8 Binge-Worthy 2018 Korean Romantic Comedies
8 Binge-Worthy 2018 Korean Romantic Comedies. Korean dramas have been making waves in the global entertainment industry for the past decade, and their popularity shows no signs of slowing down. In recent years, Korean dramas have taken the world by storm, captivating audiences with their unique blend of romance, comedy, and drama. These shows have not only captured the hearts of fans in Korea but have also gained a massive following in countries like the United States, China, and Japan.
2018 was an exceptional year for Korean romantic comedies, and many of these dramas have become cult favorites among viewers. With so many dramas to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one to watch next. This list of 8 must-watch romantic comedies from 2018 is the perfect guide for those looking to explore the world of Korean dramas or for seasoned fans seeking out their next binge-watching obsession.
Why Are Korean Dramas so Popular?
One of the reasons why Korean dramas have become so popular is their ability to provide a unique viewing experience. Korean romantic comedies are known for their ability to make you laugh, cry, and feel deeply invested in the lives of their characters. 2018 was no exception, as a variety of romantic comedies captured viewers’ hearts with their endearing characters, hilarious plotlines, and heartwarming moments.
Whether you’re new to the Korean drama scene or a seasoned fan, this list of 20 must-watch romantic comedies from 2018 will provide you with the perfect binge-watching material for your next cozy night. From the romantic and hilarious “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” to the heartwarming “Something in the Rain,” this list has something for everyone. So grab some snacks, settle in, and get ready to fall in love with these delightful dramas! These dramas will take you on a rollercoaster of emotions, and you will find yourself becoming attached to the characters and their stories.
8 Romantic Korean Dramas in 2018
- What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim
- Thirty But Seventeen
- My ID is Gangnam Beauty
- The Beauty Inside
- Are You Human Too?
- Something in the Rain
- Clean with Passion for Now
- Familiar Wife
Check out the links provided for your binge-watching pleasure!!!
What to watch next??
Looking for romantic comedy dramas about marriage? Here is a list of what to watch next: 10 Korean Dramas About Marriage that will tug at Your Heartstrings
01. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim
| Title | What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim |
| Male Lead | Park Seo-joon as Lee Young-joon / Lee Sung-hyun |
| Female Lead | Park Min-young as Kim Mi-so |
| Writer | Jung Eun-young |
| Episodes | 16 Episodes | 62–76 Minutes per Episode |
| Release | June 6 to July 26, 2018 |
| Genre | Romantic comedy |
| Language | Korean |
| Country of Origin | South Korea |
STORYLINE
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim is a romantic comedy Korean drama that aired in 2018. The story follows the arrogant and narcissistic Lee Young-Joon, who is the vice president of a large corporation. He relies heavily on his secretary, Kim Mi-so, to manage his personal and professional affairs. Kim Mi-so has been working for him for nine years, and despite her excellent performance, she decides to resign to pursue her own dreams.
As Lee Young-Joon tries to convince her to stay, he realizes that he has feelings for her. However, he struggles to express his emotions and deal with his insecurities, which stem from his difficult childhood. Kim Mi-so, on the other hand, tries to navigate her own personal and professional growth while managing her complicated feelings toward her boss.
The drama is filled with hilarious moments, heartwarming scenes, and a touching romance that will make you fall in love with the characters. It explores the themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the importance of communication in relationships. With excellent performances by the lead actors, Park Seo-Joon and Park Min-young, “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” is a must-watch for fans of romantic comedies.
02. Thirty But Seventeen
| Title | Thirty But Seventeen |
| Male Lead | Yang Se-jong as Gong Woo-jin |
| Female Lead | Shin Hye-sun as Woo Seo-ri |
| Writer | Jo Sung-hee |
| Episodes | 32 Episodes | 35 Minutes per Episode |
| Release | July 23 to September 18, 2018 |
| Genre | Romantic comedy |
| Language | Korean |
| Country of Origin | South Korea |
STORYLINE
Thirty But Seventeen is a heartwarming Korean drama that tells the story of a young woman named Woo Seo-ri, who falls into a coma at the age of 17 after a tragic accident. When she wakes up 13 years later, she discovers that she is now 30 years old and has missed out on her teenage years. Struggling to adjust to her new life, Seo-ri finds comfort in a kind-hearted violinist named Gong Woo-jin, who has been living in seclusion since a traumatic incident from his past.
