Top 5 Must-Watch Rom-Com K-Dramas on Netflix

Written By: Pragya Brigit Indwar, Ranchi, Jharkhand

Edited by: Pooja Vishwanathan, Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh

K-dramas are like those tasty-looking Ramyeon. Hot and piping. Once you slurp them, you just can’t get enough of it. And so are these five picks.

K-dramas never cease to amaze us with their stellar cast and amazing storylines. We’ve seen everything from aliens to water gods, to goblins, grim reapers, and nine-tailed foxes, involving magic and time travel. Different genres. Different actors. Whether it’s action, romance, or comedy, these shows have kept us on our toes, never allowing us to move from our seats. So, if you want to relive those days again when you watched your favorites on-screen and now are running out of time, here are 5 rom-com K-dramas that you can binge-watch on Netflix while relaxing and shedding that extra kilo of stress.

Reply 1988

Genre: Coming of Age, Romance, and Comedy

Reply 1988 was released in 2015. Ever since its release, it has made a place in the hearts of everyone who enjoys K-drama, regardless of their go-to genres. This drama is about friendship, family, romance, and life—a paragon of coming-of-age dramas. Also, if you are a 90s kid, this drama will bring all forms of nostalgic memories of the good old days when the internet wasn’t huge.

The show revolves around five friends and their families living in the same neighborhood in Seoul during the late 1980s and 1990s. The episodes stretch on an average of an hour and thirty minutes, enough to explore the bonds among friends, family members, neighbors, situations, and romances. What sets this drama apart is the genuine portrayal of the struggles and emotions of an ordinary person. The show is entertaining, starring some of the most incredible actors in Korean entertainment, genius direction, etc., making it an experience.

Mr. Queen

Genre: Historical, Fantasy, Rom-Com, and Body Swap

Mr. Queen is a fantasy-historical drama released in 2020. It is based on a Chinese web novel called Go Princess Go. This drama garnered attention for its unique storyline and delivery, gaining excellent reviews by the critics and the viewers. The other aspects of the drama, such as costumes, makeup, camerawork, OST, and dialogue delivery, are also worth mentioning because they brought everything together to make this show what it is. The story revolves around a man, Jang Bong-hwan, who works at the Blue House as the head chef. He falls into a pool and is transported to the Joseon period, where he ends up in the body of Queen Cheorin. The show explores Cheorin, who is Jang Bong-hwan, navigating their life in the palace and looking for ways to return in the most hilarious ways possible.

True Beauty

Genre: Teen Romance, Comedy, Slice of life, coming of age

True Beauty is a 2020 teen romance based on a webtoon of the same name. The story revolves around Lim Joo-Kyung, a young girl who was bullied by everyone around her as a child because of her appearance. One day, she decides to use makeup to gain self-confidence by changing her appearance and going to school to get a new start—where she makes new friends and ends up in a love triangle. This story is about finding love within us and learning to accept the love we are given. It’s an easy-to-watch show that one can start on a lazy Sunday morning. Despite its fun and light delivery, the story successfully explores themes like self-hatred, bullying, privilege, loss, anxiety, etc., which adds depth to the characters, their relationships, and the storyline.

My Love from the Star

Genre: Rom-Com, Fantasy

My Love from the Star is a rom-com cum fantasy drama that was released in 2013. It is particularly notable for its blend of romantic comedy and fantastical elements. The story revolves around the character Do Min-joon, an extraterrestrial alien who becomes enamored with a prominent female celebrity, Cheon Song-yi, as he falls in love with her after spending an extraordinary 400-year journey on planet Earth. The series adeptly incorporates a mix of emotions and storytelling tropes, ranging from romance and action to themes of love, realization, and sacrifice. This engaging drama is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys lighthearted yet emotionally resonant storytelling and especially caters to those who have a fondness for the whimsical idea of handsome extraterrestrial visitors.

So Not Worth It

Genre: SITCOM

So Not Worth It is a South Korean sitcom that revolves around the lives of international students living in a dormitory at a Korean university in Seoul. The show explores the humorous and relatable experiences of these students from diverse cultural backgrounds, highlighting the challenges they face while adapting to a new environment. With elements of friendship, romance, and cultural clashes, this show released in 2021, offers a lighthearted yet insightful portrayal of the universal theme of coming of age in a foreign setting. The sitcom’s blend of on-the-spot comedy and heartfelt moments makes it a compelling watch for audiences seeking easygoing and nonchalant entertainment with a touch of cultural immersion.

K-dramas to date continue to captivate global audiences with their unique blend of compelling storylines, exceptional performances, and visually stunning settings. As audiences delve into these remarkable narratives, they are transported to a world where emotions run deep, laughter knows no bounds, and love triumphs against all odds. With each episode leaving an indelible impact, the enduring appeal of K-dramas is a testament to their unparalleled ability to resonate with people, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries, and cementing their place as beloved classics in the world of entertainment.

Have you watched any of these dramas? Tell us in the comment section below your favorite pick.