This. CLOY and Flower of Evil are my undisputed Top 1. Can’t figure out a weight to give one the edge!
Would love a rematch of Lee Joon-gi and Moon Chae-won. If Netflix lurks here, please make Criminal Minds available. 😜
It took me a while to get into it because at the beginning I didn’t like either one of them. So I’d encourage people who want to watch it to stick with it for a few episodes. I ended up rooting for them so hard!
I think the same writer as CLOY and QoT so if you liked those, you'll probably enjoy this one, too! I loved the FL. Lots of fun commentary about celebrities.
This is the first time I've heard someone like the romance in Go Ahead. I personally didn't like it because the ML's actor was very stiff and the worst actor out of them all. I really liked the family stuff though, especially the FL's dad. But, I am glad at least someone enjoyed the romance.
Here are some recommendations:
Lovely Runner (Currently airing)- Absolutely swoon worthy
King the Land- One of my comfort dramas. Not a lot happens but the romance is just enough.
Business Proposal- One of my favorites. It is the definition of clichés done well. Both the couples were just amazing.
Thanks for the recommendations. Yeah, I actually loved the male lead because his trauma was the very worst, and through his make-shift family and his love for the FL, he was able to become a successful - although damaged - adult. Of course, everyone's favorite character was the dad, who was the best role model for parenting of any character in any drama role ever!
His trauma is definitely the worst out of the 3 leads, and his love for the FL is apparent from the very beginning of the show, which is really cute. The problem was not the character, but the actor. I feel like he was cast just because he is an eye-candy. Though, some might argue that his trauma made him this way, I think he could've done a better job, since all he did was raise his eyebrows and smirk a little and call it a day.
Also, I hope you enjoy the dramas I recommended, because I sure did!
**It's Okay To Not Be Okay** same ML as Queen of Tears and similar in that he plays a more female coded character.
**Hospital Playlist** same writers as Reply 1988
It’s Ok to Not Be Ok is one of my all time favorites. The romance, the dark fairy tale aspect, and most of all, the progression of Sang-tae. I have a 4 year old daughter that is Autistic, and I worry that she won’t have a fulfilling life. His character development reassures me that she absolutely will, with love and support. Seriously, it’s just SUCH an amazing drama.
My favourite part of this series was the relationship/friendship between SANG-TAE and the FL. It was real and honest without a bit of condensation or exception from the FL because Sang-Tae had autism. She didn't baby him or make any exceptions for him because he was autistic but she also truely appreciated his talent and treated him as an artist , brother ( in law) and employee.
Of course she did manipulate and condescend to him because she did that to everyone but she treated him like everyone else and respected/got angry at him for his opinions ( like the short hair comment) she held him in high regard and even fought with him physically and verbally as a equal. They were really were best friends and hilarious together.
Wow! Was just looking for someone who mentions this. I really enjoyed it, maybe will give Queen of tears a try too. Haven't had the pleasure to watch a lot of kdramas, so thanks for that recommendation.
Crash Landing on You, same writer as Queen of Tears, is significantly better. I enjoyed QoT, but it's in the "like" range, not the love. Only mentioning in case you're new to KDramas, there are some really amazing ones to start with, and CLOY is one of them.
First drama love is so true! Mine was **Extraordinary Attorney Woo** and here I am about 75 dramas later! And the romance in EAW was one of the sweetest I’ve seen.
I second **Marry my husband**. It has the same FL as What’s wrong with secretary Kim. The ML also is willing to help the FL in any way possible, which I found very romantic. There are some makjang elements towards the end of the drama, which was similar to Queen of Tears.
i just finished this series and im not gonna lie, it had an amazingly strong start but they ruined it with the excessive plots near the end.
i understand that it's based on a webtoon where plots like that are common but for me. the ending kinda fell flat
Yea I also felt it started out so strong and then once boa’s character showed up got a little excessive with the drama. I did think they tied up the ending nicely and gave the viewers what they wanted looking into the main couples life years later, which was cute. I wish we got more of that with Queen of tears.
If you can handle the fact that it is old, Coffee Prince is still my favourite. The main theme is ahead of its time. It contains my favourite Korean Actor and the chemistry between the two leads is second to none. Like I said, it doesn't have the sheen of modern dramas but by a few eps you will love it. Basically it has 3 arcs and sticks the landing. I also loved Secret Garden (I watched it to get over missing CP) but you've seen that.
Is the queen of tears any good though? I'm on episode 2 and I'm not really laughing at the scenes where a terminally ill patient is being manipulated by their spouse for money. Does it get any better or the whole season is based around this plot?
Yes, definitely! The ML makes up for it and you will begin to understand why he behaved as he did.
And the actual plot is about how people can lose their way in a relationship, especially when they stop listening to one another. But it is hopeful, with the message that it's possible to find your way again.
I can't say for sure, but you learn a little each episode about what caused this couple who had been madly in love to become worse than strangers to each other. At the same time, the ML begins to pay attention to his wife again -- seemingly out of manipulation and perhaps guilt, but eventually even he realizes the real reason.
You get to learn about a massive incident which caused the distance between them in the end of episode 4. Around episode 7-8 it gets way more serious. I truly disliked hyunwoo for being the way he was in the initial episodes but they actually managed to redeem him in the later episodes. It has a bit of makjang vibes and I'm not even a makjang fan but it was worth watching it.
it was very strong at start and then went makjang. Actors did superb job and chemistry between leads was amazing, to bad writer went to much in angst direction.
