Korean dramas frequently delve into the world of coerced, counterfeit, and orchestrated unions, but beneath the surface, they often uncover genuine love stories. These shows often spotlight couples initially resistant to the idea of togetherness, only to find true affection blooming.
If you're an enthusiast of Korean dramas and the allure of romance, these 12 dramas revolving around forced, feigned, or arranged marriages are bound to captivate you. Brimming with romance, humor, and gripping plot twists, they promise to be an engaging watch.
From the timeless classic, Goblin, to the more recent gem, Business Proposal, there's a Korean drama featuring forced, sham, or arranged marriages tailored to every viewer. So why not dive into one of these series today and experience firsthand what all the buzz is about?
1. Love in Contract
"Love in Contract" is a 2022 South Korean romantic comedy-drama series that features a talented cast including Park Min-young, Go Kyung-pyo, and Kim Jae-young. The show aired on tvN's Wednesday and Thursday time slot from September 21 to November 10, 2022.
Impressively, "Love in Contract" holds an 8.0 rating on IMDb and an 8.6 rating on MyDramaList, reflecting its popularity among viewers.
"Love in Contract" (2022)
Cast:
- Park Min-young as Choi Sang-eun
- Go Kyung-pyo as Jung Ji-ho
- Kim Jae-young as Kang Hae-jin
Release Date: September 21 - November 10, 2022
Ratings: IMDb - 8.0, MyDramaList - 8.6
Overview:
In a faraway land, Choi Sang Eun (played by Park Min Young) is an expert in the field of rented wives. She helps many single men who are struggling with the pressure to get married. At least, until Sang Eun met two men who eventually became her love triangle, Sang Eun had been through 12 divorce trials. Choi Sang Eun does this job because (she thinks) she was educated by Madam Yoo Mi Hoo (played by Jin Kyung) as a marriage expert. Although not her biological mother, Madam Yoo did raise Sang Eun and the two have a complicated relationship.
Sang Eun's longest-standing client is Jung Ji Ho (played by Go Kyung Pyo). At the beginning of the episode, it is not clear what Jung Ji Ho does for a living, or what his personality is like. Meanwhile, her new client is actor Kang Hae Jin (played by Kim Jae Young). Will Sang Eun retire from her job, and marry one of them for real, or will Sang Eun break up with both of them?
2. Because This Is My First Life
"Because This Is My First Life" is a 2017 South Korean television series. It was widely praised for its original plot and engaging characters. The drama received an average viewership rating of around 3.5% across the country, which is considered pretty successful for a cable network drama. Its creative analysis of modern relationships and life choices piqued viewers' interest, making it a remarkable series in the realm of K-dramas.
Cast:
The cast of the show is brilliant and intriguing, with each actor producing outstanding performances. Here are some of the primary cast members:
1. Lee Min-ki in the role of Nam Se-hee: Lee Min-ki plays the stoic and pragmatic Nam Se-hee, a software developer who finds himself in an unusual living situation.
2. Jung So-min as Yoon Ji-ho: Jung So-min plays Yoon Ji-ho, a kind-hearted struggling writer who unexpectedly becomes Se-hee's housemate.
3. Esom in the role of Woo Soo-ji: Esom plays Ji-ho's close friend Woo Soo-ji, a wealthy entrepreneur with her own set of love issues.
4. Park Byung-eun as Ma Sang-gu: Park Byung-eun plays Ma Sang-gu, Se-hee's friend and coworker who shares his own perspectives on the intricacies of modern romance.
Recap: "Because This Is My First Life" follows the lives of three people who are at different points in their life. Nam Se-hee, a pragmatic and introverted software engineer, is grappling with the responsibilities of homeownership and financial security. Yoon Ji-ho, a young writer, is under pressure from her family to settle down and marry. Ji-ho's strong and career-driven buddy, Woo Soo-ji, is dealing with her own love problems.
When Ji-ho and Se-hee join into a marriage of convenience to settle their individual housing concerns, the story takes an unexpected turn. The drama digs deeply into issues of love, friendship, and the pursuit of happiness as they traverse the challenges of this unique partnership. The characters battle cultural expectations, personal goals, and the actual meaning of love, taking viewers on a poignant journey.
