Cover Photo: KBS2

Forget about fairytale romances, these K-drama bromances are riveting in their own right

K-dramaland is a smorgasbord of relationship dynamics, from the romance between the two leads and parent-child bond to the love-hate relationship of frenemies and complicated mentor-student ties. Then there is the bromance. There's something rather endearing about the friendship and brotherhood between two men in K-dramas, especially when they bicker yet always have each other’s backs.

Read more: 10 Highest-Rated K-Dramas of 2022 So Far

Here are some of the most memorable K-drama bromances:

1. 'Guardian: The Lonely and Great God': Kim Shin and Grim Reaper/Wang Yeo

When a 939-year-old goblin Kim Shin (played by Gong Yoo) and the Grim Reaper (Lee Dong-wook) are forced to live together in a mansion, hilarity and mayhem ensue. The duo go from telekinetic knife fighting and setting each other’s things on fire, to becoming drinking buddies and offering hugs. The chemistry between the two male leads makes for one of the best bromances K-dramas have to offer.

See also: Netflix: Travel Vicariously Through These 6 K-Dramas

2. 'Descendants of the Sun': Yoo Shi-jin and Seo Dae-young

Nicknamed 'Dumb and Dumber' by fans, Yoo Shi-jin (Song Joong-ki) and Seo Dae-young (Jin Goo) are brothers in arms and the goofiest in their special forces unit. While they’re both involved in their respective romances, occasionally double dating, when they’re not putting their lives at risk on deadly missions, they are either pranking or poking fun at each other.

Don't miss: Tatler Exclusive: Song Joong Ki Opens Up About His Vincenzo Experience

3. 'It’s Okay to Not Be Okay': Moon Gang-tae and Moon Sang-tae

Moon Gang-tae (Kim Soo-hyun) is the responsible younger brother who devotes his life to caring for his autistic older brother, Moon Sang-tae (Oh Jung-se), after their mother was murdered when they were children. On top of living their lives on the run from the murderer and being haunted by the trauma, the younger Moon is convinced that Sang-tae is completely dependent on him for care and support for the rest of his life. But when the tables are turned, the older Moon proves to be a source of comfort. offers a shoulder for his brother to lean on. The heartwarming brotherly love will make you smile and ugly cry at the same time.

Read more: Mental Health Awareness Month: 7 K-Dramas That Tackled Uncharted Territory

4. ‘The King: Eternal Monarch’: Lee Gon and Jo Yeong

This sci-fi romantic comedy features the bromance and loyaltybetween King Lee Gon (Lee Min-ho) and stoic royal bodyguard Jo Yeong (Woo Do-hwan). Their bond, which was formed since they were children, is so rock-solid that it transcends space and time. When he’s not being fiercely protective of Lee Gon, Jo Young is busy bickering with him, something he gets away with only because of their special connection.

See also: Lee Min-Ho: 9 Of His Best Looks

5. ‘Business Proposal’: Kang Tae-moo and Cha Sung-hoon

CEO Kang Tae-moo (Ahn Hyu-seop) and his trusty secretary Cha Sung-hoon (Kim Min-kyu) navigate the ups and downs of business and relationships together. The two have familial ties (Cha was adopted by Kang's grandfather) and share an unorthodox but mutually trusting bond. One will understand what the other is thinking without having to say a single word.

Don't miss: 5 Korean Dramas With Cast Members Who Have the Best Chemistry Onscreen and Off

6. ‘Love in the Moonlight:’ Lee Yeong and Kim Byung-yeon

Here's a brother from another mother who would sacrifice his life for his half-sibling. Despite coming from a different class system, royal guard Kim Byung-yeon (Kwak Dong-yeon) is best friends with crown prince Lee Young (Park Bo-gum). While Kim is often seen brandishing his sword fighting skills to protect Lee Young, the latter is equally as dedicated to Kim, proclaiming that if there was only one person he could trust in the world, it'd be him.

Read more: K-Drama: 7 Trios That Define "Squad Goals"

7. ‘Start-Up’: Nam Do-san and Han Ji-pyeong

The focal point of Start-Up may be the blossoming love story, but no one can deny that it was the two male leads’ story arc that stole the show. Nam Do-san (Nam Joo-hyuk) and Han Ji-pyeong (Kim Seon-ho) cannot be more different from each other. One is naïve and awkward math genius Nam Do-san (Nam Joo-hyuk), who gets entangled in a love triangle with the confident and accomplished Han Ji-pyeong (Kim Seon-ho) a,k.a. The Gordon Ramsay of Investments. Their bromance unfolds when Han takes it upon himself to help Nam navigate life.

See also: The Penthouse Hangover: 5 Similar K-Dramas You Should Watch

Topics