If you’re a fan of K-dramas, noona romances offer a delightful twist on traditional love stories. These series feature relationships where a younger man finds himself attracted to an older woman, creating a fresh and intriguing dynamic.
Noona romances defy conventional norms, blending age differences with rich emotional layers and personal growth. They provide a unique take on love and relationships, where the blend of youthful energy and mature experience creates a dynamic narrative.
These dramas range from touching tales of self-discovery to humorous adventures that challenge societal expectations. They showcase the complexities of loving someone across an age gap, offering a mix of romance, comedy, and drama.
Whether you’re just discovering noona romances or are a longtime admirer, “15 Noona Romance K-Dramas You Have to Watch” promises engaging stories and memorable characters. These series will keep you entertained and offer a refreshing view of romance that goes beyond age.
Each show in this list delivers its unique flavour, making it easy to find a noona romance that resonates with you. From heartwarming stories to laugh-out-loud moments, these dramas capture the essence of love in all its forms.
1. Something in the Rain (2018)
Something in the Rain is a 2018 South Korean TV series. Directed by Ahn Pan-seok and written by Kim Eun, it stars Son Ye-jin and Jung Hae-in. The story follows a relationship that evolves from acquaintances to a genuine couple.
Jin-ah, a district supervisor in her 30s at Coffee Bay, reconnects with Joon-hee, an animator in his late 20s at Smilegate Entertainment when he returns from working abroad. Despite their age difference, seen as taboo by some, their relationship blossoms. The series provides an intimate look at how they fall in love and find the courage to go public with their relationship.
The series also addresses the struggles of female employees at Jin-ah’s company. These women face sexual harassment, mistreatment, discrimination, and career sabotage from male managers. This secondary storyline highlights the unspoken culture of sexism in many South Korean companies. It shows the challenges women face as they try to climb the corporate ladder amidst these obstacles.
- Aired: Mar 30, 2018 – May 19, 2018
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Son Ye Jin, Jung Hae In
- Streaming Platform: Viki, Netflix
2. The Midnight Romance in Hagwon (2024)
The Midnight Romance in Hagwon is a series written by Park Kyung-hwa, directed by Ahn Pan-seok, and starring Jung Ryeo-won and Wi Ha-joon. After leaving a big company, Lee Joon Ho returns to the academy where he studied, now as an instructor. He’s driven by his lingering feelings for his first love, academy teacher Seo Hye Jin.
Seo Hye Jin has been a Korean language instructor for fourteen years. She became famous after the “Miracle of Daechi” incident. Just as her life feels settled, her former pupil and troublemaker, Lee Joon Ho, returns.
Lee Joon Ho, whom she helped get into a prestigious university ten years ago, stirs up chaos. His return disrupts her calm life, bringing back old memories and unresolved feelings.
The series shows their complex relationship and the impact of their past on their present lives. It highlights the challenges and emotions they face as they face their rekindled connection.
- Aired: May 11, 2024 – Jun 30, 2024
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Jung Ryeo Won, Wi Ha Joon
- Streaming Platform: Viki, Tving
3. Why Her? (2022)
Why Her is a 2022 South Korean TV series directed by Park Soo-jin. It stars Seo Hyun-jin as Oh Soo-Jae, with Hwang In-Yeop and Huh Joon-ho in pivotal roles, and Bae In-hyuk appears in the series. Oh Soo-jae, the youngest partner at a top law firm, is on her way to becoming one of the nation’s best lawyers.
Soo Jae is driven by her principles and desire to win. However, when a case takes an unexpected turn, her career collapses. Demoted, she becomes an adjunct professor at a local law school. Determined to reclaim her position, she struggles to adjust to her new role.
At the law school, Soo Jae meets Gong Chan, a university student with a painful past. Despite his burdens, Gong Chan’s warm heart and growing affection for Soo Jae bring her comfort. Smittens with her, Gong Chan stays by her side as she faces her demotion.
The series follows whether Soo Jae’s determination and Gong Chan’s support will help her regain her position or if the firm’s power dynamics will keep her down.
