Korean romantic comedies have a special charm that has captured the hearts of audiences around the globe. With their perfect blend of humor, heartwarming moments, and captivating storylines, these films offer a delightful escape. Here, we explore ten of the best recent Korean rom-coms, detailing their casts, where to watch, duration, and genre specifics. Get ready to add these gems to your watchlist!
Overview
"Sweet & Sour" is a romantic comedy directed by Lee Gye-byeok. The film navigates the complexities of modern relationships, presenting a realistic yet entertaining portrayal of love and its challenges.
Image courtesy: IMDb
Cast
- Jang Ki-yong as Jang Hyuk
- Chae Soo-bin as Da-eun
- Krystal Jung as Bo-yeong
Plot and Themes
The story revolves around Jang Hyuk and Da-eun, a couple navigating the ups and downs of a long-distance relationship. As Jang Hyuk starts a new job and meets a potential romantic rival, Bo-yeong, the dynamics of their relationship begin to shift. The film explores themes of love, commitment, and the struggle to balance personal aspirations with romantic relationships.
Where to Watch
Available on Netflix.
Duration
101 minutes.
Overview
"Our Beloved Summer" is a romantic comedy-drama series directed by Kim Yoon-jin. It offers a refreshing take on youthful romance and the journey of self-discovery.
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Cast
- Choi Woo-shik as Choi Woong
- Kim Da-mi as Kook Yeon-soo
- Kim Sung-cheol as Kim Ji-ung
- Roh Jeong-eui as NJ
Plot and Themes
The series follows ex-lovers Choi Woong and Kook Yeon-soo, who are reunited years after their breakup when a documentary they made in high school goes viral. As they navigate their unresolved feelings and the impact of their past, they find themselves drawn back to each other. The show delves into themes of love, growth, and the passage of time.
Where to Watch
Available on Netflix.
Duration: 16 episodes, approximately 60 minutes each.
Overview
"Crazy Romance," directed by Kim Han-gyeol, is a romantic comedy that explores the messy, unpredictable nature of modern love.
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Cast
- Kim Rae-won as Jae-hoon
- Gong Hyo-jin as Sun-young
Plot and Themes
Jae-hoon is dealing with the fallout from a broken engagement, while Sun-young is recovering from a recent breakup. When they start working together, they find themselves navigating the complexities of office romance. The film touches on themes of heartbreak, healing, and the humorous side of romantic misadventures.
Where to Watch
Available on Rakuten Viki.
Duration: 115 minutes.
Overview
Directed by Park Hyun-jin, "Love and Leashes" is a romantic comedy that boldly explores unconventional relationships with humor and sensitivity.
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Cast
- Seohyun as Jung Ji-woo
- Lee Jun-young as Jung Ji-hoo
Plot and Themes
The film follows Jung Ji-woo, a competent and confident woman, who discovers her co-worker, Jung Ji-hoo’s, secret kink. As they agree to explore this aspect of their relationship consensually, the film delves into themes of trust, boundaries, and the different forms that love can take.
Where to Watch
Available on Netflix.
Duration: 118 minutes.
Overview
Directed by Baik, "The Beauty Inside" is a romantic comedy-fantasy film that offers a unique twist on the concept of identity and love.
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Cast
- Han Hyo-joo as Hong Yi-soo
- Multiple actors including Park Seo-joon, Juri Ueno, and Lee Dong-wook as Woo-jin
Plot and Themes
Woo-jin is a man who wakes up every day in a different body, regardless of age, gender, or nationality. Despite his condition, he falls in love with Hong Yi-soo. The film explores themes of identity, acceptance, and unconditional love.
Where to Watch
Available on Rakuten Viki and Amazon Prime Video.
Duration: 127 minutes.
Overview
Directed by Jung Ji-woo, "Tune in for Love" is a romantic drama with a nostalgic touch, set against the backdrop of the 1990s.
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Cast
- Kim Go-eun as Mi-soo
- Jung Hae-in as Hyun-woo
Plot and Themes
Mi-soo and Hyun-woo’s paths cross multiple times over the years, starting from a chance encounter at a bakery. The film follows their evolving relationship, highlighting themes of fate, timing, and enduring love.
Where to Watch
Available on Netflix.
Duration: 122 minutes.
Overview
Directed by Lee Seok-geun, "On Your Wedding Day" is a romantic comedy-drama that captures the essence of first love and its enduring
Image courtesy: IMDbimpact.
Cast
- Park Bo-young as Hwan Seung-hee
- Kim Young-kwang as Hwang Woo-yeon
Plot and Themes
The film follows Woo-yeon, who receives a wedding invitation from his first love, Seung-hee. The story recounts their relationship from high school to adulthood, exploring themes of nostalgia, missed opportunities, and the bittersweet nature of first love.
Where to Watch
Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Duration: 110 minutes.
Overview
Directed by Lee Jang-hoon, "Be With You" is a romantic fantasy drama based on a Japanese novel by Takuji Ichikawa.
Image courtesy: IMDb
Cast
- So Ji-sub as Woo-jin
- Son Ye-jin as Soo-ah
Plot and Themes
Soo-ah, who passed away a year ago, miraculously returns to her husband Woo-jin and their son, but with no memories of her previous life. The film delves into themes of love, loss, and the supernatural, blending romance with elements of fantasy.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Duration: 132 minutes.
Overview
Directed by Lim Chan-sang, "My Love, My Bride" is a remake of the 1990 film of the same name, exploring the joys and challenges of
Image courtesy: IMDbmarried life.
Cast
- Jo Jung-suk as Young-min
- Shin Min-a as Mi-young
Plot and Themes
Newlyweds Young-min and Mi-young navigate the ups and downs of marriage, from the honeymoon phase to the daily grind. The film offers a humorous yet heartfelt look at the realities of married life, highlighting themes of love, compromise, and personal growth.
Where to Watch
Available on Viki and Amazon Prime Video.
Duration: 111 minutes.
Overview
Directed by Hwang In-ho, "Spellbound" is a unique blend of romance, comedy, and horror, making it a standout in the genre.
Image courtesy: IMDb
Cast
- Son Ye-jin as Kang Yeo-ri
- Lee Min-ki as Ma Jo-goo
Plot and Themes
Jo-goo, a street magician, meets Yeo-ri, a woman who can see ghosts. As they develop a romantic relationship, they must also confront the supernatural challenges that come with Yeo-ri's abilities. The film balances humor, romance, and scares, creating an engaging and original narrative.
Where to Watch: Available on Amazon Prime Video.
Duration : 114 minutes.
Korean romantic comedies continue to charm audiences with their heartfelt stories, engaging characters, and unique cultural perspectives. Whether you’re looking for a laugh, a cry, or a heartwarming tale, these recent films offer a delightful array of options. From the realistic and relatable to the fantastical and whimsical, there’s a Korean rom-com for every mood and occasion. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and enjoy the delightful world of Korean romantic comedies!