Kdramas have a special kind of magic that keeps us hooked, no matter how many times we’ve seen the same storylines unfold. Whether it’s the rich CEO falling for the quirky girl or the classic Second Lead Syndrome, we love to get our heart broken again and again.
But if we remove our kdrama love for a second then it will not be wrong to say that while we love these storylines, sometimes they can become annoying. Let’s have a look into the most iconic K-drama storylines we secretly (or not-so-secretly) love or hate.
The Rich CEO & Poor Girl Romance
Ever kdrama fan will notice this classic Cinderella storyline or I should say “chaebol” story. In almost every K-drama, there’s a wealthy heir to a massive corporation who falls for an ordinary (and usually struggling) girl. He starts off as cold and arrogant, but her kindness melts his icy heart. The drama is filled with the over-the-top romantic gestures, private jets, and grand confessions, making it exciting and sympathetic.
Why We Love It: Who doesn’t love a little fantasy where love conquers all, regardless of social status?
Why We Hate It: Real-life rich CEOs probably don’t spend their time falling in love with their employees.
Best Kdrama: Boys Over Flowers, Business Proposal, What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?
The Makeover Glow-Up
A popular storyline in which a plain-looking girl suddenly transforms into a stunning beauty—usually with the help of a magical haircut, contact lenses, and trendy outfits. And just like that, they go from invisible to the center of attention.
Why We Love It: Who doesn’t love a good glow-up moment? It’s satisfying to see an underdog shine.
Why We Hate It: why can’t we focus on who we are?
Best Kdrama: True Beauty, My ID is Gangnam Beauty, She Was Pretty
The Contract Relationship / Fake Marriage
Two people enter a relationship for practical reasons—whether it’s to keep their families happy, trick the public, or gain a promotion. But, of course, fake love turns into real feelings.
Why We Love It: The slow-burn romance and all the awkward, funny moments make this storyline attractive and engaging.
Why We Hate It: If only real relationships worked this way
Best Kdrama: Because This is My First Life, Marriage Contract, Her Private Life
The Childhood Connection Twist
Nothing screams fate like realizing you and your soulmate actually met as children. Maybe one saved the other from an accident, or they shared a childhood promise. Either way, destiny was at work all along.
Why We Love It: It adds a deep, emotional layer to the romance.
Why We Hate It: How do they always forget until the last few episodes
Best Kdrama: Hotel Del Luna, Twenty-Five Twenty-One, Goblin
The ‘Wrist Grab’ Scene
For some reason, male leads love dragging female leads away dramatically by the wrist. Whether it’s stopping her from leaving or making a passionate declaration, you will find this scene everywhere.
Why We Love It: It can be dramatic and intense (if done right).
Why We Hate It: In real life, this would just be awkward (and kind of rude).
Best Kdrama: Literally every K-drama ever
Second Lead Syndrome (AKA Heartbreak Central)
That one perfect, kind, and charming second lead who has zero chance of ending up with the main character—but we still root for them anyway. One of my favourites is Startup kdrama.
Why We Love It: They’re often more caring than the main lead and deserve happiness.
Why We Hate It: We already know how it’s going to end.
Best Kdrama: Start-Up, Reply 1988, Cheese in the Trap
Amnesia and Tragic Fate
Just when the couple is finally happy—boom! One of them gets into an accident and forgets everything, or they suddenly must break up due to some tragic twist. Because drama.
Why We Love It: The emotional rollercoaster keeps us glued to the screen.
Why We Hate It: Why do writers love making characters suffer so much
Best Kdrama: Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, Stairway to Heaven, Winter Sonata
The Chaebol Who Falls in Love with an Ordinary Girl
A super-rich heir to a massive company falls for someone totally unexpected—usually a hardworking woman just trying to make ends meet.
Why We Love It: It’s the ultimate fantasy of a fairy-tale romance.
Why We Hate It: In real life, chaebols probably marry other chaebols.
Best Kdrama: Secret Garden, The Heirs, The Legend of the Blue Sea
The Love Triangle That Never Ends
One girl. Two guys. Endless emotional tension. The love triangle is a K-drama staple that keeps us guessing (and frustrated).
Why We Love It: It keeps us emotionally invested in every episode.
Why We Hate It: Someone always gets hurt, and it’s usually our favorite character.
Best Kdrama: Love Alarm, Cheese in the Trap, Scarlet Heart Ryeo
Time Travel & Reincarnation Mysteries
From jumping through timelines to getting reincarnated across centuries, this storyline brings fantasy and romance together in the most dramatic way possible.
Why We Love It: The idea of love transcending time is deeply romantic.
Why We Hate It: The endings are often confusing.
Best Kdrama: Goblin, Reborn Rich, Tomorrow
K-drama storylines may be predictable, but it would be not wrong to say that we love them anyway. Which storyline do you often look forward too?