The most iconic roles of Baeksang Awards 2025 best actor Ju Ji-hoon and best actress Kim Tae-ri
Crown Prince Lee Shin in 'Princess Hours' (2006)
Above 'Princess Hours' promotional photo (Photo: courtesy of Viu)
Ju Ji-hoon's ascent to stardom began with the iconic role of Crown Prince Lee Shin in the 2006 drama Princess Hours , one of the shows that helped introduce global viewers to K-dramas for the first time. Princess Hours is set in a fictionalised modern-day Korea with a reigning monarchy. He portrayed the initially cold and aloof crown prince unexpectedly thrust into an arranged marriage with a commoner. This role catapulted Ju Ji-hoon to popularity and his portrayal of a prince gradually warming to love captured the hearts of a massive audience, establishing an early image of regal charm. Princess Hours was more than just a hit; it was a cultural phenomenon that introduced a major new talent to the K-drama landscape.
Read also: 'Coffee Prince', 'Boys Over Flowers' and more: The best K-dramas of all time Crown Prince Lee Chang in 'Kingdom' (2019-2020)
Above Ju Ji-hoon as Crown Prince Lee Chang in 'Kingdom' (Photo: courtesy of Netflix)
A significant milestone in Ju Ji-hoon's international career was his leading role as Crown Prince Lee Chang in Netflix's first original Korean production, the historical zombie thriller Kingdom . The series, which spanned two acclaimed seasons, saw him once again in a royal role, but this time navigating a mysterious plague, a terrifying zombie outbreak and treacherous political conspiracies.
Kingdom's global success on the streaming platform brought Ju Ji-hoon to a wider international audience, showcasing his ability to lead a high-stakes, genre-bending narrative that masterfully blended horror, action and historical drama. His portrayal of the determined and evolving prince fighting for his people was central to the show's critical and popular acclaim.
This role was pivotal, demonstrating his maturation into a lead capable of anchoring large-scale, internationally recognised productions and significantly contributing to the burgeoning global K-drama wave, particularly as it was associated with Netflix's early and successful ventures into Korean original content.
Kingdom is written by Kim Eun-hee, a South Korean playwright and screenwriter who is also behind other blockbusters like Signal, Jirisan and Revenant . Yoon Hee-jae in 'Hyena' (2020)
Above Official trailer of 'Hyena' (Video: courtesy of Netflix)
Ju Ji-hoon delivers a compelling performance as Yoon Hee-jae in the 2020 legal drama Hyena. Portraying an elite lawyer from a prestigious background, he is the youngest equity partner at the powerful law firm Song & Kim. His confidence and methodical nature are challenged when he encounters Jung Geum-ja (Kim Hye-soo), a cunning rival who disrupts his structured world. Ju Ji-hoon's portrayal captures Hee-jae's transformation from a proud, calculated attorney to someone grappling with unexpected challenges, blending sharp wit with emotional depth.
Ju Ji-hoon co-starred with Kim Hye-soo, who appeared in several Korean dramas like Under the Queen's Umbrella , Juvenile Justice and Unmasked . Woo Chae-woon in 'Blood Free' ( 2024)
Above Official trailer of 'Blood Free' (Video: courtesy of Disney+)
Ju Ji-hoon portrays the role of a former elite naval officer haunted by a devastating terrorist attack that left the South Korean president disabled and claimed the lives of his comrades. Driven by a relentless pursuit of justice, Woo Chae-woon infiltrates BF Group—a biotech company revolutionising the food industry with lab-grown meat—by becoming the personal bodyguard to its CEO, Yoon Ja-yu (Han Hyo-joo). As he delves deeper, he uncovers a web of secrets linking the company to the past tragedy. His performance masterfully balances intense action sequences with a portrayal of a man grappling with inner turmoil, showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor.
Ju Ji-hoon starred alongside Han Hyo-joo, who is popular for her roles in the globally acclaimed series, Moving , and in Happiness where she co-starred with another Korean superstar, Park Hyung-sik.
