Top 10 Must-Watch Korean Romantic Movies

Crash Landing on You – Hạ cánh nơi anh is a South Korean drama aired in 2019, starring Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Kim Jung-hyun, Seo Ji-hye, and more. The series was broadcast on tvN and achieved an impressive 21.7% rating in its final episode, surpassing Goblin to become the highest-rated drama in tvN's history. It is also the runner-up among the top-rated cable dramas in South Korea, trailing behind The Castle of Ambition (JTBC).

The storyline follows the romantic journey of a wealthy and sophisticated South Korean woman, Yoon Seri (played by Son Ye-jin), and Ri Jung Hyuk (played by Hyun Bin), a North Korean army captain. After an unexpected accident while paragliding, Seri ends up in North Korea, where she meets Ri Jung Hyuk, and the two begin a fateful love story. Their romance, which bridges the gap between North and South Korea, unfolds as their bond grows stronger.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2019

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Director: Lee Jung-hyo

Cast: Hyun Bin, Son Ye-jin, Kim Jung-hyun, Seo Ji-hye

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

It's Okay to Not Be Okay – Điên thì có sao is a South Korean drama that premiered in 2020, created by Studio Dragon, written by Jo Yong, and directed by Park Shin-woo under the production of Story TV and Gold Medalist. With outstanding performances by Kim Soo Hyun, Seo Ye Ji, and Oh Jung Se, the series became one of the best Korean dramas of 2020.

The show follows the story of Moon Gang-tae (played by Kim Soo-hyun), a community health worker in the psychiatric ward who struggles to find time for himself, while caring for his autistic brother. He crosses paths with Go Moon-young (played by Seo Ye-ji), a children's book author who has never known love. Together, they slowly help each other heal emotional wounds.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2020

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Director: Park Shin-woo

Cast: Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Ye-ji, Oh Jung Se

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim – Thư ký Kim sao thế is based on the bestselling novel by Jang Kyung Yoon, and it captured the attention of Korean viewers even before it aired. The star power of Park Seo Joon and Park Min Young further heightened the anticipation for this romantic comedy drama.

The series revolves around the romantic tale of Lee Young Joon, a self-absorbed, perfect second-generation conglomerate, and his assistant, Kim Mi So, who is known as the 'legend of secretaries.' Everything changes when Mi-so (played by Park Min-young), his capable assistant, announces her resignation after working for Lee Young-joon for nine years. Young-joon decides to do everything in his power to keep Mi-so by his side after discussing it with his best friend, who also happens to be the chairman of the board at his company.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2018

Genre: Comedy, Romance

Director: Park Joon-hwa

Cast: Park Seo-joon, Park Min-young

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

My Love from Another Star – Vì sao đưa anh tới brought a fresh breeze to Korean dramas, offering a unique and captivating storyline that won the hearts of drama fans. Additionally, Kim Soo Hyun's outstanding performance in the drama earned him the Most Popular Actor Award (Film/TV) and Best New Actor (Film) at the 2014 Baeksang Arts Awards for his role in the movie Secret.

The drama tells the story of an alien named Do Min-joon, who arrived on Earth during the Joseon Dynasty and has lived through to the modern era. He falls in love with a famous actress, Cheon Song-yi. With its blend of thrilling moments, humor, and romance, the drama was widely embraced by viewers and became a major hit.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2013

Genre: Romance, Comedy

Director: Jang Tae-Yoo

Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Jun Ji Hyun, Park Hae Jin, Ahn Jae Hyun

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Moonlight Drawn by Clouds – Mây họa ánh trăng is a historical drama adapted from a popular webtoon. Set in the 19th century Joseon Dynasty, it tells the romantic and youthful tale of love in the early years of life. The story is based on the online novel Moonlight Drawn by Clouds that first appeared on Naver in 2013, with the full version released in 2015 as a five-part book series.

