The Best Romantic Korean Dramas to Watch on Netflix

Over the last few years, Korean dramas on Netflix have become increasingly popular. After only one series, avid television viewers will likely binge on many more. Fortunately, there is a variety of the best romantic Korean dramas on Netflix.

Amidst the pandemic, South Korea shined in the global spotlight for its K-pop artists, food, and trends and its renowned television shows that streamed on Netflix.

Korean dramas, better known internationally as K-dramas, have been recognized globally for their unique and engrossing storylines and high production value. Unlike many Western shows, K-dramas keep their content PG-friendly and wholesome, making simple romantic gestures feel immense.

'Business Proposal'

"Business Proposal" follows the story of Shin Ha-ri, who has always been loyal to her wealthy best friend, Jin Young-seo, so much so that she would sabotage family-arranged blind dates in the heiress' place. However, things take a turn for the worse when her date, Kang Tae-mu, turns out to be the owner of the company where Ha-ri works.

Tae-mu, sent by his grandfather on a blind date, proposes to Ha-ri for a marriage of convenience, thinking it is Young-seo. He eventually learns the truth but withholds the information. Instead, he makes Ha-ri's work in his company more difficult without anticipating that he would fall for her.

'Crash Landing on You'

"Crash Landing on You" became among the top K-dramas for its unique storyline and tear-jerking scenes. The story begins when Yoon Se-ri, a wealthy businesswoman from a prominent family, meets a freak paragliding accident that brings her across the North Korean border.

As she lands on North Korean ground, she meets a local soldier, Ri Jeong-hyeok, who is the son of a prominent high-ranking military official. The star-crossed lovers find themselves enjoying each other's company, although denying their feelings for each other.

However, as time passes, their challenges to get Se-ri back to South Korea make their feelings difficult to hide. "Crash Landing on You" is made even more interesting, with the two lead stars falling for each other in real life. They are now married with a child.

'Descendants of the Sun'

Although "Descendants of the Sun" premiered in 2016, avid television watchers are still drawn to the series. When Surgeon Kang Mo-yeon and Special Forces Captain Yoo Si-jin met in a local hospital, their chemistry was undeniable.

However, Si-jin couldn't tell Mo-yeon about his job. As a special forces captain, he would suddenly go on missions for days, sometimes weeks, having to cut their dates short and leaving her clueless until he returned. Given the nature of his job, their relationship became short-lived.

However, destiny brought them back together. Si-jin's team was deployed to a fictional war-torn country where Mo-yeon's team was tasked with a medical mission, and their days spent together amidst dangerous territory restarted their love story. Interestingly, the two lead stars, Song Hye Kyo and Sung Joong-Ki tied the knot in real life but later divorced.

'Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God)'

"Goblin" is undoubtedly a one-of-a-kind love story that stars an immortal goblin, Kim Shin, who has lived for nearly 1,000 years as a curse for killing many people during the Goryeo Dynasty. He can only escape life by finding the Goblin's Bride – the only person who can take him out of his misery.

The goblin eventually finds his bride in a bubbly 19-year-old student, Ji Eun-tak, whose miserable family life makes her lean on Shin for love and support. Slowly, Eun-tak gives Shin a reason to be happy and live again. Just as the pair find happiness, things take a turn for the worse.

'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha'

Accomplished dentist Yoon Hye-jin believes opening a small clinic in the seaside village of Gongjin was a good idea. However, life in the province is very different from living in Seoul. She also finds difficulty understanding the people's way of life in Gongjin, leaving a bad impression.

The only person who somewhat understands her is Hong Du-sik, a jack-of-all-trades she often bickers with. Du-sik, popular amongst Gongjin's residents, helps Hye-jin get on the good side of everyone and, eventually, slowly falls for her. Without her realizing it, Hye-jin starts to feel the same way.

'Legend of the Blue Sea'

Many K-dramas touch on reincarnation, and "Legend of the Blue Sea" is among them. The fictional tale follows the love story of a mermaid, Shim Cheong, and a con artist, Heo Joon-jae, whose Joseon-era incarnations had a tragic love story.

In the present day, they find themselves meeting again. Cheong, a mermaid who grows legs when on land, falls in love with Joon-jae but refuses to let him know about her true self. With her limited time on terra forma, she waits for him to profess his love.

Without making it known, Joon-jae has already fallen for Cheong and protects her from Ma Dae-young, the reincarnation of the man who destroyed their relationship.

'My Love from the Star'

"My Love from the Star" is a romantic comedy that will have viewers laughing and falling in love. However, its ending will leave audiences in tears, but for good reason.

The series stars an alien, Do Min-joon, stranded on Earth during the Joseon Dynasty. As he does not age, Min-joon assumed many professions throughout the years. Currently, he is a professor and the neighbor of a famous Hallyu actress, Cheon Song-yi.

Although initially always annoyed at her, Min-joon develops feelings for Song-yi and helps her through troubling times in her life and career. Unfortunately, their love story began months before his long-awaited return to his home planet – a chance that may not come again. If he doesn't take the opportunity to leave, he may soon deteriorate on Earth.

'Nevertheless'

"Nevertheless" is among the racy and steamy K-dramas to hit Netflix. After meeting in a restaurant bar and enjoying each other's company for the evening, Yu Na-bi and Park Jae-eon go their separate ways. Interestingly, they cross paths again as students in an art school.

Jae-eon doesn't hide his attraction to Na-bi and often flirts with her. Despite the red flags, Na-bi falls for Jae-eon's seductions and enters a friends-with-benefits relationship. The duo eventually develop feelings for each other, but Jae-eon finds difficulty in entering a serious relationship.

"Nevertheless" stars actress Han So Hee, who recently sparked dating rumors with BTS boy band member Jungkook for their undeniable on-screen chemistry. The duo shared the screen in Jungjook's music video, "Seven."

'Touch Your Heart'

After actress Oh Yeon-seo's framed scandal, her career in the entertainment industry hit rock bottom. When the opportunity to star in a legal drama comes, she goes above and beyond to secure the role, so much so that she works at a law firm to learn the ropes of the job.

Yeon-seo gets assigned as the assistant of a workaholic and serious lawyer, Kwon Jung-rok, whom she despises initially. Their opposite personalities eventually bring out the best in them as they realize they enjoy each other's company.

Interestingly, "Touch Your Heart's" lead characters played star-crossed lovers in "Goblin." Fans loved their tandem so much that many were happy to watch them lead in a K-drama.

'What's Wrong With Secretary Kim?'

Kim Mi-so has worked for the arrogant Vice Chairman Lee Young-joon for many years. Her dedication to the job has made her the perfect secretary, known by many in the company.

However, when she files her resignation, Young-joon scrambles to make her stay. Many of her colleagues also wonder why she wants to leave, making the title "What's Wrong with Secretary Kim?" very fitting. In his pursuit to make her forget the resignation, he realizes his deep feelings for Mi-so.

Not only does he want her to be his forever secretary, but also his forever partner. However, Young-joon's kind and compassionate brother also tries to win Mi-so's love. Things become complicated when Mi-so discovers her past connection with one of the brothers.

Other K-dramas worth binging include "King the Land," "Once Upon a Small Town," "Start-Up," "Vincenzo," "Hospital Playlist," "Squid Game," "Little Women," and "All of Us are Dead."