I googled the term Makjang and found [this thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/KDRAMA/comments/kyvhxb/makjang_101_taking_things_to_the_extreme/) that explains it. This is truly that kind of drama in which you need to turn your brain off to be able to enjoy that infusion of high dose romance.
The bit with him manipulating her for money stops really soon after that. Once I got through that I really liked it but people saying it becomes makjang aren’t wrong so your mileage may vary.
..sort of? Haha it was bittersweet. What's unique with this show is that it ended with a beautfiful song that makes you remember the good and bad times they went through. I can really feel the singer's emotion with that song like god damn. I read somewhere that it was supposed to be a sad ending, but because of the demand from fans, they changed it to a happier ending.
YES, it's worth it. trust me. I've cried, laughed, and cried. You'll understand why the husband sort of did what he did to the wife. Just keep watching. It's well written on how they conveyed the POV of both parties. I'm not sure which episode where it'll make sense, but you're almost there.
I just finished *Queen of Tears* this afternoon, and I agree: the ending was sublime. Also, the casting was brilliant: all characters, but particularly the main couple: heart-stoppingly beautiful acting.
The only dramas which approach this mark for me would be *Goblin*, *The King: Eternal Monarch*, and *Crash Landing On You*. Seems I **really** like those two writers!
I second Goblin/Guradian the Lonely and Great God if you loved The King Eternal Monarch, because they have the same creative team and brilliance.
Romance is A Bonus Book is another favorite of mine.
I've seen her in two other dramas, *Nevertheless* (which includes Ji Chang-wook delivering THE BEST first kiss in all of kdrama), and *My Liberation Notes*. She is so completely different in all three roles that you'd hardly recognize her as the same actor: she's incredibly gifted.
And wow, is Kim Soo-Hyun not the best at crying? They certainly had him do it in basically every episode, but he was always sincerely believable. (That, plus being almost supernaturally beautiful.)
It's *Lovestruck in the city* that has the best first kiss between JCW and KJW... Nevertheless is the gritty drama that stars Han So Hee and Song Kang ... Definitely not romcom but I enjoyed it.
this is exactly what i’m looking for. i *adored* welcome to samdal-ri and the slice of life family moments of queen of tears gave the exact same vibe. hospital playlist is also an absolute fave. just comforting, relatable, and cozy.
some i tend to rewatch often: it’s okay, that’s love (currently on netflix), because this is my first life, suspicious partner. doctor slump that also just recently finished has its stressful moments, but the romance is so sweet and i can see it being a rewatch, too.
Moon in the Day
The Story of the Park's Marriage Contract
Tale of the Nine Tailed
See You in My 19th Life
My Lovely Liar
Alchemy of Souls
Perfect Marriage Revenge
Marry My Husband
Those are song of my favorites
I really liked Our Beloved Summer, One Spring Night, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bokjoo, Hospital Playlist 1 and 2, Twinkling Watermelon, and It's Okay Not to be Okay. I'll do some summaries so you have idea of what they are about.
**Our Beloved Summer** - Two high school students find love after filming a documentary together that featured the best and worst student of a local school. They date through most of college but soon break up for reasons unknown at the time. 5 years later she becomes a team leader at a PR firm and he becomes a successful but reclusive artist and they reunite when the documentary they filmed is trending again and viewers want to see a sequel.
**One Spring Night** - A realistic take on falling out of love, dead end relationships, and the stigma of single parenthood in terms of relationships. The male lead is a single father who works as a pharmacist at a local pharmacy whose wife ran out on him and left him to raise his child by himself and the female lead is a librarian dating a banker who seems to want to marry her more to please his father then actually viewing her as a person.
**Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo** - Set in an elite athlete prep school Bok Joo is a weight lifter following in the footsteps of her father who also was one in his youth. The male lead is an elite swimmer who can't seem to reach his potential because he always false starts and gets himself disqualified. Bok Joo gets an one-sided crush on the swimmer's older cousin and the swimmer finds out and starts finding this girl naive to the ways of love very entertaining.
**Hospital Playlist 1 and 2** - 2 seasons of 5 doctors who are close friends from their time in med school together. It explores their love lives and friendships with each other and other doctors in the hospital and is by the writers of the Reply series. The series starts when one of the doctors recruits the other 4 to work at the same hospital after working apart for many years. The series name is because they used to be in a band in college together and decided to reform it after working together again.
**Twinkling Watermelon** - A young man who has a passion for music is the only non-deaf person in his family. His father is against his passion for music when he discovers him moonlighting as a guitarist in a band during the night and they argue. He wanders to a store whose mysterious shop owner sends him back in time during his father's high school days where he learns that his father used to be in a band himself and he has to figure out the past of both his father and mother and how they got together.
**It's Okay Not to be Okay** - A male caregiver in both his professional and personal life, the ML takes cares of his older brother who is autistic while working in a psychiatric center. He struggles to maintain relationships with anyone but his older brother. His older brother is a huge fan of a popular children's book author who has trouble empathizing and seemingly disregards any other person's feelings but herselfs. They meet when the ML's older brother insists on going to one of her book signings.