Read also: From 'Buried Hearts' to 'Doctor Slump': Must-see Park Hyung-sik Korean dramas across genres Seok Ji-won in 'Love Your Enemy' (2024)
Above Official trailer of 'Love Your Enemy' (Video: courtesy of Disney+)
In the 2024 romantic comedy Love Your Enemy , Ju Ji-hoon stars as Seok Ji-won, the charismatic executive director of Seokban Construction and newly appointed chairman of Dokmok High School. Returning to his hometown after 18 years, Seok Ji-won reunites with his childhood rival, Yoon Ji-won (Jung Yu-mi), reigniting a long-standing feud rooted in their families' animosity. Ju Ji-hoon's portrayal captures the complexity of a man torn between past grievances and present responsibilities, blending his character's authoritative presence with moments of vulnerability and humour. His performance adds depth to the enemies-to-lovers narrative, showcasing his versatility in romantic comedy roles. Jung Won-young in 'Light Shop' (2024)
Above Ju Ji-hoon as Jung Won-young in 'Light Shop' (Photo: courtesy of Disney+)
In this mystery-horror series, Ju Ji-hoon portrays the enigmatic proprietor of a perpetually illuminated lighting store nestled in a shadowy alley. This unique shop draws in a diverse array of visitors—some alive, others not—each grappling with unresolved traumas. Jung Won-young serves as a silent guide, aiding these individuals in confronting their pasts and seeking closure. Ju Ji-hoon's restrained yet compelling performance imbues the character with a profound sense of mystery and empathy, anchoring the series' exploration of life, death, and redemption. His portrayal has been lauded for its depth and subtlety, contributing significantly to the show's acclaim. Yoon Jeong-nyeon in 'Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born' (2024)
Above Official trailer of 'Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born' (Video: courtesy of Disney+)
Kim Tae-ri's recent Baeksang Best Actress award was for her portrayal of Yoon Jeong-nyeon in the tvN drama Jeongnyeon: The Star Is Born . The series follows the journey of a young woman in the Fifties, gifted with a natural talent for singing, who dreams of joining a yeoseong gukgeuk (traditional all-female Korean musical theatre troupe). Her performance as a genius in traditional Korean opera resonated deeply, particularly given her dedication, which included three years of voice training for the show. Beyond the individual brilliance of her acting, the role and the drama itself had a significant cultural impact, bringing a renewed attention to the female Korean opera genre. Go Ae-shin in 'Mr Sunshine' (2018)
Above Kim Tae-ri as Go Ae-sin in 'Mr Sunshine' (Photo: courtesy of Netflix)
Kim Tae-ri made an impactful television debut in the epic historical drama Mr Sunshine , where she co-starred alongside Squid Game 's Lee Byung-hun. She portrayed Go Ae-shin, a strong-willed Joseon noblewoman who secretly operates as a sniper for Korea's righteous army during a tumultuous period of foreign encroachment. The drama was a massive hit, lauded for its stunning cinematography, compelling narrative and powerful performances. Kim Tae-ri's portrayal of the fiercely independent and patriotic Ae-shin earned her critical acclaim and the APAN Star Award for Best New Actress. This role was iconic for seamlessly transitioning her film success to the small screen and for creating one of the most memorable strong female leads in recent K-drama history, often choosing characters that resonate with themes of resistance and resilience.
Read also: 10 Most Expensive Korean Dramas To Make: CLOY, Vincenzo, Vagabond, And More Na Hee-do in 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One' (2022)
Above Na Hee-do in the 2022 series, 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One' (Photo: TvN)
Kim Tae-ri further solidified her status as a leading actress with her role as a passionate and determined teenage fencer pursuing her dreams against the backdrop of the late Nineties IMF crisis, whose journey of ambition, friendship and love resonated deeply with a global audience. Her vibrant and heartfelt portrayal earned her widespread praise and her first Baeksang Arts Award for Best Actress in a television show. The character of Na Hee-do became an inspiring figure for many, and Kim Tae-ri's ability to convey youthful exuberance and mature emotional depth was a key factor in the drama's immense popularity and critical success.
