Love knows no bounds, and the world of Kdramas on Netflix is a treasure trove of captivating stories that celebrate the beauty of romance. Whether you’re a seasoned Kdrama aficionado or just beginning your journey into the addictive world of Korean dramas, I’ve curated a list of the 13 best romantic Kdramas on Netflix, meticulously ranked for your viewing pleasure. Get ready to be swept off your feet as we embark on a heartfelt adventure through a diverse range of love stories, each filled with passion, heartache, and a sprinkle of that irresistible Kdrama magic. So grab your snacks, settle into your comfiest spot, and let these enchanting tales transport you into a realm of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
13. Love to Hate You (2023)
This delightful comedy K-drama blends romance, and action, into a short and entertaining package. Yeo Mi-ran, (Kim Ok-bin), a feisty lawyer and a social crusader, fights against the misogynistic, sexist, and patriarchal aspects of society. With her martial arts skills, she dispenses vigilante justice and exudes strength and determination. On the other hand, we have Do Won-joon, (Kim Ji-hoon), an A-list hero. At first glance, he appears sweet and flawless, but beneath the surface, he harbors some rude and judgmental tendencies towards women. When these two opposites collide, it sparks the beginning of their love battle. Prepare yourself for a captivating storyline filled with twists and turns, as these flawed characters navigate their way through their complex emotions.
12. Romance Is a Bonus Book (2019)
Aired from January to March 2019, Romance Is a Bonus Book tells the story of Kang Dan-i (played by Lee Na-young), a former successful copywriter who finds herself unemployed and struggling to restart her career due to her age and lack of formal education. She ends up lying about her educational background and getting hired as a temporary worker at a publishing company, where she crosses paths with Cha Eun-ho (played by Lee Jong-suk), a genius writer and the company’s youngest editor-in-chief. As the story progresses, the drama explores themes of love, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams. Kang Dan-i and Cha Eun-ho develop a close bond as they face various challenges together. Also, a romantic relationship begins to blossom between them. Romance Is a Bonus Book received positive reviews for its heartwarming and realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by the characters. The drama tackles the themes of career setbacks, ageism, and the importance of perseverance. It also explores the dynamics of friendship and romance, offering a refreshing take on the typical workplace romance genre. The performances by the main cast, particularly Lee Na-young and Lee Jong-suk, were highly praised for their chemistry and emotional depth. Also, I loved it and you probably would too!
11. Suspicious Partner (2017)
One of the best romantic Kdramas on Netflix, Suspicious Partner aired from May to July 2017. The drama combines elements of romance, comedy, and mystery. It tells the story of Noh Ji-wook (played by Ji Chang-wook), a skilled prosecutor known for his dedication to justice, and Eun Bong-hee (played by Nam Ji-hyun), a budding lawyer who mistakenly becomes the prime suspect in a murder case. The plot revolves around Noh Ji-wook taking on Bong-hee’s case and working to clear her name. As they delve into the investigation, they discover a web of secrets and hidden connections. Along the way, they face numerous challenges, both professionally and personally, while developing a romantic relationship. The series offers a mix of light-hearted moments and intense courtroom drama. The drama explores themes of trust, loyalty, and the pursuit of justice. It also delves into the personal growth of the main characters as they confront their past traumas. The drama was generally well-received by audiences and gained a dedicated fan base. It received positive reviews for its engaging storyline and the chemistry between Ji Chang-wook and Nam Ji-hyun. If you enjoy romantic comedies with a touch of mystery and courtroom drama, you should really give Suspicious Partner a chance.
10. HER PRIVATE LIFE (2019)
In the tenth spot on this list of best romantic Kdramas on Netflix, Her Private Life is a series that revolves around the life of Sung Duk-mi, a talented art curator who leads a double life as a dedicated fan of an idol group. While she maintains a professional and sophisticated image in her career, she indulges in her fangirl persona outside of work. The story takes an interesting turn when Ryan Gold, a famous art gallery director, becomes Duk-mi’s new boss. Initially, he mistakenly believes Duk-mi is romantically involved with his stepbrother, which leads to a complex and comedic relationship between the two. As the drama progresses, Ryan discovers Duk-mi’s secret fangirl life, and they develop a romantic relationship while navigating the challenges of their personal and professional lives. The series received positive reviews for its engaging storyline and the chemistry between the main leads. It offers a mix of romance, comedy, and drama, with a focus on exploring the themes of identity, passion, and the balance between one’s personal and public life. The drama also delves into the world of fandom culture and portrays it in a lighthearted and relatable manner. So, if you enjoy romantic comedies with a touch of fangirl culture and a well-executed storyline, Her Private Life is a good choice to watch!
