{"id":79780,"date":"2024-03-18T10:21:36","date_gmt":"2024-03-18T14:21:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/korean-romance-movies\/"},"modified":"2025-01-29T01:01:35","modified_gmt":"2025-01-29T06:01:35","slug":"korean-romance-movies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/korean\/korean-romance-movies\/","title":{"rendered":"The 14 Best Korean Romance Movies"},"content":{"rendered":"

You may already be aware that Korean entertainment has a particular knack for the drama genre<\/a>. This makes their romantic movies all the more impactful and unique.<\/p>\n

For Korean learners, they can also serve as great resources for learning more romance-related vocabulary<\/a>.<\/p>\n

So without further ado, here are 14 of the most popular Korean romance movies<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1. Always<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Available on: <\/strong>Amazon Prime<\/a><\/p>\n

Korean title:<\/strong> \uc624\uc9c1 \uadf8\ub300\ub9cc (Only You)<\/p>\n

Genre:<\/strong> Romance, Action<\/p>\n

Year:<\/strong> 2011<\/p>\n

Jaded ex-boxer Chul-min now works as a parking lot attendant. His personality is a stark contrast to that of Jung-hwa, a young cheerful woman who is progressively losing her sight.<\/p>\n

After a chance encounter, a hopeful relationship blooms between them, but how long will it last?<\/p>\n

This is a heartfelt story that will surely rock your emotions, even if you\u2019re normally standoffish about romance tales.<\/p>\n

The two actors work wonderfully together in crafting a delicate but genuine bond that puts a spin on the saying \u201clove is blind.\u201d<\/p>\n

2. Be With You<\/h2>\n

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Available on: <\/strong>Amazon Prime<\/a><\/p>\n

Korean title:<\/strong> \uc9c0\uae08 \ub9cc\ub098\ub7ec \uac11\ub2c8\ub2e4 (I\u2019m Coming to Meet You Now)<\/p>\n

Genre:<\/strong> Romance, Fantasy<\/p>\n

Year:<\/strong> 2018<\/p>\n

On her deathbed, Soo-ah promises her husband Woo-jin that she\u2019ll return to him and their son one year later when the weather becomes rainy.<\/p>\n

After his wife passes away, Woo-jin becomes a single parent to a child who firmly believes in his mother\u2019s homecoming. But miraculously, in exactly one year\u2019s time, an amnesiac woman that\u2019s undeniably Soo-ah strolls back into their lives.<\/p>\n

How is this possible, and why does she hold no memories of her dearly beloved?<\/p>\n

This is a Korean remake of a Japanese film based on a novel written by Takuji Ichikawa. It\u2019s as melancholy and curious as it sounds, and I bet you\u2019ll cry waterworks in sync with the significant rain scenes within the film.<\/p>\n

3. The Classic<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Available on: <\/strong>Amazon<\/a><\/p>\n

Korean title:<\/strong> \ud074\ub798\uc2dd<\/p>\n

Genre:<\/strong> Romance, Drama<\/p>\n

Year:<\/strong> 2003<\/p>\n

College student Ji-hye is undergoing a tumultuous romantic crisis. When she\u2019s cleaning through her house, she stumbles upon old possessions belonging to her mother: a diary and a collection of letters.<\/p>\n

What she unearths is a secret history of a love triangle that somehow resonates with Ji-hye\u2019s own current reality.<\/p>\n

An oldie but goldie, “The Classic” is a thrilling, time-skipping tale that features as much melodrama as you\u2019d want in any love polygon.<\/p>\n

I can attest to how memorable the film is\u2013I\u2019ve had its main theme song saved in my music library for over a decade.<\/p>\n

I think you\u2019ll also be particularly impressed by the capabilities of the main actress, Son Ye-jin, as she plays both student Ji-hye and a younger version of her mother.<\/p>\n

4. Decision to Leave<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Available on: <\/strong>Apple TV<\/a><\/p>\n

Korean title:<\/strong> \ud5e4\uc5b4\uc9c8 \uacb0\uc2ec (Decision to Break Up)<\/p>\n