As Seo-ri and Woo-jin begin to spend more time together, they slowly begin to heal each other’s emotional wounds and develop a deep connection. However, their relationship is complicated by the presence of Jennifer, a former student of Woo-jin who has always been in love with him.
As Seo-ri starts to rebuild her life, she discovers that she has a talent for creating beautiful and intricate sculptures. With the help of her newfound friends and family, she begins to pursue her passion and discovers the joy of living life to the fullest.
The drama is filled with heartwarming moments, emotional twists, and captivating performances from the talented cast, including Shin Hye-sun as Woo Seo-ri, Yang Se-jong as Gong Woo-jin, and Ahn Hyo-seop as Yoo Chan, a caring doctor who befriends Seo-ri. With its compelling storyline, relatable characters, and beautiful cinematography, Thirty But Seventeen is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good romantic drama that celebrates the power of love and self-discovery.
03. My ID is Gangnam Beauty
| Title | My ID is Gangnam Beauty |
| Male Lead | Cha Eun-woo as Do Kyung-seok |
| Female Lead | Im Soo-Hyang as Kang Mi-rae |
| Writer | Choi Soo-young |
| Episodes | 16 Episodes | 60 minutes per Episode |
| Release | July 27 to September 15, 2018 |
| Genre | Coming of age, Romance Comedy, Drama |
| Language | Korean |
| Country of Origin | South Korea |
STORYLINE
My ID is Gangnam Beauty is a popular Korean drama that explores the theme of beauty standards and how they affect the lives of young people. The drama follows the story of Kang Mi-rae, a college student who undergoes plastic surgery in order to become more beautiful and boost her self-confidence.
Despite her newfound beauty, Mi-rae struggles to fit in and faces harsh criticism and judgment from her peers. She is constantly compared to the popular girls at school, who are considered to be the epitome of beauty and elegance. However, she finds comfort in the friendship of a kind-hearted and caring classmate named Do Kyung-Seok, who sees beyond her physical appearance and helps her navigate through the difficulties of college life.
As the story unfolds, Mi-rae and Kyung-seok’s friendship deepens, and they begin to develop romantic feelings for each other. However, their relationship is tested by the pressure of societal expectations and the harsh judgment of their peers.
My ID is Gangnam Beauty is a thought-provoking drama that challenges viewers to question societal norms and standards of beauty. It highlights the importance of self-acceptance and encourages viewers to embrace their unique qualities and characteristics. The drama also explores the themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery, making it relatable to audiences of all ages.
The drama boasts an exceptional cast, including Im Soo-Hyang as Kang Mi-rae, Cha Eun-woo as Do Kyung-Seok, and Jo Woo-ri as Hyun Soo-ah, a popular and superficial classmate of Mi-rae’s. With its compelling storyline, relatable characters, and beautiful cinematography, My ID is Gangnam Beauty is a must-watch for anyone who is looking for a drama that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
04. The Beauty Inside
| Title | The Beauty Inside |
| Male Lead | Lee Min-ki as Seo Do-Jae |
| Female Lead | Seo Hyun-jin as Han Se-gye |
| Writer | Im Mea-ri |
| Episodes | 16 Episodes | 60 Minutes per Episode |
| Release | October 1 to November 20, 2018 |
| Genre | Fantasy, Melodrama, Romantic Comedy |
| Language | Korean |
| Country of Origin | South Korea |
STORYLINE
The Beauty Inside is a captivating Korean drama that explores the theme of identity and what it means to be truly beautiful. The drama follows the story of Han Se-gye, a popular and successful actress who has a unique condition that causes her to change into a different person every month for a week.
Despite her fame and success, Se-gye struggles to maintain stable relationships due to her condition. However, her life takes a turn when she meets Seo Do-Jae, a cold and distant executive who suffers from prosopagnosia, a condition that prevents him from recognizing faces.
