Contract marriage has been a huge trend in 2023 K-Dramas. However, they have been around for quite a while now, almost as far back as we can remember. Some of the most popular and iconic romance K-Dramas have historically included the contract marriage theme and it is a popular trope for a reason. So, if you're like us and can't get enough of it, check out our starter pack for the top 7 contract marriage K-Dramas that you need to watch now!

Note: This list is in no particular order!

 

1. "Full House"

The OG of contract marriage K-Dramas, "Full House" continues to be one of the best renditions of this theme. Starring Rain and Song HyeKyo, this lovely and wholesome romantic comedy will make your heart flutter to no end. Laced with Y2K nostalgia, "Full House" tells the story of Han JiEun, a young woman who is duped by her friends and loses her cherished house to superstar actor Lee YoungJae.

Determined to get her house back, she starts working for him as a maid, but the two eventually enter into a contract marriage. Despite not getting along well, enemies turn to lovers soon enough, and an exciting romance blooms between the two, full of ups and downs. If you're concerned about how old this K-Drama is, rest assured because the writing is not the least bit outdated, and although there are stereotypical tropes, you'll find them endearing nonetheless.

Watch on Netflix. 

 

2. "Because This Is My First Life"

Widely recognized as one of the best rom-com K-Dramas of all time, "Because This Is My First Life" is all about contract marriage. However, unlike most K-Dramas where this trope is used, this one is actually quite realistic and has a relevant critique of society at large.

Two young people, each suffering from their own financial difficulties, decide to get married on the terms and conditions of a 2-year contract but live as landlord and tenant. However, the forced proximity and the play pretend of being a married couple allow them to open up to each other in ways they never imagined and heal the wounds in their hearts. Jung SoMin and Lee MinKi are fantastic in this series, and it is also the perfect K-Drama to get out of a viewing slump.

Watch on Netflix. 

 

3. "You Are My Destiny"

Another outstanding classic, "You Are My Destiny", also known as "Fated To Love You", has something for everyone. From the hilarity for the comedy lovers to the melodrama for the ones who like their K-Dramas a little more serious, a love triangle that will keep you on your toes and character development that makes you feel proud as an audience, this K-Drama continues to be a must-watch even today.

The story revolves around Lee Gun (played by Jang Hyuk) and Kim MiYoung (played by Jang NaRa), who accidentally sleep together, leading to an unplanned pregnancy. This pregnancy comes just in time when Lee Gun is facing a power struggle at his family company and needs an heir. The two enter into a contract marriage and slowly warm up to each other.

Watch on Netflix. 

 

4. "Marriage Contract"

If "You Are My Destiny" didn't fulfill your appetite for melodrama, check out "Marriage Contract". The name of this K-Drama couldn't have been more obvious because that's exactly what it's about - a contract marriage of convenience. Our male lead, Han JiHoon (played by Lee SeoJin) needs someone to donate a part of their liver to his mother, and our female lead, single mother Kang HyeSoo (played by Uee), needs a little financial help to raise her daughter while she fights a terminal illness herself.

The two enter into a contract marriage, and what follows is the most heart-rending tale of love, loss, and family that will move you to tears. The warm family dynamics and the strikingly passionate chemistry between the two leads definitely make this show worth the watch. Yes, this K-Drama might be on the heavier side but you won't regret adding it to your watchlist.

Watch on Netflix. 

 

5. "The Story Of Park's Marriage Contract"

Once again, this K-Drama's title is self-explanatory. Starring Bae InHyuk and Lee SeYoung, "The Story Of Park's Marriage Contract" tells the story of a Joseon woman who is transported forward in time to modern-day South Korea, where she meets her husband anew. This husband, who had died in Joseon, is alive in Seoul, and in desperate need of a wife. The two enter into a contract marriage, which soon gives way to true love.

"The Story Of Park's Marriage Contract" is easily one of the best and most well-rounded K-Dramas of 2023. There are elements of fantasy with time travel as well as reincarnation but at the same time, the love story at its core is universally resonant and touching. The colorful cast of supporting characters makes the viewing experience even better.

Watch on Viki.

 

6. "My Demon"

Song Kang and Kim YouJung's fantasy romance K-Drama "My Demon" is making waves all over the world. Not only is the drama giving us the most breathtaking cinematography and captivating visuals, thanks to our lead actors, but the story is also pleasantly engaging, maintaining a balance between darker themes and light-hearted romance.

