Best K-Dramas About Forbidden Love

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Love stories are a key part of what makes Korean dramas so popular worldwide. K-dramas are known for their emotional impact, drawing viewers in with unique plots, difficult choices, and unexpected combinations of genres. While K-drama romances are often beautiful, stories about forbidden love are particularly captivating.

The idea of forbidden love appears in stories from every culture. However, K-dramas really excel at exploring this theme, creating complex plots and dramatic obstacles for their characters. This leads to captivating tales of love, destiny, and impossible connections. Here’s a list of some of the best K-dramas that focus on forbidden love.

‘Autumn in My Heart’ (2000)


KBS2

Featuring Song Hye-kyo, Song Seung-heon, and Won Bin, Autumn in My Heart tells the story of Eun-suh and Joon-suh, who were raised believing they were siblings. As teenagers, they discover a hospital error meant they weren’t actually related. Separated during their youth, they reconnect as adults and develop romantic feelings for each other. However, knowing they grew up thinking they were siblings creates a difficult and forbidden situation, making it hard for them to express their love.

Let’s begin with a classic: Autumn in My Heart was one of the first K-dramas to gain popularity internationally. While the story might feel a little dated now, the acting, beautiful visuals, and compelling melodrama still make it a captivating watch. It’s a great series to check out if you’re interested in learning about the history of K-dramas and how the genre has evolved.

‘Love Your Enemy’ (2024)


tvN

Featuring Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy, the drama Love Your Enemy puts a modern spin on the classic tale of forbidden love. The story centers on a couple from families with a long-standing and bitter rivalry, who have been raised to hate each other. Despite this, they unexpectedly find themselves drawn to one another as adults. However, years of family conflict and hidden secrets threaten to keep them apart.

Compared to traditional K-dramas of its type, Love Your Enemy offers a fresh and stylish take on the forbidden romance story. The strong connection between Kim Woo-bin and Bae Suzy really brings to life the deep bond their characters share, despite facing seemingly unbreakable family conflicts. It’s a captivating and thoughtful drama that stands out from the rest.

‘On the Way to the Airport’ (2016)


KBS2

The drama On the Way to the Airport tells the story of two people who find themselves falling for each other even though they are both married. Kim Ha-neul plays Choi Soo-ah, an experienced flight attendant whose husband, a pilot, is emotionally distant. She meets architect Seo Doo-woo (Lee Sang-yoon), and they form a connection after she supports him through a difficult loss. As they both feel unfulfilled in their marriages, they develop feelings for each other while trying to remain loyal to their spouses.

Rather than a passionate romance, On the Way to the Airport focuses on the characters’ heartfelt conversations and their thoughts about their relationships. Because mature love stories aren’t common in K-dramas, this series stands out. Viewers can still anticipate a compelling and emotionally complex love story.

‘The Time We Were Not in Love’ (2015)


SBS TV

Based on the popular Taiwanese drama In Time with You, The Time We Were Not in Love is a classic example of the beloved K-drama trope where friends fall in love. The show features Ha Ji-won and Lee Jin-wook as two best friends who have known each other for 17 years, sharing life’s important moments. They’ve secretly developed feelings for one another, but have always missed the right opportunity—until a new romance sparks jealousy and finally brings their emotions to the surface.

With its heartwarming story and the great connection between Ha Ji-won and Lee Jin-wook, The Time We Were Not in Love is a really enjoyable series. Even though there’s conflict, it maintains a cozy and comforting feel, making it perfect for relaxing viewing.

‘Love Affairs in the Afternoon’ (2019)


Rakuten Viki

“Love Affairs in the Afternoon” is a remake of a popular Japanese drama called “Hirugao.” The show realistically portrays the difficult consequences of cheating in marriage. It begins by introducing Park Ha-sun, a married woman who finds a renewed sense of excitement in life when she meets a schoolteacher, played by Lee Sang-yeob.

