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If swoon-worthy K-Drama couples are your thing, then meet my 12 most favorite swoon-worthy K-Drama pairings.
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A swoon-worthy K-Drama couple is my main requirement for choosing a drama. I’d drop a drama or won’t even start one if I’m not the least bit assured that it has a couple who’d make my heart flutter. I’m mainly there for the romance, that’s why.
What Makes Swoon-Worthy
Swoon-worthy in my book doesn’t merely mean cheesy lines and cute moments. Those are essential, of course, but first and foremost, I want to see the chemistry between the pair. And it doesn’t stop there. That chemistry has to lead to passion, too. Whether slow or intense, simmering or burning, passion is a must. Then lastly, a strong connection has to be present as well—like a solid bond and unwavering support of each other.
The 12 Most Swoon-Worthy K-Drama Couples
These K-Drama couples are that and, sometimes, more. Arranged from the least of the most swoon-worthy to the most of the most swoony, they’re the ones that made the cut.
12. Lee Ji Yi and Yoo Chang Soo
Lee Ji Yi and Yoo Chang Soo are the second leads in High Society. Truth be told, I plowed through this drama solely for them. The main leads’ love story was a bit interesting, I admit, but Ji Yi and Chang Soo’s was what got me captivated.
They’re the clichè pair you always see in K-Dramas—rich guy and poor girl who can’t be together because of different social status and whatnots—but they’re just so cute and so much fun together that you can’t help but love them. Their banter was witty and funny; their dynamics, easy and charming; the love, true. So I paid no attention to the clichés and just enjoyed the ride. Ha. Well, clichés are there for a reason, anyway: they always work.
Story
Ji Yi was a sales clerk working for the company of Chang Soo. They met and fell in love, but as expected, Chang Soo’s mother disapproved of the romance.
11. Kim So Yong and King Cheol Jong
Kim So Yong and King Cheol Jong are from the historical K-Drama Mr. Queen. Cheol Jong is a real character from Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, while So Yong, if I’m not mistaken, was an embellished addition.
Since some parts of this drama were lifted from history, you’ll be learning bits of history as well (great for history buffs like me, heh). Also, just so you know, there’s a time travel and switched bodies element in this drama.
So Yong and Cheol Jong started as enemies. While there might have been a spark during their first meeting, that was immediately quashed, however, when Cheol Jong learned who So Yong was. So it took quite some time for the pair to become friends and then, finally, lovers. Watching them slowly warm up to each other and fall in love was such a treat, though (the love letters were sweet, and their yearning for each other was heartwarming). And once they did, there was no stopping them—not even meddling in laws or warring political factions.
Story
So Yong and Cheol Jong were arranged to marry. Cheol Jong, however, hated So Yong’s family so he was antagonistic to her. Matters got complicated when a man from the future was transported into So Yong’s body and political factions plotted against the couple and each other.
10. Kim Da Hyeon and Lee Jae In
Something About 1%’s Kim Da Hyeon and Lee Jae In were a pair so easy to love. Never, I think, have I seen a K-drama couple who has as healthy a romantic relationship as these two. They support each other, talk things out, immediately iron out misunderstandings, and don’t let third parties sway their decisions. It doesn’t hurt that they share such plentiful romantic moments, too. And kisses—boy, do we get a lot of them—and such real, passionate kisses, to boot. A rather pleasant contrast, by the way, from those uninspiring closed-mouth ones we, unfortunately, so often get handed with in many K-Dramas.
All in all, this couple is such a happy watch, that’s especially perfect when you need to be reminded that love isn’t always complicated.
Story
Kim Da Hyeon was a teacher and Lee Jae In was from a rich family. They entered into a dating contract for each other’s benefit. That fake dating turned into something real, though.
9. Shin Mi Rae and Jo Gook
I have a deep fondness for Shin Mi Rae and Jo Gook from City Hall. Whenever I remember this pair, I just can’t help but smile. Maybe because Kim Sun Ah, who played Mi Rae, and Cha Seung Won, who played Gook, were both such talented actors that they captured their characters’ essence down to a T; their acting was just natural and spot on. Or maybe because it was the witty writing and brilliantly solid script that do it. Whatever it is, this drama is amazing, and it’s a shame it doesn’t get the credit and popularity it deserves.
