Netflix romance Korean dramas are enjoyable and captivating. These shows often feature complex and relatable characters, heartwarming storylines, and beautiful scenery, all of which contribute to their popularity among viewers. Whether you’re a fan of romance, drama, comedy, or all three, there is sure to be a Korean drama that will capture your attention and leave you feeling satisfied. Here are the top 12 romance Korean dramas on Netflix, ranked by their IMDB ratings from highest to lowest.
1. Reply 1988 (2015)- 9.0
“Reply 1988” is a South Korean television drama that aired in 2015. Directed by Shin Won-ho and written by Lee Woo-jung , the show stars Hyeri, Park Bo-gum, Park Bo-gum, Go Kyung-pyo, and Ryu Jun-yeol, among others. Set in 1988 in South Korea, the series follows the lives of five families living in the same neighborhood in the suburbs of Seoul and portrays their deep friendships and coming-of-age stories.
“Reply 1988” received widespread critical acclaim and was a commercial success in South Korea. Viewers were captivated by the heartwarming storylines, relatable characters, and nostalgic setting. With its talented cast of actors and skilled production team, the show become a beloved classic in the world of Korean dramas.
2. Crash Landing on You (2019) – 8.8
“Crash Landing on You” is a must-watch for fans of romantic dramas and those interested in exploring themes of cross-border relationships and societal issues. “Crash Landing on You” is a highly acclaimed South Korean drama that aired in 2019. Directed by Lee Jeong-hyo and written by Park Ji-eun, the show stars Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin in the lead roles. The storyline revolves around a South Korean chaebol heiress who accidentally crash-lands in North Korea after a paragliding mishap. She meets and falls in love with a North Korean army captain who protects her and helps her find a way back to South Korea.
The show achieved widespread popularity both in South Korea and internationally, receiving critical acclaim for its compelling storyline, talented cast, and stunning cinematography. It also tackled serious themes such as socio-economic inequality and the divide between North and South Korea, while still being able to provide lighthearted moments through its comedic elements.
3. My Love From the Star (2013) – 8.7
Romance Kdrama “My Love From the Star” is a must-watch for fans of romantic dramas and those interested in exploring themes of love, time, and identity. Directed by Jang Tae-yoo and written by Park Ji-eun, the show stars Kim Soo-hyun and Jun Ji-hyun in the lead roles. The storyline follows an alien who has been living on Earth for 400 years and falls in love with a famous actress.
“My Love From the Star” was a phenomenal success in both South Korea and internationally, earning critical acclaim for its unique plot, strong performances, and stunning visuals. It received high ratings throughout its run and became one of the highest-rated Korean dramas of all time. The chemistry between the lead actors was particularly praised, as well as the show’s ability to balance romance and comedy with more serious themes such as mortality and identity.
4. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay (2020) – 8.6
Directed by Park Shin-woo and written by Jo Yong, the show stars Kim Soo-hyun and Seo Ye-ji in the lead roles. The storyline follows a selfless psychiatric ward caregiver who falls in love with an antisocial children’s book author.
“It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” was well-received by both audiences and critics for its refreshing take on mental illness and emotional healing. It tackled serious issues such as trauma, autism, and borderline personality disorder with sensitivity and compassion, while still providing lighthearted moments through its fairy-tale like elements. The lead actors’ performances were also praised, especially Seo Ye-ji’s portrayal of her complicated character.
5. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016) – 8.6
“Guardian: The Lonely and Great God” is a must-watch for fans of fantasy dramas that explore themes of love, loss, and redemption. Directed by Lee Eung-bok and written by Kim Eun-sook, the show stars Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun in the lead roles. The storyline follows a goblin who has lived for 900 years and seeks a human bride to free him from his immortal life. He eventually falls in love with his bride, who has the ability to see ghosts.
The show was a commercial and critical success, breaking records for cable television ratings in South Korea. It received praise for its unique story, stunning cinematography, and strong acting performances from the cast.
6. Chicago Typewriter (2017) – 8.5
Kdrama “Chicago Typewriter” is directed by Kim Cheol-kyu and written by Jin Soo-wan, the show stars Yoo Ah-in, Im Soo-jung, and Go Kyung-pyo in the lead roles. The storyline follows a bestselling author, his devoted fan, and their publisher as they navigate their intertwined past lives as resistance fighters during the Japanese occupation of Korea.
“Chicago Typewriter” received critical acclaim for its intricate storytelling, strong character development, and stunning visuals. It tackled themes of personal identity, friendship, and historical trauma with sensitivity and nuance, while still providing moments of humor and romance.
7. Mr. Sunshine (2018) – 8.5
“Mr. Sunshine” is a highly acclaimed South Korean television drama that aired in 2018. It was directed by Lee Eung-bok and written by Kim Eun-sook. The show starred Lee Byung-hun, Kim Tae-ri, Yoo Yeon-seok, and Byun Yo-han in leading roles.
