I mean…how could I not be? I’m a romance writer (and reader) who loves plots that move hot and fast, feisty heroines with sass, heroes with heart, a dash of snark, and oodles of HEAs. It says so right in my author bio. And guess what, K-Dramas have ALL of that. So naturally, they are now an obsession.
About ten years ago, I had a chance to visit Seoul, South Korea, and fell in love with the country, the food, the fashion, the shopping, the history. (I love to travel!). But now that I’ve been watching these shows, I want to go back for a lot longer and see more of the country. I am even now learning Korean with that in mind.
Fair warning before you start watching K-Dramas you should know that… my husband is now surprised if he comes into our room and can understand the words being spoken on the TV. And also, because of these shows, I have been informing my poor husband about all the things we should add to our own romance. I’m working him up to these things slowly. ;)
- I mean, I definitely need a romantic moment under an umbrella in the rain.
- It’s a must for me to be carried piggyback style while we have dialogue with lots of (innocent) sexual tension.
- Clearly, we missed out on a drunken confession of feelings (after 17 years of marriage this might be a little late LOL).
- The tender, unwavering sick-bed care definitely needs to be stepped up in our house.
- Staring longingly into each other’s eyes in slow motion at least once a day is now a must.
- Plus, I need him to smile quietly to himself every time I’m adorable.
To get you started down this fandom road, I’m listing my top 10 K-Dramas (available on Netflix) in order and with a few little notes!
- Cinderella and the Four Knights
A little older, this one is on my list because it’s the one that got me started on K-Dramas. It’s adorable with a fun ensemble and a brooding hero vs. a sunshine heroine.
https://www.netflix.com/title/80188605
- Run On
This has an adorable primary romance, but also an adorable secondary romance. AND it has one of the best “enemy to best friend” with the “other woman” relationships. Actually that might be my favorite part.
https://www.netflix.com/title/81318872
- Thirty-Nine
There are three romances in this story, one more primary. However, the romances take a back seat to the wonderful relationship between three best friends in the best of ways. Fair warning…you will sob.
https://www.netflix.com/title/81568400
- The Perfect Match
A T-Drama (Taiwanese), the chemistry and witty banter between the leads is *chef’s kiss* although you might be frustrated with how hard it is for them to end up together in the end. Do watch with snacks because the wonderful food depicted will make you really hungry.
https://www.netflix.com/title/81020577
- Vincenzo
This one is lighter on the romance (although it’s there!). It has a fun mafia storyline but manages to be both funny and still include terrific action and fight scenes. Also, because of this one I discovered singer John Park.
https://www.netflix.com/title/81365087
- Another Ms. Oh
I’ll be honest, this “will they / won’t they” romance is hard to watch because the reasons behind how they get together are rough and there is a LOT of emotion, not only with them but between them and the ensemble cast. And yet, I still loved it. But I cried a lot.
https://www.netflix.com/title/81077044
- Her Private Life
This is a laugh-out-loud rom com with a boss/employee, a fake relationship, a secret fangirl, and a surprising heartfelt thread. Also, one of the best “actually I’m into you and this isn’t fake” scenes!
https://www.netflix.com/title/81205812
- Falling Into Your Smile
A C-Drama (Chinese), this fun ensemble cast sets the romance in the middle of a professional gaming team. A fantastic grumpy / sunshine romance.
https://www.netflix.com/title/81566868
- Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
This starts off as a total opposites attract, then moves into a really heartfelt backstory and terrific ensemble side stories. A wonderful combination of laughs and tears.
https://www.netflix.com/title/81473182
- Business Proposal
If you’re going to start watching K-Dramas, start with this one. A laugh-out-loud rom com with a mistaken identity that gets even better when he turns out to be her boss. Plus a secondary romance almost as good as the primary, two different fantastic best-friendships, perfect casting, and a lot of fun!
https://www.netflix.com/title/81509440
P.S. I am looking for more K-Dramas to watch, so if I missed one of your favs, please share! (No, I really mean it!)
Award-winning paranormal romance author Abigail Owen grew up consuming books and exploring the world through her writing. She loves to write witty, feisty heroines, sexy heroes who deserve them, and a cast of lovable characters to surround them (and maybe get their own stories). She currently resides in Austin, Texas, with her own personal hero, her husband, and their two children, who are growing up way too fast.
About Author
I love K-Dramas too! I even have a K-Pop book coming out soon!!