"My Demon" tells the story of Jung KooWon (played by Song Kang), a demon who can live on forever by making devilish deals with humans. However, when he loses his powers to a young woman named Do DoHee (played by Kim YouJung), he must protect her to survive. Do DoHee is the prospective heir of Future Group, entangled in a succession battle. When she gets involved with Jung KooWon, they enter into a contract marriage for mutual benefit and slowly find themselves falling in love.

Watch on Netflix. 

 

7. "Perfect Marriage Revenge"

Voted by Kpopmap readers as one of the top K-Dramas of 2023, "Perfect Marriage Revenge" is a satisfying contract marriage story that will sweep you off your feet. Starring Jung YooMin and Sung Hoon, this K-Drama tells the story of a scorned woman who is abandoned by her family, betrayed by her husband, and even murdered, but instead of ending her life, fate takes her back exactly one year before her death, with a chance to change her destiny.

The K-Drama was highly rated in South Korea and loved by global viewers, too. The cathartic revenge, the healing relationship, and best of all, the impeccable romance are the strongest points of this K-Drama. It will draw you in unexpectedly, and you won't be able to resist binge-watching.

Watch on Viki.

Is your drama watchlist ready for July? If not, don't worry. We are here to help you make your selection for the new month.

In our previous list, we recommended K-Dramas starting in July (here). Let's have a look at the web dramas streaming this month.

Here is a selection of 3 web dramas streaming in July not to forget to watch. (This list only includes web dramas).

Note: Web dramas starting on the final days of June have been included as they will air throughout July. 

 

1. "O'PENing 2023" (compilation)

When: From July 13

Cast: Go Soo, OH MY GIRL's ARin, Yoon JongBin, Lee SoonJae, Lee YunHee, Uhm JiWon, Uee, Kang SungJun, Jung YiSeo, Choi WonYoung, Shin HyunSoo, Park SoYi, Gi SoYoo, Bae GangHee, Han SooA, Lee KiTaek

Genre: Slice-of-Life

Summary: A compilation of short stories/dramas with different themes and stories.

Why look forward to it?: This compilation of dramas with minimal episodes each is a collection of stories written by newly debuted writers in collaboration with TVING and TVN. Featuring 7 different short stories, fans will get a taste of different narratives that they can watch within a short period of time. 7 drama viewing experiences for the price of one. Additionally, each drama features a stellar cast that promises convincing character portrayals, too.

 

2. "Strangers"

When: From July 17

Cast: Jeon HyeJin, Girls' Generation's SooYoung, Ahn JaeWook, Park SungHoon, Kim HyeEun, Park JungEon

Genre: Comedy, Slice-of-Life

Summary: A carefree mother and a chill daughter duo live together but come off more like strangers than anything else.

Why look forward to it?: The trailer for this drama already promises a hilarious storyline that will have audiences clutching at their stomachs. Fans are also loving the promising quality of the drama.

 

3. "Jun and Jun"

When: From July 20th

Cast: Yang JunMo, Ki HyunWoo, WJSN's YeoReum, Park HyeongSeop, Cho ChanHyun

Genre: BL, Office Romance

Summary: Lee Jun is an idol-turned-intern and the other Jun (Choi Jun) is a manager. They work under the same company. Their fates become entangled as they work with each other and form an office romance.

Why look forward to it?: Created by W Story, which has a great track record when it comes to the BL genre, this drama promises to be a high-quality and entertaining viewing experience. Not only that but the trailer already promises some heart-fluttering chemistry between the leads. The drama will also be the first time we see a female idol actor in the BL genre.

Which web drama will you be adding to your Korean web drama watchlist for July? Let us know in the comments!

 

There are a number of genres in the K-Drama world. The more commonly enjoyed ones are romances, fantasy dramas, historical dramas, etc. It is important to find a drama genre that matches your taste. Some drama lovers may find themselves adding makjang K-Dramas to their watchlist more regularly.

These dramas boast a more dramatic than the typical K-Drama storyline.

Makjang dramas are dramas that are considered over-the-top because they seem unrealistic or have far-fetched plots. The characters often have their own morals that go beyond the norm and there are often unbelievable plot twists that no one can see coming. Some common cliches in this genre include long-lost family members, amnesia, unexpected deaths, birth secrets, etc.

As ridiculous as this genre may sound to some people, these dramas can be addictive. That is the largest reason why people watch them.

Here is a list of makjang dramas to add to your watchlist and get you started with the genre if you haven't already.

Note: This is not a ranking, the list is in random order.