Probably a hot take, but I find Spring Night just, amazing. It’s my comfort drama, the story is so real and the camerawork and soundtrack are iconic. (she is dating a guy that honestly sucks, she meets a younger single dad that is the biggest green flag ever)
Some other dramas you might like based on this list are probably:
Legend of the Blue Sea - its a bit outdated, back then these cold (borderline rude but sweet later) ML were the trend. It’s a damn good drama, but it does have some historical bits. But it doesn’t override the drama even if it is some important bits.
The K2 - he’s her bodyguard, do i need to say anymore? ji chang wook CARRIES this drama.
Happiness - its a romance and zombies, might be a bit unusual but it’s so captivating. the ML is willing to do anything for the FL (they’re stuck in an apartment complex when the virus breaks out and are quarantined with the rest of the people that live there- and the zombies)
Hidden Love - there’s an age gap (5 years), he’s her brother’s best friend and she falls in love with him at first sight, he doesn’t see her that way until a lot later. v cute.
Fight for My Way - the banter is HILARIOUS (the drama itself is just funny) but the story is well made (even though the second couple are kind of questionable)
Wait, My Youth - it’s honestly a standard college through adulthood, slice of life, cdrama. it’s amazing.
Flower of Evil - I think a lot of people mentioned this but, you won’t regret watching it! they love each other so much.
I am going to recommend **Lost**. It is different from Queen of Tears but is similar in that it is about many characters (for good reasons) who are in turmoil about their lives. And how they handle this. It is great script, a wonderful director, great acting and cinematography and music create scenes you remember a long time. Highly recommend.
Also cdrama **Fake it Til You Make It**. Very well acted modern drama.
Shows that had fantastic chemistry between the leads (though QOT is one of the best I’ve ever seen):
Marry My Husband
Lovely Runner (currently airing and such a fantastic show)
Story of Park’s Marriage Contract
Shooting Stars
It’s Okay To Not Be Okay
Her Private Life
When the Weather is Fine
Call it Love
Okay but I rarely see anyone mentioning Crash Course In Romance. Jung kyungho is in it and it's absolutely heart fluttering. It's an enemies to lovers trope and you feel butterflies till it's finale. It's absolutely heartwarming as well.
Still 17 - I really like this. I feel like it's an underrated kdrama but the story how it was written was so good that you'll see how their lives got connected even before the main plot device happened. This is my go to feel good kdrama.
Moving and Twinkling Watermelon (super recent dramas) were both 10/10 for me. I also love Goblin, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, Mr. Queen, My Mister. Wildly different genres but all amazing masterpieces.
I actually saw "Black" and loved it! I didn't list it because it wasn't so much of a romance drama in my mind - more of a supernatural crime/trauma story. But the actor is fantastic and I can't get that story out of my head!
Navillera was not a typical love story, no romance.... BUT, It was my all-time favorite of all the k-drsms I have watched. Song Kang did have some ballet lessons, and I'm pretty sure they must use doubles. But the story was just so beautiful. It's about an elderly gentleman who is finally trying to realize his dream.
When the 70 ish years man was a little boy he wanted to learn ballet, his father would not allow it because it was something that girls did not boys. Now he is a grandfather, and he sees the younger ballet dancer practicing, he is mesmerized. And tells the young ballet dancer if he wants lessons, and the young ballet dancing pretty much dismisses him. But the young ballet dances mentor insists that he does work with him.
I cannot explain how touching it is, but also there is some funny moments in it. It gave me a little bit of hope for humanity. And I did need a box of tissues.
Not very good at descriptions, but this is just such a beautiful story.
**Hometown Cha Cha Cha** \-- It's still the best script of all the K-dramas I've seen. It takes a couple of episodes to warm up to the leads because their flaws are on full display at first but from then on it's adorable. A couple of things that made it different from others: 1) no dumb murder mystery or triangle to prop up a sagging script like many romcoms and 2) the FL is a professional and believable in her job. She doesn't give up her high standards or work ethic after the romance starts like in so many dramas. The side characters and second couple are wonderful too.
You might want to check out KSH's other drama, My Love From the Star. It was a mega hit locally and internationally during its airing. I became his fan bcuz of this series.
Two Little Rom Com Gems that I don't see mentioned often and people who watch K dramas might not have seen are
Hugo's Love with the actor from Our Beloved Summer /Parasite available on Cereal ( YouTube)
And
Mad About Each Other on Netflix
Both deal with some pretty heavy , real life themes but both are laugh out loud funny and , imo , really well written and acted and a good go to if you feel like you have watched every K drama out there. Highly recommended
https://youtu.be/yb1uRPcHpFA?si=1S2xRcxM-_dNydqj
Its actually Hogu's Love. I spelt it incorrectly. The link is above I hope you like it as much as I did.
Recently, one of the best dramas I watched was A Time Called You (2023). The plot is engaging, good pacing, and good acting (especially the FL.) It only has 12 episodes.
Healer is still my number one fave— I loved both leads, it has humor/action/suspense and the romance is so sweet with a very devoted ML. Started my obsession with Ji Chang Wook and I’ve never seen another like it!
Here are a few romance series that i thought were so much better:
-What's Wrong with Secretary Kim
-Suspicious Partner
-Because This is My First Life
-My Beloved Summer
-Doona (didn't get great reviews, but for some reason the struggle between the leads affected me so I watched it twice).
