From slow-burn romances to passionate love affairs, our K-drama couples have perfected the formula for on-screen chemistry. As some traveled back in time to rewrite their destiny, a few waited for years to reunite with the love of their life, and some held onto the flame defying all odds. So let’s rewind and meet eight K-drama couples who scorched the screens this year with their cute chemistry.
“Lovely Runner”
Im Sol’s (Kim Hye Yoon’s) adoration for her pop idol Ryu Sun Jae (Byeon Woo Seok) is so intense that she travels back in time after Sun Jae tragically dies. The time slip only makes her realize that Sun Jae and her fate are intricately entwined, and it will take a lot to change the hands of time.
Im Sol and Ryun Sun Jae emerged as one of this year’s favorite K-drama couples, and the drama scorched popularity charts as one of the best for K-drama fans. Byeon Woo Seok as the sensitive and romantic Ryun Sun Jae is fanning the flames of fame as drama land’s current heartthrob. And Kim Hye Yoon’s vivacity is complemented by Byeon Woo Seok’s endearing charm, making them one of the most popular onscreen couples.
Start watching “Lovely Runner”:
“Queen of Tears”
Attorney Baek Hyun Woo (Kim Soo Hyun) and business heiress Hong Hae In (Kim Ji Won) fell in love, but it seems like a miserable ever after. It’s been three years of marital hell, and Hyun Woo wants out. When Hae In is diagnosed with a life-threatening disease, Hyun Woo decides to stall his decision to divorce and spend time with her. The inevitable happens as the eventuality of death looms in front of them, but the couple finds their way back towards each other on a path which comes with its own shares of trials and tribulations.
Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won’s electrifying chemistry was palpable in this drama. And the push and pull between their characters amidst the chaos unfolding amongst them had fans hooked.
“Love Next Door”
Choi Seung Hyo’s (Jung Hae In’s) love for his best friend Bae Seok Ryu (Jung So Min) goes back to the time when they were in kindergarten. As adults, their realities are different. Seok Ryu had moved to the States and even found herself a man she wants to marry. But now she is back home, and Seung Hyo’s world has turned upside down with her mere presence. He finds the courage to confess but is rejected as he is nothing more than a buddy.
But it’s just a matter of time before Seok Ryu falls hook, line, and sinker for Seung Hyo. What we get is a heady romance with an equally sizzling chemistry between Jung Hae In and Jung So Min, who are totally in sync and complement each other.
“Marry My Husband”
Kang Ji Won (Park Min Young) had been emotionally abused and manipulated by her husband Min Hwan (Lee Yi Kyung) and best friend Soo Min (Song Ha Yoon). The two were also complicit in pushing her to death. But instead of dying, Kang Ji Won is taken back to 10 years in the past. Life has given her just the opportunity to settle scores and has even given her an ally in Yoo Ji Hyeok (Na In Woo), her boss.
As Yoo Ji Hyeok supports Ji Won in her pursuit for revenge, it is the crazy chemistry between the couple which adds the spark to this taut narrative.
“What Comes After Love”
Choi Hong (Lee Se Young) often wondered if there was something like an unchanging love in the world. Five years ago, she may have found it in Tokyo when she met Jungo (Sakaguchi Kentaro), an aspiring writer. But the fervor of their youthful romance is extinguished as reality bites, and Hong breaks up with Jungo. Years later, they meet again in Seoul under different circumstances, but it seems the ambers of the old flame are still alive.
As they find their way back, it’s the searing intensity of their feelings, which comes through in every gaze, touch, as well as in the silences which speaks volumes. Lee Se Young and Sakaguchi Kentaro give an awesome performance, breathing life into their characters.
Start watching “What Comes After Love”:
“No Gain No Love”
Son Hae Young (Shin Min Ah) will go to any lengths to get a much-deserved promotion. After all, why should she be sidelined for being single? Hae Young decides to fake her marriage with Kim Ji Wook (Kim Young Dae), who agrees to be part of her charade. But what happens when fake becomes real between this unlikely couple?
Shin Min Ah aces her role as the butter wouldn’t melt in her mouth Hae Young, who has her priorities set. Kim Young Dae as the mild Ji Wook complements her. The constant tug of war between the two is like a firecracker waiting to explode. It makes you wish the creators had spent more time on exploring their romantic track.
“My Sweet Mobster”
Go Eun Ha (Han Sun Hwa) is a content creator who loves interacting with kids and spreading cheer. Having had a difficult childhood, the only person she remembers is her friend Hyun Woo, who showed her kindness when the world wouldn’t. She hopes to meet him someday and runs into two different men, Seo Ji Hwan (Um Tae Goo), a former mobster, and prosecutor Jang Hyun Woo (Kwon Yool). Both their personalities remind her of the boy she once knew. Caught between the two, Eun Ha decides to follow her heart.
“My Sweet Mobster” scored high on the cute factor, giving fans plenty of laughs and a simple feel-good love story. The chemistry between Han Sun Hwa and Um Tae Goo was adorable as it was delightful.
Start watching “My Sweet Mobster”:
“When the Phone Rings”
Baek Sa Eon (Yoo Yeon Seok), the cool-headed presidential spokesperson, and his wife, Hong Hee Joo (Chae Soo Bin), have been married for three years. But they are husband and wife just in name. It is a marriage of convenience, with political goals in mind, until a mysterious phone call comes, which says his wife has been kidnapped. Though initially nonchalant, it is apparent the call has ruffled Sa Eon. But is there more to the phone call, and could Hee Joo well be hiding some secrets?
As Sa Eon finds himself entangled in a series of situations, it is the taut tension and intensity between the couple which crackles with ferocity. The unspoken words and silences could well lead to an explosion of emotions. The dynamics between Yoo Yeon Seok and Chae Soo Bin are on point. Yoo Yeon Seok as the suave Sa Eon is just the treat for your eyes this festive season.
Hey ers, which one of these were your favorite K-drama couple? Let us know all about it in the comments below!
Puja Talwar is a writer with a strong Yang Yang and Lee Junho bias. A long time K-drama fan, she loves devising alternate scenarios to the narratives. She has interviewed Lee Min Ho, Gong Yoo, Cha Eun Woo, and Ji Chang Wook to name a few. You can follow her on @puja_talwar7 on Instagram.
Currently watching: “Love Your Enemy“