Dramas with Romance + RomComs

My favorite drama of all time. Lee Jong Suk, the man that you are.

The perfect mix of multiple genres: action, thriller, romance, legal, and comedy. Literally started my love of action/thriller romances and built my taste in fictional material. Once the intro section passes and the drama gets going, it seems episodic at first. But trust me, there's an overarching plot point. ML and FL don't get along at first, but their relationship turns into a ride-or-die situation as time passes. Warning: there is a love triangle. Don't think that guy had a chance though.

Watched this twice, but a long time ago, so I lack things to say.

This was the CDrama that broke my western romance film marathon, and I am very glad that it was this one. It's a perfect mix of angst, comfort, humor, and heart-wrenching yearning. Each episode started with a flashback, then fast-forwarded into the present--telling two stories at once. I didn't pay close attention to the cinematography while I was watching 'cause I was immersed in the story, but seeing the edits people make these days, I can see the subtle beauty in the way this drama was shot. Sang Yan, who is the biggest, most pathetic loser of an ML I've ever seen, is also the biggest lover boy on planet Earth. I really had always been Wen Yifan, and my heart still hurts when I think about it. Aside from the romance, Wen Yifan's past experiences were horrid, and I feel both appalled and impressed that the writers created such a dark past for her. I think the thing that stuck with me the most wasn't the romance, but the way Wen Yifan healed from her trauma. By the end, she could love herself alongside the boy she had loved all those years ago.

This drama probably had the most consistently long episodes out of all the ones I've watched, but I definitely have felt more rushed trying to finish shorter ones. The story, first of all, was crazy. The FL hatched a revenge plan on her own, then collected allies to make those plans come to fruition. The ML, DUKE SU (I screamed it in my head every time he was onscreen), was charismatic, intelligent, and lethal with a fan. Most importantly, he respected my queen, Xue Fangfei, and went along with her plans basically every single time. I've seen their drunk scene through still shots before, and didn't really get why people thought that there was tension. Actually watching it play out in the drama was insane, 'cause the tension was so thick, I had trouble breathing. This could have been one of the best dramas of my life, but the ending was so not good that I felt kinda cheated. Also, Shen Yurong, you are my mortal enemy and I hate you with a passion not even Princess Wanning could evoke from me.

One of my favorite things about this drama were the OSTs. The first time I heard the intro, I was tempted to listen to the entire thing, and I'm the type that always skips intros. The soundtracks that play throughout the drama are beautiful as well, and really adds to the overall vibe. The vibe is very fairytale-esque because the FL is a children's book author, but there's also this lowkey gothic aspect that can be seen in certain scenes. Relationship between FL and ML is lowkey toxic at first, with the breaches of privacy and FL following after ML everywhere. But I think their character growth really tones down the toxicity and starts to make everything they do romantic, including improving themselves with the help of and for the other person. Angst is very prevalent, don't take it lightly. Shoutout to ML's brother's actor who made his character shine.

There's something so addicting about a mix of action/thriller and romance. This drama captures the perfect balance between them and incorporates the one of the worst heartbreaks I experienced while watching KDramas (heartbreak was not caused by ML and FL relationship). Episodes are easy to binge 'cause there's always stuff happening that will make you want to watch one more. Revenge/karmic moments are satisfying, romance moments are filled with underlying tension, and actors were popping off. I will say, people have been loving the ending, but I feel like the last few episodes had strange directing choices. It's mostly because of the back-and-forth between flashbacks and present moments, which were essential to give the audience a surprise I guess, but it happened so much that it distracted me a bit. Not saying the ending wasn't satisfying, cause it definitely was.

The first thing I have to say is that I didn't watch all 40 episodes. I saw so many people saying to watch up until episode 34, and I'm glad I did, 'cause the ending spoilers I saw would have killed me inside if I actually watched the rest of the episodes. Ren Ruyi, the strongest person alive in this drama, was the character I respected the most. Though she wasn't as emotionally intelligent as she was tactically, she was all I'd ever wanted in a strong female character. I just really wish she didn't highkey try to assault the ML (she wanted a baby, not out of love for him) near the beginning. Ning Yuanzhou, the second strongest person alive in this drama, was a giant green flag. He was honorable, loyal, logical (didn't let his relationship with FL affect his job), and was not going to tie the FL down just so they could be together. The last few episodes (out of 34) were paced weirdly 'cause it kind of sped through some preparation scenes/battles to get to the important ones. If the ending wasn't so tragic, this drama would have been one of my favorites.

I don't know what I was expecting, but I was pleasantly surprised by the group dynamics in this drama. My favorite part of it was when they were investigating strange occurrences in random places and solved those cases (I'm a sucker for detective shows). They also obviously spent a lot of budget on the CGI and other SFX, 'cause there's this one scene where Mu Sheng enters a reflected version of their world, and my jaw was literally on the ground. I feel more and more thankful for the CGI budget as I discover more dramas with less budget (Back From the Brink, I'm looking at you). The relationship between Miaomiao and Mu Sheng was cute, but I heard that it was developed differently and more naturally in the novel. It objectively took them a while to even attempt confessing their feelings and their attempts were thwarted by non-canon drama, but I liked the story so much I didn't feel that rushed for them to finally get together. The one huge gripe I have with this story, though, is the ending. After everything they went through and everything I went through, I had to watch that ass ending. And it's not like it was bad per say, but it was just wtf-why-is-this-the-ending. Btw Ding Yuxi, I love you.

