Best Korean Romance Dramas to Watch in 2025: From Feel-Good Rom-Coms to Deep Emotional Love Stories

Korean romance dramas are celebrated around the world for their emotional storytelling, beautiful cinematography, and charismatic leads. Whether you’re looking for feel-good romantic comedies or tear-jerking emotional sagas, K-dramas have something for everyone.

As of 2025, both new releases and timeless hits continue to capture hearts globally — topping streaming charts on Netflix, Viki, and Disney+. Below is a curated list of the most loved and critically acclaimed Korean romance dramas that showcase the full range of love — from laughter to heartbreak.

💞 Romantic Comedies: Heartwarming and Hilarious Love Stories

1. Lovely Runner (2024)

Genre: Time-travel, Romantic Comedy, Fantasy

Plot:
When passionate fan Im Sol is devastated by the tragic death of her favorite idol Ryu Sun-jae, fate gives her a second chance — she’s transported 15 years into the past to save him. As she tries to rewrite destiny, love blossoms in the most unexpected way.

Why Watch:

A perfect balance of humor, emotion, and time-travel twists
Brilliant chemistry between the leads and nostalgic high-school charm
Became a massive global hit and viral sensation in 2024

Reception:
Critics and fans alike praised Lovely Runner for its refreshing story and emotional payoff, calling it “the rom-com that reignited the golden age of K-drama romance.”

2. Queen of Tears (2024)

Genre: Melodrama, Romance, Comedy

Plot:
Heiress Hong Hae-in, the “queen” of a department store empire, faces a crumbling marriage with her humble husband, Baek Hyun-woo, a country-born lawyer. Just as divorce looms, a twist of fate rekindles their love.

Why Watch:

Lead performances by Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Ji-won deliver emotional depth
A blend of heartache, humor, and healing
Record-breaking viewership on tvN and Netflix

Reception:
One of 2024’s highest-rated dramas, Queen of Tears became a cultural phenomenon for its powerful depiction of marriage and redemption.

3. Business Proposal (2022)

Genre: Office Romance, Comedy

Plot:
To help her friend avoid an arranged date, Shin Ha-ri poses as her — only to find out her date is Kang Tae-moo, her company’s CEO. What starts as a hilarious misunderstanding turns into a charming love story.

Why Watch:

Lighthearted, high-energy humor and perfect chemistry
Engaging secondary couple subplot adds extra charm
Easily one of the most rewatchable K-romcoms of recent years

Reception:
A worldwide favorite on Netflix, Business Proposal’s meme-worthy moments and lovable leads made it one of the defining rom-coms of the decade.

4. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)

Genre: Healing Romance, Slice of Life

Plot:
A perfectionist city dentist, Yoon Hye-jin, moves to a seaside village and meets Hong Du-sik, a laid-back handyman who helps everyone in town. Their slow-burn romance unfolds amid community warmth and life’s simple joys.

Why Watch:

Scenic coastal setting and heartwarming community spirit
Deep emotional storytelling masked in light humor
Ideal for fans of cozy, feel-good romances

Reception:
A critical and commercial success, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha became a comfort drama for millions worldwide and continues to trend on streaming platforms.

5. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018)

Genre: Office Romantic Comedy

Plot:
The confident and narcissistic vice-president Lee Young-joon faces a crisis when his capable secretary Kim Mi-so suddenly quits after nine years of service. What unfolds is a hilarious yet heartfelt journey of self-discovery and love.

Why Watch:

Iconic chemistry between Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young
Fun, light, and filled with memorable banter
A classic entry for anyone new to K-romcoms

Reception:
With record-breaking popularity across Asia, this drama helped set the modern tone for workplace romance series.

💔 Deep Emotional Romance Dramas

1. Crash Landing on You (2019)

Genre: Romance, Melodrama, Action

Plot:
South Korean heiress Yoon Se-ri crash-lands in North Korea during a paragliding accident and meets Ri Jeong-hyeok, a principled North Korean officer. Despite their opposing worlds, they fall deeply in love.

Why Watch:

Unforgettable chemistry between Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin
A perfect blend of romance, suspense, and comedy
Breathtaking cinematography and production

Reception:
A global megahit, Crash Landing on You remains one of the most-watched and beloved K-dramas in history, even years after its release.

2. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)

Genre: Psychological Romance, Healing Drama

Plot:
A psychiatric ward caretaker and a best-selling children’s author, both emotionally scarred, find healing through love.

Why Watch:

Beautiful metaphorical storytelling and fairytale aesthetics
Powerful exploration of mental health and self-acceptance
Mesmerizing visuals and poetic dialogue

Reception:
Widely acclaimed for its artistry and emotional impact, the drama is a masterpiece of healing romance that resonates with viewers globally.

3. My Dearest (2023)

Genre: Historical, Melodrama, Romance

Plot:
During the Qing invasion of Joseon, a mysterious man crosses paths with a noblewoman. Their fateful connection blooms amid war, sacrifice, and tragedy.

Why Watch:

Emotionally intense and visually stunning
Rich historical storytelling and layered characters
Deeply moving performances by Namkoong Min and Ahn Eun-jin

Reception:
One of the most acclaimed dramas of 2023, praised for its emotional storytelling and heart-wrenching love story.

4. When Life Gives You Tangerines (2025)

Genre: Slice of Life, Romance, Drama

Plot:
Set on Jeju Island, this heartfelt series chronicles the decades-long relationship between a spirited girl and a quiet boy, exploring love, friendship, and the passage of time.

Why Watch:

Beautiful island cinematography and nostalgic tone
Realistic portrayal of love growing through life’s seasons
Winner of four awards at the 61st Baeksang Arts Awards

Reception:
Celebrated for its authentic emotion and simplicity, it’s one of the most praised dramas of 2025.

5. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)

Genre: Youth Romance, Coming-of-Age

Plot:
Set during Korea’s 1997 financial crisis, this nostalgic drama follows fencer Na Hee-do and student Baek Yi-jin as they navigate ambition, friendship, and first love.

Why Watch:

Deeply emotional and beautifully nostalgic
Realistic take on dreams, loss, and growing up
Poetic direction and relatable life lessons

Reception:
Critically acclaimed for its writing and emotion, Twenty-Five Twenty-One remains one of the most heartfelt youth romances in modern K-drama history.

❤️ Why Korean Romance Dramas Continue to Captivate the World

Korean romance dramas stand out because they combine intense emotional storytelling with universal themes of love, growth, and healing. Whether it’s the fantasy-infused magic of Lovely Runner or the quiet realism of Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, these shows remind viewers of the beauty of connection and second chances.

From first loves to lifelong devotion, each story offers something special — laughter, tears, nostalgia, or simply the comfort of being understood.

So, if you’re in the mood for love, these dramas are the perfect companions for your next binge-watch.

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