Movies

20 Most Heartwarming K-Dramas You Must Watch

BBG News

Today, one type of television programming that is adored by many across the globe is the ever-popular Korean dramas. Starting in the mid-2000s, the South Korean drama industry saw rapid growth beyond Asia’s borders, and since then, it has been ascending to greater heights in the entertainment industry annually. The genre of romantic dramas lies at the core of many people’s fascination with Korean dramas, as they continue to crave the familiar plotlines – be it a female lead pleading, “Don’t go,” or a subtle gesture such as a character grasping a wrist as they turn away.

These Korean dramas have gained such popularity that streaming giants like Netflix are venturing into the Korean market to capture a portion of their success. While it’s true that statistically, these shows tend to resonate more with women due to their romantic and emotional elements, they offer something for everyone who is open-minded and willing to break through the barriers presented by the subtitles on screen. From rural South Korean provinces to modern Seoul skyscrapers, and exotic European locales, these twelve dramas represent some of the most captivating Korean romantic series currently available.

20
‘When the Camellia Blooms’ (2019)

In the story titled “When the Camellia Blooms“, a single mother pursues her aspirations by relocating to a quaint town called Ongsan. She chooses to establish her own bar in this peaceful setting, aiming to build a life for herself here. Over time, a local police officer develops feelings for her. However, as their romance unfolds, a serial killer surfaces in the same town, seemingly targeting our protagonist. With the pressure of solving the case while preserving a professional demeanor, the police officer must also find a way to win her heart before it’s too late. This blend of gripping crime thriller and romantic drama makes for an enthralling K-drama that appeals to a wide audience.

19
‘Descendants of the Sun’ (2016)

One of the most memorable Korean dramas from the 2010s, titled “Descendants of the Sun”, showcases the captivating story of a doctor (played by Song Hye-kyo) and a military captain (Song Joong-ki). Their paths cross accidentally in South Korea, but fate has more in store for them. Later, when the doctor is assigned to the same location as the captain, their connection deepens. Despite being stationed in an active war zone, they find themselves caught up in a whirlwind romance amidst the challenges of their respective duties.

18
‘Strong Girl Bong-soon’ (2017)

In 2017, I found myself captivated by a romance drama titled “Strong Girl Bong-soon.” This intriguing production follows the journey of a remarkable young lady named Do Bong-soon, who harbors dreams of crafting a video game where she assumes the lead role. What truly distinguishes Bong-soon from her contemporaries is her inherited superhuman strength, a trait shared by all women in her family lineage. However, she aspires to transform herself into a graceful and refined woman, a preference that mirrors the tastes of her admirer, In Guk-doo.

Due to her extraordinary physical prowess, she gets hired as the bodyguard of Ahn Min-hyuk, a wealthy gaming tycoon. With his support, Bong-soon learns to manage her abilities and finds herself developing feelings for him. However, a string of abductions in the vicinity propels Bong-soon into action to apprehend the criminals, all while juggling her romantic entanglements and professional duties. If you’re a fan of humorous and endearing antics, this drama is perfect for you.

17
‘Crash Landing on You’ (2019)

In 2019, the drama series titled “Crash Landing on You” envisions a scenario where a high-ranking South Korean businesswoman goes paragliding and unexpectedly lands in North Korea due to an accident. She’s rescued by a North Korean military officer and secretly stays at his home, risking their lives if they get caught. However, she eventually makes her way back to South Korea midway through the series. As the relationship between them blossoms, it appears that it might have the power to improve the diplomatic ties between North and South Korea.

16
‘Business Proposal’ (2022)

In the show titled “Business Proposal”, Shin Ha-ri initially poses as a friend during a blind date with the CEO of her company. This deception sets off the entire plotline. Unbeknownst to her, the man she’s dating is her superior at work. To avoid being discovered, Ha-ri must conceal her true identity while maintaining the charade of being his friend. However, this secret arrangement eventually benefits them both as they develop feelings for each other.

15
‘Youth of May’ (2020)

In the 80s, during the Gwangju Uprising era, the series Youth of May unfolds, focusing on two main characters – Hwang Hee-tae, a medical student, and Kim Myung-hee, a nurse. Amidst the tumultuous political climate, they find themselves drawn to each other, despite having different aspirations in life. Their paths cross by chance, yet they can’t ignore the magnetic pull between them. This poignant tale weaves themes of love, activism, and sacrifice, leaving viewers with a heavy heart as Youth of May touches upon real-life individuals and events that will undoubtedly move you to tears. The talented cast delivers compelling performances that make the story even more heartrending.

14
‘What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?’

In the widely popular 2018 series titled “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim,” stars Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young shine. This show is based on a novel and webtoon of the same name, and upon its release, it was met with immense success both domestically and internationally, becoming a beloved choice among many South Korean drama enthusiasts. In the storyline, Park Seo-joon plays the role of a vice-chairman in a large Korean company, while Park Min-young portrays his secretary. The plot thickens when she announces her resignation, causing him to respond poorly and become determined to keep her by his side at any cost.

13
‘Twenty-Five Twenty-One’ (2022)

In the nostalgic atmosphere of late ’90s Korea, the series “Twenty-Five Twenty-One” features Kim Tae-ri from “The Handmaiden” as Na Hee-do. She’s a dedicated fencer in high school, but when her school discontinues the fencing program, she decides to switch schools to follow her dream. Her journey leads her to join the National Fencing Team with impressive victories. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters a local boy (Nam Joo-hyuk), who works numerous jobs to support his family. Their lives are on the brink of change.

12
‘Flower of Evil’ (2020)

In the captivating series “Flower of Evil,” we find the seemingly blissful couple, Baek Hee-sung and Cha Ji-won, who share a daughter. However, appearances can be deceiving as Baek Hee-sung conceals his real identity and past from his spouse. As detective Cha Ji-won delves into a cold case from years past, long-hidden truths surface. This intriguing mystery thriller carries an undercurrent of romance that makes it a must-watch for viewers who appreciate complex character dynamics. To put it simply, the two leads delivered outstanding performances, and their enthralling relationship and storyline are what make “Flower of Evil” truly worthwhile viewing.

11
‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’ (2021)

Nestled in a picturesque coastal town of Korea, the series “Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha” introduces Shin Min-a and Kim Seon-ho as its principal characters. A dentist from Seoul (Shin) intends to stay only briefly in this quaint town, but upon her arrival, she is captivated by the charm of the place and decides to establish a dental practice there. To achieve this goal, she strikes up a friendship with Hong Du-sik (Kim), the town’s all-rounder who takes care of everything. Facing challenges due to her big city demeanor, she initially struggles in this new environment, but Hong lends a helping hand. As their paths cross, they develop romantic feelings for each other.

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2025-05-03 10:03

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