First things first, I want to say that the first two episodes made me sob in record-breaking time. I don't know if I was in a mood during that time, but those beginning episodes hit really hard. I recommend watching this if you're feeling depressed or struggling with mental health/burnout, cause it's oddly comforting to watch the characters navigate their own struggles. ML and FL were extremely supportive of one another, and it was cute to watch them try to cheer each other up. One thing I was a little disappointed about was that once ML and FL were permanently together, they kind of devolved into shy, giggly children about it, which is fine cause this drama does give romcom sometimes. I just wish they kept the vibe they had when they were starting out as supportive friends 

This is the least stress I've had about a KDrama couple ever, but the drawback is that all the stress I experienced came from the side characters. ML and FL were always there for each other, and they don't give you any chance to worry about their romantic development. The side characters, however, were the most frustrating people I've ever had the displeasure of using my eyes to watch. Of course, there were a few side characters that were cool or endearing, but the majority made me want to tear their hair out. This is the perfect drama for people who wanna watch a power couple try to manage a bunch of rowdy, entitled cowards. Once again, has a nice mix of action/thriller and romance (though it's hard to say if there's enough romance to call it romance).

The lack of drama and stress in this drama is a giant achievement in itself. The ML and FL were cute af and the second leads were obviously gonna end up together. Though the lack of drama is a blessing, I actually wished they went deeper into Zhang Lurang's relationship with his mom and his desire to achieve greater academic results. It was implied that he and his mom reconciled (I guess???), but I wanted to see at least one deep conversation between them. Back to the romance, it was fulfilling to see the ML and FL growing up together through high school and adulthood. The fact that they stayed so loyal to each other and never quarreled healed something in me that other dramas rotted away.

I don't know if it's just because I haven't watched that many dramas yet, but I've never seen such a big tsundere stereotype in a KDrama before. ML is abused/mistreated all his life, but meets a group of nice people at a hospital, which eventually softens him. If you read manga or watch anime, I'm sure this would remind you of the classic tsundere delinquent archetype (that grumbles but does what he's told). Romance between ML and FL was rather casual; not like a fling, but they weren't blushing at each other all the time. I actually liked that dynamic 'cause it fit into the story better than if they were obsessed with each other. Angst hits pretty hard in the second half of the show, so be prepared. I just wish there were more scenarios where the characters granted wishes before the angst hit, as that's what drew me to this drama in the first place.

When I first saw pictures of this drama, I didn't think ML would be my type. But lord help me if I'm not charmed by his confident, almost cocky demeanor. The skinship and physical closeness between him and the FL reached levels of tension I didn't think were possible. Oh my god, his hands on her waist.... But before all that happens, you'll have to deal with a love square and fake dating trope, so good luck. It's only smooth sailing once all that is over (relationship-wise).

I hold a grudge against this drama for getting rid of ML's long hair. I know ML's actor usually wears it shorter anyway, but the longer hair suited him so much (i'm a long hair lover). Of course, with the fake marriage trope, it comes with a side of "does he/she like me?? oh my god, what if he/she finds out i like them???". Fortunately, all that questioning and pining isn't actually that dramatic and it resolves itself almost without you noticing. Warning: breakup near the end before they get back together again.

PLS BRING BACK THE LONG HAIR PLSSSPLSPLSPLS

I was in a drama slump, so I wasn't expecting much out of this. But, surprise surprise, it was actually quite entertaining for a drama that takes place in the same day over and over again. Some people might think it's slow or that it's lacking in variety because of the recurring event, outfits, characters, but I think that's what makes it so interesting. ML and FL slowly unravel the reason behind the time loop and eventually grow close enough to easily accept their romantic feelings for each other. There's literally no time for them to develop any romantic bad blood, so no worries about that. They eventually become naturally nice to each other anyway. I will say that romance is a really small aspect of this drama, though the leads are together like 24/7. Personally, the plot was enough to carry me through.

The first episode was the craziest first episode I've ever seen. Not because the plot was introduced in a shocking way or because there was an unexpected plot point, but because of the SFX and camerawork. I was expecting great things from this director 'cause of his work on My Journey to You (never watched that one), and I was not disappointed. In the first episode, during Zhuo Yichen and Zhao Yuanzhou's first fight sequence, I was incredibly hyped. The fight choreography with the sword and umbrella, the contrasting colors of blue and red, and the Liu Yuning OST playing in the background. I almost cried 'cause I was so happy to experience such an insane sequence. And of course, throughout the drama, there are some insane shots that are imprinted in my mind. Unfortunately, as the story progresses, it deteriorates into something directionless and pointless. Everything seemed good up until the first case ended. The romance between Zhao Yuanzhou and Wen Xiao seemed natural in the beginning (because of their relationship dynamics), but I actually preferred it when they were just bickering and flirting (without the romantic ties). I understand that Li Lun was hot and that I could have finished this drama normally, but I couldn't take the drop in story quality, and played the last few episodes in 2x speed. If the SFX, CGI, camerawork, OSTs, and costuming weren't so insane, this drama would've ranked lower. Speaking of the OSTs, they were so atmospheric and pretty. Zhao Yuanzhou's theme OST was especially pretty.

I know people say that this drama healed them or that it was calming, but I felt an unreasonable amount of stress during a portion of this drama. It wasn't like the issues the characters faced were that bad (the stakes were really not that high), but things were happening in such a roundabout way. The main leads, or at least the ML, had clear attraction for each other early on. However, even when a love confession happened (still, pretty early on), they didn't get together until several episodes later. Knowing that they were gonna get together anyway, I felt annoyed that I had to wait. It's unreasonable annoyance, I know, but the main point is: I was not healed by this drama. Good thing is, once they got together, I felt peaceful (even though it also felt like getting to the end was slow af). Those two probably made the most tension-filled implied sex scene I've ever seen in my life, and some of their kisses were kinda insane.