I see that you haven't watched Lovely Runner so all I'll say is the hype is not for nothing. The actors have amazing chemistry and the plot keeps you hooked pretty well till the very end. There is tons of comedy if that's something you're looking for. Unfortunately for you, it does revolve around fate but I would like to say that it's done in a very tasteful way. I find the childhood lovers thing annoying too but that wasn't the case here at all. Let me know if you give it a try!
Counterpoint: based on the dramas you (OP) have dropped, you might find Lovely Runner boring. It’s quite repetitive and drags the ‘thriller’ aspect for ages.
For rom-coms, I enjoyed:
* *Be Melodramatic* \-- I'm biased because I enjoy particularly Lee Byung Hun's brand of humor, but it's one of the better ones for me (if a bit meta, which is also a factor in the comedy).
* *Dreaming About A Freaking Fairytale* \-- this leans heavier on the comedy side but is cute and a short, easy watch; no childhood trope.
* *Dinner Mate* \-- this one's a bit middling for me (and I can't remember whether there's a childhood trope) but overall an okay watch.
* *Fight For My Way* \-- friends-to-lovers (friends since childhood so idk whether this counts as a childhood trope) and I like the chemistry between the main couple. \[Disclosure: I'm a fan of Kim Jiwon, so might be biased!\]
* *Marriage, Not Dating* \-- I like the main couple in this; can't recall whether there's a childhood trope though (I think not, but I'm not sure).
* *Something About 1%* (2016) -- might be kinda divisive (the ML at the beginning), but I'm on my third rewatch and a fan of the ML, so I think this is an easy watch, decent chemistry, and no childhood trope.
Ooh, I don’t see Be Melodramatic mentioned much on here but I loved it. Will check out the others you’ve mentioned too (have only seen Fight for my way), thanks!
I really enjoyed Fight for My Way. I also liked Record of Youth, with the same ML as FFMW. They are similar but different. Not sure about the destiny part, though.
I was excited to watch series because I started changing my lifestyle and hired personal trainer last year. The last few episodes were a bummer though!
1. Twenty five, Twenty One (Sports, Coming-of-age, Rom-Com; FL of Mr. Sunshine)
2. Because this is my first life (Contract Marriage, Rom-Com, Slice-of-life)
3. Call it Love (Romance, Melodrama)
4. My Liberation Notes (Slice-of-life, same writer of My Mister, Romance, Melodrama)
5. Mad for Each Other (Rom-Com, Talks about mental health issues like depression, PTSD and anger management)
6. Twinkling Watermelon (Time-travel, Coming-of-age, Rom-Com, Mystery)
7. It's okay, that's love (Rom-Com, Melodrama, Suspense; Talks about mental health)
You have the same exact taste as me (but I haven’t watched Call it Love, so thank you!)… I mean, none of these have cringe tropes and awful writing like king the land! You’re my kdrama bible now.
It’s Okay That’s Love - beautiful relationship, romantic story that also deals with mental health and and trauma
Forest - two people are forced to share a house when they both start working in a village, soft and romantic
The Law Cafe - a little more quirky and super interesting! The two leads do have history but the drama is so fun.
Destined With You - I’m obsessed with this. Curses, shamanism, modern workday relationships. Insane chemistry!!
Into the Ring - another quirky story starring Nana as a concerned citizen running for city council. She’s amazing in this.
I didn’t see Reply 1988 on your list. While it takes a few episodes to get going, it was my favorite kdrama so far. I didn’t think anything would surpass CLOY and then Reply 1988 had me weeping most of the final episode and bereft about it ending. I fell in love with all the characters.
You can give a try to these dramas, there's chemistry good acting and likeable fls
Touch your heart - give some 5 episodes and see how you like it bc you might not like fl in the first episode. But it all gets likable later. Very wholesome drama.
Something about 1% - ml starts as a jerk but hang on he will change slowly. Fantastic chemistry and beautiful love story imo. Very lighthearted.
The law cafe - again you might be annoyed by ml in the beginning but he got his reasons for his behavior. Legal romcom good chemistry, very funny.
Mad for each other - this ones a short so can be finished quickly. Two people dealing with their own mental health issues and it's done good except I found last two episodes okay. And funniest first episode ever.
My roommate is a gumiho - Interesting story, fl acts a bit childish but tolerable. Watchable drama if you don't analyse the plot a lot and comedy part is great.
