Have you ever seen a K-Drama where the visuals of the cast have lined up so perfectly that they look like they belong on stage as a K-Pop idol group?

Besides K-Dramas whose plots actually revolve around idol groups, such as "The Heavenly Idol", "Let Me Be Your Knight", or "Imitation", there are many such K-Dramas where the cast of actors look like they could very well be an idol group, especially when they're together on screen.

So, if you're looking for K-Dramas with the most handsome actors and actresses, iconic visuals exploding left and right, keep reading!

Check out our list of the top 5 K-Dramas where the cast looks like an idol group!

Note: This list is not a ranking. 

 

1. "Hwarang"

Park SeoJun, Park HyungSik, SHINee's MinHo, BTS' V, Do JiHan, Jo YoonWoo, and more: this cast is the ultimate definition of heavenly visuals.

With world-class idols, fresh rising stars, and Hallyu heartthrobs in the lineup, "Hwarang" still leaves us hoping this cast was an actual idol group.

Watch here.

 

2. "Weak Hero Class 2"

This one hasn't hit our screens yet, but we are already hyped about the visual greatness of this cast.

Park JiHoon, RyeoUn, Bae NaRa, Lee JunYoung, Choi MinYeong, Lee MinJae, and if we're lucky, Choi HyunWook - this cast is a rising star galore, and we cannot wait for it to air.

 

3. "Hello, My Twenties!" (a.k.a "Age Of Youth")

Not only is this K-Drama one of the most beautiful and profound K-Dramas about female friendship and connection, but the cast is as gorgeous as an idol group.

We have Park EunBin, Park HyeSu, Han YeRi, Han SeungYeon, and Ryu HwaYoung serving angelic, fierce, playful, alluring, and so much more, just like the different charms of a girl group.

Watch here.

 

4. "Extraordinary You"

Speaking of K-Dramas where the visuals are unparalleled, we cannot forget about "Extraordinary You"!

RoWoon, Lee JaeWook, Kim YoungDae, Jung GunJoo, Lee TaeRi, and Bae HyeonSeong - the actors had a halo around them with how their handsomeness glowed.

Watch here.

 

5. "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo"

Finally, this list would never be complete without the OG - "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo".

This one will definitely go down in the K-Drama history books for the unbelievable visuals of the actors - Lee JoonGi, Kang HaNeul, Hong JongHyun, Nam JooHyuk, EXO's BaekHyun, Ji Soo, and Yoon SunWoo had us throwing heart-eyes at them throughout the show.

Watch here.

At Kpopmap, we list up all the dramas and web dramas based on webtoon. After 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021 dramas based on webtoon, it is time to have a look at 2022!

Here are the dramas based on webtoon that aired in 2022.

Stay updated for 2023 and the following years here:

 

1. "Business Proposal" / Schedule status: From February 21

The web novel and webtoon "Business Proposal" also called "The Office Blind Date" (in Korean "사내 맞선") by HaeHwa, Perilla, and Narak is adapted into a drama. It tells the story of an ordinary office worker who disguises herself and goes on a blind date with her attractive boss in the place of her friend with the goal to end this unwanted marriage blind date after her request.

Ahn HyoSeop and Kim SeJeong are the leads. The drama airs on SBS from February 21.

To find out more about the drama and webtoon, check the cast and summary here.

Read 5 differences between the webtoon and K-Drama here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

2. "Tomorrow"/ Schedule status: From April 1st

The fantasy webtoon "Tomorrow" (in Korean "내일") by RaMa is adapted into a drama. It tells the story of the job seeker Choi JunWoong who fell into a coma due to an accident and entered the Special Crises Management Team of the underworld. The Special Crises Management Team was created because there have been too many suicides leading to an unexpected situation in the underworld. Their duty is to take care of humans with a high risk of suicide and to make them want to live.

The drama was produced by SuperMoon Pictures, who previously worked on "My Strange Hero" and "Goodbye to Goodbye", and StudioN. SF9’s RoWoon, Kim HeeSun, Lee SooHyuk, and Yoon JiOn are cast. The drama aired from April 1st on MBC.

For more information about the drama and webtoon, you can check here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

3. "All of Us Are Dead" / Schedule status: From January 28

The webtoon named "Now at our School" (in Korean "지금 우리 학교는") by Joo DongKeun is adapted into a drama. It is a zombie related webtoon restricted to readers under 18 years old, written in 2009. It tells the story of those isolated in a high school where a zombie virus has been spread, and those who are trying to save them.