Genre:<\/strong> Romance, Thriller<\/p>\n

Year:<\/strong> 2022<\/p>\n

Jang Hae-jun is a diligent detective married to a wife he barely sees. He takes on a strange case involving the death of a man found at the bottom of a mountain.<\/p>\n

His investigation leads him to the deceased man\u2019s wife, a Chinese emigrant named Song Seo-rae. She seems to be hiding her own secrets, but despite the circumstances, Hae-jun finds himself desperately falling for her.<\/p>\n

Want some misbegotten love in your gritty detective mystery movie? Here it is.<\/p>\n

The relationship between the two leads is far from straightforward, so buckle in for a crazy ride (emphasized by the fact that the movie is directed by the revered Park Chan-wook<\/a>).<\/p>\n

5. The Handmaiden<\/h2>\n

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Available on: <\/strong>Amazon Prime<\/a><\/p>\n

Korean title:<\/strong> \uc544\uac00\uc528 (Lady)<\/p>\n

Genre:<\/strong> Romance, Thriller, Historical<\/p>\n

Year:<\/strong> 2016<\/p>\n

A con-man devises a plot to marry a Japanese noblewoman so that he may steal her hefty fortune. To boost his chances, he ropes in a young girl to act as the noblewoman\u2019s maid and steadily persuade her into taking his hand in marriage.<\/p>\n

However, the twisted plan doesn\u2019t seem to be working as expected.<\/p>\n

The film is actually an adaptation of \u00a0“Fingersmith”, a crime novel written by Sarah Waters<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, instead of the novel\u2019s backdrop of Victorian-era Britain, the movie takes place during Japanese colonial rule of Korea.<\/p>\n

There are a lot of erotic and sensual scenes in this film, as well as some triggering content, so this one\u2019s definitely for mature audiences.<\/p>\n

6. Il Mare<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Available on: <\/strong>Amazon Prime<\/a><\/p>\n

Korean title:<\/strong> \uc2dc\uc6d4\uc560 (Time-transcending love)<\/p>\n

Genre:<\/strong> Romance, Fantasy<\/p>\n

Year:<\/strong> 2000<\/p>\n

In the midst of leaving her seaside abode, Eun-joo leaves behind a dated letter in the mailbox for the next tenant.<\/p>\n

This turns out to be architect student Sung-hyun, but there\u2019s a slight problem\u2013he\u2019s supposed to be the very first tenant of the home, and furthermore, the date on the letter is apparently two years in the future.<\/p>\n

He sends an inquiring letter back, and the two dawn on the realization that despite the fact that they\u2019re not living in the same time and space, they\u2019re still somehow able to communicate.<\/p>\n

A warm and touching story that fully supports the idea that love is timeless. It was popular enough that it actually gained a 2006 American remake called “The Lake House”<\/a>, starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock.<\/p>\n

7. A Moment to Remember<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Available on: <\/strong>Amazon Prime<\/a><\/p>\n

Korean title:<\/strong> \ub0b4 \uba38\ub9ac \uc18d\uc758 \uc9c0\uc6b0\uac1c (Eraser in my Head)<\/p>\n

Genre:<\/strong> Romance, Melodrama<\/p>\n

Year:<\/strong> 2004<\/p>\n

Soo-jin and Chul-soo had a clumsy start to their relationship, but it nonetheless flourished over time and led to their happy marriage.<\/p>\n

However, Soo-jin\u2019s occasional lapse of memory seems to be much more serious than simple forgetfulness.<\/p>\n

If you know anything about Alzheimer\u2019s disease, it\u2019s that it\u2019s an unbearably cruel condition that breaks much more than the sufferer\u2019s mental capacity.<\/p>\n

The film\u2019s depiction of this disease and its effects on such a young couple is difficult and heartbreaking to watch, but the love that resonates throughout will keep your teary eyes on the screen.<\/p>\n

8. My Sassy Girl<\/h2>\n

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Available on: <\/strong>Netflix<\/a><\/p>\n