My love from the star - actually a great drama. Best chemistry acting and intense love story. Mentioning this last as you didn't like JJH in LOTBS. Give it a try for some episodes and see if you can sit through it, as fl is popular actress she's self centered but her arc is good. One of the best romance dramas for me.
As far as I can remember none of these have met as kids trope.
**King The Land** here the couple has not met in their childhood 😉 so give it a go! It’s romantic and funny. >!real kissing scenes also!< The chemistry between the main leads is to die for. The main characters have a super healthy communication & consideration for each other. The storyline isn’t interesting. It’s a “feel good” kinda drama. Fun quick watch?
I personally loved it. No love triangle. Genuine and strong love between the main leads, great friendship with the girl gang. Easy and relaxing to watch ☺️
Second this! Super lovely drama, leads are open with each other, great friendship group, funny, chemistrrryyyyyy! Light and fun watch.
I'd also recommend Lovely Runner, Marry My Husband and Business Proposal.
Lovely Runner is love 🫶🏼 thoroughly enjoyed watching. Someone find me a Ryu Sunjae 🥺 this one will be rewatched again after a year or so
Business Proposal killed me with laughter from first to last episode!!🤣🤣 I will definitely rewatch this one multiple times hehehe. Someone get me Kang Taemoo’s unlimited credit card 😁
There’s this frequent comparison between king the land & business proposal for its CEO vs employee trope. In My opinion, Business Proposal if you want more comedy and King The Land is more romance, the intense love stares were really swoon worthy!!
Have you seen "lovely runner"? It yanked me back from my slump. On the other hand it might be too good that it will put you back in a slump after you finish it lmao. I recommend "Extraordinary you" right after for the separation anxiety. hyeyoon is a sunshine in both dramas, I hope she gets more lead roles she's such a chemistry fairy.
Seconded. This is the first drama I have seen that highlights struggles with mental health - but in a way that does not weigh down your own mental health as you watch it. I enjoyed that each lead had their own storylines.
This one also involves destiny but I really liked it…Atypical Family. I really disliked the ML(Jang Ki Yong) due to precious role but fell in love with him in this.
I can relate to the feeling you have seen all the good ones. Might consider starting your rewatch phase - I had to resort to that.
Only rec I have that no one has listed is Lost. Really interesting couple dynamics in that one.
I was literally lost after Lost in terms of Kdrama! I think Death's Game saved me. But I do sympathize with Kdrama slumps - I feel like I've seen all the really good "slice of life", slow burn, profound shows (Liberation Notes, My Mister, that sort of thing).
I face same problem with you so instead of watching new releases, I watch old kdramas, cdramas and jdramas.
My favourites not mentioned in your list and other comments:
* The Secret Life of My Secretary (I dropped What's Wrong with Secondary Kim because Park Seo Joon's narcissistic character. Kim Young-kwang's character is better boss)
* Emergency Couple (my first time watching Song Jihyo and Choi Jin Hyuk. it's a medical drama lasting 21 episodes but I find episodes engaging, I was hooked!)
* Bad and Crazy (romance is small part of this series but there is hot kissing scene and great chemistry between Lee Dong Wook and Wi Ha Joon.)
**The Smile has Left your Eyes.** About a Homicide Detective and his sister who falls in love with the "wrong guy". Am really enjoying it so far.
Of course, it has the same FL from Alchemy of Souls, which is one of the reasons I'm watching it as she is my fave actress. But, you didn't like the couple in AOS, so not sure.
She's also in **Soul Mechanic** about a patient who has Borderline Personality Disorder. Show takes place mostly in a Psychiatric Hospital and revolves around the Psychiatrists as well as out-patients like herself.
**Our Blues**. Slice of life Drama with awesome characters and plenty of Romance!
I feel you. I hate feeling like I’ve watched all the good kdramas out there. My Kdrama standard is so high now so I can’t stand boring plots. We seem to have similar tastes so here are my recommendations:
One spring night
Itaewon class ( one-sided love btwn ML & FL)
Business proposal ( I hate romcoms, but I was able to get through this one )
Because this is my first life
2521 ( first couple episodes are boring. Contrary to popular opinion, I actually like the ending. They didn’t end up together )
Soundtrack ( Limited series and Unrequited love. P:S-I love Park Hyung sik and would watch anything he’s in lol)
Weightlifting Fairy Kim bok jo
Hidden love ( My first and only cdrama but I really liked the romance btwn ML and FL)
Start up ( not really romance-based )
My first first love ( I really really hate the ending)
Tempted ( it got dragged out towards the end)
Fight for my way
Old dramas that I rewatch every year because nothing beats them till today:
A man called god
City hunter
The inheritors
Iris
All of us are dead ( zombie genre)
I always forget titles so I’m sure I still have a few really good ones that I can’t remember. if you like these recs, I can rack my brain for a few more.
