Noona (+ Notes)
Here I'll compile a list of noona titles I've watched and my notes on them in regards to the accuracy of the older woman/younger man dynamic. I'm still somewhat of a pleb when it comes to noona romance so this list will start out v smol.
I am aware that a lot of noona romance is made to be gratifying only and I'm not here to shame anyone who enjoys that, but to me, that's poor writing and I don't like it. I am tired of women being portrayed as immature idiots, even when it's most realistic for them not to be.
Here are the qualifications:
- Good Noona Rep = Mature FL/Immature ML (unless otherwise plot-relevant stuff that might mature someone quickly), Women already established in life and career, Women with past relationships, Hard-to-please women - Men still figuring things out, Childish/juvenile-like men | Female led relationship
- Not every high-ranking title will have all, but that's the ideal noona experience imo.
- Bad Noona Rep = Immature FL/Mature ML, Virgin and/or loser FL, Broke/starting-out energy with FL, very unhappy FL - Hyper mature ML, very well-established ML | Male led relationship
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![Run On]()
1. Run On
Korean Drama - 2020, 16 episodes
Pretty Good Rep. Secondary couple. SFL is a well-established CEO who takes no bullshit and can even be considered mean while SML is a bubbly and broke asf art student desperately seeking out her attention.
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![Shufu Maison]()
2. Shufu Maison
Japanese Drama - 2021, 6 episodes
Quite Alright Rep. 3rd arc follows an older woman and younger man dynamic. This one was quite tasteful. FL is at a different point in her life, focused on her work and career while ML still has that wide-eyed wonder and longing for puppy love. Surprisingly well-done
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![Beautiful Vampire]()
3. Beautiful Vampire
Korean Movie - 2018
Not Bad Rep. Another vampire age gap. This one was okay. They did try to make FL more mature, jaded and done-with-life in contrast with the VERY bubbly and carefree ML but it was still somewhat lacking
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![Joosama ni Sasagu Kusuriyubi]()
4. Joosama ni Sasagu Kusuriyubi
Japanese Drama - 2023, 6 episodes
Not Bad Rep. This one was cute, definitely not great rep but not bad either. FL is an office worker and ML is a college student. He definitely nailed the cutesy lil brother role, wanting to impress her and being flustered and FL was a bit shy and insecure but that is still possible in your 30s and otherwise she was more composed and mature.
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![Fist & Faith]()
5. Fist & Faith
Chinese Movie - 2017
Okay, but... The noona rep is quite alright. FL is more mature and composed while ML is a try-hard wanting to win her favour... unfortunately she's an adult and he's in highschool soooo
Adult/Minor
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![Destined to Meet You]()
6. Destined to Meet You
Chinese Drama - 2022, 20 episodes
Bad Rep. FL is the classic 30-something little girl. God, she was unbearable. Save for a handful of moments where she behaves in a competent manner, she was just an irritating bossy little girl. ML was fairly standard ML- a little bratty but otherwise weirdly mature and composed.
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![The Sweet Blood]()
7. The Sweet Blood
Korean Drama - 2021, 15 episodes
Bad Rep. FL is allegedly over 100 years old but she's still in high school and behaves as such.
Adult/Minor
