Picture this: rain-soaked confessions, lingering glances in crowded rooms, perfectly timed wrist grabs, and heart-stopping almost-kisses that make you pause the screen just to process the moment.
Welcome to the world of Korean romantic dramas—a genre where love stories aren't merely told, but composed like emotional symphonies.
These aren’t just series; they’re experiences that live rent-free in your mind and heart long after the final credits roll.
In recent years, K-dramas have exploded beyond Korea’s borders, evolving into a global phenomenon.
And if there’s one platform that has curated the crème de la crème of romantic K-dramas, it’s Netflix. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the scene, this ultimate binge guide will lead you through the top 10 swoon-worthy K-romances streaming right now.
What Makes K-Drama Romances Different?
Before diving into our list, let's talk about what sets Korean romantic dramas apart: the slow-burn chemistry that builds over 16+ episodes, the creative storylines that go beyond conventional romance tropes, the emphasis on emotional connection before physical intimacy, and production values that rival feature films.
These aren't just love stories—they're emotional journeys designed to make you laugh, cry, and feel everything in between.
Now, let's count down the top 10 romantic K-dramas on Netflix that deserve your immediate attention, complete with the heart-fluttering scenes that will live rent-free in your mind long after the credits roll.
Netflix Top 10 Best Romantic K-Dramas
| Rank | K-Drama Title | Main Cast | IMDb Rating | Available On |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Extraordinary You | Kim Hye-yoon, Rowoon | 7.8 | Netflix |
| 9 | Our Beloved Summer | Choi Woo-shik, Kim Da-mi | 8.4 | Netflix |
| 8 | Twenty-Five Twenty-One | Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk | 8.6 | Netflix |
| 7 | Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin) | Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun | 8.6 | Netflix |
| 6 | What's Wrong with Secretary Kim | Park Seo-joon, Park Min-young | 8.1 | Netflix |
| 5 | Business Proposal | Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Se-jeong | 8.1 | Netflix |
| 4 | Descendants of the Sun | Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo | 8.2 | Netflix |
| 3 | Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha | Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho | 8.4 | Netflix |
| 2 | It's Okay to Not Be Okay | Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Ye-ji | 8.6 | Netflix |
| 1 | Crash Landing on You | Son Ye-jin, Hyun Bin | 8.7 | Netflix |
#10. Extraordinary You
- IMDb Rating: 7.8
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Starring: Kim Hye-yoon, Rowoon
A refreshing twist on the high school romance genre, Extraordinary You follows Eun Dan-oh, a student who discovers she's actually a minor character in a comic book.
Determined to defy her scripted fate, she falls for another “extra,” Haru, who slowly becomes self-aware. What sets this drama apart is its clever meta-narrative, playful deconstruction of typical K-drama tropes, and its touching message about carving your own destiny. It’s both whimsical and thought-provoking, blending fantasy with deep emotional stakes.
Why It's Special:
This meta romance cleverly deconstructs K-drama tropes by having characters become aware of and rebel against the clichés they're written into.
The concept of characters fighting against their creator for the right to control their own love story adds philosophical depth to the high school romance.
Unforgettable Scene:
The staircase moment where Dan-oh and her unnamed extra (later called Haru) realize they can create "shadow" moments—scenes that happen outside the comic book's official storyline.
As they stand frozen in time while cherry blossom petals suspend in mid-air around them, their discovery that they can steal moments together despite the writer's plans becomes a powerful metaphor for finding freedom and authentic connection in a predetermined world.
#9. Our Beloved Summer
- IMDb Rating: 8.4
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Starring: Choi Woo-shik, Kim Da-mi
This second-chance romance is a quiet masterpiece in emotional storytelling. Choi Ung and Kook Yeon-soo were once high school sweethearts who broke up bitterly, but are forced to reconnect years later when a documentary they starred in goes viral.
As they film a sequel, unresolved feelings resurface.
With its soft pacing, artistic visuals, and realistic depiction of adult love, Our Beloved Summer offers a mature look at how people grow, change, and sometimes still long for the person they once left behind.
Why It's Special:
This second-chance romance stands out for its authentic portrayal of how people change—and don't change—over time. The documentary framing device allows for flashbacks that contrast teenage infatuation with more mature adult love, creating a richly layered emotional experience.
Unforgettable Scene:
The bookstore is where Choi Ung, typically emotionally reserved, breaks down his walls completely and holds Yeon-soo while confessing, "I missed you every day."
The stark contrast with his previously aloof behavior, combined with the intimate setting among bookshelves that create a world-within-a-world feeling, makes this scene powerfully cathartic for both characters and viewers.