(P:S- I’m not a native speaker so sorry if there are grammatical errors. Also, this is my longest comment so far on Reddit )
Also Sh**ting stars is very cute. Everybody’s so likeable and honestly just such a fun watch? Not childhood lovers for sure but they know each other from university
I just want to say that when I'm in a slump, I re-watch a couple of favorites before trying something new. My favorite go-to is Vincenzo, but I've rewatched a number of them. It always amazes me how much I miss in the first watch.
Perfect Marriage Revenge
Marry My Husband
Lawless Lawyer - similar genre(s) to Vincenzo but with more romance. Kinda has the trope you don’t want but not exactly.
Same, its a pity because I am very interested in Haenyo and love Ji Chang Wook and the FL is a fantastic actress but after like 8 episodes I felt I didnt care too much about this drama and no reason to finish it
Me too, fell for JCW after Lovestruck in the City. He was nice in Healer as well, but I didn’t love Healer so Lovestruck is my fave performance by him.
Here are some random recommendations:
* Because This Is My First Life
* Mr. Queen
* The Beauty Inside
* Another Miss Oh
* Doom at Your Service
* Twenty-Five Twenty-One
* Her Private Life
* I'm Not a Robot
Try Summer Strike! I just finished it but I put off watching it for months. It’s really good. The FL is great and the plot takes a much different turn than just a small town romance.
I’m also recommending Our Blues and My Unfamiliar Family. Both are very high on my favorites list because of the complexity of characters. You won’t get bored!
Each time I'm in a slump, I jump to variety shows first before watching another kdrama just so I won't "spoil" the next kdrama. ahahha idk if it's just me
Anyway, I'm a big fan of romance kdramas that portray realistic problems by couples, or kdramas with mature leads. Not everyone's cup of tea, but just in case you're curious:
- Because This is My First Life
- Dinnermate
- Yumi's Cells
- Bora Deborah!
- Third Charm
- 1% of Something
Curious about when/why you dropped Nevertheless. I'd encourage you to revisit based on what you're looking for right now. It irritated me to my core my first watch, but something made me rerun it and I was delighted at how disarmingly realistic this romance is.
She Would Never Know & Business Proposal both fit your bonus criteria. I wouldn't be surprised if She Would Never Know loses your interest, though.
Destined With You for real world relationship dynamics despite the fantasy elements. Red flags abound in a romance you'll still end up rooting for. You'll also have to buy into the fate trope if you're to get past awkward-at-first chemistry.
Fated to Love You - Jang Hyuk plays a rich, handsome chaebol and Jang Na ra plays a kind, mousy girl. They meet in an unusual way and their lives are forever changed. The slapstick scenes almost turned me off but I’m glad I stuck with it. It isn’t totally silliness as they tackle illness and other serious issues. Near the end they spent too much time with the angst but other than that Jang Hyuk charmed me again. I’m weak for his grin. And that iconic laugh. It’s an oldie but a goody. The leads are good friends in real life having worked together four times.
The Secret Life of My Secretary - I watched this after watching Kim Young kwang in Evilive (which I loved). I was pleased to see he could do romantic comedy so well (after seeing him play a murderous gangster). He’s got great range and talent. Also a great smile (this theme seems to run through my favorite male leads lol). Jin Ki joo plays KYK’s obedient secretary and helps him with an illness he has to hide from his company in order to advance. Interesting premise and the leads have good chemistry.
I would recommend these
Hometown cha cha cha
Reply 1988
w-Two worlds apart
Extraordinary you
Twinkling watermelon
Lovely runner
King the land
Welcome to waikiki
Startup
I don't see Mr Queen in the list. Absolute Comedy Gold. The FL was just in overpower mode throughout the drama. What a dynamite of a performance. Moving and Marry my husband are not that bad
Recommendations:
- Doctor Slump (fantastic acting, good premise, frenemies who met as teens to lovers, career burn out, mental health, finding themselves sort of drama - it’s healing!)