The drama is a Netflix Original Korean drama under the title "All of Us Are Dead". The PD of the drama is Lee JaeKyu who worked on dramas such as "The King 2 Hearts" and movies "Intimate Strangers", "The Fatal Encounter", and "The Influence". Yoon ChanYoung, Park JiHu, Cho YiHyun, Lomon, and Yoo InSoo are the leads.

For more information about the drama and webtoon, you can check our cast and summary here.

Read 6 differences between the "All of Us Are Dead" webtoon and K-Drama here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

4. "Island"/ Schedule status: From December 30

The manhwa (manga) and webtoon "Island" (in Korean "아일랜드") by Yoon InWan and Yang KyungIl is adapted. It is about the monsters of Jeju Island who have been looking for opportunities to get rid of the human world for a long time, and their story when they started to target a chaebol heiress who arrived in Jeju Island.

Kim NamGil, Lee DaHee, ASTRO's Cha EunWoo, and Sung Joon are the leads.

Find out more about the drama and webtoon in the cast and summary here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

5. "Cherry Blossoms After Winter"/ Schedule status: From February 24

The BL webtoon "Cherry Blossoms After Winter" (in Korean "겨울지나벚꽃") by BamWoo is adapted into a drama. It is a romance drama about the friendship of two youths and their search for true love.

Super Five’s Ok JinWook and Kang Hui (Kang Hee) are the leads. The drama was released on February 24.

For more information about the drama and webtoon, you can check our cast and summary here. For a complete introduction to the characters, check here.

Read 6 differences between the webtoon and drama here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

6. "Again My Life"/ Schedule status: From April 8

The revenge webtoon "Again My Life" (in Korean "어게인 마이 라이프") by Lee HaeNal is adapted into a drama. It tells the story of  Kim HeeWu, a hot-blooded prosecutor who is murdered and gets to travel back in time after meeting with the Grim Reaper. He is ready to take revenge on a corrupt politician named Jo TaeSup.

Lee JoonGi, Kim JiEun, and Lee KyungYoung are the lead actors. The drama aired from April 8 on SBS.

If you want to know more about the webtoon you can have a look here.

You can check our cast and summary here for the full details about the drama.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

7. "Kiss Sixth Sense" / Schedule status: From May 19

The romance webtoon "Kiss Sixth Sense" (in Korean "키스 식스 센스") by Got W and Jocobong is adapted into a drama. It is about the story of a woman who sees the future of someone she kisses, and their love triangle.

Yoon KyeSang, Seo JiHye, Kim JiSuk, and Lee JuYeon are cast in this Disney+ drama.

To know more about the webtoon, its plot, and its characters, click here.

For more information about the drama and webtoon, you can check our cast and summary here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

8. "The Sound of Magic"/ Schedule status: From May 6

The webtoon "Annarasumanara" (in Korean "안나라수마나라") by Ha IlKwon was adapted into the Netflix drama "The Sound of Magic". It tells the story of Yun Ai who lost her dream of becoming a magician and is living in difficult circumstances. She meets a magician and gradually starts to want to realize her dream.

The director Kim SungYoon who worked on "Love in the Moonlight" and "Itaewon Class" was in charge of the Netflix adaptation. Ji ChangWook, Hwang InYoup, and Choi SungEun are the lead actors.

Have a look at the webtoon and the main characters here.

For more information about the drama and webtoon, you can check our cast and summary here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

9. "Semantic Error" / Schedule status: From February 16

The BL web drama "Semantic Error" is the adaptation of the web novel "Semantic Error" (in Korean "시맨틱 에러") written by Jeosuri in 2018. The web novel was adapted into a webtoon in July 2020 (still ongoing with the illustrations from Enji). The campus BL "Semantic Error" tells the campus romance about the inflexible SangWoo and his encounter with the campus’ most popular student, JaeYoung.

Former KNK member Park SeoHam and DKZ’s JaeChan are the lead cast. The drama was released on February 16 on WATCHA.

For more information about the webtoon, check here.

You can check the cast and summary here for more information about the drama.

Read about 6 differences between the webtoon and the drama here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

10. "Jinxed At First" / Schedule status: From June 15

The fantasy romance webtoon "The Jinx’s Lover" (in Korean "징크스의 연인") by Han JiHye and KooSeul is adapted into the drama "Jinxed At First". It is a story about a man who adapts himself to his life full of misfortune, and the goddess, who jumps into the unknown world to lift the curse.

