Readers have asked us about underrated romantic comedy K-Dramas after the release of Best Romantic Comedy K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist. Are you done watching the most popular dramas and looking for more? This list is for you.
It is always hard to make a good drama watchlist. Hopefully, the following list will help you! It is composed of romantic comedies that received less attention (when they were first released) from the international audience despite having great plots and skilled actors. They are "underrated" dramas.
Note: This list was first published in 2019 and updated with new releases. Latest update: November 2024. This is not a ranking.
1. "My Strange Hero"
When: 2018-2019
Cast: Yoo SeungHo, Jo BoAh, Kwak DongYeon
Summary: It tells the story of BokSoo who was unfairly expelled from his high school because he was accused of being a school bully. When he is an adult, he plans to get revenge by going back to school. However, it did not go as planned. He starts to get in trouble again and gets linked to love again.
Why watch?: Starting with the main actors' outstanding acting skills and the original plot of an adult entering high school again, it is a must-see. Overall, the show has humor, cute scenes, touching stories, a solid issue to be overcome, and a critique of the Korean education system. The drama is based on revenge, but it is actually more light, don't expect much on that side.
2. "7th Grade Civil Servant"
When: 2013
Cast: Joo Won, Choi KwangHee, 2PM's ChanSung
Summary: It tells the love story between NIS rookie agents hiding their identities.
Why watch?: If you like comedy, and romance with a bit of action this is for you. The drama has many funny scenes that will get hooked on the show and the cute couple.
3. "Cinderella and the Four Knights"
When: 2016
Cast: Park SoDam, Jung IlWoo, Ahn JaeHyun, CNBLUE's Lee JungShin, Choi Min, Apink's NaEun
Summary: Eun HaWon received the mission to change three handsome chaebols who are impossible to control into humans. She starts to live in the mansion to fulfill her mission and ends up being in a love quadrangle (adding on the bodyguard).
Why watch?: If you like K-Dramas like "Boys Over Flowers" or "The Heirs", this is for you. If you don't like this type of K-Drama, you might want to look out for something else. The story is fun, sweet, and light from the beginning to the end. The viewers' heart also has a hard time deciding who to root for between these 4 eye-candy men who have their own colors and stories.
4. "High Society"
SBS
When: 2015
Cast: UEE, Sung Joon, Park HyungSik, Lim JiYeon
Summary: It tells the love story of a chaebol daughter and a man who tries his best to climb up the social ladder.
Why watch?: There has been quite a debate about this drama -whether you like it or not- but many agree on the perfect chemistry of the second lead couple (Park HyungSik and Lim JiYeon) who steal the spotlight of the drama. Their couple's story is captivating and has an incredible level of intensity.
5. "Modern Farmer"
SBS
When: 2014
Cast: FTISLAND's Lee HongKi, Park MinWoo, Lee SiEon, Kwak DongYeon, Lee HaNee
Summary: It tells the friendship and love stories of the 4 members of a rock band who come to the countryside to farm.
Why watch?: The keyword of this drama is "crazy hilarious". If you want to see dorks faces having crazy adventures, this is for you. The drama is quite new in the fact that the drama is set in the countryside, which is exceptional for a K-Drama (for 2014). The lead character acted by Lee HongKi suits him perfectly. Don't expect too much from the love stories.
6. "Personal Taste"
MBC
When: 2010
Cast: Lee MinHo, Son YeJin, Kim JiSeok
Summary: The cohabitation story of a fake gay man and a girl who is always betrayed in love.
Why watch?: This drama will never be too old. The two actors acting draw the viewers into their characters. The story is comic and addictive. Overall, this is a good romantic comedy.
Note: The word "underrated" for this drama is still debatable. It is a popular drama yet however rarely mentioned compared to other Lee MinHo's dramas.
7. "The Beauty Inside"
JTBC
When: 2018
Cast: Seo HyunJin, Lee MinKi, Lee DaHee, Ahn JaeHyun
Summary: The special romance between a woman that lives with the face of another person for a week every month and a man who cannot recognize faces at all.
Why watch?: The two main couples are sweet and moving with mature love stories. The story is also well-written and engaging. It is a good romantic comedy.
8. "The Package"
JTBC
When: 2017
Cast: Lee YeonHee, CNBLUE's Jung YongHwa
Summary: It tells the events and communications that take place when a group of people with different stories travel to France on a package tour.
Why watch?: First, most of the drama is filmed in the beautiful sceneries of France (and not only Paris), giving a lovely background to this drama. Second, this drama is somehow quite different from others, it has its own uniqueness. The drama looks simple at first but the drama's story is quite deep. Don't expect much romance.
9. "Still 17"
SBS
When: 2018
Cast: Shin HyeSun, Yang SeJong, Ahn HyoSeop, Wang JiWon
Summary: A 17 years old promising genius violinist star that was going to enter a music school in Germany suddenly got into an accident. She falls into a coma and was in a vegetative state in the hospital for 13 years. She suddenly opens her eyes at the age of 30 and the story starts when she meets Gong WooJin.
Why watch?: The story is engaging and touching. The main characters are lovable and interesting with their own wounds and personality. The drama is worth watching and will warm your heart.
10. "Where Stars Land"
SBS
When: 2018
Cast: Lee JeHoon, Chae SooBin, Lee DongGun, Kim JiSoo
Summary: It tells the story of a new employee with secrets and an employee of one year with a troubled story who embrace each other wounds while meeting people in Incheon Airport.