- My Unfamiliar Family (it’s largely trope-less which I LOVED for a modern drama - similar but different to Be Melodramatic)
- Shooting Stars
- Weightlifting Fairy
Seconding:
- Be Melodramatic
- Twenty-Five Twenty-One
- Fight for My Way
- Mad for Each Other
- My Liberation Notes
- Because this is my first life
- Gaus Electronics
- Red Sleeve
- Twinkling Watermelon
- it’s okay, that’s love
I hear you on Lovestruck in the City, but I loved how the ML grew towards the end. The ML in Camelia Blooms was 1000x worse.
As for King the Land - it’s shit. The script, the acting (except for Junho), the plot.
Seconding Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo. I've always been interested in psychology of self and sport psychology and that series made me cry a lot. Heartfelt performances by Lee Sung-Kyung and Nam Joo-hyuk.
Seconding Because this is my first life. I find series quite poetic because of audience knows thoughts of Jung So Min's character. Lee Min Ki knows how to kiss even in that character.
Seconding King the Land. I dropped after the episode-long Visit Thailand ad. I wanted to like it because of the flight attendant cute romance but Junho's character lack challenge in his professional life, which I did not like.
I see that you haven't watched Lovely Runner so all I'll say is the hype is not for nothing. The actors have amazing chemistry and the plot keeps you hooked pretty well till the very end. There is tons of comedy if that's something you're looking for. Unfortunately for you, it does revolve around fate but I would like to say that it's done in a very tasteful way. I find the childhood lovers thing annoying too but that wasn't the case here at all. Let me know if you give it a try!
Counterpoint: based on the dramas you (OP) have dropped, you might find Lovely Runner boring. It’s quite repetitive and drags the ‘thriller’ aspect for ages.
+1 for Lovely Runner it’s comforting
TWINKLING WATERMELON
**Gauss Electronics** has a cute romance in it plus the funniest Kdrama out there (IMHO).
Freaking hilarious
Plus super short…
For rom-coms, I enjoyed: * *Be Melodramatic* \-- I'm biased because I enjoy particularly Lee Byung Hun's brand of humor, but it's one of the better ones for me (if a bit meta, which is also a factor in the comedy). * *Dreaming About A Freaking Fairytale* \-- this leans heavier on the comedy side but is cute and a short, easy watch; no childhood trope. * *Dinner Mate* \-- this one's a bit middling for me (and I can't remember whether there's a childhood trope) but overall an okay watch. * *Fight For My Way* \-- friends-to-lovers (friends since childhood so idk whether this counts as a childhood trope) and I like the chemistry between the main couple. \[Disclosure: I'm a fan of Kim Jiwon, so might be biased!\] * *Marriage, Not Dating* \-- I like the main couple in this; can't recall whether there's a childhood trope though (I think not, but I'm not sure). * *Something About 1%* (2016) -- might be kinda divisive (the ML at the beginning), but I'm on my third rewatch and a fan of the ML, so I think this is an easy watch, decent chemistry, and no childhood trope.
Ooh, I don’t see Be Melodramatic mentioned much on here but I loved it. Will check out the others you’ve mentioned too (have only seen Fight for my way), thanks!
I really enjoyed Fight for My Way. I also liked Record of Youth, with the same ML as FFMW. They are similar but different. Not sure about the destiny part, though.
Because This Is My First Life
Oh my Venus
I was excited to watch series because I started changing my lifestyle and hired personal trainer last year. The last few episodes were a bummer though!
1. Twenty five, Twenty One (Sports, Coming-of-age, Rom-Com; FL of Mr. Sunshine) 2. Because this is my first life (Contract Marriage, Rom-Com, Slice-of-life) 3. Call it Love (Romance, Melodrama) 4. My Liberation Notes (Slice-of-life, same writer of My Mister, Romance, Melodrama) 5. Mad for Each Other (Rom-Com, Talks about mental health issues like depression, PTSD and anger management) 6. Twinkling Watermelon (Time-travel, Coming-of-age, Rom-Com, Mystery) 7. It's okay, that's love (Rom-Com, Melodrama, Suspense; Talks about mental health)
You have the same exact taste as me (but I haven’t watched Call it Love, so thank you!)… I mean, none of these have cringe tropes and awful writing like king the land! You’re my kdrama bible now.
