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

 

Check out other K-Drama watchlists below:

Squirrels are pocket-sized animals that we might see scurrying around our local neighborhoods. With their adorable cheeks and cute features, they are an absolute 10 on the 'aww' meter. While it can be rare to see our favorite K-Pop idols frolicking through our home town, many might resemble the best and cutest qualities of a squirrel.

In the K-Pop world, idols are represented by many things such as color, superpowers, and emojis! Emojis are decided pre-debut by the company, through numerous fan interactions, or by the members themselves. These emojis act as another representation of the idol and are assigned due to their looks, actions, or personality.

While the K-Pop industry is a full-fledged jungle, there are multiple idols represented by the squirrel emoji. Whether it's because of their precious cheeks or endearing personality,  these idols share a resemblance to this beloved animal. They have this happy go lucky energy that's infectious and can be felt by everyone across all fandoms.

Let's meet these adorable K-Pop idols represented by the squirrel emoji.

 

1. AB6IX's DongHyun🐿️

 

2. BTOB's MinHyuk🐿️

 

3. ONEUS' SeoHo🐿️

 

4. PENTAGON's JinHo🐿️

 

5. P1Harmony's JiUng🐿️

 

6. TNX's Hwi🐿️

 

7. TXT's TaeHyun🐿️

 

8. Lee JinHyuk🐿️

 

9. VERIVERY's HoYoung🐿️

 

10. VICTON's SuBin🐿️

Did you know that these idols were represented by the squirrel emoji? Which K-Pop idol using the squirrel emoji is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

 

If you are a Kpopmap reader, you would've noticed an ongoing weekly series called "Boy Crush" that gets to know the male K-Pop idols and Korean actors in the Korean industry that many admire and have a crush on.

A 'boy crush' is the term we have come up with for the men in K-Pop and K-Dramas that we have a crush on based on anything from their style, talent, personality, overall vibe, etc. We explore more about the most crushable boys in the Korean industry and all of their incredible achievements.

Here are the male K-Pop idols that we have featured in our series so far. They each have their own charm and different auras, but will make you crush on them for sure! If you want to know more about what makes them so charming, make sure to read their individual articles.

Note: This is not a ranking. This list is in order of the series. After the first article, the order was determined by a poll within each article. The series is still ongoing so keep an eye out for updates on this list.

 

1. ATEEZ's HongJoong

Charming points you should read about: willingness to experiment on stage, a leader who makes members shine, expressive style, social awareness, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

2. PENTAGON's WooSeok

Charming points you should read about: talented songwriter, duality prince, math genius, artistic aesthetic, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

3. Eric Nam

Charming points you should read about: honey vocals, good-natured, hilarious sense of humor, heartwarming smile, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

4. BTS' J-Hope

Charming points you should read about: grooviest rapper, fluid dance lines, hardworking perfectionist, our hope, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

5. ONEUS' SeoHo

Charming points you should read about: warm vocal tone, a living meme, muscular squirrel, adorable smile, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

6. BTOB's SungJae

Charming points you should read about: industry all-rounder, fireplace cozy vocals, chaotic maknae (in the best way), animal lover, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

7. AB6IX's Lee DaeHwi

Charming points you should read about: shining center, multitalented, advocate for being yourself, synonymous cuteness, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

8. ASTRO's MJ

Charming points you should read about: trot idol, happy virus, mood maker energy, beautiful hands, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

9. WOODZ

Charming points you should read about: full package artist, Matryoshka-doll-like charm, wide musical range, social butterfly, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

10. THE BOYZ's Q

Charming points you should read about: cover dance genius, calming voice, biting squirrel, horror character stan, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

11.  UP10TION's Lee JinHyuk

Charming points you should read about: leadership skills, selfless attitude, own dance color, witty sense of humor, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

12. Nam JooHyuk

Charming points you should read about: representative heartthrob, broad shoulders, dog lover, boyish face but mature attitude, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

13. ASTRO's Cha EunWoo

Charming points you should read about: idol actor breaking stigmas, handsome synonymous, league of his own, down-to-earth, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

14. ENHYPEN's Sunoo

Charming points you should read about: great perseverance, distinctive voice, adorable personified, selfie king, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

15. Lee MinHo

Charming points you should read about: jogakminam, Hallyu rep, sentimental, cutest goofy person, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

16. MIRAE's Son DongPyo

Charming points you should read about: attracts love, true all-rounder, plot-twist-like charm, ultimate drama king, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

17. Kang Daniel

Charming points you should read about: great stage dominance, Prince Apeach, CEO of own agency, lethal dose of magnetism, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

18. Park BoGum

Charming points you should read about: natural-born star power, all-rounder charm, boyfriend material, Bambi, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

19. Stray Kids' Bang Chan

Charming points you should read about: selfless, leads by example, heartwarming-dol, family-like bond with fans, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