"Because This Is My First Life" depicts the complexities of modern relationships and the obstacles that individuals encounter in a fast changing society throughout the series. It's a touching narrative that will make you laugh and cry as it unfolds.
If you want sincere, character-driven dramas with a dash of realism, "Because This Is My First Life" is one to add to your watchlist.
3. Emergency Couple
Emergency Couple is a South Korean romantic comedy-medical drama starring Song Ji-hyo and Choi Jin-hyuk that premiered in 2014. It follows a divorced couple who reunite as interns in the same emergency room.
The drama has an IMDb rating of 8.4 and an AsianWiki rating of 91%. It is commended for portraying the medical sector in a realistic and uplifting manner, as well as for the great chemistry between its two stars.
Cast
- Song Ji-hyo as Oh Jin-hee
- Choi Jin-hyuk as Oh Chang-min
- Lee Pil-mo as Gook Cheong-hae
- Choi Yeo-jin as Han Ah-reum
- Clara as Shim Ji-hye
- Yun Jong-hoon as Im Yong-gyu
- Chun Woo-hee as Jin Hyun-soo
- Choi Tae-joon as Do In-beo
Review
The drama Emergency Couple is well-rounded, having something for everyone. It is filled with heart, humor, and romance, but it also addresses serious subjects such as divorce, death, and disease. The medical cases are realistic and fascinating, and the characters are well-developed and likable.
One of the drama's highlights is the chemistry between Song Ji-hyo and Choi Jin-hyuk. They are both superb actors, and they have a natural chemistry. Their characters go through many ups and downs, but their love for each other remains constant.
The supporting cast is also fantastic. Lee Pil-mo is endearing as the emergency department chief, while Choi Yeo-jin is amusing and endearing as the head nurse. Clara and Yun Jong-hoon, who play the other two interns, also deliver outstanding performances.
4. Marriage Contract
Marriage Contract is a South Korean romantic melodrama released in 2016. It stars Lee Seo-jin and UEE. It's about a single mother who gets into a contract marriage with a wealthy businessman who needs a liver transplant.
The drama has a 7.8 rating on IMDb and an 89% rating on AsianWiki. It has received appreciation for its realistic depiction of marriage and family, as well as the great chemistry between its two stars.
Cast
- Lee Seo-jin as Han Ji-hoon
- UEE as Kang Hye-soo
- Kim Yoo-ri as Eun-sung
- Lee Sung-jae as Han Sung-gook
- Kim Hye-eun as Kim Na-yeon
- Park Jung-soo as Choi Yoon-hee
- Kim So-jin as Joo Yeon
- Eun-seo is played by Shin Rin-ah.
Review
Marriage Contract is an excellently written and performed drama that delves into the complicated issues of love, family, and sacrifice. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot is joyful as well as depressing.
As the two leads, Lee Seo-jin and UEE deliver outstanding performances. They have amazing chemistry together and express their characters' emotional journeys authentically. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Kim Yoo-ri and Lee Sung-jae standing out.
One of the aspects that distinguishes Marriage Contract is its realistic depiction of marriage. It depicts both the positive and negative aspects of marriage, as well as the difficulties that couples experience in their daily lives. The drama also does an excellent job of emphasizing the value of family and the sacrifices made by parents for their children.
Overall, Marriage Contract is a must-see for Korean drama enthusiasts. It's a well-written, well-acted, and touching drama that delves into the thorny issues of love, family, and sacrifice.
5. Something about 1%
Something About 1% is a South Korean romantic comedy-drama series that premiered in 2016 and stars Ha Seok-jin and Jun So-min. It follows the narrative of Lee Jae-in (Ha Seok-jin), a wealthy and haughty chaebol heir, and Kim Da-hyun (Jun So-min), a poor but kind-hearted contract worker at Jae-in's company.
The drama has a 7.5 rating on IMDb and an 87% rating on AsianWiki. It is recognized for its touching plot, endearing characters, and good chemistry between the two stars.