As Se-gye and Do-Jae get to know each other, they begin to develop a deep connection and discover that they share a common struggle with identity. However, their relationship is complicated by the presence of Lee Hye-jin, Do-jae’s childhood friend who has always been in love with him.
The Beauty Inside is a beautifully crafted drama that delves into the complex themes of identity, self-acceptance, and love. The drama features an exceptional cast, including Seo Hyun-jin as Han Se-gye, Lee Min-ki as Seo Do-Jae, and Lee Da-hee as Lee Hye-jin. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, and their performances bring the characters to life in a way that is both relatable and engaging.
The drama is visually stunning, with breathtaking cinematography and an incredible soundtrack that complements the story’s emotional tone. The Beauty Inside is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good romantic drama with a thought-provoking storyline that leaves a lasting impression.
05. Are You Human Too?
| Title | Are You Human Too? |
| Male Lead | Seo Kang-joon as Nam Shin / Nam Shin III |
| Female Lead | Gong Seung-yeon as Kang So-bong |
| Writer | Jo Jung-joo |
| Episodes | 36 Episodes | 35 Minutes |
| Release | June 4 to August 7, 2018 |
| Genre | Science fiction, Romance, Politics, Mystery |
| Language | Korean |
| Country of Origin | South Korea |
STORYLINE
Are You Human Too? is a gripping Korean drama that explores the theme of humanity in the context of artificial intelligence. The drama follows the story of Nam Shin, the heir to a large conglomerate who falls into a coma after an assassination attempt. In order to protect him from further harm, his mother creates an android replica of him named Nam Shin III.
As Nam Shin III takes on the identity of the real Nam Shin, he begins to develop a sense of humanity and emotions, much to the surprise of his creators. However, his existence is threatened by those who seek to use him for their own gain, and he must navigate through the complex world of corporate politics and intrigue to protect his loved ones and prove his worth as a being with emotions and feelings.
The drama features exceptional performances from Seo Kang-joon, who plays both Nam Shin and Nam Shin III, and Gong Seung-yeon, who plays Kang So-bong, Nam Shin III’s bodyguard and confidante. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and their performances bring depth and nuance to their characters.
Are You Human Too? is a thought-provoking drama that raises important questions about the nature of humanity and our relationship with technology. It also explores themes of family, loyalty, and identity, making it relatable to audiences of all ages. With its gripping storyline, exceptional cast, and stunning visuals, Are You Human Too? is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good sci-fi drama with a heart.
06. Something in the Rain
| Title | Something in the Rain |
| Male Lead | Jung Hae-in as Seo Joon-hee |
| Female Lead | Son Ye-jin as Yoon Jin-ah |
| Writer | Kim Eun |
| Episodes | 16 Episodes | 70 Minutes per Episode |
| Release | March 30 to May 19, 2018 |
| Genre | Romance |
| Language | Korean |
| Country of Origin | South Korea |
STORYLINE
Something in the Rain is a captivating Korean drama that explores the theme of love and the challenges that come with it. The drama follows the story of Yoon Jin-ah, a successful career woman who re-evaluates her life after a painful breakup. She meets her childhood friend’s younger brother, Seo Joon-hee, who has just returned from working overseas.
As they spend more time together, Jin-ah and Joon-hee develop a close relationship that soon turns into a romance. However, their relationship is met with resistance from their friends and family, who disapprove of their age difference and unconventional pairing.
The drama delves into the complexities of love, exploring the themes of societal expectations, ageism, and the struggles of maintaining a relationship in the face of opposition. The chemistry between the lead actors, Son Ye-jin as Yoon Jin-ah and Jung Hae-in as Seo Joon-hee, is palpable, and their performances bring depth and nuance to their characters.
Something in the Rain is a beautifully crafted drama, with stunning cinematography and a poignant soundtrack that complements the story’s emotional tone. It is a thought-provoking drama that challenges viewers to question their own beliefs about love and relationships.
The drama also features strong supporting characters, including Jin-ah’s mother, who is struggling with her own issues of aging and loneliness, and Joon-hee’s friends, who provide a glimpse into the struggles of young people in modern-day South Korea.