#8. Twenty-Five Twenty-One
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Starring: Kim Tae-ri, Nam Joo-hyuk
Set during the 1997 Asian financial crisis, this nostalgic coming-of-age drama centers around Na Hee-do, an aspiring fencer, and Baek Yi-jin, a former chaebol heir turned struggling journalist.
Through their evolving relationship, Twenty-Five Twenty-One explores themes of ambition, resilience, and young love under pressure. It’s a heartfelt look at how timing, dreams, and societal changes can shape relationships.
The drama resonates deeply with viewers who’ve experienced the bittersweet pain of love that couldn’t last, despite being unforgettable.
Why It's Special:
Why It's Special: This nostalgic period drama perfectly captures youth, first love, and coming-of-age during a pivotal moment in Korean history.
The sports elements and 90s setting add a distinctive flavor to the romance, while the framing device of a daughter discovering her mother's teenage diaries creates emotional resonance across generations.
Unforgettable Scene:
The rain-soaked tunnel confession, where Yi-jin finally admits his feelings for Hee-do after years of friendship.
The combination of physical distance between them gradually closing, raindrops creating a curtain of privacy, and the raw vulnerability in Nam Joo-hyuk's delivery of "I miss you so much I might die" creates an emotionally devastating moment that feels both realistic and cinematic.
#7. Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (Goblin)
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Starring: Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun
Often hailed as one of the greatest K-dramas of all time, Goblin tells the story of Kim Shin, an immortal being cursed to live forever until he meets his destined bride, Ji Eun-tak.
Blending romance, fantasy, and Korean folklore, this drama explores themes of life, death, and fate with poetic beauty.
It’s visually stunning, emotionally rich, and features one of the most iconic soundtracks in K-drama history. Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun’s chemistry is magnetic, while the bromance with the Grim Reaper adds humor and depth.
Why It's Special:
This fantasy romance elevates the genre with its cinematography, profound exploration of life and death, and soundtrack that has become iconic in K-drama history.
The age-old theme of fated love is given new dimensions through mythological elements and reincarnation.
Unforgettable Scene:
The snowy Quebec sequence where Eun-tak first calls Kim Shin by summoning him with her special birthday candle.
As snowflakes fall around them and the haunting "Round and Round" plays, the visual poetry of their meeting—contrasting her youthful wonder with his ancient weariness—captures the essence of this supernatural romance in a single perfect moment.
#6. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Starring: Park Seo-joon, Park Min-young
This workplace rom-com is anything but ordinary. When secretary Kim Mi-so decides to quit her job after nine years of loyal service, her narcissistic boss Lee Young-joon is baffled—and desperate to keep her.
As they unravel their shared traumatic past, a deeper connection forms. Known for its sizzling chemistry, sharp humor, and unexpectedly touching backstory, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is a fan favorite for a reason.
It’s sexy, funny, and full of moments that will make you rewind just to enjoy again.
Why It's Special:
This workplace romance excels in subverting the typical power dynamics between a boss and secretary by giving Mi-so agency and making Young-joon the one who must earn her affection. The chemistry between the leads is off the charts, with perfect comedic timing that transitions seamlessly into genuine emotional moments.
Unforgettable Scene:
The elevator kiss that broke the internet, where Young-joon finally stops Mi-so's rambling with a passionate kiss, followed by the iconic line: "I've wanted to do this since the moment I met you." The confined space, dramatic lighting, and the build-up of tension throughout previous episodes make this one of K-drama's most referenced romantic moments.
#5. Business Proposal
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Starring: Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Se-jeong
Business Proposal is a fast-paced, fun-filled rom-com that plays all the best K-drama tropes with a wink. When food researcher Ha-ri stands in for her friend on a blind date, she’s shocked to find the man across the table is her company’s CEO, Kang Tae-moo.
What starts as a fake relationship turns into real feelings, complicated by lies and workplace dynamics.
It’s light, flirty, and packed with hilarious misunderstandings and steamy tension—perfect for viewers wanting an easy binge with maximum payoff.
Why It's Special:
This drama embraces romantic comedy tropes—fake dating, office romance, identity mishaps—with such self-awareness and charm that it feels fresh despite the familiar elements.
The show's playful tone and fast-paced story make it perfect for viewers who want romance without heavy drama.
Unforgettable Scene:
The hotel room scene where Ha-ri, pretending to be drunk, attempts to scare off Tae-moo with outrageous behavior—only to have him call her bluff when she falls into the bathtub.