Cast
- Ha Seok-jin as Lee Jae-in
- Jun So-min as Kim Da-hyun
- Lee Jung-jin as Lee Min-hyuk
- Kang Ye-won as Oh So-yeon
- Shim Hyung-tak as Kim Won-sam
- Kim Mi-kyung as Choi Eun-hee
- Kim Jung-hak as Lee Seung-man
- Jung Hye-sung as Moon Hee-sun Jung
Review
Something About 1% is a touching and romantic comedy-drama that will leave you smiling. The plot is straightforward but effective, and the characters are all endearing.
The two leads, Ha Seok-jin and Jun So-min, have fantastic chemistry. They convincingly convey their characters' love journey, making the drama even more enjoyable to watch.
The upbeat and hopeful tone of Something About 1% is one of the factors that makes it so entertaining. The play demonstrates that with the love and support of those you care about, you can overcome any barrier. It also teaches us that money isn't everything in life and that true happiness comes from spending time with the people we care about.
Overall, Something About 1% is a charming romantic comedy drama that will appeal to audiences of all ages. It's a heartwarming and motivating drama that will leave you feeling good on the inside.
6. Fated To Love You
Fated to Love You is a South Korean romantic comedy-drama series starring Jang Hyuk and Jang Nara that premiered in 2014. Kim Mi-young (Jang Nara), a meek and clumsy woman, becomes pregnant by accident after a one-night encounter with Lee Gun (Jang Hyuk), a wealthy and haughty chaebol heir.
The drama has an 8.2 rating on MyDramaList and a 7.9 rating on IMDb. It has received critical acclaim for its happy plot, amusing and memorable characters, and excellent chemistry between the two stars.
Cast
- Jang Hyuk as Lee Gun
- Jang Nara as Kim Mi-young
- Choi Jin-hyuk as Daniel Choi
- Wang Ji-hye as Kang Se-ra
- Kim Sung-kyun as Cha Joo-hwan
- Yoon Ji-hyeon
- Jung Eun-chae as Lee Yoon-hee
- Gong Hyun-joo as Lee Se
- Gong Hyung-jin as Lee Tae Kim Byung-ok in the role of Kim Duk-bae
Review
Fated to Love You is a timeless Korean romantic comedy-drama that will have you laughing, crying, and swooning. The plot is straightforward but effective, and the characters are all pleasant and sympathetic.
Jang Hyuk and Jang Nara, the two leads, have fantastic chemistry. They convincingly convey their characters' love journey, making the drama even more enjoyable to watch.
One of the elements that distinguishes Fated to Love You is its sweet and humorous tale. The drama demonstrates that love can develop in the most unexpected locations, and that with the love and support of those you care about, you can overcome any difficulty.
Fated to Love You is a must-see for fans of Korean dramas. It's a well-written, well-acted, and touching drama that you'll remember long after you've finished viewing it.
Personal assessment
I wholeheartedly recommend Fated to Love You to anyone looking for a lighthearted and uplifting Korean drama. It's a romantic comedy that will make you laugh, cry, and swoon. The characters are all very appealing and approachable, and the love story between the two main characters is very touching.
Fated to Love You is a classic Korean romantic comedy-drama that has everything a drama fan could want: humor, romance, uplifting moments, and a satisfying finale. It's a drama I can watch over and over again and still like it as much as the first time I saw it.
7. Marriage, Not Dating
Marriage, Not Dating is a South Korean romantic comedy-drama series that premiered in 2014, starring Yeon Woo-jin and Han Groo. It follows Gong Gi-tae (Yeon Woo-jin), a successful plastic surgeon who is under pressure from his family to marry, and Joo Jang-mi (Han Groo), a veterinary veterinarian who is looking for real love.
The drama has a 7.7 rating on IMDb and an 89% rating on AsianWiki. It has received appreciation for its endearing characters, funny language, and touching plot.
Cast
- Yeon Woo-jin as Gong Gi-tae
- Han Groo as Joo Jang-mi
- Kim Hee-won as Cha Soo-hyun
- Jung Jin-young as Gong Gi-seok
- Yoon So-hee as Nam Ga-rin
- Han Sun-hwa as Han Yeo-reum
- Jinwoon as Han Ji-woo
- Yoon Joo-hee as Gong Se-ah
Review
Marriage, Not Dating is a sweet and amusing romantic comedy-drama that will make you laugh. The plot is straightforward but effective, and the characters are all pleasant and sympathetic.
