Romance K-dramas have become a growing force in streaming and the entertainment industry, with viewers around the world finding themselves drawn in to the heartfelt, unforgettable stories. Netflix alone, one of the world’s leading streaming giants, offers dozens of romantic K-dramas waiting for viewers to discover.

Among them, some stand out for their memorable characters, stunning visuals and settings, and narratives that capture audiences’ hearts from the very first episode. Whether a viewer is interested in romantic comedies or melancholic, healing stories, there is a romance K-drama for everyone to fully enjoy from start to finish.

True Beauty

True Beauty premiered on December 9, 2020, and is directed by Kim Sang-hyub, known for his work on the hit series Extraordinary You and Melancholia. True Beauty is adapted from the popular Webtoon by Yaongyi (Kim Na-Young), and the series quickly captured global attention with its vibrant tone and relatable themes.

The story follows Lim Ju-gyeong, a high school girl who, after enduring relentless bullying over her appearance, reinvents herself by mastering makeup application and transferring to a new school. There, she gains immense popularity and carefully guards her secret. However, this double life is thrown into disarray when she crosses paths with Lee Su-ho, who sees through her facade.

The series is a lighthearted romantic comedy with grounded emotional beats that is suitable for teens and older. Its heartfelt exploration of self-image, confidence, social pressure, and personal growth is touching and relatable for many. The series is sure to capture hearts and may even drive viewers to check out the source material when they’re finished.

My Demon

My Demon first aired on November 24, 2023, and was directed by Kim Jang-han and Kwon Da-som, with a screenplay by Choi Ah-il. The series was produced by Studio S and Binge Works and starred Kim Yoo-jung and Song Kang.

My Demon centers on Jung Goo-won, a centuries-old demon who thrives on making soul-binding deals with humans. However, he finds himself powerless after a chance encounter with Do Do-hee, a sharp, emotionally guarded heiress who unexpectedly inherits his power after a life-threatening incident.

The two are forced into close proximity, striking a marriage contract that serves both their ends, only to gradually discover that their partnership has shifted into something far more. This fantasy romance is known for its drama and strong character dynamics. Fans who enjoy stories with a supernatural twist and comedic elements will love the series.

Our Beloved Summer

Our Beloved Summer first premiered on December 6, 2021. It was directed by Kim Yoon-jin and stars Choi Woo-shik and Kim Da-mi, who play Choi Ung and Kook Yeon-su, respectively. The series revolves around two former classmates whose opposing personalities first collide during a documentary project.

Years later, after a messy breakup and time spent apart, the now-viral footage forces them back into each other’s lives to film a follow-up. As past incidents and grievances resurface, they must unpack the emotional baggage between them as they confront unresolved feelings and personal insecurities.

The series shifts between their younger years and present-day struggles, creating a strong, introspective tone. Our Beloved Summer leans into its themes of growth, timing, healing, and vulnerability, making it perfect for viewers who enjoy grounded, character-focused series.

Twenty-Five Twenty-One

Twenty-Five Twenty-One was released on February 12, 2022, and was directed by Jung Ji-hyun, who is known for his work on Search: WWW and Mr. Sunshine, along with co-director Kim Seung-ho.

The series is a coming-of-age romantic drama that takes place in both 1998, during the IMF financial crisis, and 2021 as the present day; however, much of the series is set during the late 1990s.

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10 Best K-Dramas Like Twenty Five Twenty One

The successful approach to coming-of-age and romance narratives in Twenty-Five Twenty-One can be found in several other entertaining K-dramas.

Twenty-Five Twenty-One centers on Na Hee-do, a teenager who loses her high school fencing team due to the financial crisis, but is determined to join the national team, and Baek Yi-jin, a once-wealthy young man who is forced to rebuild his life as a reporter. When their paths cross, they must navigate first love, career ambitions, and familial challenges.

The story is told from Hee-do’s daughter, who finds her mother’s old diaries, creating a bittersweet, nostalgic tone. Twenty-Five Twenty-One is a heartfelt, unforgettable series that is emotionally moving and powerful. Once viewers begin watching, they will find themselves immediately drawn into Na Hee-do and Baek Yi-jin’s love story.

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay first aired on June 20, 2020. The series was directed by Park Shin-woo, with a script by Jo Yong, and produced by Studio Dragon. The story follows Moon Gang-tae, a devoted psychiatric caretaker who selflessly supports his autistic older brother, Sang-tae, and Ko Moon-young, a successful children’s author with antisocial tendencies.

When their lives begin to intertwine at OK Psychiatric Hospital, they must confront personal demons and painful memories in order to heal and build a new life. The series is known for its mature, psychologically rich romance and grounded emotional arcs that explore mental health head-on.

Viewers who value strong character development, dark, atmospheric storytelling, and a series that has bold styling that shifts from live action to animation will find that It’s Okay to Not Be Okay is not only daring and unconventional, but also emotionally resonant and ultimately heartwarming.

Business Proposal

Business Proposal premiered on February 28, 2022, and was directed by Park Seon-ho. The series is adapted from the popular manhwa, available on Tapas and Webtoon, and stars Kim Se-jeong and Ahn Hyo-seop.

The series follows Shin Ha-ri, a food researcher who impersonates her best friend on a blind date to scare away an unwelcome suitor, only to discover that he is Kang Tae-moo, her company’s handsome CEO. Tae-moo proposes a contract relationship to appease his grandfather’s pressure to marry, setting the stage for a story that is full of beloved tropes and romance.

Business Proposal is a great series for viewers who enjoy lighthearted, trope-driven rom-coms with fast pacing. With fake dating, contract marriage, office romance, and more, the series effectively appeals to a broad audience and offers a fun, binge-worthy story.

Queen of Tears

Queen of Tears first aired on March 9, 2024, and is directed by Kim Hee-won and Jang Young-woo, known for their work on Sweet Home, with a script written by Park Ji-eun, known for Crash Landing on You.

The series centers on Hong Hae-in, a third-generation chaebol heiress to Queens Group, and Baek Hyun-woo, a small-town lawyer, whose marriage has been strained for years. Their relationship is upended when Hae-in is diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor, driving the two to confront unresolved tension and rekindle their bond.

Their journey is one of reconciliation, emotional growth, and enduring love, best suited for mature audiences. Queen of Tears is a mix of lighthearted, comedic moments and melodramatic romance, leaving a lasting impact long after the final episode.

Crash Landing on You

Crash Landing on You first aired on Netflix on December 14, 2019. It is directed by Lee Jung-hyo, known for Romance Is a Bonus Book and Heartless City, and is written by Park Ji-eun.

The story follows Yoon Se-ri, a wealthy South Korean heiress who accidentally lands in North Korea during a paragliding mishap. She’s found by Ri Jeong-hyeok, an army captain who decides to protect her despite the immense risk. As she hides from the authorities and must adapt to her life, their relationship begins to deepen steadily.

Crash Landing on You blends humor and danger perfectly, following Se-ri as she makes her way back to South Korea and confronts familial pressure and her seemingly impossible romance. The series is perfect for viewers who are drawn to romance laced with suspense and emotional intensity. It’s a K-drama that longtime viewers and newcomers won’t regret jumping into.

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  founded

  
  January 16, 2007
  

  founders

  Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph

  first original series

  Lilyhammer

  notable shows

  Stranger Things, Squid Game, House of Cards, Wednesday

  notable movies

  KPop Demon Hunters, Bird Box, Red Notice

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