For the drama, the director Yoon SangHo is in charge. Na InWoo, SeoHyun, and Ki DoHun are the least cast. The drama started on June 15 on KBS.

Check out more about the webtoon here.

You can check the cast and summary here for more information about the drama.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

11. "Internal Medicine Director Park" / Schedule status: From January 14

The comedy webtoon "Internal Medicine Director Park" (in Korean "내과 박원장") by Jang BongSoo is adapted into a drama. It tells the life of a doctor who dreamed being acknowledged but his life turns out different.

Lee SeoJin and Ra MiRan are cast in this TVing drama which started on January 14th.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

12. "The Golden Spoon" / Schedule status: From September 23

The webtoon named "The Golden Spoon" (in Korean "금수저") is adapted into a drama. It tells the adventures of a kid that became a golden spoon (meaning from a rich family in Korean or a silver spoon for English speakers).

The drama was announced to be produced back in 2019 and was finally aired in 2022. BTOB's SungJae, DIA's Jung ChaeYeon, Lee JongWon, YeonWoo, and more was casted.

To find out more about the drama and webtoon, check the cast and summary here.

Read more about the characters and the plot in this introduction.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

13. "Superior Day" / Schedule status: From March 13

The webtoon "Superior Day" (in Korean "우월한하루") by Team GetNam is adapted into a drama. It is a thriller about an ordinary father facing a situation where he has to kill a serial killer living next door to save his kidnapped daughter.

The OCN drama stars Jin Goo, Ha DoKwon, and Lee WonKeun.

You can check the cast and summary for more information about the drama here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

14. "The Forbidden Mariage" / Schedule status: From December 9

The historical romance webtoon named "Joseon’s Ban on Marriage" (in Korean "금혼령-조선혼인금지령") by Cheon JiHye and SanChaek is adapted into the drama "The Forbidden Mariage". It tells the story of King Lee Heon, who lost the crown princess 7 years ago and issued a marriage ban, and Ye SoRang, a marriage scammer who appears and says she can be possessed by the spirit of the deceased crown princess.

Kim YoungDae, Park JuHyun, and Kim WooSeok are cast for this MBC historical drama.

You can check the cast and summary for more information about the drama here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

15. "Spring of Crush" / Schedule status: From May 18

The BL historical webtoon "Spring of Crush" (in Korean "‘춘정지란") by Noh MyoungHyi is adapted into a web drama. It is the BL historical romance drama of three men that takes place when the lead character pretends to be a woman and marries to take off his status of slave.

Yoo YoungJae and Kim Sung are the lead roles.

You can check the cast and summary here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

16. "Gaus Electronics" / Schedule status: From September 30

The webtoon "Gaus Electronics" (in Korean "가우스전자") by Kwak BaekSoo is adapted into a drama. It tells the joys and sorrows of office workers at the multinational Gaus Electronics.

Director Park JoonSoo was in charge of the adaptation. Kwak DongYeon, Ko SungHee, Bae HyeonSeong, and Kang MinAh are casted for the drama.

To find out more about the drama and webtoon, check the cast and summary here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

17. "Summer Strike" / Schedule status: From November 21

The webtoon "I Don't Want To Do Anything" (in Korean "아무것도 하고 싶지 않아") by Joo YoungHyun is adapted into the drama called "Summer Strike". The webtoon tells the growing pains experienced by a 26-year-old girl named YeoReum. The drama will tell the story of YeoReum who declares she will lead a strict life at the age of 28.

GT:st (a subsidiary of Studio Dragon) and director Lee YoonJung ("Coffee Prince", "Cheese in The Trap") are in charge of the adaptation. Yim SiWan and SeolHyun are the leads of the drama.

To find out more about the drama and webtoon, check the cast and summary here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

18. "Unlock The Boss" / Schedule status: From December 7

The comic webtoon "Unlock The Boss" (in Korean "사장님을 잠금해제") by Park SungHyun is adapted into a drama. It tells the story of a boss trapped into a smartphone, and his new employee who found the phone. The story revolves as they dig to find the truth.

It is a KT Studio Genie original series. Chae JongHyeop and Seo EunSoo are cast into drama.

