The Korean Drama industry has reached new heights of never seen before success. And romantic dramas have a big hand in that. Initially, K-dramas were known to be all lovey-dovey focussed with cute storylines. Over time, the drama industry has evolved owing to the changing times. They are still aces at making romantic dramas, but with new, never-seen-before concepts. Hence, in the last couple of years, the industry has dished out some dramas, which are amazing, but not many know about them. Here we are with a list of underrated romantic K-Dramas you need to add to your watch list now.
These dramas are underrated for reasons unknown to us. Maybe it is because of a lack of marketing or a drama with new actors. Sometimes, some concepts might not sound good on paper, but they are portrayed amazingly on the screen. Dramas like Crash Landing on You and True Beauty are well-known. But if you are someone, who wants to go beyond these and delve into a much lesser-known area of dramas, you are at the right place. Just because they are not well-known doesn’t mean they aren’t good. In fact, these might be the best dramas you have ever seen. Without any further ado, let’s get on with the underrated romantic K-Dramas.
Underrated Romantic K-Dramas:
1. Run-On
This 2021 drama deserves so much attention. A sports, entrepreneurial and artistic love story. Now, that’s something you don’t come across every day. The slice-of-life drama is so well written, with an amazing lineup of cast members. The show stars names like Im Si-wan, Shin Sae-kyung, Girls’ Generation’s Sooyoung, and Kang Tae-oh as the main leads.
Im Si-wan’s character Ki Seon-gyeom is a runner who has decided to quit track and field. Meanwhile, Shin Sae-kyung plays the role of Oh Mi-joo, a translator for movies. She formally first meets Seon-gyeom for an interview, and the two have an instant connection. Meanwhile, Sooyoung’s character Dan-ah is a chaebol heiress who is very hardworking. But as societal norms go, her achievements get overlooked just because she’s a girl. She meets Kang Tae-oh’s character, Yeong-hwa, an art student who is the complete opposite of her. He is a happy-go-lucky person who never shies away from expressing his love for Dan-ah. Run-on has 2 very sweet but not overbearing love stories. No unnecessary misunderstandings. Just some small squabbles that they talk out like adults.
You can watch Run On on Netflix.
2. Just Between Lovers
This one is a bit emotional, but believe us, it’s not a sob story. It features a beautiful relationship that has emerged from grief. The show accurately shows how some people can find love in the common sadness that ties them together. The 2018 romantic-thriller drama is quite underrated, but many K-drama fans vouch for the show. Hence, it must have something that brings viewers to watch it. It not just has romance but is loaded with thrill and real human emotions that people don’t want to talk about.
The drama has Lee Jun-ho and Won Jin-ah as the main leads. Their chemistry is undeniably sweet and real. A small group of people face a major tragedy as children, which haunts them after they meet as adults. It’s an absolute must-watch for the ones who love their romance laced with some suspense. You won’t be disappointed.
Just Between Lovers is available on Netflix, by the name Rain or Shine.
3. Moment of Eighteen
Let’s be real. We all love teen romances and coming-of-age dramas. Moment of Eighteen is the perfect watch for you if that’s the genre you like to watch. It’s unlike a regular cheerful teen drama, but it does have its moments. The growing pains and new romances all come together in this drama.
The drama features ex-Wanna One member Ong Seung-wu, Kim Hyang-gi, Shin Seung-ho, and another much-beloved idol, Moonbin of ASTRO. With such a star-studded cast in place, it makes us wonder why not many know about this show. The storyline is absolutely beautiful and relatable too. Covering topics like bullying, parental and societal pressure, and homosexuality, the drama was a perfect window into the life of a South Korean high schooler (or any high-schooler in that case). It will make you reminisce about your youthful days of first love. Plus, the OST is just the cherry on top. We would recommend it 10/10.
The drama can be watched on Netflix.
Also Read: While You Were Sleeping Review: The Fantasy Rom-Com That Stole Our Hearts
4. Do you like Brahms?
Another great drama from the South Korean drama industry. They really know how to ace all genres. As evident from the title of the drama, it’s about music, classical music at that. But trust us, it’s not boring. In fact, it’s far from boring. If anything, it is a motivational show. How a healthy relationship can make you grow as a person, it’s all about that.
The drama stars Park Eun-bin, as Song-ah, who starts pursuing her love for music at a much later stage of life. We have the very charming Kim Min-jae as Joon-young. He is a world-renowned pianist and meets Song-ah at the music school, which also happens to be his alma mater. Further, we have actress Park Ji-hyun and Kim Sung-cheol in the supporting but very important roles.
Song-ah and Joon-young’s love story is one we all wish to have. It’s a slow burn, with some minor misunderstandings. But it’s absolutely worth the wait to see them together because their chemistry is way too cute to handle.
The drama is available on Netflix and Viki for you to watch.
5. One Spring Night
If you have watched the acclaimed drama Something in the Rain and liked it, this is the next drama you should watch. The drama is directed by the same director and even features some of the cast from something in the rain. Viewers try to compare it with Something in the Rain, but in our opinion, One Spring Night is even better.
Unlike Something in the Rain, One Spring Night’s episodes are very well written. They don’t seem overstretched and are just right. The drama follows Han Ji-min’s character, Jung-in, who has a boyfriend she hopes to marry but doesn’t feel the spark anymore. Meanwhile, Jung Hae-in’s character Ji-ho is a single parent with a son. He falls for Jeong-in at first sight, but she clarifies she’s in a relationship. But there is an undeniable pull between the two that they can’t repress and eventually start seeing each other. The societal pressure tries to bring them down, but our characters are mature enough to make their own decisions. It’s such an empowering drama at many levels, but oh so romantic, with an OST that hits right in the feels.
Stream One Spring Night on Netflix.
6. Search WWW
Search WWW is hailed as a highly feminist drama, with probably no room for romance. We thought the same until we watched it. That probably makes it one of the underrated romantic K-Dramas. The drama features three strong female characters who don’t settle for less and know how to fight for their rights.
Im Soo-jung plays the role of Bae Ta-mi, who is an excellent and loyal employee of Unicon, but later joins their rival company Barro. Barro has Cha Hyeon, played by Lee Da-hee. She is headstrong and tough on the outside but is actually a softie. Further, we have Jeon Hye-jin as Song Ga-kyeong, director of Unicon.
The three of them have very interesting relationships. Ta-mi is a workaholic who doesn’t have time to date. But she ends up in a serious relationship with her supposed one-night stand, Park Morgan, played by the handsome Jang Ki-yong. Meanwhile, due to a misunderstanding, Hyeon gets involved with an upcoming actor, Seol Ji-hwan, played by Lee Jae-wook. Lastly, Ga-kyeong has a strained relationship with her husband but is unknown to others. Her husband actually cares about her. The romantic element has been so beautifully weaved in the show that you can’t help but aspire to have a relationship like Ta-mi or Hyeon.
You can watch the drama on both Netflix and Viki.
7. Angel’s Last Mission: Love
This is one of the best but highly underrated romantic K-Dramas. The drama was a comeback for the popular idol L, yet the show remains underrated. The drama follows an angel who is given the task of finding true love for a ballerina. The ballerina, played by Shin Hae-sun, goes blind after a mishap, and she has, as a result, become bitter towards everyone. L, who plays an angel, has to play the cupid for her. But as fate has it, he soon starts falling for her.
The drama is a perfect watch if you are in the mood for a sweet drama with some great chemistry, and obviously, the handsome Kim Myung-soo (L). To further make you believe us, the drama has won a couple of awards, further cementing the amazingness of the drama.
Both Netflix and Viki are streaming this drama.
Happy Watching y’all!