- Aired: Jun 3, 2022 – Jul 23, 2022
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Seo Hyun Jin, Hwang In Yeop, Heo Joon Ho, Bae In Hyuk
- Streaming Platform: Viki, Hulu
4. Forecasting Love and Weather (2022)
A romance drama unfolds in the lively office of the National Weather Service, hotter and more unpredictable than the weather itself. Jin Ha Kyung is a smart, organized professional who keeps her work and personal life separate. Her aloof nature makes her an “outsider by choice” at work.
Lee Shi Woo, a free-spirited thinker with an IQ of 150, is passionate about weather. Despite his occasional clumsiness, he excels at whatever he sets his mind to, with weather being his main focus.
Han Ki Joon, a quick-witted and persuasive individual, transitions from struggling early in his career to joining the spokesperson’s office. As a lifelong overachiever, he finds it challenging to cope with failure.
Chae Yoo Jin, a weather reporter, starts with dreams of breaking big news. Initially disappointed with her role on the “weather and lifestyle team,” she grows to love her job over time.
- Aired: Feb 12, 2022 – Apr 3, 2022
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Park Min Young, Song Kang, Yoon Park, Yura
- Streaming Platform: Tving, Netflix
5. My Man is Cupid (2023)
My Man Is Cupid is a South Korean TV series written by Heo Sung-Hee and directed by Nam Tae-Jin. It stars Jang Dong-Yoon, Nana, and Park Ki-Woong. Cheon Sang Hyuk, a charismatic fairy, has the power to make women fall in love with him easily.
Five hundred years ago, his wings were burned, and he’s undergone 27 metamorphoses to restore them. On his 28th attempt, he crosses paths with Oh Baek Ryun. Baek Ryun is a veterinarian working at an animal clinic. She’s a pretty woman who has had many men fall for her due to her attractiveness.
However, every romantic relationship she enters ends in a near-death experience for the men, causing them to flee. Because of this bad luck, Baek Ryun does not date anyone but longs to meet her destined man. The series delves into their unique relationship and the challenges they face.
- Aired: Dec 1, 2023 – Jan 20, 2024
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Jang Dong Yoon, Nana
- Streaming Platform: Prime Video
6. Melancholia (2021)
Melancholia tells the story of Ji Yoon-soo, a corrupt Ahseong High School math teacher. She’s good-natured but stubborn once decided. Passionate about math, she encourages students to find their answers.
At school, she meets Baek Seung-yoo, a troubled student at the bottom of the class. She sees his potential in math, and with her guidance, his grades improve, making him the top student.
Seung-yoo is a quiet student who loves photography and has no friends. He has a shocking past, having won math olympiads as a child and entering MIT at age 10, only to disappear at 12.
Yoon-soo’s attention to Seung-yoo sparks rumours of a scandal, leading to her being fired. Four years later, they reunite as adults to expose the school’s corruption and restore Yoon-soo’s reputation.
- Aired: Nov 10, 2021 – Dec 30, 2021
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Lim Soo Jung, Lee Do Hyun
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
7. Encounter (2018)
Encounter follows the story of a woman and a young man brought together by fate. Cha Soo-hyun, the daughter of a politician, lives a life controlled by others. She was married to a rich family but divorced her husband due to his affair.
Her former mother-in-law’s condition during the divorce forces Soo-hyun to attend the family’s functions. On a business trip to Cuba, she meets Kim Jin-hyuk, a free-spirited man. They spend time together, forming a connection.
In South Korea, Jin-hyuk became an employee at the Donghwa Hotel, which Soo-hyun received as alimony. Despite their different backgrounds, they are drawn to each other.
The series follows whether their fate will allow them to be together, giving up an ordinary life to pursue their love.
- Aired: Nov 28, 2018 – Jan 24, 2019
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Song Hye Kyo, Park Bo Gum
- Streaming Platform: Viki, Netflix, Hulu
8. Romance Is a Bonus Book (2019)
Cha Eun-ho is a successful author and chief editor at a publishing company. Kang Dan-i, a former advertising copywriter and mother, saved Eun-ho from an accident when they were children. During her recovery, Eun-ho helped her with books, sparking his interest in writing.