Korean title:<\/strong> \uc5fd\uae30\uc801\uc778 \uadf8\ub140 (That Strange Girl)<\/p>\n

Genre:<\/strong> Romance, Comedy<\/p>\n

Year:<\/strong> 2001<\/p>\n

When he saw a drunk young woman standing precariously near the train tracks, Tae-hyun thought it was only right to assist her away from the edge.<\/p>\n

What he didn\u2019t know was that the single interaction would introduce a world of humiliation and distress, courtesy of said girl herself.<\/p>\n

This is another old classic that you definitely can\u2019t miss out on. “My Sassy Girl” has a stellar reputation, having spawned a number of remakes and also being considered one of the prominent products that contributed to the Korean cultural wave<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a terrifically fun watch that will make you both laugh and cringe at the poor male lead\u2019s expense. If you enjoyed the film, I suggest you check out one or two of its many subsequent adaptations.<\/p>\n

9. Sweet and Sour<\/h2>\n

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Available on:<\/strong> Netflix<\/a><\/p>\n

Korean title:<\/strong> \uc0c8\ucf64\ub2ec\ucf64 (Sour and Sweet)<\/p>\n

Genre:<\/strong> Romance, Comedy<\/p>\n

Year:<\/strong> 2021<\/p>\n

Jang-hyeok and Da-eun are pretty good together, but the couple\u2019s love is tested when Jang-hyeok starts a new job in a different location and makes their relationship long-distance. At his workplace, he meets another girl who catches his eye.<\/p>\n

The title of the movie sums up the contents quite well. As it covers the highs and lows of a romantic bond (in a mostly comedic fashion), I particularly appreciate the story because, unlike many romance movies, it\u2019s not all about sunshine and rainbows.<\/p>\n

It touches on realistic concerns and struggles of a modern-day relationship that\u2019s strained by distance and disconnect.<\/p>\n

10. 3-Iron<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Available on: <\/strong>Amazon Prime<\/a><\/p>\n

Korean title:<\/strong> \ube48\uc9d1 (Empty House)<\/p>\n

Genre:<\/strong> Romance, Drama, Crime<\/p>\n

Year:<\/strong> 2004<\/p>\n

Drifter Tae-suk is an odd and strangely well-mannered home intruder. He stumbles upon a particularly impressive home that\u2019s occupied by a husband and wife.<\/p>\n

Tae-suk is quick to learn that the wife is in an abusive relationship, and thus starts a whirlwind of events that sweep the two away.<\/p>\n

For those who read the title and are curious\u2013yes, golf is a major theme in this movie. I was caught off guard by how artistic and poetic the film was, to the point it felt a bit wrong to just denote it as a romance movie.<\/p>\n

It left me feeling a bit empty at the end (so its Korean title is quite fitting, I suppose) but I can definitely say it was a movie I\u2019ll remember for a long while.<\/p>\n

11. Tune in for Love<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Available on:<\/strong> Netflix<\/a><\/p>\n

Korean title:<\/strong> \uc720\uc5f4\uc758 \uc74c\uc545\uc568\ubc94 (Yoo-yeol\u2019s Music Album)<\/p>\n

Genre:<\/strong> Romance, Drama<\/p>\n

Year:<\/strong> 2016<\/p>\n

Mi-soo and Hyun-woo meet in a bakery and develop feelings for each other, although the connection is cut short when Hyun-woo departs with little warning.<\/p>\n

However, the future is full of little surprises as the two end up serendipitously meeting several times, although not always in the most ideal circumstances.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll admit, I started this film expecting a lot of your standard melodrama and angst, but I was pleasantly surprised at how sweet the story was.<\/p>\n

The characters had great chemistry, so the slow burn of their relationship inspires more sympathy than impatience.<\/p>\n

12. 20th Century Girl<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Available on:<\/strong> Netflix<\/a><\/p>\n