To find out more about the drama and webtoon, check the cast and summary here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

19. "Weak Hero Class 1"  / Schedule status: From November 18

The webtoon "Weak Hero" (in Korean "약한영웅") by Seopass and Razen was announced to be adapted into a drama. It tells the story of an ordinary-looking high school boy who becomes the best fighter in a high school full of bullies.

Jaedam Media signed a co-production contract with PLAYLIST. It is a Wavve Original drama. Park JiHoon and Choi HyunWook are cast among others.

Find out the cast and summary here.

Check out more about the characters and vote for your dream cast here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

20. "Oh! Boarding House” / Schedule status: From February 22

The BL webtoon named “The Fifth Boarding House”  (in Korean “하숙집 오!번지” ) written by Penguin is adapted into a web drama. It tells the romantic relationships of the tenants who are living in a boarding house together.

Im SungKyun and Shin YongSeok are the lead actors of this drama.

Find out more about the drama and webtoon check the cast and summary here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

21. "Blue of Winter” / Schedule status: From March 15

"Blue of Winter" (also known as "Judo Boys") is not based on a webtoon but a webtoon is released along with the web drama. It tells the story of three protagonists who meet at a judo competition in high school and become intertwined in an interesting fate as they build their respective futures.

Jeon YuBin, Min InGi, Lee JeongMin, and Yoo YoungMo are the leads of this BL web drama.

For more about the web drama, check our cast and summary here. For more about the webtoon "Blue of Winter", have a look here at its introduction.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

22. "Blueming” / Schedule status: From March 31

The BL webtoon "Who Can Define Popularity?" (in Korean "인기는 무언가 잘못되었다?") by Tak Bon is adapted into the web drama "Blueming". It is a campus romance between two film department students, which started when SiWon, the student who tries hard to gain popularity, meets DaWoon, who is naturally popular around everyone.

Kang EunBin and Cho HyukJun are the leads.

Check out the cast and summary here, for more about the drama and teaser.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

23. "The Director Who Buys Me Dinner" / Schedule status: From December 15

The webtoon "The Director Who Buys Me Dinner" (in Korean "밥만잘사주는이상한이사님") by Toesa and Yang EunJi will be adapted in a drama. It tells the story of a new employee of a company thinks his director is crazy because he said he has lived 3 lives and that they must date or they will die.

Park YoungWoon, Park JeongWoo, and W.O.W's YooSung are cast in this web drama to be released in 2022.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

24. "The Law Cafe" / Schedule status: From September 5

The webtoon "Love According To Law" (in Korean "법대로 사랑하라") by IlLi and No SeunGa is adapted into a drama. It tells the story of former Miss Korea and lawyer Kim YuRi quit the big law firm she was working at and set up her own "Law cafe". She thought her dreams were brilliant until she met the owner of her cafe's building for her rent contract - her old friend from high school JungHo. What could be the true feelings of this person who sways her heart?

Lee SeungGi and Lee SeYoung are cast in this KBS drama.

Check out the cast and summary here, for more about the drama and teaser.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

25. "Connect" / Schedule Status: From December 7

The thriller webtoon "Connect" by Sin DaeSung is produced as a drama by Disney+. It tells the story of a man  who lost his eyes to a organ hunters. He gets connected to the person who received a transplant.

Jung HaeIn, Go KyungPyo, and Kim HyeJun are casted into the drama.

For more information about the drama and webtoon, you can check here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

26. "Seasons of Blossom" / Schedule status: From September 21

The high school romance webtoon "Seasons of Blossom" (in Korean: "청춘 블라썸") by HongDuck and Nemone is adapted into a drama. It tells the love and friendship of 18-year-old high school students who are just starting their youth.

So JuYeon and Seo JiHoon are casted into the drama. The production company Playlist is in charge of the adaptation. The webtoon is popular in and out of Korea with more than eight languages available.

For more information about the drama and webtoon, you can check here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English.

 

27. "The New Employee" / Schedule status: From December 21

The BL webtoon "The New Employee" or "The New Recruit" (in Korean "신입사원") by Jake (first published as a web novel by Moskareto) is adapted into a web drama. It tells the love story of a company team leader and an intern at an advertising company.

Kwon Hyuk, Moon JiYong, and Choi SiHun are the lead actors. The drama is a Watcha original.

For more information about the drama and webtoon, you can check here.

Webtoon links: Korean (need to over 19 years old) / English.

