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20 Must-See Romantic Korean Films

Gugelin January 15, 2025 14 min read

Romantic movies are more popular than ever, and Asia has a lot to offer in this genre. South Korea, in particular, is a standout. Their movies have a great reputation, and it’s no surprise that they’re leading the way in the Asian movie industry. Their films have been loved by people from all walks of life.

The themes they explore often touch on universal aspects of life, such as struggle, friendship, dreams, love, and family. But it’s not just the stories that captivate us; it’s also the talented actors and actresses who have a devoted following worldwide, especially in Indonesia.

Read: 20 Rekomendasi Film Korea Romantis dengan Rating Tinggi yang Wajib Kamu Tonton

It’s clear that Korean movies stand out not just for their romantic narratives, but also for the charisma of their stars. It’s not uncommon for female fans to show great enthusiasm for the actors by shouting “oppa-oppa” whenever they see them, either on television or on the internet. This shows just how successful South Korean films have been. To help you explore more of this world, here are 20 must-see romantic korean films.

Also Read: 10 Highly Rated Korean Dramas You Can’t Miss (8.9/10)

10 Must-Watch Romantic Korean Movies

The year 2025 is almost here, and that can only mean one thing: new movies will be appearing all the time, while old ones will be forgotten. But that’s not all – these classic romances have a universal charm. So, to avoid being left behind and forgotten, here are 10 must-watch romantic korean movies.

1. Single in Seoul (2023)

The movie Single in Seoul is about two people who meet again after a long time. One of them is Park Yeong-ho, a well-known internet personality, and the other is Joo Hyeon-jin, a chief editor who loves to write essays.

Their story begins when they meet through an essay, which makes them remember old memories and feel emotions they had forgotten. The reason this movie is so successful is because of the strong chemistry between Lee Dong-wook and Im Soo-jung, who also worked together in the 2019 drama Search: WWW. You should definitely watch Single in Seoul.

Also Read: 10 Drama Korea Rating 8.9/10 yang Wajib Kamu Tonton

Rating: 7,4/10
Genre: melodrama, romance, comedy
Main cast: Lee Dong-wook, Im Soo-jung, Esom, Lee Mi-do, Jang Hyun-sung

2. Because I Hate Korea (2023)

This movie is definitely worth watching. It tells the story of a young woman from Generation Z who leaves her job, boyfriend, and family to find happiness in New Zealand. It is based on a novel called Because I Hate Korea by Chang Kang-myoung.

The lead actor, Go Ah-sung, does a great job playing her character. According to Screen Daily, the characters and the feminist message are what make the movie so charming and unique. Go Ah-sung plays a woman who stays strong and resilient in the face of social issues that affect her life.

Rating: 7,6/10
Genre: romance, comedy
Main cast: Go Ah-sung, Joo Jong-hyuk, Kim Woo-kyum, Oh Min-ae, Park Sung-il

3. Soulmate (2023)

The movie Soulmate is about two women who have been friends for years. But their friendship starts to break down when they both fall in love with the same man. Ha-eun starts dating Jin-woo, who also happens to be Mi-so’s boyfriend. This ruins their friendship, which has been ongoing since they were 13.

Also Read: 20 Rekomendasi Film Korea Romantis dengan Rating Tinggi yang Wajib Kamu Tonton

The heartbreaking romance is made even better by the great performances of actors Kim Da-mi and Jeon So-nee. The beautiful Jeju Island, famous for its natural beauty, was used as a filming location, and the movie was released in Indonesia on 22 March 2023 and received an 8.5/10 rating on MyDramaList.

Rating: 8.5/10
Genre: drama, romance, teenagers
Main cast: Kim Da-mi, Jeon So-nee, Byeon Woo-seok, Heo Ji-na, Jang Hye-jin

4. Love Reset (2023)

The film Love Reset is exactly what it says it is. It tells the story of two people who fall in love again after they can’t remember anything because of an accident, which occurs before their divorce is officially decided in court. In other words, they are a married couple whose relationship is not going well until something unexpected happens, and their love is reborn. The film was a big success, making $7,965,708 and being watched by 1,092,892 people.

