Korean television has become globally renowned for its romantic dramas that depict teenage love and high school life. However, in recent years, K-dramas have expanded beyond this niche to portray more complex romantic relationships later in life. For adult K-drama fans, these nuanced Korean shows provide an entertaining glimpse into adulthood that keeps audiences hooked.
Steamy Romantic Dramas
For those looking for passion and chemistry, here are some of the steamiest romantic Korean dramas available:
Nevertheless
This drama follows the friends-with-benefits relationship between Han So-hee's character Na-bi, who doesn't believe in love after a bad breakup, and the popular casanova Jae-eon, played by Song Kang. Their magnetic connection leads to many racy scenes despite Na-bi's attempts to keep things casual.
Love & Leashes
Starring Lee Jun-young and Seohyun, this movie shows the contractual dom-sub relationship between coworkers as they explore BDSM. It's erotic while avoiding full nudity. The leads' explosive chemistry results in highly sensual scenes.
Her Private Life
Park Min-young stars as a talented art curator hiding her obsession with a K-pop idol. After clashing with her boss Ryan Gold, played by Kim Jae-wook, they pretend to date to stop online rumors. Their fake relationship soon leads to real sparks between the two very different characters.
Unconventional Love Stories
Some of the most unique K-drama love stories that break from typical romance tropes include:
See You In My 19th Life
A unique fantasy romance based on a webtoon, this sees Ban Ji-eum (Shin Hae-sun) meeting her soulmate from her 18th life again in her 19th life. With the ability to remember her past lives, this drama creatively explores destined love over multiple lifetimes.
Thirty Nine
Three best friends, played by Son Ye-jin, Jeon Mi-do, and Kim Ji-hyun, navigate work, love, and friendship at age 39. This honest drama shows realistic, nuanced female friendship alongside romantic relationships in middle age.
Business Proposal
After being set up on a blind date with her boss, Ha-ri (Kim Se-jeong) pretends to be her friend to scare him off. However, the CEO, played by Ahn Hyo-seop, sees through it and a contract dating relationship ensues.
Nostalgic 1990s Romances
For those who grew up in the 90s, these dramas are packed with nostalgia:
Twenty Five Twenty One
Set in the 1990s, this follows the coming-of-age romance between fencing prodigy Na Hee-do (Kim Tae-ri) and the wealthy Back Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk). The two bond and find hope during South Korea's IMF financial crisis.
Forecasting Love and Weather
Park Min-young stars as a talented forecaster who is promoted in her office, complicating things with her ex-fiancé colleague. She clashes with but falls for a new co-worker (Song Kang). Nostalgic 90s vibes and workplace romance collide.
Romance is a Bonus Book
This underrated 2019 drama shows a divorced copywriter in her late 30s (Lee Na-young) lying about her credentials to get a job at a publishing company, falling for the charming chief editor (Lee Jong-suk). It's packed with literary references and 90s fashion.
With its recent expansive and creative storytelling, the world of Korean dramas now has captivating romantic shows for every taste. For mature love stories that break from conventional tropes, be sure to check out these compelling adult dramas.
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