Set in the early 1900s during the Japanese occupation of Korea, “Mr. Sunshine” tells the story of Choi Yoo-jin, a young boy who is taken in by an American soldier and brought to the United States. As an adult, Choi Yoo-jin, now known as Eugene Choi, returns to Korea as an American marine officer tasked with suppressing the country’s independence movement. Along the way, he falls in love with Ae-shin, a noblewoman who is also secretly part of the resistance.
The show was praised for its epic scale, stunning cinematography, and nuanced portrayal of historical events. Critics lauded the performances of the cast, particularly Lee Byung-hun’s portrayal of Eugene Choi, as well as the writing of Kim Eun-sook, who had previously written hits such as “Descendants of the Sun” and “Goblin.”
8. Romance is a Bonus Book (2019) – 8.4
“Romance is a Bonus Book” was a hit with audiences and critics alike and is considered one of the best romantic comedies of recent years. It was directed by Lee Jung-hyo and written by Jung Hyun-jung. The show starred Lee Na-young and Lee Jong-suk in leading roles.
The drama tells the story of Kang Dan-i, a talented and successful advertising executive who takes a break from her career to raise her daughter. Struggling to find a job after her hiatus, Kang Dan-i lies about her educational background and starts working as a temporary employee at a publishing company where she meets Cha Eun-ho, a successful and handsome editor who also happens to be her childhood friend.
As the two work together, they begin to develop feelings for each other, but face numerous obstacles along the way including Kang Dan-i’s past and Cha Eun-ho’s complicated family life.
9. When the Camellia Blooms (2019) – 8.4
“When the Camellia Blooms” is a 2019 South Korean drama series that has been praised for its compelling storyline, strong performances, and nuanced portrayal of complex characters. Directed by Cha Young-hoon and written by Im Sang-choon, the show was widely acclaimed for its sensitive handling of themes such as motherhood, love, and societal prejudice.
The series follows the story of Dong-baek (played by Gong Hyo-jin), a single mother who moves to a small town with her young son in search of a fresh start. There, she opens a bar called Camellia and tries to make a life for herself against all odds. However, she faces frequent harassment and ostracism from the conservative small-town community, who disapprove of her single mother status and her choice of profession.
The series explores Dong-baek’s struggles to find acceptance and love, as well as her complicated relationships with the people around her, including her ex-boyfriend Kang Jong-ryul (played by Kim Ji-suk), the town’s police officer Hwang Yong-sik (played by Kang Ha-neul), and the mysterious sniper known only as “the killer” (played by Oh Jung-se).
10. Something in the Rain (2018) – 8.3
“Something in the Rain” is a 2018 South Korean drama series that revolves around the romantic relationship between a 35-year-old single woman named Yoon Jin-ah (played by Son Ye-jin) and her friend’s younger brother, Seo Joon-hee (played by Jung Hae-in). Directed by Ahn Pan-seok and written by Kim Eun, the show received critical acclaim for its realistic portrayal of modern romance and exploration of social issues such as ageism and gender roles.
The drama opens with Jin-ah, a successful career woman, feeling unfulfilled in her personal life due to her lack of a romantic partner. She reconnects with Joon-hee, whom she had known since childhood, and the two develop feelings for each other despite the significant age gap. However, their newfound romance is met with opposition from their families and friends, who disapprove of their unconventional relationship. The couple faces numerous challenges as they try to navigate their feelings and societal expectations.
11. Strong Girl Bong-Soon (2017) – 8.3
“Strong Girl Bong-Soon” is a perfect blend of comedy, romance, and action, with a unique storyline that captures the viewers’ attention. The chemistry between the actors is remarkable, and their performances are nothing short of phenomenal.
Directed by Lee Hyeong-min and starred Park Bo-young, Park Hyung-sik, and Ji Soo in lead roles. The story about a young woman named Do Bong-soon, who is born with superhuman strength. However, she keeps her powers hidden from everyone except her mother and best friend.
Bong-soon lands a job as a bodyguard for a rich CEO, Ahn Min-hyuk, who is constantly receiving death threats. As she becomes more involved in his life, she finds herself falling for him. Meanwhile, a serial kidnapper is on the loose, targeting women in Bong-soon’s neighborhood. She takes it upon herself to catch the culprit and put an end to the terror.
12. Love Alarm (2019 – 2021) – 8.2
Popular South Korean drama series ” is directed by Lee Na-jung and starred Kim So-hyun, Song Kang, and Jung Ga-ram in lead roles. The story takes place in a world where a mobile application called “Love Alarm” exists, which notifies users if someone with romantic feelings for them is within a 10-meter radius. The app creates chaos and confusion among the youth, who now crave love more than ever.
Kim Jojo, played by Kim So-hyun, is a high school student who has suffered from a painful past and tries to avoid using “Love Alarm.” However, things change when she meets Hwang Sun-oh, played by Song Kang, a model and a frequent user of the app. Along with their mutual friend Lee Hye-young, played by Jung Ga-ram, they find themselves caught in a complicated love triangle.
As the story progresses, secrets are revealed, hearts are broken, and friendships are tested. Jojo and Sun-oh’s relationship faces multiple challenges, but Hye-young’s constant support adds to the drama’s twists and turns.