The comedy quickly transforms into heart-fluttering tension as he helps her up, their faces inches apart in a "will-they-won't-they" moment that perfectly captures the show's blend of humor and romance.
#4. Descendants of the Sun
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Starring: Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo
This action-romance drama pairs Special Forces Captain Yoo Si-jin with doctor Kang Mo-yeon in a fictional war-torn country. Their love is tested by ethical differences and the dangers of their professions.
With stunning international locations, powerful performances, and edge-of-your-seat tension, Descendants of the Sun delivers a sweeping love story amid life-and-death situations.
The lead couple’s real-life romance (and eventual marriage) made headlines, but even without that, the on-screen chemistry speaks volumes.
Why It's Special:
Shot entirely before airing (unusual for K-dramas), this big-budget production features spectacular action sequences alongside tender romantic moments. Setting much of the story in a disaster zone raises the stakes and creates unique circumstances for the romance to develop.
Unforgettable Scene:
The earthquake sequence, where Si-jin abandons his mission to find Mo-yeon, culminates in their reunion amid the rubble.
As buildings crumble around them, he shields her with his body while desperately checking her for injuries.
The contrast between the chaos of their surroundings and the intensity of their connection creates a powerfully cinematic moment of realization that life is too short for hesitation.
#3. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha
- IMDb Rating: 8.4
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Starring: Shin Min-a, Kim Seon-ho
A charming escape from city life, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha tells the story of a perfectionist Seoul dentist, Yoon Hye-jin, who moves to a seaside village and meets Hong Du-sik, a handyman with a mysterious past.
The romance unfolds gently against a backdrop of community warmth and stunning coastal scenery. It’s not just a love story, but a narrative about healing, connection, and slowing down to appreciate life’s simple joys.
It’s the kind of drama that wraps around you like a warm hug.
Why It's Special:
This healing romance showcases the charm of small-town life with breathtaking coastal scenery and a community of quirky, lovable characters.
The contrast between Hye-jin's city mindset and Du-sik's go-with-the-flow attitude creates delightful tension.
Unforgettable Scene:
The sunset kiss on the beach, where Du-sik finally opens up about his feelings, with the waves crashing in the background and the golden hour light creating a magical glow around them.
The moment is made even more special by the buildup of small gestures throughout previous episodes—from umbrella sharing to shoe-tying—that culminate in this perfectly timed confession.
#2. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Starring: Kim Soo-hyun, Seo Ye-ji
Dark, artistic, and deeply moving, It’s Okay to Not Be Okay follows Moon Gang-tae, a psychiatric hospital worker, and Ko Moon-young, a bestselling children’s author with antisocial personality disorder.
Both haunted by past trauma, their love becomes a catalyst for healing. With fairy tale motifs, animated sequences, and symbolic storytelling, the drama tackles mental health in a way that’s raw yet hopeful.
It’s a romance wrapped in layers of psychology, myth, and self-discovery.
Why It's Special:
This isn't just a romance—it's a psychological journey that explores mental health with compassion and depth. The fairy tale motifs and stunning visual aesthetics make each episode feel like a dark, modern fable.
Unforgettable Scene:
The rain-soaked confrontation where Moon-young demands Gang-tae acknowledge his own suppressed emotions, culminating in him finally breaking down and embracing her with years of pent-up feeling.
The rain symbolism, combined with Kim Soo-hyun's raw emotional performance, creates a cathartic moment of breakthrough for both characters and viewers.
#1. Crash Landing on You
- IMDb Rating: 8.7
- Where to Watch: Netflix
- Starring: Son Ye-jin, Hyun Bin
Topping the list is the cultural phenomenon Crash Landing on You. South Korean heiress Yoon Se-ri accidentally lands in North Korea after a paragliding accident and meets Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok, who shelters her despite the risks.
Their romance transcends borders, ideologies, and expectations. The emotional highs, comedic lows, and gripping suspense make this drama unforgettable.
Add to that the fact that the lead actors fell in love in real life, and you’ve got a K-drama that’s as real as it is romantic.
Why It's Special:
This drama masterfully balances geopolitical tension with a star-crossed romance that feels both epic and intimate. The contrast between North and South Korean life adds depth to what could have been a simple rich-girl-meets-soldier story.
Unforgettable Scene:
The candlelit piano scene where Captain Ri plays "The Garden of Memories" for Se-ri as they sit side by side, their shoulders barely touching, conveying more emotion through proximity than most shows do with passionate embraces.
The way the camera captures their reflections in the piano and the soft glow illuminating their faces creates a moment of perfect cinematic romance.
