture flourished, in no small part due to Jo Yi Seo’s significant social media influence, who graciously agreed to manage our establishment.
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2025-06-07 20:46