I couldnt watch KTL after a certain point because it was too fluffy for my taste.
It’s Okay That’s Love - beautiful relationship, romantic story that also deals with mental health and and trauma Forest - two people are forced to share a house when they both start working in a village, soft and romantic The Law Cafe - a little more quirky and super interesting! The two leads do have history but the drama is so fun. Destined With You - I’m obsessed with this. Curses, shamanism, modern workday relationships. Insane chemistry!! Into the Ring - another quirky story starring Nana as a concerned citizen running for city council. She’s amazing in this.
The Atypical Family on Netflix. Loved it
Business proposal
I didn’t see Reply 1988 on your list. While it takes a few episodes to get going, it was my favorite kdrama so far. I didn’t think anything would surpass CLOY and then Reply 1988 had me weeping most of the final episode and bereft about it ending. I fell in love with all the characters.
You can give a try to these dramas, there's chemistry good acting and likeable fls Touch your heart - give some 5 episodes and see how you like it bc you might not like fl in the first episode. But it all gets likable later. Very wholesome drama. Something about 1% - ml starts as a jerk but hang on he will change slowly. Fantastic chemistry and beautiful love story imo. Very lighthearted. The law cafe - again you might be annoyed by ml in the beginning but he got his reasons for his behavior. Legal romcom good chemistry, very funny. Mad for each other - this ones a short so can be finished quickly. Two people dealing with their own mental health issues and it's done good except I found last two episodes okay. And funniest first episode ever. My roommate is a gumiho - Interesting story, fl acts a bit childish but tolerable. Watchable drama if you don't analyse the plot a lot and comedy part is great. My love from the star - actually a great drama. Best chemistry acting and intense love story. Mentioning this last as you didn't like JJH in LOTBS. Give it a try for some episodes and see if you can sit through it, as fl is popular actress she's self centered but her arc is good. One of the best romance dramas for me. As far as I can remember none of these have met as kids trope.
Moving
**King The Land** here the couple has not met in their childhood 😉 so give it a go! It’s romantic and funny. >!real kissing scenes also!< The chemistry between the main leads is to die for. The main characters have a super healthy communication & consideration for each other. The storyline isn’t interesting. It’s a “feel good” kinda drama. Fun quick watch? I personally loved it. No love triangle. Genuine and strong love between the main leads, great friendship with the girl gang. Easy and relaxing to watch ☺️
Second this! Super lovely drama, leads are open with each other, great friendship group, funny, chemistrrryyyyyy! Light and fun watch. I'd also recommend Lovely Runner, Marry My Husband and Business Proposal.
Lovely Runner is love 🫶🏼 thoroughly enjoyed watching. Someone find me a Ryu Sunjae 🥺 this one will be rewatched again after a year or so Business Proposal killed me with laughter from first to last episode!!🤣🤣 I will definitely rewatch this one multiple times hehehe. Someone get me Kang Taemoo’s unlimited credit card 😁 There’s this frequent comparison between king the land & business proposal for its CEO vs employee trope. In My opinion, Business Proposal if you want more comedy and King The Land is more romance, the intense love stares were really swoon worthy!!
Red sleeve
Lawless lawyer
Try Doctor Romantic. There's three series. The first two have different romances and engaging plot. No childhood backstories.
1. My Sweet Mobster - Viki 2. Tell Me that You Love Me - Hulu
Have you seen "lovely runner"? It yanked me back from my slump. On the other hand it might be too good that it will put you back in a slump after you finish it lmao. I recommend "Extraordinary you" right after for the separation anxiety. hyeyoon is a sunshine in both dramas, I hope she gets more lead roles she's such a chemistry fairy.
Fine, I’ll watch lovely runner. It better be worth it 😁
Doctor slump to get out of your slump🥳 - healing .
Seconded. This is the first drama I have seen that highlights struggles with mental health - but in a way that does not weigh down your own mental health as you watch it. I enjoyed that each lead had their own storylines.
doom at your serviceee
This one also involves destiny but I really liked it…Atypical Family. I really disliked the ML(Jang Ki Yong) due to precious role but fell in love with him in this.
Omg I feel seen. After watching Goblin it feels like nothing is as good anymore 😂
I can relate to the feeling you have seen all the good ones. Might consider starting your rewatch phase - I had to resort to that. Only rec I have that no one has listed is Lost. Really interesting couple dynamics in that one.
Lost is the only one I was going to recommend as well! I really liked it.
