With their gripping plots and strong (though sometimes predictable) plot twists, Korean dramas and Korean films have become a global phenomenon and popular culture since the 2000s. However, with great projects like Parasite or squid gameThe South Korean film industry has recently aroused the curiosity of the whole world.
So people search for any available genre of movie in the South Korean database to grab a bite to eat, and romance comes first. The variety of the Korean script is exactly what attracts a new audience. So, here is a list of the top 10 romantic dramas that fans should check out this weekend.
“Crash Landing on Love” (2019–2020)
Crash landing on you revolves around a love story between South Korean female tycoon Yoon Se Ri (Son Ye Jin) and Ri Jong Hyuk (Hyun Binlisten) is a North Korean military officer. After a failed paragliding flight, Se Ri crash-lands on the North Korean border and is confronted by Captain Ri Jong-hyuk, who acknowledges her as his fiancée to protect her due to political tensions between the two regions.
Crash landing on you, which isn’t exactly a simple melodrama, deftly intertwines dramatic elements such as political tensions between South and North Korea with competitive rivalries between tycoons. There are also plenty of funny and memorable moments in the film that help relieve tension and purposefully break the stereotype of a Korean love drama.
“Descendants of the Sun” (2016)
Descendants of the Sun focuses on the love story between Dr. Kang (Song Hye-kyo) and Captain Yu (Song Zhong Gi), which are stationed together in the war-torn territory of Uruk. The main theme of the film is the patriots of people like Dr. Kang and Captain Yu, who willingly accept shortcomings, hardships, and even deep loss in order to continue to be loyal to the country.
The seemingly uninteresting topic of the story was told in a dramatic and creative way. In addition, the filmmakers skillfully combine romantic and dangerous elements, so that the message naturally penetrates the hearts of the audience without feeling forced or instructive. The series is also more realistic and accessible due to its fast pace and lack of drawn-out, unnecessary intimate scenes.
“It’s Okay, It’s Love” (2014)
It’s alright, that’s love revolves around a love story between Jang Jae Yeol (Jo In Sung), a best-selling mystery novel author and radio DJ with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Ji Hae-soo (Kong Hyo Jin), a psychiatrist with a negative attitude towards love and relationships.
The series not only shows the romanticism of modern youth, but also subtly and creatively depicts the psychological state of society, which is a very common problem. No Hee Kyung, the film’s screenwriter, did a fantastic job of managing the narrative and captivating the audience with every moment of dialogue and every little detail. In addition, the incredible chemistry of the main couple also adds to the realism and credibility of the series.
‘Legend of the Blue Sea’ (2016 - 2017)
blue sea legend revolves around the relationship between the last mermaid Shim Chang (jung ji hyun) and genius swindler Heo Jun Jae (Lee Min Ho). Moreover, Shim Chung previously had a relationship with Kim Dam Ryong, a Joseon aristocrat who also looks like Jun Jae.
Using a picturesque setting, natural lighting and camera angles, the director jin hyuk gives the film additional romance, charm, and also tension when needed. In addition, fans get a modern yet mythical eternal love thanks to the exceptional and natural acting skills of the lead actors, as well as the poignant and innovative script.
‘Goblin’ (2016 - 2017)
16 episodes goblin revolve around a love story between elf Kim Shin (Gong Yoo) and 19-year-old Ji Eun Tak (Kim Go Eun). Kim Shin was a titled general of the Goryeo Dynasty who was killed by the young king after he was accused of betrayal and cursed with immortality. The goblin’s bride is the only person who can help end his immortality.
Due to the deep psychology of the characters and the exploration of complex contemporary themes, goblin considered one of the best series about eternal love. In addition, each frame is meticulously polished and crafted to complete the picture and give viewers the feeling that they are part of the story.
‘Full house’ (2004)
Full house follows Han Ji Eun (Song Hye Kyo), an orphan girl who lives alone in the big house her father built until her terrible closest friends sell it without her permission. Ji Eun decides to apply for the role of pop singer Lee Young Jae (Bee Rain) as a maid to reclaim the house, which is now owned by Yong Jae himself.
Audiences can’t help but giggle all the time due to the many funny yet touching moments in the film. Fans should visit this South Korean gem of the early 2000s for its smart and rational script, amazing on-screen chemistry between the lead couple, and the stunning mansion built specifically for the film.
‘Princess Watch’ (2006)
Princess watch Set in a different version of the twenty-first century, Korea has retained its monarchy and imperial family since 1945. It focuses on the life of Korean Crown Prince Lee Shin (Joo Ji Hoon) and his wife Chae-kyung (Yoon Eun-hye).
Romantic and passionate young love, as well as humorous moments, Princess Hours instantly hooks viewers from the very first moment of the show. Also, despite being young and inexperienced, the ensemble makes up for these shortcomings with charm and great on-screen chemistry that, ironically, serves as a reminder to viewers of just how awkward young people really are.
“Endless Love” (2000–2006)
A collection of four Korean drama series produced by KBS from 2000 to 2006 under the direction of Yoon Seok Ho mostly known as Endless love. It has been divided into four separate series, each named after a season of the year and with its own storylines, cast and characters. Endless love includes Autumn in my heart (2000) Winter sonata (2002) summer fragrance (2003) and Spring Waltz (2006).
Fans can easily be captivated by this story because each episode is meticulously written, produced and polished with its own seasonal vibe. Despite the fact that these are all separate series, Endless love The central theme of the franchise is still love, and each episode masterfully and sensitively conveys this concept.
‘Stairway to Heaven’ (2003 - 2004)
stairway to heaven tearful love story of a young couple Han Jung Seo (Choi Ji-woo) and Cha Sung Joo (kwon sang-woo). Jung Seo’s life has been a series of misfortunes: her father remarried, she was abused by her stepmother, and she had to part ways with a childhood friend. Happiness seemed to be within her reach when Song Joo returned, but she was hit by a car and lost her memory on her way to the airport to pick him up.
stairway to heaven doesn’t sound like a cliché, but instead perfectly captures the beauty of life and how delicate love is, even though the show follows a fairly traditional South Korean dramatic motif that has one of them in critical condition. In addition, there are many melancholic and depressing scenes in the series, which are filmed delicately and carefully, and yet can make the audience cry.
“My Girl” (2005)
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My girlfriend follows Ju Yu Rin (Lee Da Hae), a charming swindler with a remarkable ability to deceive who is hired by Seol Gong Chan (Lee Dong Wook), a tough and responsible businessman who poses as his cousin. When the two begin to develop feelings for each other, things get more complicated.
The script was written by the famous hong sisters who also wrote many popular Korean dramas such as Hotel Del Luna as well as Sun of the Masterthus, My girlfriend what sets them apart is their distinctly whimsical, hilarious dialogue and plot. In terms of romance, this is an example of how opposites attract, which is timeless and out of date thanks to the Hong sisters’ script that keeps viewers’ eyes on the screen all the time.
Source: Collider
