Binge-Worthy Bliss: My Top 10 Korean Rom-Coms on Netflix
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we all need a little downtime. What better way to relax than to dive into a world where laughter trumps worry, and love conquers all? This is the magic of Korean romantic comedies. They're not just shows; they're mini-vacations for your soul. Imagine curling up with stories that whisk you away to a place where every problem seems to have a quirky, heartwarming solution. From the comfort of your couch, you can travel to picturesque corners of Korea, meet characters that feel like old friends, and find yourself rooting for love in its most charming and hilarious forms. It's like a warm hug after a long day. So, let’s dive into my top 10 Korean rom-coms on Netflix – your ticket to a world of joy and gentle escapism.
1. Twenty Five Twenty One (released: 2022)
"Twenty Five Twenty One" is a nostalgic trip back to the late '90s, focusing on the lives of young adults during the South Korean financial crisis. It's a tale of dreams, challenges, and romance, where Hee-do, a passionate fencer, and Yi-jin, a hardworking guy dealing with family bankruptcy, cross paths. Their story unfolds in a diary discovered by Hee-do's daughter years later, making it a cool mix of past and present. The show's packed with hilarious scenes, moments of youthful struggle, friendship, and those confusing first loves.
2. Love to Hate You (released: 2023)
"Love to Hate You" is all about this lawyer, Yeo Mi-ran, who's really not into guys, and Nam Gang-ho, an actor who's pretty much the same about women. They end up in this fake dating thing, and it's a wild ride from there. The show's got its funny moments, especially with these two butting heads and then figuring each other out. It's a cool mix of laughs and some serious talk about how guys and gals are treated differently. Definitely makes for an interesting watch if you're into seeing how two unlikely people can vibe together.
3. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (released: 2021)
"Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha" is a heartwarming series set in a charming seaside village. It's about a dentist, Yoon Hye-jin, who moves to the village and meets Hong Du-sik, a local handyman who helps everyone around but doesn't have a steady job. The show is a cozy mix of romance, humor, and village life. You get to see Hye-jin adjust to her new life and how her relationship with Du-sik evolves. There's a bunch of lovable characters, and the village setting is super relaxing. It's a great show if you like slow-burn romances and stories about community and finding your place in the world.
4. Crash Course in Romance (released 2023)
"Crash Course in Romance" is about Nam Haeng-seon, a former handball player and now a side dish shop owner, who gets into the high-pressure world of private education. She's trying to help her daughter, and ends up crossing paths with Choi Chi-yeol, a famous but stressed math tutor. The show has a fun mix of drama and laughs, with Haeng-seon's down-to-earth vibe clashing and then meshing with Chi-yeol's more uptight personality.
5. Business Proposal (released: 2022)
"Business Proposal" is a fun series where Ha-ri, who's just a regular employee, ends up on a blind date pretending to be her friend, only to find out the guy is her CEO, Tae-moo. Things get wild when he offers her cash to pretend to be his fiancée, and she says yes because she's in a tight spot. The whole fake dating thing turns into a real romance, and it's pretty hilarious watching them try to keep up the act. There's also a side story about Ha-ri's friend and Tae-moo's pal which adds to the fun.
6. Crash Landing on You (released: 2019)
"Crash Landing on You" is a series where a South Korean heiress, Yoon Se-ri, ends up in North Korea after a paragliding accident. There, she meets Ri Jeong-hyeok, a North Korean army captain. The two start off on a rocky note, but as they spend time together, things start to heat up between them. It's a wild mix of romance, drama, and comedy, set against the backdrop of the North and South Korean divide. The show does a great job of mixing in some intense moments with lighter, fun ones. Plus, the whole cross-border love story gives it an extra twist.
7. Strong Girl Nam-Soon (released: 2023)
“Strong Girl Nam-Soon" is a lively series with a mix of comedy and action. It follows Gang Nam Soon, a young woman with superhuman strength, who returns to Korea after being separated from her family as a child. Her journey back home leads her into the heart of a drug ring scandal, adding an intense twist to her quest. The show blends humor with suspense and emotion, making it an engaging watch - especially when the women in the family have super power abilities and the world while the men are … quite the contrary.
8. Extraordinary Attorney Woo (released: 2022)
"Shoplifters," directed by Hirokazu Kore-eda, is a poignant exploration of family and morality set against the backdrop of poverty in Tokyo. The film, which won the Palme d'Or at Cannes in 2018, revolves around a makeshift family unit that bonds over shared hardships and shoplifting. When they take in a young girl, Yuri, their complex relationships and moral choices come to the forefront. Kore-eda's storytelling is nuanced, focusing on the characters' empathy and resilience rather than casting judgment. With its subtle narrative and powerful performances, "Shoplifters" offers a deep, emotionally resonant look at what defines a family and the societal forces shaping their lives.
9. My First First Love (released: 2019)
"My First First Love" centers on Tae-o, who inherits his grandfather's house and ends up sharing it with his close friends, including his best friend Song-i. The series is packed with laughter as they all grapple with their own personal and romantic dilemmas. Tae-o and Song-i's evolving relationship, alongside the humorous and sometimes chaotic experiences of their housemates, forms the heart of the story.
10. Welcome to Samdal-ri (released: 2023)
Welcome to Samdal-ri" is a charming series set in a quaint seaside town. It's about a photographer who, after a setback in her career, returns to her hometown and reconnects with her childhood friend. The show is a delightful mix of romance and nostalgia, filled with moments that are both heartwarming and humorous. The characters, including the lead pair, find themselves in situations that are both touching and amusing, making for a wholesome viewing experience.