If you are a die-hard fan of Kdramas, then you might already be familiar with gushy romance. Amid those tingling romantic Korean dramas, there is a kind of romance which makes you hide your face, replay a confession scene, and question why fictional men set such unrealistic expectations.
From handsome CEOs and fake-dating disasters to supernatural boyfriends and love triangles, these Kdramas embrace the cheesy tropes that romance lovers secretly (or not so secretly) enjoy.
If subtle flirting is not your thing, start with these five.
5 Korean Dramas To Watch If You Love Cringy Romance
1. Playful Kiss
Lead cast: Kim Hyun-joong, Jung So-min
Release year: 2010
Episodes: 16
Where to watch: Viki
Plot: Playful Kiss follows Oh Ha-ni, a schoolgirl who has a crush on Baek Seung-jo, a popular student. Circumstances eventually bring Ha-ni and her father into Seung-jo's household, forcing the two to spend more time together.
Watch It For: If you want to enjoy old-school, over-the-top romance in which a persistent heroine pursues a cold, seemingly unattainable hero.
The dramatic reactions, awkward proximity and obvious romantic tension make this a quintessential example of the cheesy Kdrama formula.
2. Boys Over Flowers
Lead cast: Lee Min-ho, Ku Hye-sun, Kim Hyun-joong
Release year: 2009
Episodes: 25
Where to watch: Netflix and Viki
Plot: Boys Over Flowers is the story of Geum Jan-di, a girl from a modest family, who gets admission to an elite school dominated by a group of wealthy and influential boys led by Gu Jun-pyo.
Her clashes with Jun-pyo gradually develop into a complicated romance involving jealousy, family opposition and rival love interests.
Watch It For: If you like dramatic declarations, extravagant romantic gestures and a hero whose jealousy often creates more trouble than romance, this is the one.
The series embraces melodrama, making it ideal for viewers who enjoy exaggerated love stories.
3. My ID Is Gangnam Beauty
Lead cast: Im Soo-hyang, Cha Eun-woo, Jo Woo-ri
Release year: 2018
Episodes: 16
Where to watch: Netflix and Amazon MX Player
Plot: In My ID is Gangnam Beauty, Kang Mi-rae undergoes cosmetic surgery after years of being bullied for her appearance. At university, she reconnects with Do Kyung-seok, a handsome former schoolmate who sees beyond appearances.
As their relationship develops, Mi-rae confronts insecurity, social expectations and the difficulties of accepting herself.
Watch It For: If you love to watch a reserved, handsome male lead who expresses affection through protective gestures and meaningful glances, then click the play button. The romance is gentler, which makes every small romantic development feel significant.
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4. Cinderella and Four Nights
Lead cast: Park So-dam, Jung Il-woo, Ahn Jae-hyun, Lee Jung-shin
Release year: 2016
Episodes: 16
Where to watch: Netflix
Plot: Eun Ha-won, a determined young woman, gets an unusual opportunity to live in a mansion with three wealthy cousins. She is tasked with helping them, but tensions, competing personalities and unexpected romantic feelings complicate the arrangement.
Best for: If you love fairytale romance and love triangles, this one is for you. The mansion setting, attractive cast and familiar opposites-attract dynamics deliver the fantasy of an ordinary girl entering an extraordinary world, with plenty of dramatic romantic complications along the way.
5. My Secret Romance
Lead cast: Sung Hoon, Song Ji-eun, Kim Jae-young
Release year: 2017
Episodes: 13
Where to watch: Viki
Plot: In My Secret Romance, Lee Yoo-mi meets chaebol heir Cha Jin-wook when she joins the company he runs. This forces the pair to navigate their shared past while trying to keep their personal feelings separate from their professional lives.
Watch It For: If you enjoy the classic formula of a wealthy, attractive boss who cannot forget the woman he once met. The awkward reunion, romantic misunderstandings and attraction between the leads make this a fitting choice for anyone seeking uncomplicated, melodramatic romance.
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If ridiculously cheesy love stories are your guilty pleasure, these Kdramas deserve a spot on your watchlist. Which cringey Korean romance is your all-time favourite?
FAQs
Q1. What are the best romantic Korean dramas to watch?
A1. My Secret Romance, Boys Over Flowers, and Crash Landing on You are popular choices.
Q2. Which Korean dramas have the best love stories?
A2. Playful Kiss and My ID is Gangnam Beauty offer memorable romantic storylines.
Q3. Where can I watch romantic Korean dramas in India?
A3. You can find Korean romance dramas on platforms such as Netflix, Viki and Amazon Prime Video.