Overall, Something in the Rain is a must-watch drama for anyone who enjoys a good romance with a touch of realism and thought-provoking themes.
07. Clean with Passion for Now
| Title | Clean with Passion for Now |
| Male Lead | Yoon Kyun-sang as Jang Seon-kyul |
| Female Lead | Kim Yoo-jung as Gil Oh-sol |
| Writer | Han Hee-Jung |
| Episodes | 16 Episodes | 70 Minutes per Episode |
| Release | November 26, 2018, to February 4, 2019 |
| Genre | Romantic comedy |
| Language | Korean |
| Country of Origin | South Korea |
STORYLINE
Clean with Passion for Now is a heartwarming Korean drama that follows the story of Jang Sun-gyeol, the CEO of a cleaning company that suffers from mysophobia, a fear of germs and contamination. His life takes a turn when he meets Gil Oh-sol, a free-spirited and messy young woman who works at a cleaning company.
As Sun-gyeol and Oh-sol get to know each other, they begin to develop a deep connection and help each other overcome their personal struggles. However, their relationship is complicated by the presence of Choi Gun, Oh-sol’s childhood friend who has always been in love with her.
The drama explores the themes of mental health, self-acceptance, and the power of love to overcome personal struggles. It also features exceptional performances from Yoon Kyun-sang, who plays Jang Sun-gyeol, Kim Yoo-Jung, who plays Gil Oh-sol, and Song Jae-rim, who plays Choi Gun. The chemistry between the actors is palpable, and their performances bring the characters to life in a way that is both relatable and engaging.
Clean with Passion for Now, is visually stunning, with breathtaking cinematography and an incredible soundtrack that complements the emotional tone of the story. The drama is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a good romantic comedy with a heart, and for those who are interested in exploring the themes of mental health and self-acceptance. Overall, Clean with Passion for Now is a touching drama that is sure to leave a lasting impression on its viewers.
08. Familiar Wife
| Title | Familiar Wife |
| Male Lead | Ji Sung as Cha Joo-hyuk |
| Female Lead | Han Ji-min as Seo Woo-jin |
| Writer | Yang Hee-sung |
| Episodes | 16 Episodes | 75 Minutes per Episode |
| Release | August 1 to September 20, 2018 |
| Genre | Romance, Fantasy, Drama, Comedy |
| Language | Korean |
| Country of Origin | South Korea |
STORYLINE
Familiar Wife is a captivating Korean drama that explores the theme of the choices we make in life and the consequences they have on our future. The drama follows the story of Cha Joo-hyuk, a bank employee who feels trapped in his mundane life and stagnant marriage to his wife, Seo Woo-jin.
One day, Joo-hyuk is given a chance to change the course of his life when he is transported to an alternate reality where he never married Woo-jin and is living a completely different life. However, as he begins to explore this new reality, he realizes that his choices have unforeseen consequences that affect not only his life but also those around him.
Exeptional Performances from the Actors
The drama features exceptional performances from the lead actors, Ji Sung as Cha Joo-hyuk and Han Ji-min as Seo Woo-jin. Their chemistry is palpable, and their performances bring depth and nuance to their characters.
Familiar Wife is a thought-provoking drama that challenges viewers to reflect on their own lives and the choices they have made. It explores themes of regret, love, and the importance of living in the present. The drama also features strong supporting characters, including Joo-hyuk’s friends and colleagues, who provide a glimpse into the struggles of modern-day working-class Koreans.
Overall, Familiar Wife is a must-watch drama for anyone who enjoys a good romantic drama with a touch of sci-fi and thought-provoking themes. With its gripping storyline, exceptional cast, and stunning visuals, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on its viewers.
Looking for more K Dramas to watch? Check out KDB’s What to Watch Next for more binge-worthy series you can choose from.
DISCLAIMER: The images used are not my own. They are from promotional materials released by their respective production companies. These images may be subject to copyright. No copyright infringement intended. This blog is for entertainment purposes only. [Last Update 04252024]