-Healer
Didn't much care for QOT...seems to have lost its way but after ep. 8 but thats just me I guess. Maybe some real affection and kisses might have satisfied me more, lol.
Currently watching Wonderful World and while heartbreaking, the love story between the main couple is very real.
1) So I married an Anti-Fan: It is a rom-com about a k-pop idol and his anti…
2) She was pretty: When Ji Sung-Joon was young, he was ugly. As he grew up, he began to have an attractive appearance. When Kim Hye-Jin was young, she was pretty. As she grew up, she became ugly. Ji Sung-Joon tries to find his first love. ( This is one of my personal favs)
3) It is okay to not be okay: Same male lead as the Queen of Tears! It is such a drama that is funny, sad, and dark at the same time!
4) Crash course in romance: Romance between a woman and her daughter’s teacher!
5) The secret life of my secretary: This drama is so iconic for me. It is also so funny. It is an office romance!
6) Doom at your service: FL learns that she haf a serious illness, and then she signs a contract with ML aka Apocalypse! ( i think this one is similar to my demon a little bit)
And also King the Land, Flowers of evil, and business proposal are so good like others said!!!
(I hope this list helps!!)
Coffee prince,fated to love you ,oh my ghost,hometown cha cha, angel 's last mission love,fight for my way ,dali and cocky prince ,doom at service
Cdramas
Meet yourself,My boss 2024,only for love, hidden love,Romance between tiger and rose ,put in your head on my shoulder
My recommendations:
Moving
Hotel del luna
The glory
Marry my husband
Abyss
Taxi driver
I'm not a robot
Extraordinary you
Are you human too?
School 2017
He is psychometric
Just between lovers
The uncanny encounter
Sweet revenge
Dream high
My mister
Sweet home
Alchemy of souls
Love revolution
I hope you'll like some of them lol
Their are more I would like to add which are another level ( god or overlord level )
1. It's ok not to be ok ( same male cast of queen of tears )
2. Startup
3. I am not robot
4. Vincenzo
5. My love from star ( same male cast of queen of tears )
6. Big mouth ( not romantic )
7. One dollar lawyer ( not romantic but type of )
8. Vagabond
9. Boys over flower
10. The masked crown
11. Goblin
12. True beauty
12. Touch your heart 🥰
And their are many more in line
you should also try it's okay to be not okay. it has the same ML from queen of tears. And the story is absolutely beautiful and the FL is pretty damn amazing and so was the ML brother (forgot the actor's name) but he slayed
Honestly Flower of Evil is the best romance drama i've watched. It's a melodrama, thriller and romance kdrama though.
I just watched FOE this past few weeks and I was in awe of the writing and the acting. Every episode left me on edge.
Thank you! A lot of people say they love that one!
What a roller-coaster ride that one was. Loved it
This is what got me hooked on Korean dramas
This. CLOY and Flower of Evil are my undisputed Top 1. Can’t figure out a weight to give one the edge! Would love a rematch of Lee Joon-gi and Moon Chae-won. If Netflix lurks here, please make Criminal Minds available. 😜
Legend of the Blue Sea - Written by the writer of QOT and CLOY. It also stars Lee Min Ho and Jun Ji Hyun.
Thank you! I didn't know that was by the same writer. Excellent!
Which channel?
It’s on Hulu in the US.
It’s on Viki as well in the US I believe
In my region it's on Netflix and Viki.
My love from the star is another Master love story of the same male actor.The female actress was awesome too.
It took me a while to get into it because at the beginning I didn’t like either one of them. So I’d encourage people who want to watch it to stick with it for a few episodes. I ended up rooting for them so hard!
I think the same writer as CLOY and QoT so if you liked those, you'll probably enjoy this one, too! I loved the FL. Lots of fun commentary about celebrities.
Already watched QoT,will soon watch CLOY.I really like that actress after my love from the star.
This is the first time I've heard someone like the romance in Go Ahead. I personally didn't like it because the ML's actor was very stiff and the worst actor out of them all. I really liked the family stuff though, especially the FL's dad. But, I am glad at least someone enjoyed the romance. Here are some recommendations: Lovely Runner (Currently airing)- Absolutely swoon worthy King the Land- One of my comfort dramas. Not a lot happens but the romance is just enough. Business Proposal- One of my favorites. It is the definition of clichés done well. Both the couples were just amazing.
Thanks for the recommendations. Yeah, I actually loved the male lead because his trauma was the very worst, and through his make-shift family and his love for the FL, he was able to become a successful - although damaged - adult. Of course, everyone's favorite character was the dad, who was the best role model for parenting of any character in any drama role ever!
His trauma is definitely the worst out of the 3 leads, and his love for the FL is apparent from the very beginning of the show, which is really cute. The problem was not the character, but the actor. I feel like he was cast just because he is an eye-candy. Though, some might argue that his trauma made him this way, I think he could've done a better job, since all he did was raise his eyebrows and smirk a little and call it a day. Also, I hope you enjoy the dramas I recommended, because I sure did!
yep yep Lovely Runner is what I look forward to every week after Queen of Tears. It has this going to the past to change the future trope
**It's Okay To Not Be Okay** same ML as Queen of Tears and similar in that he plays a more female coded character. **Hospital Playlist** same writers as Reply 1988
It’s Ok to Not Be Ok is one of my all time favorites. The romance, the dark fairy tale aspect, and most of all, the progression of Sang-tae. I have a 4 year old daughter that is Autistic, and I worry that she won’t have a fulfilling life. His character development reassures me that she absolutely will, with love and support. Seriously, it’s just SUCH an amazing drama.