The pairing of Mi Rae and Gook is the perfect example of opposites you think won’t gel. But gel they did and strongly at that. The natural way they fell in love was believable and relatable. At first hilarious, then later dramatic, the events that led to their happy ever after were credible. While their love story isn’t without its share of angsts, they managed to turn their differences into a source of strength for each other.
Story
Mi Rae was a low-level city hall clerk in a small town, while Gook was a seasoned politician on the way to the Presidency. Mi Rae was full of heart, while Gook was jaded. Can their unexpected love survive differences in status and values?
Related Readings:
- The Best Korean Drama You Can’t Afford to Miss
- Korean Drama on Netflix: The Romantic and Swoon-Worthy
8. Kim Hang Ah and Lee Jae Ha
The term “power couple” best describes the love tandem of Kim Hang Ah and Lee Jae Ha from King2Hearts. So apt since in my long K-Drama watching, I’ve never come across a couple that kicked so much butt they stopped countries from going to war. Ha.
What makes this couple swoon-worthy is how they’re a harmony of soft and hard that, strangely, effectively works. Who’s soft and who’s hard? Well, both have both in them, actually. Hang Ah can be soft or hard, and so did Jae Ha. They strongly complement each other as each has qualities needed to effectively run a nation—necessary as they’ll eventually become leaders.
These two have the requisite K-Drama sweet and cute romantic moments, but what sets them apart from your regular K-Drama couple is how you see them fight together and help and protect each other; their action scenes are thrilling and awesome.
Story
Hang Ah is a North Korean special forces officer/spy, while Jae Ha was the South Korean crown prince. Their pairing had disaster written all over it. Their journey to becoming South Korea’s king and queen is an epic tale you shouldn’t miss.
7. Gil Ra Im and Kim Joo Won
I haven’t rewatched a K-Drama so many times as I did Secret Garden. Chalk it up to the witty writing of Kim Eun-sook (who also wrote City Hall), the catchy OST (Original Soundtrack), and most of all, the dynamic and swoon-worthy pairing that is Gil Ra Im and Kim Joo Won.
Ra Im and Joo Won’s tandem was a study in contrast that would have you laughing, crying, swooning and falling in love. They were funny together, sometimes crazily dramatic, but oftentimes romantic. What got to me most in this drama was the cute obsession Joo Won had for Ra Im at the beginning that turned into utter devotion later. It was just so heart-fluttering and moving.
Story
Ra Im, a humble stuntwoman, and Jo Woon, heir to a chain of department stores, fall in love amidst social status differences.
6. Hong Ra On and Lee Young
I only have good things to say about Love in the Moonlight (a.k.a. Moonlight Drawn by Clouds), and even better things to say about its awesome couple, Hong Ra On and Lee Young (Crown Prince Hyo Myung).
This pair is one of the most adorable couples I’ve seen. They share the cutest romantic moments in drama land I smiled and swooned for most of the show. Literally. Even during those sad scenes, actually. Because yes, while they were sad, our pair still did things to, and for, each other that would still have you smiling and swooning.
Story
Ra On, disguised as a boy, inadvertently gets thrown into the palace as a eunuch to Young, the crown prince. Young, to his utter dilemma, finds himself attracted to Ra On, who he thought, of course, was a boy.
Here’s a music video I made of these two.
5. Kim Kyung Ja and Han Pil Hoon
Secret Agents falling in love? Count me in! I like spy stories and if you throw in some romance, then I’m a happy camper (or viewer, to be exact). That, the fact that the story was decently fun, and the delightful pairing of Kim Kyung Ja and Han Pil Hoon were the reasons why I love 7th Grade Civil Servant.
Kyung Ja and Pil Hoon together were a delight to watch. Their bickering at the start was hilarious and cute, and the situations they found themselves in were entertaining. They’re the couple who also support and protect each other; who do these little sweet things for one another that may not seem much, but really show how much they care.
Story
Kyung Ja and Pil Hoon, both newly minted spies, navigate dating in the complicated world of espionage. With secret identities and all other secrets to keep, they find that it truly isn’t easy.