Their close friendship was strained when Dan-i married a selfish man, despite Eun-ho’s disapproval. Now divorced and struggling, Dan-i secretly works as Eun-ho’s housekeeper. He is unaware of her situation and hardships as a single mother trying to return to work.
Dan-i eventually reveals her circumstances, and Eun-ho helps her. She then applies for a temporary job at his company, impressing everyone with her creativity and hard work.
The series follows their personal and professional challenges as they realize their true feelings for each other and face this new phase of their lives.
- Aired: Jan 26, 2019 – Mar 17, 2019
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Lee Na Young, Lee Jong Suk, Jung Eugene, Wi Ha Joon
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
9. Crash Course in Romance (2023)
After retiring as a national athlete, Nam Haeng Sun opens a modest side dish store. Her vibrant personality and boundless energy catch the eye of Choi Chi Yeol, a top private instructor known as the “1 Billion Won Man.” Despite his fame, Chi Yeol grows increasingly aloof and irritable.
Nam Haeng Sun ventures into the private education field, where she feels drawn to Chi Yeol. Though their teaching methods differ, their shared passion for education creates a bond. Working together, they discover a deeper connection that soon blossoms into romance.
Their relationship isn’t without its challenges. They must tackle the complexities of their personal and professional lives, learning to confront their flaws and trust in each other’s strengths.
The series follows their journey as they face obstacles, questioning if their love can endure. It highlights their growth and the evolving bond that brings them closer together.
- Aired: Jan 14, 2023 – Mar 5, 2023
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Jeon Do Yeon, Jung Kyung Ho
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
10. Search: WWW (2019)
Search: WWW is a 2019 South Korean TV series starring Im Soo-jung, Lee Da-hee, Jeon Hye-jin, Jang Ki-yong, Lee Jae-wook, and Ji Seung-hyun. This drama focuses on the lives of modern women who prioritize careers over traditional family roles.
Bae Ta Mi, a competitive director at a major web portal company in her late 30s, starts questioning her sacrifices for success. She meets Park Mo Gun, a talented young composer, at an arcade. Mo Gun is drawn to Ta Mi’s fierce competitiveness, sparking a unique connection.
The series examines their evolving relationship, highlighting the challenges and triumphs they face. It showcases the balance between professional ambition and personal fulfilment.
As Ta Mi juggles her career and new romance, she learns about the complexities of modern relationships. The drama offers a fresh perspective on women’s choices in contemporary society.
- Aired: Jun 5, 2019 – Jul 25, 2019
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Im Soo-Jung, Lee Da-hee, Jeon Hye-jin, Jang Ki-yong, Lee Jae-wook, and Ji Seung-hyun
- Streaming Platform: Disney+, Netflix, Prime Video
11. She Would Never Know (2021)
She Would Never Know centres on the marketing team of a cosmetics brand, focusing on Yoon Song-ah and her junior, Chae Hyun-Seung. Their dynamic reveals the nuances of office relationships, blending professional respect with personal interest.
Chae Hyun-seung’s sister, Chae Ji-seung, a talented dressmaker, dates Lee Jae-woon, a brand manager at the same company. Their romance adds another layer to the workplace narrative.
Meanwhile, Hyun-seung’s other sister, Chae Yeon-seung, faces challenges with her closeted husband, Kang Woo-hyun. Their struggles, along with raising their daughter Kang Ha-eun, portray a complex family dynamic.
The drama unfolds with each character facing their personal and professional lives. It highlights growth, relationship complexities, and the pursuit of happiness amidst life’s challenges.
- Aired: Jan 18, 2021 – Mar 9, 2021
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Won Jin Ah, Rowoon, Lee Hyun Wook, Lee Joo Bin, Lee Kyu Han
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
12. When the Camellia Blooms (2019)
When the Camellia Blooms is about Oh Dong-baek, a single mother who moves to the small town of Ongsan and opens a bar called Camellia. Facing numerous challenges and local gossip, she strives to create a stable life for herself and her son, Pil Gu.
Six years into her new life, Dong-baek meets Yong-sik, a playful and principled police officer who falls for her. Yong-sik’s affection for Dong-baek grows as he tries to win her over, despite her complex past and the town’s whispers.