20. MONSTA X's KiHyun

Charming points you should read about: Midas touch, booming clear and refreshing voice, whisker dimples, home, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

21. ASTRO's JinJin

Charming points you should read about: unmistakable force charisma, diversity in dance, mother-like warmth, deep thinker, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

22. DAY6's Young K

Charming points you should read about: always his best self, strong work ethic, instrumental capabilities, industry ace, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

23. Lee DoHyun

Charming points you should read about: acting genius, addictive voice quality, experienced dancer, high sense of filial duty, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

24. GOT7's Jay B

Charming points you should read about: honey-like voice, deeper understanding of music, force to be reckoned with, effortlessly handsome, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

25. Park SeoHam

Charming points you should read about: soothing voice quality, elongated charm, actor biaswrecker, fond of film photography, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

26. Hwang InYoup

Charming points you should read about: everyone's heartthrob, next-level all-rounder, solid attitude towards life, quite sentimental, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

27. BAE173's HanGyul

Charming points you should read about: undeniable charm, mood maker, adorable aegyo, visuals like fine wine, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

28. Kang TaeOh

Charming points you should read about: gifted character interpretation, authentic facial expressions, rugged charm, down-to-earth, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

29. BTS' JungKook

Charming points you should read about: golden maknae, triple threat talent, powerful live vocals, powerful but graceful stage precision, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

30. A.C.E's Jun

Charming points you should read about: crystal clear melodies, rhythm is his middle name, respects values of everyone, golden personality, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

31. GOT7's JinYoung

Charming points you should read about: inspiration to fans, voice ages like fine wine, innate sense of groove, storytelling eyes, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

32. Park HyungSik

Charming points you should read about: fresh vocal tone, pioneer idol actor, puppy-like quality, human vitamin-like quality, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

33. ASTRO's MoonBin

Charming points you should read about: ever-adorable, artist who commands the stage, kryptonite of AROHA, master of what he puts his mind to, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

34. Stray Kids' HyunJin

Charming points you should read about: destined to be legendary, the moment, beautiful dance silhouette, mature mindset, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

35. WEi's Kim DongHan

Charming points you should read about: star potential has no limit, close-up master, double charm, might wreck your bias, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

36. SF9's RoWoon

Charming points you should read about: sophisticated vocals, graceful stage presence, walking charisma, in-demand idol actor, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

37. P1Harmony's KeeHo

Charming points you should read about: special affinity for soulful R&B singing, 'moodmaker' is an understatement, king of banter, advocate for self-love, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

38. Lee JaeWook

Charming points you should read about: Hallyu heartthrob, natural affinity to spotlight, main character in our hearts, Adonis-like visuals, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

39. Ha SungWoon

Charming points you should read about: vocal ace status, perseverant personality, social butterfly, comparable to a ray of sunshine, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

40. Byeon WooSeok

Charming points you should read about: model-turned-actor, visuals chiseled out of the finest materials, Mr. Long Legs, golden philosophy on life, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

41. Seo InGuk

Charming points you should read about: K-Drama household name, soft vocal air, not scared to take on a challenge, most charming eye smile, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

42. Kim HyunJoong

Charming points you should read about: a deep-rooted passion for the arts, immersion into characters, easygoing personality, maintains a positive attitude about life, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

43. Song Kang

Charming points you should read about: K-Drama heartthrob, bright and pure energy, loves taking care of others, one of the top visuals among Korean actors, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

44. Lee JunYoung

Charming points you should read about: ever-growing spectrum of talent, emits passion on the dancefloor, holistically good person, art personified, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

45. ASTRO's Yoon SanHa

Charming points you should read about: the voice that keeps on giving, actor/MC persona is extra dependable, Ddana language, Beagle King, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

46. SEVENTEEN's MinGyu

Charming points you should read about: elegant stage presence, puppy-like duality to his rugged charm, optimistic realist, well-balanced person, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

47. Kim SeonHo

Charming points you should read about: personality shines in the spotlight, not afraid to be vulnerable, trademark smile, adorable dimples, and more.

Read all about him here:

 

48. Stray Kids' Lee Know

Charming points you should read about: knows his fans' hearts, is one of the aces of Stray Kids, is incredibly generous, 'the dancing sculpture', and more.

Read all about him here:

 

- to be updated -

The "Boy Crush" series is posted every second Monday. Make sure to stay tuned to this list and to the series for future articles.

Make sure to vote for which celebrity (male K-Pop idol or actor) you want to see next in the poll at the bottom of the latest feature. You can also leave suggestions in the comment section below or on each article of who you want to see featured next.

Note: SEVENTEEN's DK, THE BOYZ's HyunJae, THE BOYZ's JuYeon, and Stray Kids' Felix have already been requested to be featured in the series and we will make sure to feature them soon!