Looking for something new and fresh? Let me introduce you to some of the best classic K-dramas that still offer something exciting for new K-drama fans! Don’t get me wrong, I love the recent shows, but there’s something special about classic K-dramas that newer ones can’t quite replicate. It’s all in the unique vibe from that time. The visuals, music, and storytelling feel like true cinematic experiences. When you watch them now, you’ll probably think, “Oh, they’re the ones who started this K-drama trend or trope we see today!”
So, let’s dive into these classic K-dramas that will make us “FALLing in love” with their stories, chemistry, and beauty!
Check out These Class K-Dramas that will Make You FALL in Love in September
“Sweet Proposal“
Starting with Son Ye Jin and Jung Joon’s 2001 rom-com “Sweet Proposal,” this unique drama follows a chef who falls in love with a woman—who just so happens to be the daughter of his father’s rival, determined to destroy their family restaurant. Their worlds collide when they join the same cooking class, leading to a heartwarming romance filled with delicious and mouth-watering dishes!
In terms of love, “Sweet Proposal” features the classic ‘enemies-to-lovers’ trope. Their relationship begins on rocky ground due to their parents’ rivalry, but as they spend more time together, they realize how much they complement each other and share a deep passion for cooking. The natural evolution of their love story is what truly makes us “FALL” in love with this charming couple!
“Sassy Girl, Chun Hyang“
The 2005 drama “Sassy Girl Chun Hyang” is one of the best rom-coms and marks the debut of the famous Hong Sisters as writers. A modern adaptation of the classic Korean folktale Chunhyangjeon, it tells the story of two high school students who are forced into an accidental marriage after they unintentionally spend the night in the same room, leading to plenty of comedic and heartfelt moments. The drama became hugely popular, reaching a peak viewership rating of 32.2%!
At the heart of this drama is the ‘contract marriage’ trope, which adds plenty of comedy but gradually evolves into real love. The push and pull between the leads make their relationship intriguing to watch, and it’s one of the reasons why viewers fell in love with the couple. Watching them develop feelings for each other despite their differences and unusual circumstances is heartwarming.
“Bright Girl’s Success“
“Bright Girl’s Success” is known for having one of the most iconic K-drama pairings, starring Jang Hyuk and Jang Na Ra. The drama revolves around Gi Tae, a wealthy businessman, and Yang Soon, a housemaid from a humble background, who form an unlikely bond. This rom-com is full of memorable moments, with one of the funniest being their first meeting—where Gi Tae parachutes and accidentally lands in Yang Soon’s outdoor bathtub!
The story follows the classic ‘rich guy, poor girl’ trope, as Gi Tae gradually falls for Yang Soon’s genuine and optimistic nature despite the challenges they face due to their different social statuses. The drama is praised for the leads’ incredible chemistry, and it became a massive hit, reaching a peak viewership rating of 42.6%.
“Lovers“
The third and final installment of Kim Eun Sook’s “Lovers” trilogy features Kim Jung Eun as Yoon Mi Joo, a plastic surgeon, and Lee Seo Jin as Ha Kang Jae, a gangster who falls for her. This drama isn’t just about romance but also delivers plenty of action, with the leads coming from vastly different worlds yet finding a deep connection.
“Lovers” follow the ‘opposites attract’ trope, where their contrasting lives create obstacles but also fuel their passion. Fans love this drama not just for the undeniable chemistry between the leads, but for the intensity in each scene, as their relationship grows despite the dangers and challenges they face.
“Stairway to Heaven“
If you’re looking for a heart-wrenching K-drama, “Stairway to Heaven” is the ultimate classic. Starring Choi Ji Woo and Kwon Sang Woo as childhood friends torn apart by tragedy, this iconic early 2000s drama reached a peak rating of 45.3%. Known for its emotional depth and dramatic plot twists, it helped popularize the ‘tragic love’ trope, featuring amnesia and a heartbreaking ending.
The love story in “Stairway to Heaven” revolves around the ‘childhood friends to lovers’ trope, filled with longing, heartbreak, and an unbreakable bond that endures despite time, distance, and fate since they always find themselves coming back to each other. It’s a drama that will make you fall in love but also bring you to tears.
“Full House“
Let’s revisit another beloved rom-com! “Full House” stars Song Hye Kyo as Ji Eun, an aspiring writer, and Rain as Young Jae, a popular actor. Their story kicks off when Ji Eun is tricked by her friends into selling her house, which Young Jae ends up buying. To get her home back, she enters into a “contract marriage” with him, leading to a series of hilarious and romantic moments.
“Full House” combines two popular tropes: ‘living together’ and ‘marriage by convenience.’ What starts as a fake relationship gradually turns into something real! The drama is famous for the leads’ constant bickering and undeniable chemistry, delivering heartwarming moments that captured viewers’ hearts. As a pioneer in the rom-com genre, Full House earned an impressive 42% rating on its final episode.
“My Lovely Sam Soon“
“My Lovely Sam Soon” stars Kim Sun Ah and Hyun Bin as a pastry chef and a restaurant owner. The drama follows Sam Soon, who is determined to succeed in her career after being dumped by her cheating boyfriend. While working at Jin Heon’s restaurant as a pastry chef, she finds herself entering into a contract relationship with him for their mutual benefit.
Their love story follows the classic ‘enemies to lovers’ trope, filled with playful banter that draws you into their relationship. Sam Soon and Jin Heon perfectly complement each other, making them a cute and natural couple. This drama became a massive hit thanks to its relatable characters, witty script, and the strong chemistry between its leads!
Let’s experience FALLing in love with all these classic K-dramas all available on KOCOWA+ with multi-language professional subtitles!