Dong-baek’s ex-boyfriend, Kang Jong-ryeol, a well-known baseball player, reappears, complicating her life further. His return brings back unresolved emotions and adds to her struggles as she seeks happiness.
As Dong-baek tries to manage her personal life, a darker threat looms. A serial killer in Ongsan targets her, forcing Yong-sik to balance his love for Dong-baek with his duty to protect her from the lurking danger.
- Aired: Sep 18, 2019 – Nov 21, 2019
- No of Episodes: 40
- Cast: Gong Hyo Jin, Kang Ha Neul, Kim Ji Suk
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
13. 18 Again (2020)
18 Again centres on Jung Da-Jung and Hong Dae-young, a married couple with fraternal twins, Hong Shi-ah and Hong Shi-woo. Their once-happy marriage begins to deteriorate as Da-Jung files for divorce and their twins grow distant, treating Dae-young merely as a provider.
Things worsen for Dae-young when he loses his job after his boss promotes his less experienced nephew, relocating him to Busan. In a twist of fate, Dae-young’s body miraculously transforms into his 18-year-old self while retaining his 37-year-old mind.
Reborn as “Go Woo-young,” Dae-young starts a new life at Serim High School, where his children are students. Here, he discovers his daughter Shi-ah working part-time without permission and his son Shi-woo being bullied by the basketball captain, Goo Ja-sung. He also uncovers Shi-woo’s hidden passion and talent for basketball.
Through this second chance, Dae-young learns about his children’s struggles and the real reasons behind their fractured family bond. Determined to make things right, he resolves to protect and reconnect with his family, all while facing life as an 18-year-old with a 37-year-old’s perspective.
- Aired: Sep 21, 2020 – Nov 10, 2020
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Kim Ha Neul, Yoon Sang Hyun, Lee Do Hyun
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
14. Witch’s Romance (2014)
A Witch’s Love is a 2014 South Korean drama featuring Uhm Jung-hwa and Park Seo-joon. The story centres on Ban Ji-yeon, a 39-year-old reporter with a fierce work ethic, who earns the nickname “witch” at her job. Her past heartbreak, caused by her fiancé disappearing before their wedding, has made her sceptical about true love.
Yoon Dong-ha, a 25-year-old managing a small errand service with a friend, maintains a cheerful facade despite his sorrow. He is grieving the loss of his girlfriend in an accident, which has left him emotionally scarred.
When Ji-yeon and Dong-ha meet, their significant age difference and mutual emotional wounds lead to an unexpected connection. They find common ground in their shared struggles and past disappointments.
As their relationship develops, Ji-yeon starts to reconsider her views on love, while Dong-ha finds comfort and healing through their bond. The series highlights how love can mend even the deepest emotional scars and bridge generational gaps.
- Aired: Apr 14, 2014 – Jun 10, 2014
- No of Episodes: 16
- Cast: Uhm Jung Hwa, Park Seo Joon
- Streaming Platform: Prime Video
15. I Hear Your Voice (2013)
I Hear Your Voice follows Jang Hye-sung, a bold and materialistic public defender who has risen from a challenging past to become a successful lawyer. Her transformation is deeply influenced by her childhood hardships and her determination to improve her life.
Her world changes when she meets Park Soo-ha, a 19-year-old with the extraordinary ability to read minds. Soo-ha’s connection to Hye-sung is personal; she was his first love and played a pivotal role in his father’s murder case ten years earlier. Soo-ha had vowed to protect her from the threats of the killer who is still at large.
Cha Kwan-woo, Hye-sung’s colleague, is a cheerful and principled lawyer with a background in law enforcement. Though he can be a bit slow, his commitment to justice and his kind nature make him a valuable partner.
Together, Hye-sung, Soo-ha, and Kwan-woo form a team dedicated to seeking justice. They handle high-stakes cases with minimal chances of success, uncovering deeper truths while working through their intertwined lives.
- Aired: Jun 5, 2013 – Aug 1, 2013
- No of Episodes: 18
- Cast: Lee Jong Suk, Lee Bo Young
- Streaming Platform: Netflix