The two stars, Yeon Woo-jin and Han Groo, have fantastic chemistry. They convincingly convey their characters' love journey, making the drama even more enjoyable to watch.
One of the things that distinguishes Marriage, Not Dating is its heartwarming story. The drama demonstrates that genuine love may be found even in the most unexpected places. It also teaches us the importance of being loyal to ourselves and following our hearts.
Overall, Marriage, Not Dating is a must-see for Korean drama enthusiasts. It's a well-written, well-acted, and touching drama that you'll remember long after you've finished viewing it.
8. The Accidental Couple (2009)
Hwang Jung-min and Kim Ah-joong star in the South Korean romantic comedy-drama series The Accidental Couple (2009). It relates the story of a post office employee and a famous actress who marry by accident after spending the night together in a hospital.
The drama has an IMDb rating of 8.1 and an AsianWiki rating of 89%. It is recognized for its touching plot, endearing characters, and good chemistry between the two stars.
Cast
- Hwang Jung-min as Choi Chun-soo
- Kim Ah-joong as Han Ji-soo
- Joo Sang-wook as Han Sang-chul
- Jeon Mi-seon as Min Ji-sook
- Lee Chung-ah as Baek Se-jin
- Baek Sung-hyun as Kim Joo-hwan
- Yoon Joo-sang as Han Sung-joong
- Kim Kwang
Review
The Accidental Couple is a delightful and uplifting romantic comedy-drama that will leave you smiling. The plot is straightforward but effective, and the characters are all pleasant and sympathetic.
Hwang Jung-min and Kim Ah-joong, the two stars, have fantastic chemistry. They convincingly convey their characters' love journey, making the drama even more enjoyable to watch.
One of the aspects that distinguishes The Accidental Couple is its honest and relatable portrayal of marriage. The story demonstrates that marriage is not always simple, but it is worthwhile to battle for if you truly love your mate. It also teaches us that being honest and upfront with our loved ones is crucial, even when it is difficult.
Certainly, here are the ratings, cast, and a brief review of the Korean dramas "The King 2 Hearts" and "Prime Minister and I."
9. The King 2 Hearts
Rating: "The King 2 Hearts" received favorable ratings and was well-received by viewers. It had an average viewership rating of around 15% during its run.
Cast:
- Lee Seung-gi as Lee Jae-ha
- Ha Ji-won as Kim Hang-ah
- Jo Jung-suk as Eun Shi-kyung
- Yoon Je-moon as Kim Bong-gu
Review:
"The King 2 Hearts" is a captivating blend of romance, political intrigue, and action. Set in an alternate reality where South Korea is a constitutional monarchy, the drama follows the unlikely love story between brash Prince Lee Jae-ha and North Korean Special Forces officer Kim Hang-ah. Lee Seung-gi and Ha Ji-won's chemistry shines in this series, and the supporting cast adds depth to the story. With its gripping plot and well-executed action sequences, "The King 2 Hearts" keeps viewers on the edge of their seats while delivering moments of heartwarming romance. It's a rollercoaster of emotions that explores the complexities of love and duty.
10. Prime Minister and I
Rating: "Prime Minister and I" received moderate ratings, averaging around 7-8% viewership during its broadcast.
Cast:
- Lee Beom-soo as Kwon Yul
- Im Yoon-ah (Yoona) as Nam Da-jung
- Yoon Shi-yoon as Kang In-ho
- Chae Jung-an as Seo Hye-joo
Review:
"Prime Minister and I" is a lighthearted romantic comedy that centers around the unlikely romance between Prime Minister Kwon Yul and an energetic, ordinary young woman named Nam Da-jung. Lee Beom-soo and Im Yoon-ah deliver charming performances, and their on-screen chemistry is endearing. The drama combines humor, family dynamics, and political intrigue as it explores the challenges faced by the characters in balancing their personal lives with their public responsibilities. While it may not have achieved exceptionally high ratings, "Prime Minister and I" offers a sweet and heartwarming story that appeals to fans of romantic comedies.
Both "The King 2 Hearts" and "Prime Minister and I" bring unique elements to the world of Korean dramas, catering to different tastes and preferences. Whether you're in the mood for a thrilling political romance or a light-hearted comedy, these dramas have something to offer.