Kim Tae-ri co-starred with Korean heartthrob Nam Joo-hyuk who became popular for his roles in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo and Start Up .
Read also: 5 things about the Korean actor, Kim Seon-ho, revealed Gu San-young in 'Revenant' (2023)
Above Official trailer of 'Revenant' (Video: courtesy of Disney+)
Demonstrating her remarkable versatility, Kim Tae-ri ventured into the occult thriller genre with Revenant , playing Gu San-young, a young woman who becomes possessed by an evil spirit after receiving a mysterious relic from her deceased father. The role required her to navigate complex emotional states and portray the chilling duality of her character. Her performance was a tour de force, earning her the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the SBS Drama Awards, one of the highest acting honours in Korean television. Revenant streams on Disney+. Captain Jang in 'Space Sweepers' (2021)
Above Official trailer of 'Space Sweepers' (Video: courtesy of Netflix)
Starring alongside Korean drama royalty Song Joong-ki, Kim Tae-ri commands the screen as Captain Jang, the formidable leader of the spaceship Victory. A former elite engineer for UTS, she turned rogue after uncovering the corporation's dark secrets, forming her own pirate crew. Captain Jang is a sharp, justice-driven strategist who remains unwavering in her convictions, even as the rest of the crew evolves. Kim Tae-ri's portrayal brings depth and resilience to the character, anchoring the film's emotional core amidst its high-octane sci-fi action.
Read also: Have You Tried These Top 10 Food and Snacks from K-Dramas? Nan-young in 'Lost in Starlight' (2025)
Above Official trailer of 'Lost in Starlight' (Video: courtesy of Netflix)
In Netflix's first Korean original animated film, Lost in Starlight , Kim Tae-ri lends her voice to Nan-young, an aspiring astronaut in 2050 Seoul who dreams of reaching Mars. After failing the final test for the Mars Expedition Project, Nan-young's life takes a turn when she meets Jay, a musician who has set aside his own dreams. Their chance encounter blossoms into a heartfelt romance, challenged by Nan-young's second opportunity to journey to Mars, forcing the couple to navigate a love separated by millions of kilometres. Kim Tae-ri's voice acting debut brings depth and emotion to Nan-young, capturing the character's determination and vulnerability. Her performance, alongside co-star Hong Kyung, adds a poignant layer to this sci-fi romance, set against a visually stunning backdrop of futuristic Seoul and the vastness of space. Lost in Starlight premieres globally on Netflix on May 30, 2025.
NOW READ
Ahn Hyo-Seop on being perfectly imperfect, his sources of joy, and his most challenging roles
Song Joong-ki Shows to Watch: Reborn Rich, Vincenzo, Descendants of the Sun and More
5 Breathtaking Places in Popular K-Dramas That Became Instant Tourist Spots
Credits
This article was created with the assistance of AI tools
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tatler Asia
a day ago
- Tatler Asia
From dokkaebi to gwishin: 6 horror K-dramas with a mythic twist
'Hotel Del Luna' (2019) Above In 'Hotel Del Luna' (2019), Jang Man-wol (IU) helps her ghostly guests find peace before heading to the afterlife. Jang Man-wol (IU) is the millennia-old, eternally fashionable owner of a mystical hotel that only caters to ghosts with unfinished business. Her job is a penance for past sins, managing a spectral staff and ensuring her ghostly guests find peace before heading to the afterlife, all whilst navigating the complexities of her curse and the arrival of a very human general manager (Yeo Jin-goo). Hotel del Luna draws inspiration from shamanistic and mythological themes, including deities and spirits who oversee transitions between life and death, such as the Grim Reaper. The hotel itself, with its ever-changing, fantastical appearance (the mystical beach, the Moon Tree), serves as a modern interpretation of a liminal space, blending traditional Korean beliefs about spirits and atonement with a visually stunning aesthetic. 