Despite their love being rekindled because of amnesia, their family members actually want them to split up by bringing up bad memories of the past. The film is full of romance and chemistry, and viewers will be carried away by the storyline. On MyDramaList, the movie has a rating of 8.4/10, which shows that it is definitely worth watching.

Rating: 8,4/10
Genre: drama, romance, comedy
Main cast: Kang Ha-neul, Jung So-min, Hwang Se-in, Kim Sun-young

5. Past Lives (2023)

Past Lives is a movie about a pair of friends who have been together for 24 years and are struggling with change. They have experienced a lot of changes in that time, including when Na Young’s family moved to Toronto. They are reunited 12 years later and realize that they have both changed.

The film was directed by Celine Song, and the way it blends friendship with the evolving identities of the two characters is very successful. In fact, it received a lot of praise. It’s a really moving film that is well worth watching.

Rating : 8.2/10
Genre: drama, romance
Main cast: Greta Lee, Yoo Teo, John Magaro, Moon Seung-ah, Im Seung-min

6. Honey Sweet (2023)

The film Honey Sweet is about Chi-ho, who spends his life researching cake flavors but becomes fed up and sad at some point. The world of cooking changes for him when he meets Il-Young, a woman full of optimism after her husband’s death. This meeting makes him think differently about taste.

Chi-ho’s journey is not an easy one, as his brother, the selfish boss of a cake company, makes things hard for him. He also has to deal with Byung-hoon and Eun-sook, who don’t agree with him. But Chi-ho never gives up. The movie shows how he deals with all these problems and finds himself.

Rating: 7.9/10
Genre: romance, comedy
Main cast: Yoo Hae-jin, Kim Hee-sun, Cha In-pyo, Jin Seon-kyu, Han Sun-hwa

7. My Worst Neighbor (2023)

This romantic comedy tells the story of two neighbors who are separated by a wall. The story starts when a talented singer named Seung-Jin (played by Lee Ji-Hoon) is practicing for an audition at his new home. During the rehearsal, he hears loud noises from his neighbor Ra-Ni (played by Han Seung-Yeon), who is a ceramicist.

They can’t really talk to each other, but they get to know each other better and start to have feelings for each other. The film My Worst Neighbor was a big success in the community. It has funny moments, emotional moments, and interesting characters.

Rating: 7.4/10
Genre: romance, comedy
Main cast: Lee Ji-hoon, Han Seung-yeon, Go Gyu-pil. Kim Yoon-sung

8. Killing Romance (2023)

Killing Romance is a story about a famous actress and her biggest fan escaping a horrible marriage arranged by her family with a very evil businessman.

This type of drama is interesting because it deals with the issue of domestic violence, and it also has slapstick and musical comedy elements. As such, the movie is interesting not only for its intense action scenes, but also for its ability to blend emotion and comedy, making Killing Romance worth watching.

Rating: 7.2/10
Genre: musical, romantic, comedy
Main cast: Lee Hanee, Lee Sun-kyun, Gong Myoung, Bae Yoo-ram, Shim Dal-gi

9. Love My Scent (2023)

The 2023 South Korean romantic comedy film Love My Scent was written and directed by Lim Sung-yong. Yoon Shi-yoon and Seol In-ah play the main roles. The film tells the story of a man who doesn’t like work or dating, and a woman who has never had a romantic relationship. The romance begins when the two main characters fall in love with each other after smelling a perfume.

The film was released on 8 February 2023 and received praise from audiences who enjoyed the humor and the film’s visual appeal.