 

 Season 2

28. "Work Later, Drink Now 2" / Schedule status: From December 9

The season 2 of the drama "Work Later, Drink Now" based on the webtoon "Drinker City Girls" (in Korean "술꾼도시 처녀들") by MiKkang is confirmed. It tells the stories of 3 women of 30-year-old who drink alcohol as their life religion.

Apink’s EunJi, Han SunHwa, Lee SunBin, and Super Junior’s Siwon who were cast for the first season, are also cast for the 2nd season.

Check our cast and summary here for more about the drama and the characters.

Check out the 4 differences between the webtoon and the drama here.

Webtoon links: Korean / Not officially available in English.

 

29. "No, Thank You 2" /  Schedule status: From January 8

The webtoon "Daughter-in-Law" (in Korean "며느라기") by Soo ShinJi was adapted in 2020 into the web drama "No, Thank You". A season 2 is released in 2022. It tells the episodes that happen to the ordinary daughter-in-law Min SaRin after she got to meet her in-laws.

Park HaSun, Kwon Yul, Moon HeeKyung, and Kim JongGoo are the lead actors of this Kakao TV web drama.

For more information, pictures, and teaser of the drama and webtoon, you can check our cast and summary here.

Webtoon links: Korean / English Instagram

 

Stay updated for 2023 and the following years here:

 

For new K-Drama fans, it is often hard to make a great watchlist from scratch. You most probably ask your friend’s opinions or read online reviews to make your selection, but that is probably not enough to decide on your next drama.

K-Dramas have plenty of genres. This time, we listed romance dramas set in school and university. We made a selection of the best teen romance and campus romance. If you are a K-Drama beginner, look out for the dramas we have selected to find which ones suit your taste! For K-Drama addicts, you probably have watched all the dramas listed below, if not, it is time to add them to your watchlist.

If you are looking for more romance recommendations, you check our previous recommendations: best romantic comedy, best romance historical, best action-thriller romance, and best fantasy romance.

Note: This list was first published in 2019 and updated several times with new releases. Latest update: November 2023. This is not a ranking.

 

1. “My ID Is Gangnam Beauty”

When: 2018

Cast: ASTRO's Cha EunWoo, Im SooHyang, Kwak DongYeon, Jo WooRi

Summary: The story of a woman living a new life through plastic surgery. She ends up meeting Do KyungSuk at college orientation, and while everyone thinks that appearance is important, he thinks differently. She will learn what real “beauty” is.

For: Viewers looking for a campus romance questioning what is "beauty" with a swoon-worthy main couple.

Why watch?: This campus romance has an interesting theme on “what is real beauty”. The plot mainly focuses on romance and other issues of university students, making the whole story very interesting. The main couple's chemistry is one of the best. It is a must-watch!

 

2. “Weightlifting Fairy Kim BokJoo”

When: 2016-2017

Cast: Nam JooHyuk, Lee SungKyung

Summary: It tells the dreams and love stories of students who are in pursuing a career in sports.

For: Viewers looking for the sweetest and the most hilarious campus romance.

Why watch?: This drama is just too good to miss! The female lead is a bubbly weightlifting athlete and the male lead is a soft swimmer. This true OTP created this perfect romantic comedy with their perfect chemistry! This drama gave birth to one of the legendary K-Drama lines, "Do you like Messi?".

 

3. "Who Are You: School 2015"

When: 2015

Cast: Kim SoHyun, BTOB's Yook SungJae, Nam JooHyuk

Summary: A youth drama that tells the story of an 18 year old high school girl who's life completely changes as well as the students surrounding her.

For: Viewers looking for a mysterious and exciting teen story.

Why watch?: This drama is a must for young viewers. Kim SoHyun's acting is perfect in this teen drama. The plot and the love triangle also made it worth watching. There is no wonder why this 2015 drama of the "School" series was popular.

 

4. "Dream High"

When: 2011

Cast: Suzy, Kim SooHyun, 2PM's Ok TaecYeon, Ham EunJung, Jang WooYoung, IU

Summary: It tells the love story and dreams of young people who desire to become stars by attending an Art High School.

For: Viewers looking for a heart-fluttering high-school romance with a music theme.

Why watch?: It might be an old drama, but the story is easy to watch and completely addictive. If you like K-Pop and dramas about singers, this drama might be for you. Suzy and Kim SooHyun couple's chemistry is unforgettable.

 

5. "Boys Over Flowers"

When: 2009

Cast: Ku HyeSun, Lee MinHo, Kim HyunJoong, Kim Bum, Kim Joon

Summary: The love story of a girl from a poor family and a boy from one of the largest conglomerates family who attends the same private high school.