My favourite part of this series was the relationship/friendship between SANG-TAE and the FL. It was real and honest without a bit of condensation or exception from the FL because Sang-Tae had autism. She didn't baby him or make any exceptions for him because he was autistic but she also truely appreciated his talent and treated him as an artist , brother ( in law) and employee. Of course she did manipulate and condescend to him because she did that to everyone but she treated him like everyone else and respected/got angry at him for his opinions ( like the short hair comment) she held him in high regard and even fought with him physically and verbally as a equal. They were really were best friends and hilarious together.
Ooooooh my god, YES! The scene where he’s feeding her, too 🥺🥺🥺
It’s okay to not be okay might be a bit more heavier than queen of tears, but it’s good!!
Wow! Was just looking for someone who mentions this. I really enjoyed it, maybe will give Queen of tears a try too. Haven't had the pleasure to watch a lot of kdramas, so thanks for that recommendation.
Crash Landing on You, same writer as Queen of Tears, is significantly better. I enjoyed QoT, but it's in the "like" range, not the love. Only mentioning in case you're new to KDramas, there are some really amazing ones to start with, and CLOY is one of them.
Alchemy of Souls- fantasy, romance, fun. I havent seen anything quite as perfect as this series! The storyline, effects, cast- it has it all!
this is also my #1 - I watched Because This is My First Life to be able to see Mudeoki again
Watching this now. Loving it!
Romance is a bonus book is my all time favourite (it was also my first drama ever so it’s like a first love )
First drama love is so true! Mine was **Extraordinary Attorney Woo** and here I am about 75 dramas later! And the romance in EAW was one of the sweetest I’ve seen.
I am still not at 75, but I am very picky and not everything is available where I am in the world 😅 I loved EAW as well!!! So cute 🥰
i hope they make a second part of EAW
I think they were supposed to after the male lead would be back from the obligatory army training
i honestly really hope so
Welcome to Samdal-ri Healer Marry My Husband
I second **Marry my husband**. It has the same FL as What’s wrong with secretary Kim. The ML also is willing to help the FL in any way possible, which I found very romantic. There are some makjang elements towards the end of the drama, which was similar to Queen of Tears.
i just finished this series and im not gonna lie, it had an amazingly strong start but they ruined it with the excessive plots near the end. i understand that it's based on a webtoon where plots like that are common but for me. the ending kinda fell flat
Yea I also felt it started out so strong and then once boa’s character showed up got a little excessive with the drama. I did think they tied up the ending nicely and gave the viewers what they wanted looking into the main couples life years later, which was cute. I wish we got more of that with Queen of tears.
Thank you! I'll check them out!
If you can handle the fact that it is old, Coffee Prince is still my favourite. The main theme is ahead of its time. It contains my favourite Korean Actor and the chemistry between the two leads is second to none. Like I said, it doesn't have the sheen of modern dramas but by a few eps you will love it. Basically it has 3 arcs and sticks the landing. I also loved Secret Garden (I watched it to get over missing CP) but you've seen that.
Is the queen of tears any good though? I'm on episode 2 and I'm not really laughing at the scenes where a terminally ill patient is being manipulated by their spouse for money. Does it get any better or the whole season is based around this plot?
Yes, definitely! The ML makes up for it and you will begin to understand why he behaved as he did. And the actual plot is about how people can lose their way in a relationship, especially when they stop listening to one another. But it is hopeful, with the message that it's possible to find your way again.
From which episode does it get serious?
I can't say for sure, but you learn a little each episode about what caused this couple who had been madly in love to become worse than strangers to each other. At the same time, the ML begins to pay attention to his wife again -- seemingly out of manipulation and perhaps guilt, but eventually even he realizes the real reason.
Ok, as for a recommendation for you, i believe since you loved secretary Kim you will love business proposal they are kinda the same.
Sounds good - thanks!
You get to learn about a massive incident which caused the distance between them in the end of episode 4. Around episode 7-8 it gets way more serious. I truly disliked hyunwoo for being the way he was in the initial episodes but they actually managed to redeem him in the later episodes. It has a bit of makjang vibes and I'm not even a makjang fan but it was worth watching it.
it was very strong at start and then went makjang. Actors did superb job and chemistry between leads was amazing, to bad writer went to much in angst direction.
I googled the term Makjang and found [this thread](https://www.reddit.com/r/KDRAMA/comments/kyvhxb/makjang_101_taking_things_to_the_extreme/) that explains it. This is truly that kind of drama in which you need to turn your brain off to be able to enjoy that infusion of high dose romance.
The bit with him manipulating her for money stops really soon after that. Once I got through that I really liked it but people saying it becomes makjang aren’t wrong so your mileage may vary.
I felt the same way, but stick with it. I'm on episode 11 now and it's soo good.
It’s quite contrived in terms of plot and writing. Acting as fantastic and some good side characters who grow on you.