9. What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim? (2018)
Definitely one of the best romantic K-dramas on Netflix, this series is based on a web novel by Jung Kyung-yoon. It follows the story of Lee Young-joon (played by Park Seo-joon), a narcissistic vice chairman of a large company, and his highly capable and dedicated secretary, Kim Mi-so (played by Park Min-young). The plot revolves around Kim Mi-so, who has been working for Lee Young-joon for nine years. One day, she decides to quit her job as his secretary, leading Young-joon to realize his feelings for her. He embarks on a mission to convince her to stay, leading to humorous and romantic situations. As the story progresses, secrets from their pasts are revealed, and their relationship deepens. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim? is primarily a romantic comedy that combines elements of workplace dynamics, romance, and personal growth. The drama explores the journey of both characters as they confront their fears, ultimately leading to the development of a strong bond between them. The drama was well-received by audiences and critics alike. It gained popularity for its lighthearted and comedic moments, as well as the chemistry between the lead actors. The performances of Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young were praised for their excellent portrayal of the main characters. The drama’s witty dialogue, engaging storyline, and charming romance made it a hit among fans of the romantic comedy genre. So, if you enjoy romantic comedies with a mix of humor, romance, and character development, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim? is a great series to watch.
8. FORECASTING LOVE AND WEATHER (2022)
This wonderful romantic Kdrama revolves around the professional and romantic lives of individuals employed at the national weather service administration office. The story centers on a forecaster and her colleague who develop a connection. Forecasting Love and Weather has gained significant popularity over the world, becoming one of the most-watched office melodramas and captivating Kdrama of 2022. So, if you have a fondness for engaging office dramas and charming romantic dramas, this series might be worth exploring.
7. Cinderella and the Four Knights (2016)
The story of Cinderella and the Four Knights follows Eun Ha-won (played by Park So-dam), a hardworking and optimistic high school student who dreams of becoming a teacher. Ha-won’s life takes a dramatic turn when she is given the opportunity to live in a luxurious mansion owned by Kang family, headed by Kang Ji-woon (played by Jung Il-woo), Kang Hyun-min (played by Ahn Jae-hyun), and Kang Seo-woo (played by Lee Jung-shin). These three cousins are known as the “Knights” and have very different personalities. Ha-won is tasked with the mission of reforming the three Knights and bringing harmony to their family. As she gets involved in their lives, she also captures the attention of the fourth Knight, Lee Yoon-sung (played by Choi Min), the family’s stoic and reserved secretary. The drama explores the relationships that develop between Ha-won and each of the Knights as they undergo personal growth and confront their own family issues. Cinderella and the Four Knights is a lighthearted romantic comedy that blends elements of the classic “Cinderella” fairy tale with modern-day themes. It offers a mix of romance, humor, and a touch of drama. The drama has received mixed reviews, with some enjoying its charming characters and the chemistry between the cast members. Others have found it to be predictable or felt that the character development was lacking. Anyway, if you enjoy light romantic comedies with a Cinderella-esque storyline. you will probably find it entertaining.
6. Nevertheless (2021)
Aired in 2021. Nevertheless tells the story of two individuals, Park Jae-eon (played by Song Kang) and Yoo Na-bi (played by Han So-hee), who navigate the complexities of modern dating and relationships. Yoo Na-bi is a talented art student who is skeptical about love due to her past experiences, while Park Jae-eon is a charming and free-spirited man who avoids commitment. Despite their reservations, they find themselves drawn to each other and embark on a tumultuous romantic journey. The drama explores themes of love, attraction, and the fear of being hurt. It delves into the uncertainties of modern dating culture, portraying the challenges faced by young adults in forming genuine connections. Nevertheless received mixed reviews from viewers and critics. Some praised its realistic depiction of relationships and the chemistry between the main leads. However, others found the storyline and character development to be lacking. If you enjoy watching melodramatic romances with a focus on the complexities of human emotions, you should find it engaging. However, if you prefer more tightly woven plotlines or character growth, it may not meet your expectations. I rather enjoyed it and highly recommend it.
5. BECAUSE THIS IS MY FIRST LIFE (2017)
Because This Is My First Life revolves around the lives of three individuals who find themselves living together in a house due to various circumstances. The main character, Nam Se-hee (played by Lee Min-ki), is a frugal and practical software engineer who decides to rent out a spare room in his house. Yoon Ji-ho (played by Jung So-min) is a woman struggling with financial difficulties and ends up becoming Se-hee’s tenant. As they navigate their living arrangement, they encounter different challenges and develop a unique bond. The drama explores themes such as love, marriage, and societal expectations. It delves into the complexities of modern relationships and the pressures faced by individuals in South Korean society. The series received positive reviews for its realistic portrayal of relationships, strong character development, and heartfelt storytelling. It was praised for its refreshing take on the romantic comedy genre. I, for one, thoroughly enjoyed it!
