Let me set the scene: I’m scrolling on my Instagram “Explore” page one night when something catches my eye – a screen capture of a foreign show, in both the never-before-seen sense and the new culture sense. I watch the clip, become thoroughly entertained, and start binge-watching the 16-episode show within approximately 3 days. That show is called “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo” and while it may not be on this list, I will forever credit it as what sparked my interest in Korean dramas. Since then, I have watched (and re-watched) enough to know which ones are perfect for first-time watchers. So Romantics, these may be the ones for you!
1. Strong Woman: Do Bong-soon
Synopsis: Blessed with super-human strength, Do Bong-soon is used to concealing her powers from everyone outside her family. That is until a chance encounter with the CEO of a gaming company leads her to be hired as his personal bodyguard. With him, she tries to learn how to control her strength, hoping to catch the serial kidnapper in her district that’s targeting young women.
I watched this show immediately after finishing “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo” and was laughing during it for about 60%. The main actors have such amazing romantic and comedic chemistry that you almost forget there’s a psycho on the loose in the sub-plot. The overall cast has a great dynamic, making this show a satisfying watch. It may also speak to those who identify as “glass children” or have some sort of familial trauma, so I’d advise a tissue box next to you… you know, just in case :).
2. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Synopsis: Ha-jin, a woman from the 21st century, is transported back in time to the Goryeo dynasty (~918-1392) during a total solar eclipse. She wakes up in the body of Hae Soo, a member of nobility close to the royal family. Forced into palace life and its political challenges, she deals with the rivalry between the eight remaining princes and the treacherous battle to get to the throne.
Let me emphasize this now: this may be the saddest show on this list. But if you like seeing romance amid politics, this could be your kind of show. The relationships between the brothers are very chaotic and it’s nice to see the relationships evolve between Hae-soo and the princes. Also, while the show did badly in South Korea, internationally it gained popularity and a following. Like I’m still seeing edits of it to this day and the show came out in 2016. It is our first reverse harem on the list and I’d say bet now on which brother you think she may end up with!
3. Crash Landing On You
Synopsis: Se-ri is a successful CEO and heiress in South Korea who has a reputation for being a hassle. This doesn’t stop her from being in the middle of a succession battle between her irresponsible brothers. One day, while paragliding in Seoul, she gets caught in a tornado and finds herself a little too far from home. Here she meets Jeong-Hyeok, a soldier on patrol believing Se-ri to be a spy. Running at full speed to God knows where she finds herself in the last place she ever expected to be: North Korea. With the help of Jeong-hyeok, they try to get her back to the South safely while dodging all the curveballs life throws at them.
This show had me so hooked that on episode release days, I would wake up and IMMEDIATELY open Netflix to watch it. I sometimes will rewatch my favorite episodes just to see the romance blossom between the main leads. Fun fact: they announced they were dating after the show ended and are now married with a baby! If that doesn’t convince you enough to watch the show, I don’t know what will. It may be a little slow in the beginning, but as they say, you cannot rush art.
4. Goblin
Synopsis: Executed for being a traitor, Kim Shin is cursed with immortality as punishment for the innocents he killed while protecting his country. The only way he can end his painful existence is by his bride pulling the sword from his chest. Enter Eun-tak, a girl with a happy-go-lucky attitude and a tragic past. After accidentally summoning Kim Shin, their fates become connected. Meanwhile, Kim Shin’s nephew rents Shin’s house to a Grim Reaper and Eun-tak begins to work for the kind Sunny, a shop owner. All of their stories become woven together and they discover that something bigger than fate is in control.
I was on a rollercoaster with this show (don’t worry, it was in a good way). The relationship between Kim Shin and the Grim Reaper turned into a beautiful bromance and Eun-tak’s chemistry with our main men was the best! A good mix of the historical and modern aspects of Korean entertainment, and it’s not as confusing as others can be. There are moments when a tissue box may need to be within reach, but other than that, the humor is 4.5/5.
5. Cinderella and the Four Knights
Synopsis: After getting kicked out of her house by her barely present father, lousy stepmother, and childish step-sister, our main character Ha-won is left to fend for herself to pay for college tuition. One thing leads to another and the chairman of a large corporation tasks her with a project to reform his grandsons in exchange for paid tuition. Now living in the family mansion, Ha-won is faced with the ultimate challenge: forcing 3 angsty 20-something-year-olds to get along. The only catch? Don’t fall in love with any of them.
I love this show! After I finished watching it for the first time, I eventually convinced my friend to rewatch it with me. It was the beginning of quarantine and we had nothing better to do, so we stayed up late for some nights and had a blast. Needless to say, it has her stamp of approval as well. The show is another reverse harem and like the last one, it will end with one love interest (place your bets in the beginning on who you think it is!). It has a good balance of humor and sadness and there’s a slight message about classism in it as well.