We are all hustling at our 9-to-5 jobs like capitalist robots. But what if we get a chance to exchange this for a scenario where the love of our life is working at the next table? Ah! Sounds swoony, heart-fluttering, and very K-drama-ish to all hopeless romantics out here. This dreamy setting is one of the most beloved and successful K-drama genres of all time. A stubborn male lead stumbles over an over-enthusiastic female lead, serving the ever-classic grumpy men x sunshine trope. You will never realise how invested you will get in the 12-16 episode-long love story, where you won’t stop giggling at their kiss in the 8th episode (kissing before the 8th episode is a big no-no, any K-drama fan would agree).
This genre of K-dramas is a guilty pleasure because most of them narrate the same plot with different actors, like What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, Business Proposal, or the latest ongoing show, King The Land. An ardent K-drama viewer knows how and where the story is going in these shows because all of them have the same starter plot, but the charm of these shows isn’t lessened because of it.
So, if you are looking for something cliche and old-school to binge on with some ice cream, these are our top five picks to add to your watchlist:
1. Business Proposal
The plot of Business Proposal revolves around Kang Tae Moo making the decision to go on the blind dates arranged for him to please his grandfather and keep up his pattern of hard work. Realising that the first date would be the only way to avoid wasting time, he meets Shin Ha-ri. Shin has been persuaded by her closest friend on the blind date pretending to be her. Talk about the clichéd Wattpad goal where two characters having contrasting financial situations–one being really stern, and the other being equally chirpy–come together and fall in love.
Where to watch: Netflix
2. King The Land
The male lead, Goo Won is the heir of the King Group. He is sophisticated, charming, savvy, and attractive, while Cheon Sa-rang, referred to as the King Hotel’s “queen of smiles and hospitality,” has worked her way up from the front desk to her current position at the opulent King the Land location. Their first meeting isn’t like the usual lovey-dovey ones but instead, it is filled with confusion and funny co-incidences, which is slowly taking over the K-drama fans on the internet.
Where to watch: Drama Cool
3. My Secret Romance
My Secret Romance is a lighthearted story featuring Jin-wook and Yoo-mi, whose first meeting becomes a mess of miscommunications and mishaps. Jin-wook’s cunning and humorous demeanour won Yoo-mi over, and they unintentionally spent the night together. However, Yoo-mi vanishes the next morning, leaving Jin-wook confused and violently furious. Three years later, Jin-wook and Yoo-mi cross paths once again when Yoo-mi accepts a position as a nutritionist at the workplace cafeteria. They struggle with their desire for one another while acting as though they do not recognise one another.
Where to watch: Netflix
4. What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim
One of the most loved K-dramas in the genre What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim’s storyline revolves around a narcissistic CEO, Young-joon, who only loves himself and is a perfectionist who has to get everything right the way he wants. The only person he trusts to stay by his side is his secretary, Kim Mi-so. But things go downhill because one day Secretary Kim announces that she is leaving the company. And when he realises that his picture-perfect life was only survivable because of Miss Kim, he has to get her back in his office and his life.
Where to watch: Viki
5. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon
Just as the name says, Do Bong Soon (Park Bo Young) is not your typical woman. She has incredible strength. But Bong Soon’s extraordinary abilities can only be used for good. While she tries to find work as a developer, Bong Soon’s skills enable her to land a job as the bodyguard for Ahn Min Hyuk (Park Hyung Sik), the CEO of the gaming business Ainsoft and the heir to the chaebol. While Bong Soon assists her new boss in finding the source of a grave threat made against him, Ji Soo’s character, Guk Doo, a rookie police investigator and Bong Soon’s childhood buddy, is trying to find an evil kidnapper. As he works to resolve both cases, Bong Soon discovers romance and humour.
Where to watch: Viki
6. Suspicious Partner
If you enjoy romance with a pinch of murder mystery and thriller, this K-drama is for you. The female lead, Bong-Hee, is a judicial apprentice at the judicial research and training institute. Where she grows close to a senior prosecutor (Ji-Wook), with whom she is on a high-profile murder case. However, things take a drastic turn when she inexplicably becomes a suspect. A special mention goes to Ji Chang Wook, who delivers an unforgettable performance.
Where to watch: Viki
Also, read 5 K-Dramas That Will Also Transport You To An Alternate Universe