Why watch?: One of the main reasons to watch this drama is the sincere and moving love story. Moreover, the main female lead is relatable, making the drama even more entertaining. With a bit of mystery and a background set at the airport, you are sure to not be bored with this drama.
11. "Memorials"
KBS
When: 2020
Cast: NaNa, Park SungHoon
Summary: It is the office romance comedy of Koo SeRa who chooses to run for office instead of getting a job and Seo KongMyung a demoted elite officer. They team up and punish corrupted politicians.
Why watch?: Are you not curious to learn about the work of the civil servant in your district in a simple way? Not only hilarious, with NaNa's character Koo SeRa being a total living meme, but "Memorials" is also informative on local administration and politics and gives good lessons to never give up in your life. You can expect a good match for the main couple, the reckless Koo SeRa and smart Seo KongMyung.
12. "Love All Play"
KBS
When: 2022
Cast: Park JuHyun, Chae JongHyeop
Summary: โLove All Playโ is a sports romance between Park TaeYang, who is a refreshing 25-year-old, and Park TaeJoon" who is a professional athlete. These badminton athelets deal with their wounds, sports, and their feelings for each other.
Why watch?: This is for you if you are looking for a sweet and romantic male lead. With the perfect boyfriend, Park TaeJoon, Chae JongHyeop once again proved that he can make your heart flutter only with his bright and innocent smile. Park JuHyun's acting is also on point, dragging you into her characters' issues in no time. Aside from the main couple's romance, the other couples are just as good to watch.
13. "Summer Strike"
ENA
When: 2022
Cast: AOA's SeolHyun, ZE:A's Yim SiWan
Summary: After her boyfriend dumps her, Lee YeonReum's mother dies in an accident. She experiences one of her worst moments in life. Following her mother's death, she decides to live a completely different life and leave her job. She then moves to a small village. Upon entering the village, Lee YeonReum meets the residents, such as An DaeBeom who works as a librarian, and he rarely talks to people. However, he manages to get comfortable with Lee YeonReum despite his stutter. Throughout their time together, Lee YeonReum also learns more about herself.
Why watch?: This healing drama makes you depart for a soft-pathed journey with the most introverted couple ever seen in the K-Drama land. You will keep looking for their awkward meetings and smile at their heartwarming interaction and how they embrace each other wounds. This drama will question your way of living and give you the strength to give up on things that give you stress in your busy life.
14. "She Would Never Know"
JTBC
When: 2021
Cast: Won JinAh, RoWoon, Lee HyunWook, Lee JooBin
Summary: It tells the complicated office love story of sunbae SongAh and hoobae HyunSeung who has a one-sided love for her.
Why watch?: "She Would Never Know" is one of the most heart-fluttering office romances with one of the most handsome Korean actors. If you need more than these two reasons, we can promise that you will be satisfied with the chemistry and the story. This drama is also key to how to deal with a cheating ex-boyfriend and open your heart to a new man.
15. "Let Me Be Your Knight"
SBS
When: 2021-2022
Cast: Jung InSun, U-KISS's Jun (Lee JunYoung), Kim JongHyeon (former NU'EST's JR), Yoon JiSung, AB6IX's DongHyun, Jang DongJoo
Summary: It is the romance between a famous world star (part of the idol band LUNA) suffering from somnambulism and the fake doctor who enters the group's dorm in order to secretly treat him.
Why watch?: "Let Me Be Your Knight" is fun and easy to watch. Its storyline is addictive and typical of old dramas. The bromance is just as interesting as the romance. If you like idols or music, this is even more for you!
16. "Love to Hate You"
Netflix
When: 2023
Cast: Kim OkBin, Yoo Teo, Kim JiHoon, Go WonHee
Summary: The love story of the lawyer Yeo MiRan who detests losing to men and the top star Nam KangHo who doesn't trust women.
Why watch?: From the enemies to lovers trope to the best chemistry, this drama has the best elements to make viewers swoon from the beginning to the end in front of their screen. The story is also a nice lesson as they both got to trust the opposite gender in the end.
17. "A Good Day to Be a Dog"
MBC
When: 2023-2024
Cast: ASTRO's Cha EunWoo, Park GyuYoung, Lee HyunWoo
Summary: A fantastical and unpredictable romantic comedy-drama about a woman cursed to transform into a dog when kissed and the only man who can break the curseโa man who happens to be terrified of dogs.
Why watch?: If you're looking for a lighthearted drama full of cuteness, fun, and no need for overthinking, this one is a must-watch! It's packed with adorable, fluffy moments that will make your heart flutter. Plus, the main lead, Cha EunWoo, delivers his signature charm with effortlessly handsome expressions in every scene. The touch of fantasy and mystery adds an extra layer of intrigue, making it even more enjoyable. This drama is worth watching just for the giggles!
18. "Doctor Slump"
JTBC
When: 2024
Cast: Park ShinHye, Park HyungSik
Summary: A romantic comedy-drama that depicts the 'life resuscitation' journey of doctors facing their biggest slumps in life due to reasons like burnout and billion-won lawsuits.
Why watch?: If you're looking for a healing romantic comedy with plenty of fun moments, this drama is for you! While the topic of mental health is serious and the setting can be heavy, the story remains uplifting and light. It focuses on positive and empowering messages about improving mental health and finding happiness in life. What truly makes it shine is the chemistry between Park HyungSik and Park ShinHye, who are the perfect pair to bring an enemies-to-lovers storyline to life with charm and humor. It's a must-watch!
