The cheesiest romantic K-dramas of all time? We have ranked!

Escape reality with these romantic K-dramas—a guilty pleasure worth all the hype! 

  • Jayati
  • 06 February, 2024
  • 2 mins ago

Escape reality with these romantic K-dramas—a guilty pleasure worth all the hype! 

Korean dramas are widely known for their romantic plots, often tagged as a bit cheesy, but that's precisely what makes them popular and hyped across all age groups globally. After all, who doesn't appreciate a good dose of strong, passionate, and innocent love? Check out the list for some of the cheesiest romantic K-dramas ever!

Touch Your Heart (2019)

Oh Yoon Seo (Yoo In Na) faced a career setback after being entangled in a scandal with a wealthy family's son. With her popularity dwindling, she strives to make a comeback. To secure a role that could revive her career, she must serve as a secretary for six months under Kwon Jung Rok (Lee Dong Wook), a grumpy yet handsome perfectionist. "Touch Your Heart" is a delightful, cheesy K-drama filled with comedy, laughter, and heartwarming moments. The strong chemistry between the characters and the lighthearted plot make it a must-watch, especially for fans of Yoon Seo's dramatic monologues.

Yumi’s Cells (2021)

Blending the internal struggles within a young woman's mind with the challenges of her professional life, "Yumi's Cells" highlights Kim Go-eun's captivating charm. Adapted from a popular webtoon, the series follows her character's romance with an app developer portrayed by Ahn Bo-hyun. The show's success led to a second season, showcasing Yumi's journey as she progresses in her personal life.

Crash Landing on You (2019)

In this modern small-screen gem, a South Korean entrepreneur accidentally paraglides over the demilitarised zone separating the country from North Korea. Discovered by a stern but incredibly handsome North Korean military officer, she convinces him to shelter her and assist her return to the south. With its entertaining and unique plot and the combined star power of Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin—who later tied the knot—collaborating for the second time after the hostage thriller "The Negotiation," "Crash Landing on You" significantly increased the global influence of Korean dramas.

Business Proposal (2022) 

When Shin Ha Ri (Kim Sejeong) reluctantly agrees to a date with Kang Tae Moo (Ahn Hyo Seop) as a favour to her best friend Jin Young Seo (Seol In Ah), she is unaware that the stern CEO of his company will be the one sitting across from her. After a harsh rejection, Kang Tae Moo discovers her secret and blackmails her into being his fake date to appease his grandmother. Despite her resistance, Tae Moo finds himself falling deeply in love with her.

Adapted from a webtoon of the same name, "Business Proposal" is a classic romantic comedy, offering a delightful mix of cheesy romance and engaging corporate drama for fans of workplace romance K-dramas. It features memorable scenes, including the boat and the dinner with Tae Moo's grandfather.

Secret Garden (2010) 

In the world of fantasy romances, "Secret Garden" stands out as an unforgettable tale! The story kicks off with a classic meet-cute between a suave and distant department store chief executive and a spirited stuntwoman. Their lives take a surreal turn when, on a momentous night, they find themselves inexplicably swapping bodies. Hyun Bin and Ha Ji-won deliver exceptional performances, capturing the essence of K-drama romance with finesse. Notably, the series features one of the most exceptional Korean TV soundtracks of all time.

The Heirs (2013)

In the classic yet enchanting tale of a wealthy young man falling for a girl from a humble background, "The Heirs" unfolds the love story between Kim Tan (Lee Min Ho) and Cha Eun Sang (Park Shin Hye), the daughter of Kim Tan's housemaid (Kim Mi Kyung). Their initial encounter in America leaves Kim Tan intrigued by Eun Sang's charm, only for complications to arise when they meet again in Korea, revealing the societal gap that separates them.

This young adult romance, complete with a cheesy plot and even cheesier dialogue, holds a special place as a guilty pleasure for many viewers. While it may not be considered top-tier, "The Heirs" weaves a narrative of forbidden love and damsels in distress, tapping into the emotional depth delivered by its talented lead actors in this 2013 K-drama.

These shows capture the sweetness of first love, delivering a cosy and comfortable escape when reality gets a bit too harsh! Perfect for an easy and delightful watch.

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