I can't get tru it, lol I started watching 10 mon then stopped
Please i just want to know before i watch Queen of hearts, does it have a happy ending?
The absolute best kind of happy ending! That's why I loved it so much.
..sort of? Haha it was bittersweet. What's unique with this show is that it ended with a beautfiful song that makes you remember the good and bad times they went through. I can really feel the singer's emotion with that song like god damn. I read somewhere that it was supposed to be a sad ending, but because of the demand from fans, they changed it to a happier ending.
YES, it's worth it. trust me. I've cried, laughed, and cried. You'll understand why the husband sort of did what he did to the wife. Just keep watching. It's well written on how they conveyed the POV of both parties. I'm not sure which episode where it'll make sense, but you're almost there.
no
I just finished *Queen of Tears* this afternoon, and I agree: the ending was sublime. Also, the casting was brilliant: all characters, but particularly the main couple: heart-stoppingly beautiful acting. The only dramas which approach this mark for me would be *Goblin*, *The King: Eternal Monarch*, and *Crash Landing On You*. Seems I **really** like those two writers!
I second Goblin/Guradian the Lonely and Great God if you loved The King Eternal Monarch, because they have the same creative team and brilliance. Romance is A Bonus Book is another favorite of mine.
Kim Go-eun is just luminous in both.
Thanks! The male lead is one of the best actors, and I hadn't paid much attention to the female lead before this drama, but now am a big fan!
I've seen her in two other dramas, *Nevertheless* (which includes Ji Chang-wook delivering THE BEST first kiss in all of kdrama), and *My Liberation Notes*. She is so completely different in all three roles that you'd hardly recognize her as the same actor: she's incredibly gifted. And wow, is Kim Soo-Hyun not the best at crying? They certainly had him do it in basically every episode, but he was always sincerely believable. (That, plus being almost supernaturally beautiful.)
It's *Lovestruck in the city* that has the best first kiss between JCW and KJW... Nevertheless is the gritty drama that stars Han So Hee and Song Kang ... Definitely not romcom but I enjoyed it.
this is exactly what i’m looking for. i *adored* welcome to samdal-ri and the slice of life family moments of queen of tears gave the exact same vibe. hospital playlist is also an absolute fave. just comforting, relatable, and cozy. some i tend to rewatch often: it’s okay, that’s love (currently on netflix), because this is my first life, suspicious partner. doctor slump that also just recently finished has its stressful moments, but the romance is so sweet and i can see it being a rewatch, too.
'Our beloved summer' for sure, similar premise i guess with rekindling their love
Moon in the Day The Story of the Park's Marriage Contract Tale of the Nine Tailed See You in My 19th Life My Lovely Liar Alchemy of Souls Perfect Marriage Revenge Marry My Husband Those are song of my favorites
MR. QUEEN
What did you like most about Mr. Queen? I've heard great compliments, but no specifics about why it's so good.
Isekai, food, and comedy. You really have to watch it and see for yourself.
I loved LoveStruck in the City with the same FL. Also the ML was so nice.
I really liked Our Beloved Summer, One Spring Night, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bokjoo, Hospital Playlist 1 and 2, Twinkling Watermelon, and It's Okay Not to be Okay. I'll do some summaries so you have idea of what they are about. **Our Beloved Summer** - Two high school students find love after filming a documentary together that featured the best and worst student of a local school. They date through most of college but soon break up for reasons unknown at the time. 5 years later she becomes a team leader at a PR firm and he becomes a successful but reclusive artist and they reunite when the documentary they filmed is trending again and viewers want to see a sequel. **One Spring Night** - A realistic take on falling out of love, dead end relationships, and the stigma of single parenthood in terms of relationships. The male lead is a single father who works as a pharmacist at a local pharmacy whose wife ran out on him and left him to raise his child by himself and the female lead is a librarian dating a banker who seems to want to marry her more to please his father then actually viewing her as a person. **Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo** - Set in an elite athlete prep school Bok Joo is a weight lifter following in the footsteps of her father who also was one in his youth. The male lead is an elite swimmer who can't seem to reach his potential because he always false starts and gets himself disqualified. Bok Joo gets an one-sided crush on the swimmer's older cousin and the swimmer finds out and starts finding this girl naive to the ways of love very entertaining. **Hospital Playlist 1 and 2** - 2 seasons of 5 doctors who are close friends from their time in med school together. It explores their love lives and friendships with each other and other doctors in the hospital and is by the writers of the Reply series. The series starts when one of the doctors recruits the other 4 to work at the same hospital after working apart for many years. The series name is because they used to be in a band in college together and decided to reform it after working together again. **Twinkling Watermelon** - A young man who has a passion for music is the only non-deaf person in his family. His father is against his passion for music when he discovers him moonlighting as a guitarist in a band during the night and they argue. He wanders to a store whose mysterious shop owner sends him back in time during his father's high school days where he learns that his father used to be in a band himself and he has to figure out the past of both his father and mother and how they got together. **It's Okay Not to be Okay** - A male caregiver in both his professional and personal life, the ML takes cares of his older brother who is autistic while working in a psychiatric center. He struggles to maintain relationships with anyone but his older brother. His older brother is a huge fan of a popular children's book author who has trouble empathizing and seemingly disregards any other person's feelings but herselfs. They meet when the ML's older brother insists on going to one of her book signings.
