In the realm of Korean dramas, where emotions dance and hearts collide, a tale of enchantment unfolds, capturing the hearts of viewers worldwide. Amidst the captivating narratives and kaleidoscope of emotions, one theme reigns supreme: the delicate transformation of best friends into lovers. Within this realm of a compelling storyline, the audience witnesses the stirring evolution of friendship.
Let’s take a look at the mesmerizing world of K-dramas. Where the lines between friendship and romance blur, paving the way for an extraordinary love affair.
10 Fight for My Way (2017)
Ko Dong-man and Choi Ae-ra grew up together to be friends. Dong-man was a promising taekwondo athlete in his youth but gave up his dream due to an unfortunate incident. On the other hand, Ae-ra aspired to become an announcer but ended up working in a department store. Constantly bickering, their playful banter smoothly develops into something more when they realize that their feelings extend beyond simple friendship. They find solace and strength in their friendship, as they navigate through the challenges of pursuing their dreams.
9 Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (2016)
This drama centers on the lives of young athletes attending a sports university. Bok-joo is a determined and passionate weightlifter. Who trains tirelessly to achieve her dreams. As the story unfolds, Bok-joo's life becomes intertwined with Jung Joon-hyung. He is a talented swimmer, known for his carefree and mischievous nature.
Soon they discover a deeper connection with each other through friendship. Their friendship blossoms into a sweet and heartwarming romance. Together, they steer through the challenges of youth, providing encouragement along the way. The show combines the elements of rom-com, and youth, creating a relatable and uplifting story that resonates with the viewers.
8 Romance is a Bonus Book (2019)
In this endearing K-drama about friends who eventually fall in love, Dan-i is a divorced single mother who is having trouble finding employment due to a career gap in her resume. But fate directs her to a publishing house where the chief editor is the much younger Eun-ho, her childhood best friend.
Their friendship begins to develop into something more meaningful as they share the same office and after-work living space. The blooming office romance between the two makes the viewers squeal in excitement. Moreover, it also depicts the complexities of the relationship. Along with the real-life struggles of an older woman pursuing her dreams.
Related: The 10 Most Underrated Korean Dramas
7 She Was Pretty (2015)
Fate works in mysterious ways. Ji Sung Joon is a young boy who struggles with self-esteem and is teased for being overweight. Sung Joon is friends with Kim Hye Jin, a beautiful and wealthy young girl. Their friendship is strong until Sung-joon moves to the United States. Years later, Sung-joon comes back to Korea as a handsome and successful magazine editor. While Hye-jin, once a beautiful girl, changed drastically in her appearance. To Sung-joon, Hye-jin is his first love, with whom he wants to reconnect. However, Hye-jin lacks the self-confidence to face him.
She Was Pretty is a delightfully enjoyable rom-com with an emphasis on self-worth and true beauty. The comedy, the amusing circ*mstances, and the romantic plot all mesh together perfectly.
6 Reply 1997 (2012)
Being the first ‘’Reply’’ series, it is a nostalgic, coming-of-age series that centers around a group of friends who grew up in the 1990s in Busan. The story is primarily told through flashbacks as the characters, now in their 30s, reunite for a class reunion. Shi-won, the main character, is an enthusiastic fangirl of the K-pop group, H.OT.
As the story progresses, viewers witness the complicated romantic journey of Shi-won and Yoon-jae who were easygoing friends. Their relationship faces obstacles, but ultimately their feelings for each other are revealed, leading to a satisfying conclusion. Receiving critical acclaim, the show became a realistic portrayal of youth and heartfelt storytelling.
5 More Than Friends (2020)
Portraying the journey of two friends, Lee Soo and Kyung Woo-yeon who have been romantically interested in one another since they were teenagers. They are attracted to each other, but due to unfortunate timing, they have never been able to confess their love. As time passes, their bond endures, and their feelings for one another only grow stronger as they develop into calligraphers and photographers, respectively.
However, the story takes a turn when Woo-yeon begins dating a new guy named Ohn Joon-spoo. Throughout the drama, fans are taken on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. As they witness the characters’ personal growth and self-discovery.
Related: 10 Great Korean Dramas That Don't Have Love-Focused Stories
4 Soundtrack #1 (2022)
Even though Han Seon Woo and Lee Eun Soo have been close friends for more than 20 years, their relationship has only ever been platonic. But when they are forced to share a roof for two weeks, things take an unexpected turn. Sparks start to grow, and they find themselves falling in love with each other as they navigate the highs and lows of their newfound proximity.
It goes without saying that this touching K-drama, featuring friends as a romantic couple, was fantastic. Soundtrack #1 should undoubtedly be on everyone’s list, as it is uncomplicated and easy to watch.
3 Happiness (2021)
In the dystopian zombie-apocalyptic thriller, Happiness, residents of an apartment building are asked to quarantine themselves when a new, infectious virus first appears. Two of the many people who live in the apartment building are Detective Jung Yi Hyun and Special Unit Officer Yoon Sae Bom. Since high school, Yi Hyun and Sae Bom have been friends.
Yi Hyun has feelings for Sae Bom and is constantly on her side. They put themselves in danger as the crisis spreads in order to defend people from the deadly virus and monsters. Will Yi Hyun be able to confess as their fight for survival intensifies around them? If zombie thrillers with a spark of romance are to anyone’s taste, then check this one out!
2 Our Beloved Summer (2021)
Based on the popular webtoon of the same name, it revolves around Choi Woong and Kook Yeon-soo, ex-lovers who vowed to never see each other’s faces again. As luck would have it, the documentary they shot in high school ten years ago became widely popular. Now their producer friend forces them to appear in front of the cameras once more.
Woong and Yeon-soo will have to deal with their past emotions as they collaborate on a new project. The journey of bittersweet romance tugs at the hearts of the audience and keeps them hooked till the end. Romance is painted in small, meaningful acts rather than something extravagant. This drama depicts the experience of love. It tells a story about throb, memory, and dreams.
1 Something in the Rain (2018)
Yoon Jina-ah, a woman in her 30s, has gone through too many heartbreaks to keep track of. After being dumped by her recent boyfriend for being ‘’bland’’. She has given up all hope of ever being truly loved. While she is contemplating her failed love life, Soo Joon-he comes back into her life. Joon-hee is her childhood’s friend younger brother.
From being ‘’acquaintances’’ they go to being a ‘’couple’’. As they spend time together, they end up developing romantic feelings for each other. The drama gained popularity for its realistic portrayal of modern relationships and its exploration of prejudices.
