Korean romance dramas have captivated audiences worldwide with their emotional storytelling and exceptional cinematography. With Netflix making these dramas more accessible globally, their international fan base has expanded significantly.
I will introduce five Korean romance dramas that have gained immense popularity overseas.
1. Crash Landing on You (2019) 사랑의 불시착
💖 Plot & Highlights
A South Korean heiress, Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin), crash-lands in North Korea after a paragliding accident. There, she meets North Korean officer Ri Jeong-hyeok (Hyun Bin), and an unexpected romance unfolds. The drama blends comedy, romance, and action, making it a fan favorite.
🌍 International Reception
- It topped Netflix charts in Japan, Taiwan, and the U.S., becoming one of the longest-running shows in Japan’s Netflix Top 10.
- Viewers praised the unique North-South Korea storyline and the heartwarming chemistry between the leads.
🎬 Why You Should Watch
✔️ A powerful and heartfelt romance
✔️ A perfect balance of comedy and drama
✔️ Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin’s iconic on-screen chemistry
2. Itaewon Class (2020) 이태원클래스
💖 Plot & Highlights
Park Sae-ro-yi (Park Seo-joon) starts a restaurant business in Itaewon after being expelled from school due to a clash with a powerful CEO’s son. While striving for success, he develops a romantic connection with Jo Yi-seo (Kim Da-mi).
🌍 International Reception
- The drama became a massive hit in the U.S. and Europe, popularizing Korean dramas among new audiences.
- The modern romance dynamic between Park Sae-ro-yi and Jo Yi-seo resonated well with Western viewers.
🎬 Why You Should Watch
✔️ A compelling mix of revenge, ambition, and romance
✔️ A strong female lead with an independent mindset
✔️ A globally beloved OST, "Start Over" by Gaho
3. The Glory (2022) 더 글로리
💖 Plot & Highlights
Moon Dong-eun (Song Hye-kyo) was a victim of severe school bullying and spent years planning her revenge. Within this dark revenge story, an emotional romance blossoms between Dong-eun and Joo Yeo-jeong (Lee Do-hyun).
🌍 International Reception
- The drama ranked #1 globally on Netflix and was especially popular in Spain, Brazil, and India.
- Viewers praised Song Hye-kyo’s performance and the intense yet subtle romance embedded in the storyline.
🎬 Why You Should Watch
✔️ A deeply emotional and tragic love story
✔️ A unique mix of revenge and romance
✔️ Powerful performances by the lead actors
4. Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022) 스물다섯 스물하나
💖 Plot & Highlights
Set in 1998 during the IMF crisis, this drama follows the passionate romance between Na Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri), a determined fencing athlete, and Baek Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk), a young man struggling to rebuild his life.
🌍 International Reception
- It gained immense popularity in Japan and Taiwan, praised for its nostalgic and emotional storytelling.
- Western viewers appreciated the drama’s unique blend of sports and romance.
🎬 Why You Should Watch
✔️ A beautifully nostalgic and heartwarming love story
✔️ A fresh take on 90s youth and romance
✔️ A bittersweet ending that left a lasting impact
5. King the Land (2023) 킹더랜드
💖 Plot & Highlights
Goo Won (Lee Jun-ho), a chaebol heir, and Cheon Sa-rang (Im Yoon-ah), a cheerful hotelier, develop a romantic relationship in this lighthearted romantic comedy. If you love feel-good love stories, this is a must-watch.
＊ chaebol: a large family-owned business conglomerate in South Korea
🌍 International Reception
- This drama became one of the most-watched Korean series in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
- Western audiences who enjoy classic rom-coms also found it delightful.
🎬 Why You Should Watch
✔️ A cheerful and heartwarming romantic comedy
✔️ Lee Jun-ho and Im Yoon-ah’s adorable chemistry
✔️ A classic feel-good romance with light humor
Thanks to Netflix, Korean romance dramas are now a global phenomenon. "Crash Landing on You," "Itaewon Class," "The Glory," "Twenty-Five Twenty-One," and "King the Land" have gained massive international followings, each offering a unique blend of romance, drama, and heartwarming storytelling. Whether you prefer a passionate love story, a nostalgic first love, or a lighthearted rom-com, there’s a perfect Korean romance drama waiting for you on Netflix!