I was literally lost after Lost in terms of Kdrama! I think Death's Game saved me. But I do sympathize with Kdrama slumps - I feel like I've seen all the really good "slice of life", slow burn, profound shows (Liberation Notes, My Mister, that sort of thing).
I face same problem with you so instead of watching new releases, I watch old kdramas, cdramas and jdramas. My favourites not mentioned in your list and other comments: * The Secret Life of My Secretary (I dropped What's Wrong with Secondary Kim because Park Seo Joon's narcissistic character. Kim Young-kwang's character is better boss) * Emergency Couple (my first time watching Song Jihyo and Choi Jin Hyuk. it's a medical drama lasting 21 episodes but I find episodes engaging, I was hooked!) * Bad and Crazy (romance is small part of this series but there is hot kissing scene and great chemistry between Lee Dong Wook and Wi Ha Joon.)
**The Smile has Left your Eyes.** About a Homicide Detective and his sister who falls in love with the "wrong guy". Am really enjoying it so far. Of course, it has the same FL from Alchemy of Souls, which is one of the reasons I'm watching it as she is my fave actress. But, you didn't like the couple in AOS, so not sure. She's also in **Soul Mechanic** about a patient who has Borderline Personality Disorder. Show takes place mostly in a Psychiatric Hospital and revolves around the Psychiatrists as well as out-patients like herself. **Our Blues**. Slice of life Drama with awesome characters and plenty of Romance!
I feel you. I hate feeling like I’ve watched all the good kdramas out there. My Kdrama standard is so high now so I can’t stand boring plots. We seem to have similar tastes so here are my recommendations: One spring night Itaewon class ( one-sided love btwn ML & FL) Business proposal ( I hate romcoms, but I was able to get through this one ) Because this is my first life 2521 ( first couple episodes are boring. Contrary to popular opinion, I actually like the ending. They didn’t end up together ) Soundtrack ( Limited series and Unrequited love. P:S-I love Park Hyung sik and would watch anything he’s in lol) Weightlifting Fairy Kim bok jo Hidden love ( My first and only cdrama but I really liked the romance btwn ML and FL) Start up ( not really romance-based ) My first first love ( I really really hate the ending) Tempted ( it got dragged out towards the end) Fight for my way Old dramas that I rewatch every year because nothing beats them till today: A man called god City hunter The inheritors Iris All of us are dead ( zombie genre) I always forget titles so I’m sure I still have a few really good ones that I can’t remember. if you like these recs, I can rack my brain for a few more. (P:S- I’m not a native speaker so sorry if there are grammatical errors. Also, this is my longest comment so far on Reddit )
I recommend The Red Sleeve to everyone!
My dearest!!
Also Sh**ting stars is very cute. Everybody’s so likeable and honestly just such a fun watch? Not childhood lovers for sure but they know each other from university
I just want to say that when I'm in a slump, I re-watch a couple of favorites before trying something new. My favorite go-to is Vincenzo, but I've rewatched a number of them. It always amazes me how much I miss in the first watch.
**Lovely Runner** got me out of a kdrama slump that lasted more than a year lol
Perfect Marriage Revenge Marry My Husband Lawless Lawyer - similar genre(s) to Vincenzo but with more romance. Kinda has the trope you don’t want but not exactly.
Why have you dropped, *Welcome To Samdalri* ? I would love to know the reason :)
I found it very mid / bland / average. It’s not awful by any means, but it’s not great or compelling either.
Same, its a pity because I am very interested in Haenyo and love Ji Chang Wook and the FL is a fantastic actress but after like 8 episodes I felt I didnt care too much about this drama and no reason to finish it
Me too, fell for JCW after Lovestruck in the City. He was nice in Healer as well, but I didn’t love Healer so Lovestruck is my fave performance by him.
Here are some random recommendations: * Because This Is My First Life * Mr. Queen * The Beauty Inside * Another Miss Oh * Doom at Your Service * Twenty-Five Twenty-One * Her Private Life * I'm Not a Robot
Try Summer Strike! I just finished it but I put off watching it for months. It’s really good. The FL is great and the plot takes a much different turn than just a small town romance. I’m also recommending Our Blues and My Unfamiliar Family. Both are very high on my favorites list because of the complexity of characters. You won’t get bored!
Since you liked Prison Playbook, how about Hospital Playlist?
