Marriage. Most K-dramas we’ve watched treat it as the ultimate end goal, where characters get their “happily ever after.” But in reality, it’s just the start of a new chapter, with being married a whole lot different than simply being in a relationship.
Here are some K-dramas that give you a glimpse into what life is really like after tying the knot. It’s full of fun moments, where you get to share your everyday life with your loved one, but it’s not always rainbows and butterflies. You’ll see the ups and downs, the emotions, struggles, and challenges that come with being a married couple. It’s about sticking together through thick and thin, or sometimes realizing that maybe it’s best to go separate ways for each other’s happiness.
“My Merry Marriage” is Now Streaming on KOCOWA+
But first things first, did you know there’s a new family K-drama that just premiered earlier this month? It stars Park Ha Na and Park Sang Nam! “My Merry Marriage” revolves around Maeng Gong Hee, a contract designer who finally gets into the company of her dreams, only for her peaceful life to be shaken up when her childhood friend Gu Dan Soo moves in as her rooftop neighbor.
Taking over the timeslot from “Suji and Uri,” this new drama will have a total of 120 episodes, tackling themes like marriage, divorce, remarriage, and single life. It’s a heartwarming story that explores the true meaning of happiness, bringing about empathy and laughter for all generations!
“Go Back Couple“
If there’s one K-drama about marriage that’s mixed with a time-travel fantasy element, it’s “Go Back Couple“, starring Jang Na Ra and Son Ho Jun. This drama tells the story of a married couple on the verge of divorce, who suddenly find themselves traveling back in time to their 20-year-old bodies, giving them a second chance at life and love.
At first, they tried everything to not cross paths, but this unexpected opportunity forces them to reflect on their marriage from a fresh perspective. They relive moments of joy and sorrow they once took for granted and rediscover the reasons why they chose each other in the first place. “Go Back Couple” perfectly answers the “what if” question every married couple has probably thought about.
“Once Again“
“Once Again” is one of the most beloved KBS weekend dramas, thanks to its relatable storyline. It follows the lead characters, portrayed by Lee Min Jung and Lee Sang Yeob, who decide to divorce after years of drifting apart. But it’s not just their story—it also shows the experiences of their siblings, who almost all struggle with marriage in their own ways.
This drama reminds us that divorce doesn’t have to be the end of the story for a couple. It can actually be a new beginning, as we see the characters find their way back to one another, letting go of the resentment from the past and starting fresh. It captures the reality of working through life’s ups and downs as an essential part of building a healthy relationship.
“Matrimonial Chaos”
“Matrimonial Chaos” is that relatable K-drama that makes us ponder on relationships. Starring Cha Tae Hyun and Bae Doo Na, the story follows men and women in their thirties as they navigate love, marriage, and family in a modern age where divorce is increasingly common. It follows the story of the lead couple, with contrasting personalities, who decide to end their marriage after frequent disagreements.
However, as they move toward separation, they begin to see each other in a new light and start to understand each other more deeply. The drama gives an honest portrayal of marriage, showing that a relationship requires continuous effort, compromise, and a desire to truly understand one another.
“Marriage Contract“
In “Marriage Contract,” marriage isn’t a continuation but a beginning. This drama tells the story of a single mother (Uee) facing a terminal illness who enters a contract marriage with a wealthy restaurant owner (Lee Seo Jin) in need of a temporary wife as the donor for his mother’s liver transplant.
What starts as a business deal gradually evolves into a genuine bond as the two support each other through emotional struggles. The story illustrates that marriage can create a new kind of relationship even in unconventional circumstances, highlighting the value of unconditional love and the sacrifices people make for family. It’s a beautiful yet heart-wrenching drama so you really have to prepare lots of tissue while watching this one.
“Recipe for Farewell”
More than just a love story between a husband and wife, “Recipe for Farewell” shows how love can endure even after divorce. This touching drama stars Han Suk Kyu and Kim Seo Hyung as an ex-couple dealing with his wife’s terminal illness.
When he learns that his ex-wife is diagnosed with terminal cancer, her former husband, who doesn’t know how to cook, decides to learn in order to prepare healthy and delicious meals for her during her final days. The drama beautifully showcases love through small, meaningful acts, emphasizing that marriage is not only about grand gestures but also everyday kindness that strengthens bonds—even if you’re no longer called husband and wife.
“MARRY You” Is Coming to KOCOWA+
And if you’re looking for something fun about marriages, there’s the upcoming rom-com “MARRY You,” set to premiere in November. It stars Lee Yi Kyung, Jo Soo Min, and iKON’s Koo Jun Hoe in a story about Bong Chul Hee, a bachelor from a remote island, and a civil servant who is tasked with helping him get married as part of the mayor’s ambitious re-election plan to promote marriage. With its fun and comedic approach to matchmaking, this drama promises to bring laughs while exploring the ups and downs of relationships.
In life, we come across all kinds of couples, each dealing with their own unique marriage journey, reminding us that everyone has a story to tell. Have you decided which drama you’ll watch first? Don’t worry about where to find them—all of these are available on KOCOWA+ with multiple subtitles!