 

1. "SKY Castle" (2018)

Cast: Yum JungAh, Jung JoonHo, Choi WonYoung, Kim HyeYoon, SF9's Chani, Kim SeoHyung, and more.

Summary: The story follows the wealthiest families living in a luxurious neighborhood called SKY Castle. It explores their ambition to make their families successful at all costs.

Watch Because: This drama brings to light the competitive nature of the education system in Korea. It is exaggerated but also true to an extent that should be interesting to watch for those with a deeper interest in Korea.

 

2. "Penthouse: War In Life" (2020)

Cast: Lee JiAh, Kim SoYeon, Eugene, Um KiJoon, Shin EunKyung, Bong TaeGyu, Yoon JongHoon, Park EunSeok, Kim HyeonSoo, Kim YoungDae, Choi YeBin, and more.

Summary: It tells the real estate and education war happening in a 100-floor penthouse between an unreachable queen, a 'Prima Donna' full of desire who devours everything, and a woman who is speeding up for the upper class. They have huge greed which is hard to fulfill.

Watch Because: It has 3 seasons that get continuously outrageous as you watch them, perfect for if you can't get enough of the drama. The story also shows the variations of struggle across two generations (parents and their high school-aged children). This drama is also highly acclaimed in Korea for the caliber of acting from the cast and was a breakthrough drama for many of the cast members. The ending will also have you thinking about it for months!

 

3. "Young Lady And Gentleman" (2021)

Cast: Lee SeHee, Ji HyunWoo, Kang EunTak, Park HaNa, Lim HyeYoung, and more.

Summary: When a widower with three children meets the vibrant energy of their live-in tutor, the two become interested in each other despite a very large age gap.

Watch Because: Although the age gap between the two romantic leads is quite big, for the most part, this drama is a feel-good watch that will have you waiting eagerly for the next episode.

 

4. "World of the Married" (2020)

Cast: Kim HeeAe, Park HaeJoon, Kim YoungMin, Han SoHee, Park SunYoung, and more.

Summary: What will happen when the perfect family comes under the strain of a husband falling into a dangerous external relationship?

Watch Because: This drama will have you feeling every emotion with the characters and on the edge of your seat with suspense. It will make you question everything and keep you addicted wondering how the story will unexpectedly change next.

 

5. "Mine" (2021)

Cast: Lee BoYoung, Kim SeoHyung, Lee HyunWook, Ok JaYeon, VIXX's N, Jung YiSeo, and more.

Summary: Encaged in a gold-clad life of secrets and lies, two women in a conglomerate family seek to topple all that stands in their way of finding true joy. (Netflix)

Watch Because: This is a more understated makjang. It is extremely dramatic but has a subdued way of delivering the drama. Most of the characters pride themselves on being refined and poised. That makes them even more intimidating because you can't anticipate their actions behind their calm demeanors. However, that is what makes this such an interesting watch.

 

6. "Love (Ft. Marriage and Divorce)" (2021)

Cast: SungHoon, Lee GaRyeong, Lee TaeKon, Park JooMi, Jeon NoMin, Jeon SooKyeong, Lee MinYoung, Song JiIn, Lim HyeYoung, and more.

Summary: Three successful career women have their worlds rocked when their romantic lives face turbulent times.

Watch Because: It has 2 seasons so far which means the ultimate binge session! This drama explores the ins and outs of relationships down to extreme details. It makes you question psychology and why people behave the way they do. Not only that, but it also plays with the motif of appearances and the truths behind them.

 

7. "The Second Husband" (2021)

Cast: Uhm HyunKyung, Cha SeoWon, Oh SeungA, Han KiWoong, and more.

Summary: When a woman gets betrayed by the love of her life, his new wife causes her a world of misfortune and she takes it upon herself to get revenge no matter what it takes.

Watch Because: This show is riveting as it takes you through the complicated emotions of a feud motivated by never-ending revenge. You won't know what's going to happen next even if you try to predict it.

 

8. "Red Balloon" (2022-2023)

Cast: Seo JiHye, Lee SangWoo, Hong SooHyun, Jung YooMin, Lee SungJae, and more.

Summary: A story of people who want to fulfill their desires and resolve their issues of the heart. However, at what expense?

Watch Because: The drama makes great use of metaphors to navigate the complicated dynamic between all of the characters. Each character is somehow intertwined with the next which makes for an interesting web knitted with deceit and manipulation. There is much to resolve which will leave you wanting more at the end of each episode. Additionally, you'll get to enjoy the discovery of Jo EunKang (Seo JiHye's character's) red balloon.