As a total drama fan, let me tell you, this K-Drama really gets into the messy parts of being human – you see the characters grappling with feeling alone, giving in to desires, and dealing with the weight of their mistakes. It’s a really mature show, and it’s all about the characters and their journeys, especially when it comes to complicated, forbidden romances. Honestly, the way they use the music and the visuals just amps up the romantic tension – it’s beautifully done and totally draws you in.

‘Love in the Moonlight’ (2015)


KBS2

Love in the Moonlight is a hugely popular historical drama that took South Korea by storm. The show, adapted from the web novel Moonlight Drawn by Clouds, takes place in the 19th century. It stars Kim Yoo-jung as a woman who successfully pretends to be a man and works as a love counselor. Through a series of events, she ends up working as a eunuch in the royal palace, where she meets and develops a connection with the Crown Prince, played by Park Bo-gum. Their relationship unfolds amidst funny situations, all while the Prince deals with the tricky and often dangerous world of royal politics.

Everyone loved Love in the Moonlight because the story moved quickly and was consistently exciting. It seamlessly blends humor, romance, and suspense, keeping you hooked with its high stakes. If you’re a fan of historical Korean dramas, this series is considered one of the very best.

‘Crash Landing on You’ (2019)


tvN

The popular drama Crash Landing on You features Son Ye-jin as a wealthy businesswoman who accidentally paraglides into North Korea. There, she’s discovered by a North Korean army captain, played by Hyun Bin, who decides to help her return to South Korea. As they navigate the difficult journey, they unexpectedly fall in love, despite the impossibility of a future together.

Crash Landing on You is a captivating story that blends romance with the complex realities of North and South Korea, including political intrigue and conflict. The show is particularly known for the incredible chemistry between its leads, Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin, making their connection feel genuine and powerful. Plus, it’s beautifully filmed, offering a visually rich experience for fans of romantic dramas.

‘Something in the Rain’ (2018)


JTBC

Son Ye-jin also led the Korean drama Something in the Rain, a story about a complicated romance. She plays a woman in her thirties who works as a café supervisor and hasn’t had much luck finding love. That changes when a former acquaintance, played by Jung Hae-in, reappears in her life. He’s the younger brother of her best friend, making a relationship seem impossible. However, she unexpectedly finds the comfort and connection she’s always wanted with the now-grown-up Hae-in.

The series, also called Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food, gained popularity for its heartwarming portrayal of challenging relationships, often highlighting unique aspects of Korean culture. It explores not only the difficulties of age differences in romance, but also other common hurdles like disapproving parents and differences in social class.

‘The Princess’ Man’ (2011)


KBS2

Set in 15th-century Korea, “The Princess’ Man” tells the story of a secret love affair between members of two feuding families. The drama begins when Grand Prince Suyang proposes a marriage between his daughter, Lee Se-ryung, and the son of the prime minister, King Seung-yoo. Curious about her potential husband, Se-ryung disguises herself and meets him, and they immediately fall in love. However, their relationship is complicated when the king declares Seung-yoo will become the next prince consort.

Full of mistaken identities, political scheming, and hidden dangers, The Princess’ Man challenges its main characters to choose between love and duty. Beyond the exciting plot, this Korean historical drama is visually breathtaking and a truly beautiful romance.

‘The Smile Has Left Your Eyes’ (2018)


tvN

The drama The Smile Has Left Your Eyes centers on the blossoming romance between Kim Moo-young, played by Seo In-guk, and Yoo Jin-kang, played by Jung So-min. However, Moo-young appears to be concealing a troubling past, which comes to light when he becomes a suspect in the eyes of police detective Park Sung-woong (Yoo Jin-gook) – Jin-kang’s protective older brother. As the detective discovers his sister is involved with someone who might be a psychopath, he’s determined to keep her safe, but the situation proves to be much more complex than it appears.

“The Smile Has Left Your Eyes” is a Korean drama that offers a fresh and compelling story, typical of the best K-dramas. What sets this show apart is its focus on well-developed, complicated characters – it avoids the usual romantic clichés. The series also builds suspense and mystery, making it a standout story about a forbidden romance, and you can enjoy it without worrying about spoilers.

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2026-02-26 21:37