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4. Kim Mi Young and Lee Gun
There’s so much to swoon about the destined pair of Kim Mi Young and Lee Gun from the drama Fated to Love You. They share one of the best chemistry there is and fit each other like a puzzle. Gun being protective and caring towards Mi Young would make your heart melt. He says he’s her number one fan and that isn’t merely lip service because even before she got it made, he was already her personal avid cheerleader. Though theirs isn’t a story full of rainbows, it is one where you’ll believe in fate, destiny and true love.
Story
An accidental meeting between Mi Young and Gun resulted in them getting pregnant, so they were forced to wed. Complicating the matter is Gun having an existing girlfriend, among others. The road to a happy ending for these two is thus long and bumpy.
3. Sung Ja Hyun and Lee Hwi
Sung Ja Hyun and Lee Hwi from the historical drama Grand Prince come close to being the power couple that Kim Hang Ah and Lee Jae Ha (King2Hearts) were. They’re the couple who don’t succumb to misunderstandings and lack of communication. They love, support and protect each other (much screen time is devoted to this); plot and fight together to protect their love and country. They’re a refreshing pair that you’ll heartily root for.
Story
Ja Hyun, a noblewoman, and Hwi, a grand prince, fall in love amidst jealous third parties and evil plots against the monarchy. They find themselves fighting to protect their love and country.
2. Go Eun Chan and Choi Han Gyul
You couldn’t find a more natural, raw and believable couple than Go Eun Chan and Choi Han Gyul from the famed drama Coffee Prince. Not only do they share such electrifying chemistry, but their union also oozes passion and authenticity.
It isn’t just their acting that makes this drama great, though. It’s also well written, strongly plotted, evenly paced, fantastically directed, and plays the coolest soundtracks. Most of all and more than any other drama I’ve watched, it gives us these realistic scenes between the couple that are identifiable and heart-melting.
Story
Eun Chan pretends to be a boy to work for Han Gyul. That creates more problems when the two fall in love with each other.
1. Wang Gwang Bak and Choi Sang Nam
Wang Gwang Bak and Choi Sang Nam from the family drama Wang Family take the number one spot in my most swoon-worthy K-Drama couple.
These two have all the requisite characteristics that the other 11 couples above have (chemistry, love, devotion, etc.) and then some, but what sets them above the rest is how plausible their relationship was. They’re cute, funny and convincing together. Plus, their relationship is peppered with these adorable peculiarities (that puppy sound they make before they kiss is just so lovable—and sexy) that are truly their own. It helps a lot also that we get to see them play out their married life, so we get a bigger understanding of them as a couple (maybe one of the perks of a long family drama).
Story
Gwang Bak, a former teacher but now an aspiring writer, and Sang Nam, a businessman, met and fell in love. All was not that simple, however, as problems regarding status, family and unfortunate events get in their love’s way.
Final Thoughts
I love these couples and they hold a special place in my heart—and in my DVD collection. Ha. They’re my go-to couples when I need some perking up or happy time.
What about you? Who are your swoon-worthy couples? Let me know in the comment section below since I’m always on the lookout for new couples to binge-watch.
That’s about it, peeps, and thank you for reading. Before you go, though, please don’t forget to share or save for later re-read. Happy watching!
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They’re cute! No wonder a lot of Filipinos are so hooked on KDramas! For there are a lot of super cute looking Korean actors!!
That’s probably it, heh.
I love korean movies
Me too 🙂
I need to catch up on K-Dramas. But I was glad to see Secret Garden and Coffee Prince on the list. Such classics!
True, both are timeless. I still rewatch them every now and then.
Hey! It’s jeon somin from running man. I’ve never watched any of her acting roles before but she must be a good match with the actor for you to put them two on this post. I really like the main couple from You’re beautiful. I know it’s an oldie. Park shin hye and Jang geun suk all the way!
Also, Kim Bum and Kim so Eun from Boys over flowers. They’re the secondary couple in the drama but I shipped them way more than the lead couple. Still love lee min ho tho!
Hi! It’s the only drama I saw her in, expect for one cameo appearance in one show, but she shared such a sweet and honest relationship with the male lead in this drama.
I like Park Shin Hye and Jang Geun Suk in You’re Beautiful, too. And it was such a feel-good drama. I just wish they were more given screen time as a couple 🙂
Oh yes, love them too! And way more than the main couple. I feel that Lee Min Ho and Gu Hye Seon didn’t have any chemistry. I still cringe every time I remember them, heh.