For: Viewers looking for a hit high school love story.

Why watch?: There are many reasons why this drama is worldwide popular (and not only the Korean version). Even after all these years, "Boys Over Flowers"'s plot and cast are still worth watching. The handsome F4 and the fierce female character created this memorable drama with famous scenes.

 

6. "The Heirs"

When: 2013

Cast: Lee MinHo, Park ShinHye, Kim WooBin

Summary: It tells the love and friendship stories of wealthy high school students.

For: Viewers looking for an addictive cliché teen K-Drama.

Why watch?: There are two types of "The Heirs" viewers: those who loved it and those who hated it. "The Heirs" is entertaining and filled with K-Dramas clichés but that is for the best. If you are looking for an emotional rollercoaster and cheesy drama, don't miss this one.

 

7. "A-Teen 2"

When: 2019

Cast: APRIL's Lee NaEun, Kim DongHee, Golden Child's BoMin, Kim SooHyun, Ryu EuiHyun, Kang MinAh, Shin YeEun, Shin SeungHo

Summary: The web drama is about the worries and love stories of teens. The changes that the main characters are going through by changing from 18 to 19 years old. They are going through a lot with the preparation of the CSAT (college entrance exam) and this comes with a lot of choices to be made.

For: Viewers looking for a cute teen love story reflecting Korean students' worries.

Why watch?: It is a web drama of excellent quality. The story is engaging and has a slow pace. The love story and school worries of the characters are interesting (feat. handsome actors). All in all, the drama is definitely worth watching.

 

8. "To the Beautiful You"

When: 2012

Cast: Sulli, SHINee's MinHo, Lee HyunWoo

Summary: It tells the story of a girl pretending to be a guy who entered an all-boys physical education high school.

For: Viewers looking for a funny and easy-to-watch teen story.

Why watch?: The drama is a bit old. However, the whole drama's light-hearted atmosphere and laughable circumstances make it likable. You will find yourself falling for the characters and laughing out loud. SM Entertainment stan might want to look at this drama as various idols appear.

 

9. "Orange Marmalade"

When: 2015

Cast: Yeo JinGoo, AOA's SeolHyun

Summary: An emotional fantasy romance drama taking place in a world where vampires and humans co-exist.

For: Viewers looking for a high school story with vampires.

Why watch?: If you like dramas with vampires and cute school love stories, "Orange Marmalade" might be for you. There are few K-Dramas about vampires, and this one stands out. Even if the script was a bit unorganized, the interesting overall plot took over.

 

10. "Cheese in the Trap"

When: 2016

Cast: Park HaeJin, Kim GoEun, Seo KangJoon, Lee SungKyung

Summary: A romance thriller that tells the story of a female college student who is the only one who saw the real true self of her sunbae. This perfect guy is hiding his dangerous nature behind a sweet smile.

For: Viewers looking for an unusual campus story.

Why watch?: Many have divided opinions about this drama. The two main male characters are quite unusual because of the way they think. They are different from other dramas' characters and make viewers try hard to understand them. That is the charm of this drama making you curious until the end.

 

11. "Extraordinary You"

When: 2019

Cast: Kim HyeYoon, SF9's RoWoon, Lee JaeWook, APRIL's Lee NaEun, Kim YoungDae, Jung GunJoo, Lee TaeRi

Summary: It tells the story of a girl who realizes that she is a supporting character inside a romance manga named "Secret". She tries to change the fixed story for her love and life.

For: Viewers looking for a swoon-worthy couple with fantasy and mysterious elements.

Why watch?: If you are looking for one of the best romance dramas with a high school background, this is for you! The drama has eye-candy leads and a fun lead female character in a story full of fantasy and mysteries. You will get quickly addicted and captivated. If you like cute and innocent love stories, this is even more recommended for you.

 

12. "Love Revolution"

When: 2020

Cast: Park JiHoon, Lee RuBy, THE BOYZ's YoungHoon, Jung DaEun, WJSN's DaYoung, Ko ChanBin, Ahn DoGyu

Summary:"Love Revolution" tells the love story of the couple Gong JuYoung and Wang JaRim while also depicting the teen's lives realistically with their love, friendship, studies, and dream.

For: Viewers looking for a hilarious plot and an innocent love story of high school students.

