5 Underrated Korean Romantic Dramas You Shouldn’t Miss: Hidden Gems from the Past 5 Years
The global success of K-dramas like Crash Landing on You and Queen of Tears has spotlighted high-budget productions with A-list stars.
However, some of the most heartfelt and creative Korean romantic dramas from recent years flew under the radar—despite their unique storytelling, emotional depth, and captivating performances. Here are five underrated Korean romantic dramas from the past five years that deserve your attention.
You Make Me Dance (2021)
A beautifully compact Boys’ Love (BL) drama, You Make Me Dance tells the story of Hong-seok, a contemporary dancer, and Jin-woo, a cold debt collector. Their bond grows through music, movement, and shared pain, offering a healing romance wrapped in lyrical choreography and a moving OST.
Despite being just eight 15-minute episodes, it earned an 8.0 rating on MyDramaList and a loyal fanbase for its sincere message about love, prejudice, and self-acceptance.
If you love short, meaningful stories and artistic romance, this is a hidden gem.
The Interest of Love (2022–2023)
Set in a Seoul bank, this drama weaves a complex web of love and ambition among four colleagues. The Interest of Love stars Yoo Yeon Seok and Moon Ga-young, exploring class dynamics and emotional vulnerability with understated grace.
With a 7.7/10 rating on MyDramaList and an evocative OST featuring J Rabbit and Jeong Sewoon, it delivers slow-burn storytelling for those who crave realistic relationship dilemmas.
This is a raw, grounded love story with powerful performances and subtle emotional weight.
Soundtrack #1 (2022)
This four-episode Disney+ miniseries stars Park Hyung-sik and Han So-hee as lifelong friends navigating hidden feelings. Through shared living space and shared music, their bond is tested—and potentially transformed.
Its 8.2 rating on MyDramaList and standout tracks like Kyuhyun’s Love Beyond Words helped create an intimate, poignant drama praised for both chemistry and brevity.
This drama’s friends-to-lovers romance will be set to an unforgettable soundtrack, perfect for weekend bingeing.
My Liberation Notes (2022)
A slice-of-life masterpiece, My Liberation Notes centers on three siblings seeking more from life in a sleepy village. The romance between Kim Ji won and Son Seok Gu‘s mysterious Mr. Gu is slow but emotionally searing.
Though not a traditional rom-com, its 8.5 rating and critical acclaim prove its quiet power. The drama’s introspective tone resonates with viewers looking for stories grounded in real-life longing and growth.
This drama is definitely a poetic, emotionally rich drama for those who find beauty in the ordinary.
The Heavenly Idol (2023)
A fantasy rom-com with a twist, The Heavenly Idol stars Kim Min-gyu as a divine priest trapped in a K-pop idol’s body, navigating fame, fandom, and love with his manager, played by Go Bo-gyeol.
Despite its creative premise and fun execution, the show remained niche due to limited promotion. Still, its 7.8 rating and charming leads make it a delightful watch.
For a quirky, feel-good romance that pokes fun at the idol industry while delivering heart, right?
Whether you’re into introspective journeys, fantasy rom-coms, or artistic love stories, these underrated Korean romantic dramas offer something fresh and emotionally rewarding. Don’t let their quiet reception fool you—they’re more than worth the watch.