Korean title:<\/strong> 20\uc138\uae30 \uc18c\ub140 (20th Century Girl)<\/p>\n

Genre:<\/strong> Romance, Drama<\/p>\n

Year:<\/strong> 2022<\/p>\n

Being a true friend, schoolgirl Bo-ra agrees to stake out and observe Hyun-jin, a boy her best pal is utterly smitten with. However, she slowly begins to fall for the target of her investigation. Commence drama.<\/p>\n

Ah yes, the age-old tale of a love triangle gone haywire. I\u2019m not the most romantic person, and I\u2019ve never played detective for a friend, but even I felt a lot of sympathy for our struggling lead as she juggles between being selfless or selfish.<\/p>\n

This wholesome film will promise both smiles and tears.<\/p>\n

13. 200 Pounds Beauty<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Available on: <\/strong>Amazon Prime<\/a><\/p>\n

Korean title:<\/strong> \ubbf8\ub140\ub294 \uad34\ub85c\uc6cc (Beauty is pain)<\/p>\n

Genre:<\/strong> Romance, Music, Comedy<\/p>\n

Year:<\/strong> 2006<\/p>\n

Han-na is an overweight girl blessed with the voice of an angel. She is the secret ghost singer of a lip-syncing pop star.<\/p>\n

When Han-na develops a crush on a producer, she decides to undergo drastic plastic surgery to ostensibly gain a body that suits her talent.<\/p>\n

This well-loved film covers your classic “not-to-hot” romance trope, but that doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s any less uniquely endearing and empowering.<\/p>\n

Also, fair warning to you: the film\u2019s hit song<\/a> is an earworm that is guaranteed to stick around in your head for a while.<\/p>\n

14. Wish You: Your Melody From My Heart<\/h2>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

Available on: <\/strong>Viki<\/a><\/p>\n

Korean title:<\/strong> \uc704\uc2dc \uc720 : \ub098\uc758 \ub9c8\uc74c\uc18d \ub108\uc758 \uba5c\ub85c\ub514 (Wish You: Your Melody From My Heart)<\/p>\n

Genre:<\/strong> Romance, Drama, Music<\/p>\n

Year:<\/strong> 2021<\/p>\n

Busking musician In-soo is talented and passionate at his craft. His fantastic abilities are noticed by Sang-yi, who works for a record company.<\/p>\n

Sang-yi scouts out In-soo and onboards him to a project that may promise fame. This requires the two to inhabit the same living space as they work together.<\/p>\n

However, their relationship doesn\u2019t stay strictly professional for long.<\/p>\n

This movie covers LGBTQ themes in a tender and wholesome manner. I found it to be a lovely watch that\u2019s free of many hackneyed gimmicks.<\/p>\n

If you enjoy the film and can\u2019t get enough of the male leads\u2019 sweet bond, you may also enjoy the drama series that shortly followed the movie release.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\nThese films will introduce you to whole new worlds of entrancing love and shattering heartbreak.<\/p>\n

So before you tune into any one of them, it\u2019s best to emotionally prepare yourselves and have a full box of tissues next to you.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

And One More Thing...<\/h2>\r\n

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\r\nYou can use FluentU\u2019s unique Quiz Mode<\/strong> to learn the vocabulary and phrases from the video through fun questions.\r\n<\/p>\r\n\"practice-korean-with-customized-quizzes\"<\/a>\r\n

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You may already be aware that Korean entertainment has a particular knack for the drama genre. This makes their romantic movies all the more impactful and unique. For Korean learners,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":413,"featured_media":248945,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"title":"The 14 Best Korean Romance Movies | FluentU Korean Blog","description":"Click here to discover 14 Korean romance movies. For anyone learning Korean and loving movies about love, these films are unique and entertaining. From films like \u201cThe Classic\u201d and \"Always\" to new movies on Netflix like \u201c20th Century Girl,\" these Korean romance movies will keep you busy."},"footnotes":""},"categories":[441,442,446],"tags":[],"coauthors":[185],"class_list":["post-79780","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-korean","category-korean-learning-resources","category-video-korean-learning-resources"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79780","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/413"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=79780"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79780\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":235267,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/79780\/revisions\/235267"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/248945"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=79780"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=79780"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=79780"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=79780"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}