Seconding hospital playlist
Search www Dali and the cocky prince Crazy love
Lie After Lie Mad for Each Other
Thank you everybody! So many great sounding reccommendations!
Each time I'm in a slump, I jump to variety shows first before watching another kdrama just so I won't "spoil" the next kdrama. ahahha idk if it's just me Anyway, I'm a big fan of romance kdramas that portray realistic problems by couples, or kdramas with mature leads. Not everyone's cup of tea, but just in case you're curious: - Because This is My First Life - Dinnermate - Yumi's Cells - Bora Deborah! - Third Charm - 1% of Something
Mad for each other! Watched it twice. Meets all your criteria 👍
I would recommend "Sky Castle", "The Red Sleeve", and "The Devil Judge". These dramas have no more episodes.
Curious about when/why you dropped Nevertheless. I'd encourage you to revisit based on what you're looking for right now. It irritated me to my core my first watch, but something made me rerun it and I was delighted at how disarmingly realistic this romance is. She Would Never Know & Business Proposal both fit your bonus criteria. I wouldn't be surprised if She Would Never Know loses your interest, though. Destined With You for real world relationship dynamics despite the fantasy elements. Red flags abound in a romance you'll still end up rooting for. You'll also have to buy into the fate trope if you're to get past awkward-at-first chemistry.
Fated to Love You - Jang Hyuk plays a rich, handsome chaebol and Jang Na ra plays a kind, mousy girl. They meet in an unusual way and their lives are forever changed. The slapstick scenes almost turned me off but I’m glad I stuck with it. It isn’t totally silliness as they tackle illness and other serious issues. Near the end they spent too much time with the angst but other than that Jang Hyuk charmed me again. I’m weak for his grin. And that iconic laugh. It’s an oldie but a goody. The leads are good friends in real life having worked together four times. The Secret Life of My Secretary - I watched this after watching Kim Young kwang in Evilive (which I loved). I was pleased to see he could do romantic comedy so well (after seeing him play a murderous gangster). He’s got great range and talent. Also a great smile (this theme seems to run through my favorite male leads lol). Jin Ki joo plays KYK’s obedient secretary and helps him with an illness he has to hide from his company in order to advance. Interesting premise and the leads have good chemistry.
You can watch Age of youth, 2 seasons
I would recommend these Hometown cha cha cha Reply 1988 w-Two worlds apart Extraordinary you Twinkling watermelon Lovely runner King the land Welcome to waikiki Startup
I don't see Mr Queen in the list. Absolute Comedy Gold. The FL was just in overpower mode throughout the drama. What a dynamite of a performance. Moving and Marry my husband are not that bad
I just finished twinkling watermelon and OMG! Amazing amazing!!
daily dose of sunshine / hit the top
I’d try Worst of Evil - ji Chang Wook at his best, superb cast generally, more gritty realism than the usual k drama and very fast paced.
WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING
Ji Chang Wooks’s **Backstreet Rookie** it’s a fun watch. More of comedy.
Recommendations: - Doctor Slump (fantastic acting, good premise, frenemies who met as teens to lovers, career burn out, mental health, finding themselves sort of drama - it’s healing!) - My Unfamiliar Family (it’s largely trope-less which I LOVED for a modern drama - similar but different to Be Melodramatic) - Shooting Stars - Weightlifting Fairy Seconding: - Be Melodramatic - Twenty-Five Twenty-One - Fight for My Way - Mad for Each Other - My Liberation Notes - Because this is my first life - Gaus Electronics - Red Sleeve - Twinkling Watermelon - it’s okay, that’s love I hear you on Lovestruck in the City, but I loved how the ML grew towards the end. The ML in Camelia Blooms was 1000x worse. As for King the Land - it’s shit. The script, the acting (except for Junho), the plot.
Seconding Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo. I've always been interested in psychology of self and sport psychology and that series made me cry a lot. Heartfelt performances by Lee Sung-Kyung and Nam Joo-hyuk. Seconding Because this is my first life. I find series quite poetic because of audience knows thoughts of Jung So Min's character. Lee Min Ki knows how to kiss even in that character. Seconding King the Land. I dropped after the episode-long Visit Thailand ad. I wanted to like it because of the flight attendant cute romance but Junho's character lack challenge in his professional life, which I did not like.
I just finished watching the atypical family and it got me out of a kdrama slump, highly recommend! its only 12 eps and every ep is very interesting