'Goblin' (2016) Above 'Goblin' (2016) transforms the traditional Korean dokkaebi into a former general cursed for his past deeds. Kim Shin (Gong Yoo) is a 939-year-old goblin who endures immortality while searching for his human bride (Kim Go-eun) to end his curse. His unexpected flatmate is an equally dapper but amnesiac Grim Reaper (Lee Dong-wook), whose job is to guide souls to the afterlife, leading to a divine cohabitation filled with bickering and unexpected friendship. This supernatural K-drama takes on the traditional Korean dokkaebi, which is often portrayed in folklore as a mischievous or fearsome trickster spirit. Whilst traditional dokkaebi arise from inanimate objects stained with blood, the narrative innovation transforms the Goblin into a former general cursed for his past deeds, weaving folkloric elements into an exploration of loneliness and redemption. 'The Master's Sun' (2013) Above 'The Master's Sun' (2013) taps into the gwishin or ghosts bound to the mortal realm by unresolved grudges. Tae Gong-shil (Gong Hyo-jin) sees ghosts, which turns her life into a waking nightmare until she discovers that touching the arrogant CEO Joo Joong-won (So Ji-sub) makes them temporarily disappear. This makes the CEO her personal ghost shelter, whom she clings to for survival, inadvertently becoming his assistant in dealing with various spectral predicaments tied to his business and past. Penned by the legendary Hong Sisters, this horror K-drama taps into the Korean folkloric understanding of gwishin, ghosts bound to the mortal realm by unresolved grudges and unfinished business that prevent their peaceful transition. Each episodic spirit carries a poignant story, from deceased mothers yearning to provide for their children to lonely schoolgirl ghosts seeking friendship, reflecting human desires and regrets. 'The Uncanny Counter' (2020) Above 'The Uncanny Counter' (2020) draws its concept from traditional Korean beliefs about spirit realms. The Eonni's Noodles crew appear as unassuming employees at a noodle shop, but they are Counters, demon hunters tasked by spirits from the afterlife to capture malevolent spirits. Each member, including the newly recruited So Mun (Jo Byeong-gyu), uses unique supernatural abilities like psychokinesis, healing or incredible strength in their dangerous, otherworldly profession. The horror K-drama draws its concept from traditional Korean beliefs about spirit realms, but modernises these ancient themes through superhero-esque team dynamics and distinctive powers. Within this framework, the series delivers adrenaline-pumping action with impressive special effects, particularly in the representation of the Territory, which amplifies the Counters's powers. But at its core, the show explores the narrative of trauma survivors who find healing in their found family bond. 'Sell Your Haunted House' (2021) Above 'Sell Your Haunted House' (2021) reimagines traditional exorcism by combining real estate with supernatural elements. Hong Ji-ah (Jang Na-ra) runs Daebak Real Estate, but her primary service isn't just selling properties; it's exorcising the vengeful spirits that haunt them, a skill she inherited from her mother. Her unique profession involves teaming up with a conman-turned-psychic, Oh In-beom (Jung Yong-hwa), to not only cleanse houses but also uncover the truth behind their intertwined, tragic pasts. The horror K-drama reimagines traditional exorcism by combining real estate with supernatural elements, incorporating rituals deeply rooted in Korean spiritual practices: psychic mediums absorb ghostly memories and experience intense physical effects, such as sudden drops in body temperature, adding a visceral dimension to the haunting. Featuring ghosts bound by unresolved grudges, each episode explores how personal trauma connects across generations. Credits This article was created with the assistance of AI tools
Tatler Asia
2 days ago
- Tatler Asia
6 noona romance K-dramas where love blossoms against the odds
'Something in the Rain' (2018) Above 'Something in the Rain' (2018) conveys romance through the smallest gestures—stolen glances, secret hand-holding and tender moments that pulse with intimacy Starring Son Ye-jin and Jung Hae-in Yoon Jin-ah (Son Ye-jin) is navigating a quarter-life crisis at 35: trapped in a dead-end corporate job, recovering from a painful breakup and watching her younger colleagues advance past her. Her comfortable but stagnant life takes an unexpected turn when Seo Joon-hee (Jung Hae-in) returns to Korea after three years of studying abroad. As her best friend's little brother, he was just a kid when she last saw him, but now he's a confident, thoughtful man working as a game developer. Their relationship evolves from nostalgic reconnection to something deeper as they discover they're both searching for authentic connection in a world that seems determined to keep them apart. The magic lies in Son Ye-jin and Jung Hae-in's ability to convey volumes through the smallest gestures—stolen glances, secret hand-holding and tender moments that pulse with intimacy. This noona romance earned Jung Hae-in the title 'Nation's Younger Boyfriend', a testament to the undeniable charm that captivated hearts everywhere. 