Cover Photo by Alisa Anton (Unsplash)
Photo by Alisa Anton (Unsplash)
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Sick and tired of all the usual love narratives? Here’s to seeing romance in a new light
Korean dramas are mostly always about romance: best friends turned to lovers, rivals from love-hate relationships to just purely the latter, childhood affairs become happily ever after, complex attraction to complete devotion, and the list goes on. For the hopeless romantics, the couples that are madly in love, even the carefree singles, lost, and the heartbroken—there’s a storyline somewhere in a k-drama plot anyone can relate to.
Related: Five K-dramas that do not revolve around romance
Though other categories do not revolve around romance, if you’re in that mood for love and you’re also looking for something new, it might be a great idea to discover or rewatch these Korean series; and refocus on a different type of love that is included in their narrations.
1. The Fabulous
To have a solid circle of friends that withstood time and a whole lot of personal challenges, the young adults of The Fabulous proved that there is love in friendships and passion in pursuing dreams. The four main characters in a fast-paced fashion industry environment showed that there are fruits for pushing through with your career despite the tremendous struggles. Despite everything, there are relationships that you can rely on in your life.
See also: Get to know the main cast of Netflix's latest K-drama 'The Fabulous'
2. Single's Inferno
Whether staged or not, the Korean drama in the form of a reality show, Single's Inferno, is a must-see. The riveting chronicles of multiple pairings and their failed ones—emphasise that behind a failure is a much deeper reason than not being someone's choice. It also teaches individuals to rediscover themselves, take a closer look into their self-care, and imbue the value of loving yourself and cherishing new friendships.
In case you missed it: Inside the home of Netflix's ‘Single’s Inferno’ breakout star Song Ji-a in Seoul
3. Backstreet Rookie
Backstreet Rookie gives an alternative definition to the saying 'home is where the heart is'. Although the romantic comedy derived from a webtoon projects the undeniable connection between a young troublemaker and a convenience store owner, the series reminds us of the importance of family ties and love between siblings. Such is the kind of affection we often undermine from time to time, and the scenes within this show will make your heart remember.
4. The World of the Married
The surge of emotions that The World of the Married left was a sensation for K-drama lovers without Filipinos as an exception: that recurring switch between betrayal, hatred, revenge, jealousy, greed, desperate need for healing, and forgiveness. The gripping episodes of how the married life of the main characters was about to turn out were more than enough to have a Filipino adaptation. But this opens up another issue and fact for concern—how far will parents go for their children, and to what lengths will a child go through for their parents?
5. Descendants of the Sun
Descendants of the Sun claims as the most-loved drama masterpiece of South Korea focuses on two professionals within their similar line of duties who share the same respect for their profession and their love for serving the country and its people. The moving substories within its main storyline prompt its viewers to take a step back, look into the bigger picture, and points out that there is plenty of reasons to love life and be alive.
What other K-dramas do you know of that give another translation for love?
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Kristina's passion to write came from her love for books. If her nose isn't buried in one nor her fingers are tapping away on a keyboard working on a write-up, you'll find her having a feast at a new restaurant or savouring coffee in the nearest shop listening to rock music. Also interested in computer games and all things Japan, she spends her free time playing Dota 2, watching anime, as well as reading manga.