 

9. "Game of Witches" (2022-2023)

Cast: Jang SeoHee, Kim KyuSeon, Oh ChangSuk, Han JiWan, Lee HyunSeok, Ban HyoJung, and more.

Summary: The story of two mothers who start from the bottom and make their way to the top. They must face a number of obstacles like betrayals and manipulations to avenge what they believe in.

Watch Because: True to the title, this drama is a fierce battle between some very conniving female leads. It is a female-focused drama all about power dynamics and gaining the upper hand. Not only are the female characters fierce, but the male characters add to the riveting plots and schemes that will topple your expectations.

 

10. "Vengeance of the Bride" (2022-2023)

Cast: Park HaNa, Kang JiSub, Park YoonJae, Oh SeungAh, and more.

Summary: Eun SeoYeon (played by Park HaNa) faces betrayal from a young age and has to start a new life. When fate causes her to run into the family that betrayed her again and she realizes the truth behind their betrayal, she decides to get revenge. She marries into their family using a new identity to enact her plan.

Watch Because: Not only is this makjang drama filled with twists and turns, but it also tests boundaries. The boundaries between friendships, and romantic and familial relationships all get put to the test through an elaborate revenge plot. The shameless nature of some characters will have you gobsmacked and hungry to see some juicy justice played out onscreen.

 

11. "Three Bold Siblings" (2022-2023)

Cast: Lee HaNa, Lim JuHwan, Lee TaeSung, Kim SeungSu, Kim SoEun, Lee YouJin, and more.

Summary: The drama follows three siblings with strong personalities as they navigate complicated life dynamics including revenge plots, birth secrets, blasts from the past, and more unexpected situations.

Watch Because: Every single one of the siblings is admirable for the way that they handle whatever challenges come their way. Additionally, the siblings' intertwined fate with Lee SangJoon (Lim JuHwan's character) and his family adds not just one but two crazy family dynamics.

 

12. "The Love in Your Eyes" (2022-2023)

Cast: Baek SungHyun, Bae NooRi, Choi YoonRa, Jung SooHwan, and more.

Summary: Following the death of her husband, YeongYi tries to move on with her life by working hard and remaining part of her late husband's family. Meanwhile, a chaebol heir must take over the ropes of his family's company. The two have an interestingly entangled fate which plays out in the drama.

Watch Because: Everybody loves a good romance between a chaebol and an average girl. This one, however, doesn't come easily due to the way that their past is entangled with each other. The drama lets you watch fate play out in a tug-of-war style as the two face an overwhelming amount of obstacles to be together.

 

13. "My Only One" (2018)

Cast: Choi SooJong, Uee, Lee JangWoo, Yoon JinYi, Jung EunWoo, Na HyeMi, and more.

Summary: Kim DoRan (played by Uee) lives a diligent life as she is not in the best financial situation. However, life (especially her adoptive mother) is not always kind to her. One day she runs into her biological father (played by Choi SooJong)  and things take an interesting turn.

Watch Because: As much as there is also a romantic storyline in this drama. The father-daughter relationship and how it grows in the most unorthodox way over time makes the drama really interesting. It is a feel-good drama with a slightly tragic and also dramatic undertone but definitely a must-watch if you are into makjang dramas.

 

14. "The Secret House" (2022)

Cast: Seo HaJun, Lee YoungEun, Kim JungHun, Kang Byul, Lee SeungYeon, and more.

Summary: A lawyer on the search for his missing mother must enter the tiger's den in order to uncover the secret behind her case.

Watch Because: This drama is a little bit darker than the other makjangs on this list. It is heavy on the unfairness and on the revenge but it makes it all worth it for the ending. This drama is one with a high moral compass that emphasizes the importance of justice and rectifying unfair situations. It also boasts a complicated plot which makes for a rollercoaster ride of a watching experience.

 

15. "A Man in a Veil" (2020)

Cast: Kang EunTak, Uhm HyunKyung, Lee ChaeYoung, Lee ShiKang, ERu, and more.

Summary: After a childhood incident, TaePoong (played by Kang EunTak) has his growth stunted and becomes lost between two sisters - one of which uses him for her own gain. He has to overcome this and set things straight.

Watch Because: This drama is a classic underdog story and who doesn't love to watch one of those? TaePoong's character arc is remarkable and adds a completely different tone to the drama after it happens. This makes for an interesting viewing experience because the first half of the drama and the second half of the drama are both filled with intriguing twists and turns.

Which makjang K-Drama is on your watchlist? Share your recommendations in the comments!