'Forecasting Love and Weather' (2022) Above 'Forecasting Love and Weather' (2022) transforms awkward senior-junior workplace dynamics into compelling romantic tension. Starring Park Min-young and Song Kang In this noona romance K-drama, Jin Ha-kyung (Park Min-young) has built her reputation as one of Korea's most respected meteorologists through pure determination and scientific precision. After returning from years of international weather research, she's determined to revolutionise Korea's weather forecasting systems whilst battling workplace sexism and bureaucratic inefficiency. Enter Lee Si-woo (Song Kang), a passionate young forecaster whose enthusiasm for weather patterns matches his idealistic belief that accurate forecasting can save lives. When budget cuts threaten their department and a series of unpredictable weather events test their professional credibility, Ha-kyung and Si-woo must navigate not only atmospheric pressure but the growing tension between their professional responsibilities and personal attraction. Park Min-young and Song Kang transform potentially awkward senior-junior workplace dynamics into genuinely compelling romantic tension. Their chemistry builds from professional respect into something surprisingly intense, proving that sometimes the most unexpected pairings create the most memorable spark. 'Temperature of Love' (2017) Above 'Temperature of Love' (2017) offers slow-burning chemistry that keeps viewers invested through every emotional high and low Starring Seo Hyun-jin and Yang Se-jong Lee Hyun-soo (Seo Hyun-jin) dreams of becoming a successful screenwriter, but after years of rejections and financial struggles, she's questioning whether talent is enough in Korea's competitive entertainment industry. Working part-time jobs to survive whilst crafting scripts no one seems to want, she finds solace in an online cooking community where she connects with On Jung-sun (Yang Se-jong), an ambitious young chef climbing the ranks in Seoul's brutal restaurant scene. Jung-sun is fighting his own battles—working gruelling hours under demanding head chefs whilst harbouring dreams of opening his restaurant. Their virtual friendship becomes a lifeline as they support each other through professional setbacks, but when they finally meet in person, their relationship becomes infinitely more complicated as career ambitions clash with deepening feelings. Seo Hyun-jin and Yang Se-jong master electric, slow-burn chemistry that keeps viewers invested through every high and low. Their connection feels both deeply emotional and physically compelling, creating an almost hypnotic viewing experience where their chemistry transcends simple attraction. 'When the Camellia Blooms' (2019) Above 'When the Camellia Blooms' (2019) features a heart-warming dynamic where the younger man's golden retriever energy perfectly complements the older woman's guarded vulnerability Starring: Gong Hyo-jin and Kang Ha-neul Seeking a fresh start, single mother Oh Dongbaek (Gong Hyo-jin) settles in the small town of Ongsan, opening a bar called Camellia and hoping to create a stable life for her young son. However, the conservative townspeople, particularly the local women, view her with suspicion and judgment, whispering about her unmarried status and making her feel like an outsider. Into this unwelcoming environment steps Hwang Yong-sik (Kang Ha-neul), the town's cheerful police officer whose sunny disposition masks a sharp investigative mind. As a serial killer begins targeting women in the area, Yong-sik becomes determined to protect Dongbaek whilst helping her find acceptance in the community that's been so cruel to her. Gong Hyo-jin and Kang Ha-neul create an utterly heartwarming dynamic where his golden retriever energy perfectly complements her guarded vulnerability. Their chemistry builds beautifully from protective friendship to devoted love, making Yong-sik one of the most supportive male leads in K-drama history. 