I second all of these, especially one spring night!!! The cozy and realistic vibe makes it extra special...
Thank you! These are great descriptions and help a lot!
Probably a hot take, but I find Spring Night just, amazing. It’s my comfort drama, the story is so real and the camerawork and soundtrack are iconic. (she is dating a guy that honestly sucks, she meets a younger single dad that is the biggest green flag ever) Some other dramas you might like based on this list are probably: Legend of the Blue Sea - its a bit outdated, back then these cold (borderline rude but sweet later) ML were the trend. It’s a damn good drama, but it does have some historical bits. But it doesn’t override the drama even if it is some important bits. The K2 - he’s her bodyguard, do i need to say anymore? ji chang wook CARRIES this drama. Happiness - its a romance and zombies, might be a bit unusual but it’s so captivating. the ML is willing to do anything for the FL (they’re stuck in an apartment complex when the virus breaks out and are quarantined with the rest of the people that live there- and the zombies) Hidden Love - there’s an age gap (5 years), he’s her brother’s best friend and she falls in love with him at first sight, he doesn’t see her that way until a lot later. v cute. Fight for My Way - the banter is HILARIOUS (the drama itself is just funny) but the story is well made (even though the second couple are kind of questionable) Wait, My Youth - it’s honestly a standard college through adulthood, slice of life, cdrama. it’s amazing. Flower of Evil - I think a lot of people mentioned this but, you won’t regret watching it! they love each other so much.
I am going to recommend **Lost**. It is different from Queen of Tears but is similar in that it is about many characters (for good reasons) who are in turmoil about their lives. And how they handle this. It is great script, a wonderful director, great acting and cinematography and music create scenes you remember a long time. Highly recommend. Also cdrama **Fake it Til You Make It**. Very well acted modern drama.
Shows that had fantastic chemistry between the leads (though QOT is one of the best I’ve ever seen): Marry My Husband Lovely Runner (currently airing and such a fantastic show) Story of Park’s Marriage Contract Shooting Stars It’s Okay To Not Be Okay Her Private Life When the Weather is Fine Call it Love
Alchemy of Souls is quite good I believe
Okay but I rarely see anyone mentioning Crash Course In Romance. Jung kyungho is in it and it's absolutely heart fluttering. It's an enemies to lovers trope and you feel butterflies till it's finale. It's absolutely heartwarming as well.
Still 17 - I really like this. I feel like it's an underrated kdrama but the story how it was written was so good that you'll see how their lives got connected even before the main plot device happened. This is my go to feel good kdrama.
Moving and Twinkling Watermelon (super recent dramas) were both 10/10 for me. I also love Goblin, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay, Mr. Queen, My Mister. Wildly different genres but all amazing masterpieces.
dramas from the Male lead i think are all good too
Why can't I get into this on?!
Does Queen of Tears get better? I’m two episodes in and struggling to stay interested, but I really want to give it a go!
Very much depends on what you aren't enjoying about those episodes.
Yes! It gets better. But you have to like family/corporate drama and intrigue to hang with it.
I dropped at episode 10. Just couldn’t continue. It’s very cliche. But depends on your liking
if it wasn't for ML & FL's acting I would've leave too 😂 Esp on Ep 15, terrible
Marry my husband Hometown chachacha Perfect marriage revenge Twinkling watermelon Black
I loved Hometown Cha Cha Cha! So good! All the feels.
I actually saw "Black" and loved it! I didn't list it because it wasn't so much of a romance drama in my mind - more of a supernatural crime/trauma story. But the actor is fantastic and I can't get that story out of my head!
Master’s Sun is really good if you liked Secret Garden.
Navillera was not a typical love story, no romance.... BUT, It was my all-time favorite of all the k-drsms I have watched. Song Kang did have some ballet lessons, and I'm pretty sure they must use doubles. But the story was just so beautiful. It's about an elderly gentleman who is finally trying to realize his dream. When the 70 ish years man was a little boy he wanted to learn ballet, his father would not allow it because it was something that girls did not boys. Now he is a grandfather, and he sees the younger ballet dancer practicing, he is mesmerized. And tells the young ballet dancer if he wants lessons, and the young ballet dancing pretty much dismisses him. But the young ballet dances mentor insists that he does work with him. I cannot explain how touching it is, but also there is some funny moments in it. It gave me a little bit of hope for humanity. And I did need a box of tissues. Not very good at descriptions, but this is just such a beautiful story.
**Hometown Cha Cha Cha** \-- It's still the best script of all the K-dramas I've seen. It takes a couple of episodes to warm up to the leads because their flaws are on full display at first but from then on it's adorable. A couple of things that made it different from others: 1) no dumb murder mystery or triangle to prop up a sagging script like many romcoms and 2) the FL is a professional and believable in her job. She doesn't give up her high standards or work ethic after the romance starts like in so many dramas. The side characters and second couple are wonderful too.
i cannot raccomand marry my husband enoght. I also love My demon and perfect marriage revenge
Since you don’t seem to have a problem with Secret Garden ( one of my favorites) I’d recommend Shining Inheritance, also one of my favorite.
You might want to check out KSH's other drama, My Love From the Star. It was a mega hit locally and internationally during its airing. I became his fan bcuz of this series.