4. Crash Landing on You (2019)
Crash Landing on You is a popular Kdrama series that aired from December 2019 to February 2020. The story of the series revolves around a wealthy South Korean heiress named Yoon Se-ri, played by Son Ye-jin, who accidentally crash-lands in North Korea while paragliding due to a tornado. There, she meets a North Korean army officer named Ri Jeong-hyeok, played by Hyun Bin, who tries to help her return to South Korea safely. As Se-ri and Jeong-hyeok spend time together, they develop a deep connection and fall in love. However, their relationship faces numerous obstacles, including political tensions and the stark contrast between the two Koreas. The drama explores their forbidden romance and the challenges they face while trying to be together. The series received widespread acclaim both in South Korea and internationally. It garnered a large fan following due to its compelling storyline and a perfect blend of romance, comedy, and drama. The drama also sheds light on the cultural differences and challenges faced by North and South Korea, which I find interesting.
3. BUSINESS PROPOSAL (2022)
In Business Proposal, Shin Ha-ri (portrayed by Kim Se-Jeong) reluctantly agrees to participate in a blind date arranged by her parents on behalf of her best friend Young-seo (played by Seol In-ah). Her intention is to purposely get rejected. However, her plan fails when Kang Tae-moo, played by Ah Hyo-Seop, who is not only her boss but also the person she goes on the date with, decides to marry her to avoid future similar situations. This sets off a series of humorous events as she tries to conceal her true identity from him. Meanwhile, her best friend Young-seo develops feelings for Cha Sung-hoon, portrayed by Kim Min-kyu, who coincidentally is Tae-moo’s assistant. Business Proposal has become one of the most popular Korean dramas on Netflix in 2022. It offers a delightful blend of comedy and romance, guaranteeing a mood-lifting experience. In short, you should really give it a try!
2. ANOTHER MISS OH (2016)
Another Miss Oh revolves around two women named Oh Hae-young, both coincidentally having the same name but leading very different lives. Oh Hae-young (played by Seo Hyun-jin) is a successful and confident career woman engaged to be married. However, her wedding plans take an unexpected turn when her fiancé suddenly calls off the engagement and disappears. The other Oh Hae-young (played by Jeon Hye-bin) is an insecure and overlooked woman who works at a catering company. The series explores themes of love, fate, and self-discovery. As the two Oh Hae-youngs’ lives become intertwined, they navigate through various relationships and confront their own insecurities. The story delves into the complexities of human emotions and the choices people make that can significantly impact their lives. Another Miss Oh received positive reviews for its unique storytelling approach and strong performances by the cast. It was praised for its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and the chemistry between the actors. The drama’s blend of romance, comedy, and emotional depth resonated with viewers. It really became a popular choice among fans of romantic dramas. If you enjoy character-driven stories with a mix of romance, comedy, and introspection, you will probably find it enjoyable. Just as much as I did.
1. Boys over Flowers (2009)
My top spot for this list is a high school K-drama on Netflix Boys over Flowers! Based on the popular rom-com Japanese drama of the same name, Boys over Flowers tells the story of Geum Jan-di (played by Ku Hye-sun), a headstrong and determined high school student from a modest background who receives a scholarship to attend the prestigious Shinhwa High School, known for its wealthy and influential students. There, she crosses paths with the F4, a group of four wealthy and handsome boys who rule the school. The F4 consists of Gu Jun-pyo (played by Lee Min-ho), Yoon Ji-hoo (played by Kim Hyun-joong), So Yi-jung (played by Kim Bum), and Song Woo-bin (played by Kim Joon). As Jan-di becomes entangled with the F4, she finds herself caught in a love triangle between Gu Jun-pyo and Yoon Ji-hoo. The drama follows her journey as she navigates the challenges of her new environment, confronts the bullying tactics of the F4, and discovers the true meaning of love and friendship. The series gained immense popularity not only in South Korea but also internationally. It became a cultural phenomenon, attracting a large fan base due to its captivating storyline, charismatic cast, and romantic elements. It’s known for its melodramatic moments, extravagant fashion, and a mix of comedic and heartfelt scenes. If you enjoy lighthearted romantic dramas with elements of comedy and melodrama, Boys over Flowers is the series for you. It has become a classic in the genre and has greatly influenced subsequent Korean dramas!
