Cover Explore a selection of K-dramas about affairs that delve into the complexities of secret relationships, betrayal and desire, where every twist keeps viewers engaged (Photo: World of the Married/IMDb)
Explore a selection of K-dramas about affairs that delve into the complexities of secret relationships, betrayal and desire, where every twist keeps viewers engaged (Photo: World of the Married/IMDb)
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From secrets to scandals, these 15 K-dramas about affairs keep viewers hooked from start to finish
Affairs have long fascinated audiences worldwide, and South Korean television has turned this intrigue into compelling drama. K-dramas about affairs explore the collision of desire, betrayal and social expectation, often placing ordinary lives under extraordinary pressure.
From meticulously plotted thrillers to intimate examinations of human emotion, these series offer a window into complex relationships without moralising. Viewers are drawn not only to the tension of secret liaisons but also to the nuanced performances, sharp writing and meticulous production values that make every revelation feel immediate. The popularity of K-dramas about affairs speaks to their ability to combine suspense, empathy and social commentary, keeping audiences returning for every twist.
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‘The World of the Married’ (2020)
Above A woman uncovers her husband’s infidelity, sparking a tense and gripping tale of betrayal in ‘The World of the Married’
A remake of the British series Doctor Foster, The World of the Married follows a married woman who uncovers her husband’s infidelity. Its intense pacing and psychological tension highlight the cost of betrayal, cementing its reputation as a benchmark in K-dramas about affairs.
‘Secret Affair’ (2014)
Above At the centre of 'Secret Affair' is a pianist and an older married woman who navigate a discreet and forbidden romance
A talented pianist finds himself drawn to an older married woman in ‘Secret Affair’, whose story revolves around their relationship as it slowly unfolds against the backdrop of societal expectations and personal longing. The series explores the emotional tension of forbidden desire, the complications that come with crossing social boundaries, and the quiet moments of connection that make their affair both compelling and heartbreaking.
‘Love Affairs in the Afternoon’ (2015)
Above Two married individuals wrestle with desire and societal expectations in a secret relationship in ‘Love Affairs in the Afternoon’
In the poignantly titled Love Affairs in the Afternoon, two married individuals meet and develop a relationship outside their marriages, struggling with temptation, personal guilt and societal pressures. The drama explores the emotional intricacies of love, desire and the consequences of choices that defy convention.
‘VIP’ (2019)
Above Office politics and personal betrayals collide in a high-stakes department store drama in ‘VIP’
In a high-end department store, a team of managers faces betrayals both professional and personal. As secrets unravel in VIP, colleagues confront trust, loyalty and the hidden complexities of their relationships, blending office intrigue with emotional tension.
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‘Lovers’ (2006)
Above Multiple intertwined romances challenge societal norms and explore forbidden love in ‘Lovers’
In Lovers, multiple love stories intersect, including illicit affairs that challenge social norms and personal morals. The drama balances romance and conflict, exploring the emotional highs and lows of relationships tested by secrecy and desire.
‘Lost’ (2021)
Above Characters confront moral dilemmas while pursuing passion outside of marriage in the character-driven ‘Lost’
Lost is about a 40-year-old ghostwriter who feels her life lacks meaning, and who meets a 27-year-old man confronting his own uncertainties. Together, they navigate emotional emptiness, personal loss and the search for connection, creating a reflective, character-driven story of human vulnerability.
‘Two Wives’ (2009)
Above The emotional fallout of adultery is explored from multiple perspectives in ‘Two Wives’
When a husband’s affair comes to light, the titular women grapple with betrayal, resentment and complex emotions. Two Wives delves into the pain and resilience of those affected by adultery, portraying multiple perspectives on love and revenge.
‘One Spring Night’ (2019)
Above In ‘One Spring Night’, a couple navigates societal pressures while discovering love and intimacy
Here, a couple tentatively explores a relationship amidst societal and familial expectations. Through quiet, intimate moments, One Spring Night examines the balance between desire, personal values and the challenges of forming a new bond while respecting existing commitments.
‘On the Way to the Airport’ (2016)
Above A slow-burning affair develops between a married man and a flight attendant in ‘On the Way to the Airport’
In On the Way to the Airport, a married man and a flight attendant slowly develop a connection that tests boundaries. The drama portrays the tension, emotional stakes and moral dilemmas that arise from forming a bond outside marriage, blending romance with realism.
‘Misty’ (2018)
Above A news anchor’s life is upended by secrecy, betrayal, and personal ambition in ‘Misty’
A successful news anchor’s life is thrown into turmoil when secrets and betrayals surface. Misty combines suspense and domestic drama, highlighting ambition, morality and the consequences of choices in both personal and professional spheres.
‘My Wife’s Having an Affair This Week’ (2007)
Above ‘My Wife’s Having an Affair This Week’ is a darkly comedic take on infidelity and the challenges of marriage
Blending humour with the realities of infidelity, My Wife’s Having an Affair This Week follows a man discovering his wife’s affair. It examines the unexpected emotional fallout of betrayal while offering a sharp, sometimes darkly comedic perspective on marital conflict.
‘Doctor Cha’ (2023)
Above A woman rediscovers herself while confronting marital betrayal and personal growth in ‘Doctor Cha’
After uncovering her husband’s affair, a doctor reevaluates her life and priorities. Doctor Cha is about personal empowerment, relational tension and family dynamics, exploring how betrayal can prompt reflection, growth and unexpected opportunities.
‘Cheat on Me If You Can’ (2020)
Above ‘Cheat on Me If You Can’ is a playful mystery that explores adultery, secrets, and unconventional relationships
A crime novelist-turned-detective investigates affairs while navigating personal secrets. Cheat on Me If You Can balances humour, mystery and relational tension, showing how adultery can drive both plot and character exploration.
‘Temptation of Wife’ (2008)
Above Revenge and reconciliation unfold after betrayal shakes a marriage in ‘Temptation of Wife’
A woman seeks revenge after her husband’s betrayal upends her life. Temptation of Wife traces her journey through heartbreak, scheming and self-discovery, showing the emotional consequences of adultery and the pursuit of justice.
‘Love (ft. Marriage & Divorce)’ (2021)
Above Multiple affairs interweave with societal and professional pressures in contemporary love stories in ‘Love (ft. Marriage & Divorce)’
Love (ft. Marriage & Divorce)’ interweaves multiple affairs within the professional and social pressures of contemporary life. Through interconnected stories, it examines love, betrayal and the emotional complexity of marriages challenged by desire and secrecy.
K-dramas about affairs continue to captivate audiences because they offer more than mere scandal. They combine sophisticated storytelling, psychological insight and high production standards, creating series that are as emotionally compelling as they are suspenseful. From slow-burn K-dramas about extramarital relationships to gripping Korean dramas about secret relationships, these 15 dramas showcase the versatility and enduring appeal of the genre, proving that the tension and emotional complexity of illicit love remain endlessly fascinating.
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Chonx Tibajia is a senior editor at Tatler Asia’s T-Labs team, where she writes widely on lifestyle subjects including beauty, style, entertainment and travel. She has a long career in journalism, including roles as a columnist at The Philippine Star, and is the founder of the creative platform Pineappleversed. Beyond Tatler, her bylines appear in regional lifestyle and business publications, showcasing a broad portfolio that spans beauty trends, travel guides and culture pieces.