Rating: 7.0/10
Genre: supernatural, romantic, comedy
Main cast: Yoon Shi-yoon as Chang-soo, Seol In-ah as A-ra, Noh Sang, hyun as James, Kim Young-woong as Na Jeom-jang Kim Soo-mi

10. Maybe We Broke Up (2023)

Maybe We Broke Up chronicles the love story of Jun Ho and Ah Yeong, who initially met as college classmates and subsequently embarked on a romantic relationship. However, their relationship experiences a period of strain due to Jun Ho’s dedication to exam preparation and Ah Yeong’s challenges in her career as a realtor.

The Korean romantic film skillfully navigates the dynamics of a relationship without resorting to excessive drama or comedy, offering a nuanced depiction of the evolution of love. In essence, the film encourages viewers to contemplate the future of romantic relationships with honesty and authenticity.”

Rating: 7.0/10
Genre: drama, romantic
Main cast: Lee Dong-hwi, Jung Eun-chae, Kang Gil-woo, Jung Da-eun, Jong Ho

Top 10 Best Romantic Korean Movies You Must Watch

It is evident that the romantic comedy genre has become a subject of significant interest for a considerable number of individuals. The following 10 Korean romantic movies have received the highest ratings.

1. Salut D’Amour (2015)

The film under scrutiny, directed by Kang Je-gyu and bearing the title Salut D’Amour, chronicles the amorous relationship between two geriatric individuals, Sung Chil and Geum Nim. The narrative of their relationship is set in motion within the milieu of a flower emporium, where Geum Nim assumes the role of proprietor and Sung Chil that of an employee. The cinematic exposition meticulously documents the transformation of Sung Chil’s character, evincing an enhancement in his personal disposition.

Notwithstanding, the narrative is not entirely devoid of challenges, with Geum Nim’s daughter expressing disapproval of their relationship. A notable aspect of the narrative is its focus on the love life of two elderly individuals, a departure from the more common depiction of such relationships in cinema, which typically focuses on the experiences of younger characters.

Rating: 8.3/10
Genre: drama, romantic, comedy
Main cast: Park Geun-hyung, Youn Yuh-jung, Jo Jin-woong, Han Ji-min

2. A Year-End Medley (2021)

The film A Year-End Medley, directed by Kwak Jae-yong, is a romantic story set in Hotel Emross. It tells seven different love stories with unique and diverse characters and relationships.

Thanks to the performances of the cast and the emotionally engaging story, A Year-End Medley was a box office success in Korea and other countries, receiving high ratings. While it has received some criticism, it is still considered one of the best films out there.

Rating: 8.3/10
Genre: romantic, melodrama, comedy, drama
Main cast: Han Ji-min, Lee Dong-wook, Kang Ha-neul, Im Yoon-ah, Won Jin-ah

3. My P.S. Partner (2012)

This romantic story starts with a woman who often talks on the phone with a man she doesn’t know. She talks about personal things because she feels comfortable, and this brings them closer. Thanks to its cute and sexy storyline, My P.S. Partner was a big success at the Box Office, earning an 8.2/10 rating and attracting 1 million viewers within 10 days.

Due to its romantic and sensual storyline, My P.S. Partner is intended for adults only (18 and over). However, the romantic and comedic elements are very interesting to watch.

Rating: 8.2/10
Genre: drama, romantic, comedy
Main cast: Ji Sung, Kim Ah-joong, Sin So-yool, Kang Kyung-joon, Kim Sung-oh

4. Wonderful Nightmare (2015)

Tentu, berikut adalah versi yang sudah diperbaiki: The film Wonderful Nightmare is a fantasy romance. It begins with a mistake in heaven that causes Lee Yeon-Woo to die and wake up there. She is then told to live as a housewife for a month, without realizing that the instruction is actually to hide the mistake.

This fantasy romance film is very popular and has many fans, as shown by its 8.2/10 rating on MyDramaList. In fact, it has been remade in Taiwan as the film Beautiful Accident (2017).