Why watch?: The main reason to watch this Kakao TV web drama is the lead character Gong JuYoung, the cutest and cheesiest boy in the world. He is crazy in love with Wang JaRim, a cold high school girl, and will do everything to win her heart. As you can expect from such a storyline, their love story will be full of unexpected and funny events. Moreover, all their friends have an essential part in the fun of the drama. It is light and hilarious.

 

13. "True Beauty"

When: 2020-2021

Cast:  Moon GaYoung, ASTRO's Cha EunWoo, Hwang InYoup

Summary: It tells the romantic comedy story of JuGyeong, who is bullied for her appearance and then turns into a goddess through makeup with the help of her friend SuHo who keeps hidden scars. The two met and by sharing their secrets, they grow and restore their self-esteem.

For: Viewers looking for a heart-fluttering high school romance and a focus on self-esteem.

Why watch?: It is a must-watch! This school story is relatively light with an addictive love story (feat. tons of heart-fluttering scenes) and numerous entertaining scenes. However, it also has its darkness. The female lead is harshly bullied for her looks, and she lost her self-esteem (to mention just a few of the issues in this drama).

 

14. "At A Distance, Spring is Green"

When: 2021

Cast: Park JiHoon, Kang MinAh, Bae InHyuk, CLC's Kwon EunBin, Woo DaBi, Choi JungWoo

Summary: It tells the real struggles of people in their 20s and the issues of university students. At a distance, their youth seems beautiful, but if you look at it closely it is harsh. University students' lives would've been a little easier if they utilize guides to exams (like IT exam dumps & practice tests online).

For: Viewers looking for friendship and romance stories with characters with painful and sad stories.

Why watch?: This drama perfectly mixes two opposite feelings in its plot. It is sad because the drama highlights the painful wounds of each of its characters and the real hardship of university students (it is realistic). Despite having an overload of darkness, the drama isn't all gloomy and dark. At the same time, it is bright with an adorable romance, cute friendships, and likable characters who grow together.

 

15. "Dear. M"

When: 2022

Cast: NCT's JaeHyun, Park HyeSu, Bae HyeonSeong, Roh JeongEui, UP10TION's Lee JinHyuk, Woo DaBi, CLC's Kwon EunBin

Summary: It tells the stories of students of SeoYeon University who try to find "M", the anonymous main character of a story posted on the school community that turned the school upside down. The characters' romantic lines will change as they are looking for "M".

For: Viewers looking for a friends-to-lovers campus love story with interesting characters.

Why watch?: If you like campus romance, this is for you! Between the heart-fluttering main love line, rivalry in the second couple, diverse characters, and busy campus life, this drama has filled up all the requirements. It is sweet and addictive. You will not be able to stop yourself from watching the next episode.

 

16. "Semantic Error"

When: 2022

Cast: Park SeoHam, DKZ’s JaeChan

Summary: A campus romance about the inflexible SangWoo and his encounter with the campus’ most popular student, JaeYoung.

For: Viewers looking for the addictive love story of two opposite university students.

Why watch?: It might just be the most heart-fluttering short campus romance of the century. BL newbies or experts alike, it will keep you away from your sleeping schedule (you're warned). The story of SangWoo and JaeYoung who go from enemies to lovers is played with amazing chemistry. This drama has been acclaimed left and right for good reasons.

 

16. "Twinkling Watermelon"

When: 2023

Cast: RyeoUn, Seor InA, Choi HyukWook, and Shin EunSoo

Summary: "Twinkling Watermelon" focuses on Ha EunGyeol (RyeoUn), a model student who aims to make his parents proud. However, he's a natural-born, gifted guitarist who harbors a desire to pursue music instead. When this leads to an argument with his father, EunGyeol ends up discovering a strange yet enticing music store. After leaving the store, he finds himself in the year 1995 where he meets the teenage version of his father, Ha YiChan (Choi HyunWook). What ensues next is a story of youth, romance, family bonds, and music that gets everyone clapping along to its rhythm.

For: Viewers looking for a youthful drama full of emotions.

Why watch?: The drama has a good mix of heart-pounding youthful romance, family setting, bromance, a bit of mystery, and music. You will love the unexpected plot twist in the beginning, the handsome actors, and a rollercoaster ride of emotions. 

 

You can also recommend to readers through the poll and the comments. (Note that "Dear. M", "Semantic Error", and "Twinkling Watermelon" were added later than other dramas in the poll)

 

EduReviewer.com

 

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