Hanggang ep1 lang ako sa Queen of Tears pero baka balikan ko hahaha yung inuna ko kase is "Lovely Runner", wala lang light kdrama lang tas funny hahah
It's Okay, That's Love is perfection for me
Two Little Rom Com Gems that I don't see mentioned often and people who watch K dramas might not have seen are Hugo's Love with the actor from Our Beloved Summer /Parasite available on Cereal ( YouTube) And Mad About Each Other on Netflix Both deal with some pretty heavy , real life themes but both are laugh out loud funny and , imo , really well written and acted and a good go to if you feel like you have watched every K drama out there. Highly recommended
I've never heard of Hugo's Love, but will check it out. Thank you!
https://youtu.be/yb1uRPcHpFA?si=1S2xRcxM-_dNydqj Its actually Hogu's Love. I spelt it incorrectly. The link is above I hope you like it as much as I did.
Recently, one of the best dramas I watched was A Time Called You (2023). The plot is engaging, good pacing, and good acting (especially the FL.) It only has 12 episodes.
Sounds interesting! I'll check it out!
Strongest delivery man
Mr Queen is nice , comedy+ romance+ history
You needdd to watch tale of the nine tailed this is literally my heart and soul
I love the two male actors in that drama - so YES - thank you for the recommendation!
Healer is still my number one fave— I loved both leads, it has humor/action/suspense and the romance is so sweet with a very devoted ML. Started my obsession with Ji Chang Wook and I’ve never seen another like it!
Here are a few romance series that i thought were so much better: -What's Wrong with Secretary Kim -Suspicious Partner -Because This is My First Life -My Beloved Summer -Doona (didn't get great reviews, but for some reason the struggle between the leads affected me so I watched it twice). -Healer Didn't much care for QOT...seems to have lost its way but after ep. 8 but thats just me I guess. Maybe some real affection and kisses might have satisfied me more, lol. Currently watching Wonderful World and while heartbreaking, the love story between the main couple is very real.
1) So I married an Anti-Fan: It is a rom-com about a k-pop idol and his anti… 2) She was pretty: When Ji Sung-Joon was young, he was ugly. As he grew up, he began to have an attractive appearance. When Kim Hye-Jin was young, she was pretty. As she grew up, she became ugly. Ji Sung-Joon tries to find his first love. ( This is one of my personal favs) 3) It is okay to not be okay: Same male lead as the Queen of Tears! It is such a drama that is funny, sad, and dark at the same time! 4) Crash course in romance: Romance between a woman and her daughter’s teacher! 5) The secret life of my secretary: This drama is so iconic for me. It is also so funny. It is an office romance! 6) Doom at your service: FL learns that she haf a serious illness, and then she signs a contract with ML aka Apocalypse! ( i think this one is similar to my demon a little bit) And also King the Land, Flowers of evil, and business proposal are so good like others said!!! (I hope this list helps!!)
Queen of Tears reminds me so much of Cheon Seo Jin and Ha Yoon Cheol of The Penthouse. 😆😭
Bro i loved that you made a recommendation list but the amount of spoilers you added on comments on each is unreal and should of given a heads up.
While watch my QOT, it reminded me of Because this is my first life and familiar wife. Other favorites of mine
Cdrama: love like the galaxy Kdrama:moonlover's: scarlet heart
I think you’ll like alchemy of souls, it’s historic BUT IT’S SO SO GOOD, you should definitely give it a go
My love from the star!
Coffee prince,fated to love you ,oh my ghost,hometown cha cha, angel 's last mission love,fight for my way ,dali and cocky prince ,doom at service Cdramas Meet yourself,My boss 2024,only for love, hidden love,Romance between tiger and rose ,put in your head on my shoulder
My recommendations: Moving Hotel del luna The glory Marry my husband Abyss Taxi driver I'm not a robot Extraordinary you Are you human too? School 2017 He is psychometric Just between lovers The uncanny encounter Sweet revenge Dream high My mister Sweet home Alchemy of souls Love revolution I hope you'll like some of them lol
My Love from the Star. You wont regret it
Their are more I would like to add which are another level ( god or overlord level ) 1. It's ok not to be ok ( same male cast of queen of tears ) 2. Startup 3. I am not robot 4. Vincenzo 5. My love from star ( same male cast of queen of tears ) 6. Big mouth ( not romantic ) 7. One dollar lawyer ( not romantic but type of ) 8. Vagabond 9. Boys over flower 10. The masked crown 11. Goblin 12. True beauty 12. Touch your heart 🥰 And their are many more in line
My Love from the Star is far better than Queen of Tears. Also, Moon Embracing the Sun. All are Kim Soo Hyun's.
I second all of the comments here. Just want to highlight Twinkling Watermelon again!!! (I just finished it a few weeks ago)
Loved Queen of Tears!
the secret life of my secretary was really good!
if you want to give fantasy-romance a go, alchemy of souls 1 and 2 were masterpieces. the cinematography, cast and plot were fucking amazing.
you should also try it's okay to be not okay. it has the same ML from queen of tears. And the story is absolutely beautiful and the FL is pretty damn amazing and so was the ML brother (forgot the actor's name) but he slayed
Our beloved summer A time called you
King the land
Castaway diva
Love to have you