Rating: 8.2/10
Genre: romance, melodrama, comedy, fantasy
Main cast: Uhm Jung-hwa, Song Seung-heon, Jung Ji-hoon, Seo Shin-ae

5. Mood of the Day (2016)

This romantic comedy is about a one-night stand. Before traveling to Busan, Soo-jung’s relationship with her boyfriend is rocky. However, her business trip brings her together with Jae-hyun, a handsome and humorous man. At first, Soo-jung only flirts with Jae-hyun, but then their relationship becomes deeper.

The film received some criticism, but it’s still fun to watch because it’s light-hearted and the chemistry between Moon Chae-won and Yoo Yeon-suk makes the audience more curious about Mood of the Day.

Rating: 8.1/10
Genre: romance, comedy
Main cast: Yoo Yeon-seok, Moon Chae-won, Jo Jae-yoon, Park Min-woo

6. Luck-Key (2016)

This film is a remake of a Japanese comedy called Key of Life. It tells the story of two people who swap roles. Hyung Wook is a murderer who has an accident and suffers from amnesia. Because of this, he becomes an actor.

When Jae Sung learns of Hyung Wook’s true identity, including his secret killings in various places, he takes on Hyung Wook’s identity as a killer. At the same time, Hyung Wook lives his life as an actor, but he doesn’t remember anything. We don’t know what will happen next, or whether he will remember anything. You should watch the film to find out more.

Rating: 8.1/10
Genre: comedy, crime, action, romance
Main cast: Yoo Hae-jin, Lee Joon, Im Ji-yeon, Jo Yoon-hee, Go Jun, Cha Soon-hyung

7. Twenty (2015)

The film Twenty chronicles the journey of three twenty-year-olds, Chi Ho, Dong Woo, and Gyung Jae, as they navigate the rites of passage from adolescence to adulthood. Its narrative resonates with the universal experience of young friendship, capturing the attention of numerous viewers.

The plot is replete with riveting adventures, romantic entanglements, and tumultuous events that punctuate the passage from youth to maturity. In summary, Twenty is a highly recommended cinematic work. In addition to its success in South Korea, the film has also gained a notable presence in the international market.

Rating: 8.0/10
Genre: teen, romantic, comedy
Main cast: Kim Woo-bin, Lee Jun-ho, Kang Ha-neul, Jung So-min, Lee Yoo-bi

8. Spellbound (2011)

The film Spellbound revolves around the narrative of a magician who becomes enamored with an indigo woman. The film, starring prominent actors such as Son Ye-jin and Lee Min-ki, received a rating of 8.0/10, thus being recognized as one of the most outstanding romantic comedies in South Korean cinema.

The film’s success lies in its ability to navigate the complexities of a multifaceted narrative, seamlessly integrating elements of comedy, horror, drama, and romance. The film’s success lies in its ability to infuse these genres with a sense of romance and horror, creating a multifaceted cinematic experience.

Rating: 8.0/10
Genre: comedy, supernatural, horror, romance
Main cast: Son Ye-jin, Lee Min-ki. Park Chul-min, Kim Hyun-sook, Lee Mi-do

9. Windstruck (2004)

This film is old, but its story is still worth watching again. Windstruck is about a police officer who falls in love with a physics teacher. The film is full of slapstick humor, so it’s great for a fun night in.

What is slapstick? Slapstick is a type of comedy that uses exaggerated and often silly physical actions to make people laugh. You know it when you see it: falling, slipping, bumping into things. Popular examples of slapstick comedy include Tom and Jerry and Looney Tunes.

Rating: 8.0/10
Genre: romance, melodrama, comedy, drama
Main cast: Jang Hyuk, Jun Ji-hyun, Oh Jung-se, Kim Jeong-tae, Kim Kwang-gyu

10. Love and Leashes (2022)

The film Love and Leashes is based on Gyeoul’s popular webtoon Moral Sense. It tells the story of a man who is sexually attracted to women. As the film contains some mature content, it is advised not to watch it with children.

The film was shown on Netflix and received great reviews, with an average rating of 8/10.