The plot follows Hong Ra On, a young girl living in Joseon, who disguises herself as a man to conceal her true identity. She makes a living by giving love advice to men. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she writes a love letter to one of her clients, which leads to her meeting Prince Hyomyeong. As the story unfolds, Prince Hyomyeong develops a special interest in Hong Ra On, which brings the story to its emotional peak.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2016

Genre: Historical, Romance, Comedy

Director: Kim Sung-Yoon

Cast: Park Bo Gum, Cheon Ho-jin, Kim You-Jung

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo – Người tình ánh trăng is a drama adapted from the famous Chinese novel, Bộ bộ kinh tâm. It follows the story of Hae Soo, a modern-day girl who, after attempting to save someone by jumping into a river, is swept into the past during a solar eclipse, finding herself in the Goryeo Dynasty. There, she meets various princes, including Wang So (Lee Jun Ki), Wang Wook (Kang Ha Neul), and Wang Jung (Ji Soo). The tale of love, friendship, and the fierce battle for power begins. This series is known for its intense emotional scenes, which posed a significant challenge to IU's acting. The director praised her for her unique artistic sensibility, character analysis, acting, and chemistry with other actors.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2016

Genre: Historical, Romance, Time Travel

Director: Kim Kyu Tae

Cast: Lee Joon Gi, Kang Ha Neul, IU

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Youth of May - Tuổi trẻ của tháng năm is a story about two young individuals caught up in the turmoil of 1980. Hwang Hee Tae, a man who despises prearranged plans, is about to enter Seoul University. One day, while attending a blind date, he unexpectedly meets Kim Myung Hee, a nurse, and is instantly captivated by her. Their relationship is full of both comedic and romantic moments.

Set against the backdrop of the 1980 Gwangju Democracy Movement, Youth of May follows medical student Hwang Hee-tae (Lee Do-hyun) and nurse Kim Myung-hee (Go Min-si), whose paths cross in a seemingly destined romance. Hee-tae is the pride of Gwangju, having passed the medical entrance exam with top marks for Seoul National University. He appears simple, but his inner strength and determination are undeniable. Myung-hee, a three-year veteran nurse, is kind-hearted and always ready to stand against injustice.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2021

Genre: Psychological, Romance

Director: Song Min Yeob

Cast: Lee Do Hyun, Go Min Si

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Goblin – Yêu Tinh is a modern fantasy drama about Kim Shin, a general from the Goryeo Dynasty. In the past, he was struck by a magical sword, which cursed him with immortality. The curse can only be broken when he finds his bride. In the modern era, he meets Wang Yeo, a grim reaper who has lost all memories of his past life. Their journey together begins from this fateful encounter.

For 900 years, the goblin Kim Shin, who bears the curse of immortality, has been seeking a bride to end his eternal suffering. By chance, he saves a pregnant woman from the grasp of death. As fate would have it, the woman later gives birth to a daughter named Ji Eun Tak, the girl whom destiny has chosen for Kim Shin. Their love story unfolds, filled with both beauty and sorrow.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2016

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Director: Lee Eung Bok

Cast: Kim Go Eun, Gong Yoo, Lee Dong Wook, Yoo In Na, Yook Sung Jae

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Descendants of the Sun – Hậu Duệ Mặt Trời achieved great success in South Korea, with a peak audience rating of 38.8%. The series garnered numerous awards, including the prestigious Daesang for Best Drama at the 52nd Baeksang Arts Awards and was recognized as the most popular show of the year by the Korea Broadcasting Advertising Corporation.

The story follows Yoo Shi Jin and Kang Mo Yeon, both part of the United Nations peacekeeping forces. Initially, their relationship is marked by conflict, but over time, they develop deep feelings for one another. Despite the simple plot, the actors' compelling performances, along with a captivating soundtrack, made this drama a massive hit.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2016

Genre: Romance, Action

Directors: Lee Eung-bok, Baek Sang-hoon

Cast: Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo, Jin Goo, Kim Ji-won

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Nevertheless – Dẫu biết is a drama inspired by the popular webtoon of the same name, originally published on Naver Webtoon. The show explores the complex relationship between two young people who are drawn to each other but struggle with their trust issues and past relationships.

The story follows Park Jae Eon, a charming flirt who doesn’t actually have an interest in women. However, everything changes when he meets Yoo Na Bi, and his life takes an unexpected turn. The romantic yet uncertain relationship between a female student who has lost faith in love and a male student who avoids commitment will captivate viewers with each episode.

DETAILS:

Release Year: 2021

Genre: Romance, Coming-of-Age

Director: Kim Ga-ram

Cast: Han So-hee, Song Kang, Chae Jong-hyeop

IMDb Rating: 7.2/10