'Romance is a Bonus Book' (2019) Above 'Romance is a Bonus Book' (2019) celebrates second chances and patient love, with Lee Jong-suk delivering one of his most tender performances Starring Lee Na-young and Lee Jong-suk Kang Dan-i (Lee Na-young) thought she had her life figured out—a successful career in advertising, a stable marriage, a bright future. But at 37, divorce and ageism in the job market leave her starting over with nothing but rejection letters. Desperate for work, she discovers that lying about her age and education gets her a junior position at Gyeoroo Publishing, where she's determined to prove that experience and passion matter more than youth. The irony? Her new boss is Cha Eun-ho (Lee Jong-suk), her childhood friend who's now a celebrated author and editor-in-chief. Eun-ho has harboured secret feelings for Dan-i for years, but now he must pretend not to recognise her whilst watching her struggle in an industry that undervalues women over 30. Lee Na-young and Lee Jong-suk create comfort-food chemistry that feels like a warm embrace. Their connection celebrates second chances and patient love, with Lee Jong-suk delivering one of his most tender performances as the utterly devoted Eun-ho, who's been quietly waiting for his chance. Credits This article was created with the assistance of AI tools
Tatler Asia
5 days ago
- Tatler Asia
15 K-dramas where the couple starts as childhood sweethearts
2. 'When the Camellia Blooms' (2019) Small-town charm meets low-key obsession in this Gong Hyo-jin and Kang Ha-neul drama. But rewind a few decades, and you'll find that Hwang Yong-sik had already fallen for single mom Dong-baek when they were just kids. His devotion never wavered, even if hers took a while to catch up. Proof that sometimes the loud kid in class turns into the man who'll love you through serial killer subplots. 3. 'Castaway Diva' (2023) The premise is unconventional: a girl (Park Eun-bin) stranded on an island for 15 years returns to civilisation to become a pop star. But buried beneath the survival storyline is a poignant twist: her long-lost childhood friend Mok-ha is unknowingly reunited with the boy who once protected her from an abusive father. Ultimately, this K-drama uses the childhood connection and enemies-turned-friends trope to full effect. What follows is a masterclass in longing, memory and quiet redemption. 4. 'My Love from the Star' (2013) Sure, he's an alien. But Do Min-joon (Kim Soo-hyun) first met Cheon Song-yi (Jun Ji-hyun) when she was a child in the Joseon era, and he saved her life. Centuries pass, but the universe has a flair for reunions. While the story doesn't dwell on their first meeting, the undercurrent of destiny is strong, and frankly, intergalactic devotion deserves a mention. 5. 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' (2025) This is a Jeju-set youth romance that delivers soft-focus cinematography and heartache in equal measure. Gwang-sik (Park Bo-gum) and Ae-sun (IU) grow up together, chasing each other through beaches and cabbage patches. Unlike the tropes where the couple meet once in their youth and then again as adults, When Life Gives You Tangerines is truly about childhood sweethearts. Unfailingly loyal to Ae Sun since they were nine years old, Gwang-sik stood by her side through family tragedy all the way to menopause. 6. '18 Again' (2020) Technically not childhood sweethearts, but an exception has to be made: Hong Dae-young (Yoon Sang-hyun/Lee Do-hyun) and Jung Da-jung (Kim Ha-neul) fell in love and had kids young. After a magical body-swap scenario, Dae-young becomes 18 again and sees his wife from a new lens, all while reliving the roots of their relationship. The flashbacks to their teenage years are pure nostalgia-fuelled romance. 7. 'I'll Go to You When the Weather Is Nice' (2020) This slow-burn gem centres on introvert bookstore owner Eun-seob (Seo Kang-joon) and cellist Hae-won (Park Min-young), whose connection stretches back to high school. Without spoiling too much, it's later revealed that Eun-seob has quietly loved her since childhood. Set against a wintry village backdrop, the show whispers its way into your heart. Childhood love, but make it melancholic and snow-dusted. 8. 'The Smile Has Left Your Eyes' (2018) Not your typical romance—this drama is darker, twistier and potentially traumatic. But yes, our leads (Seo In-guk and Jung So-min) share a tragic link from childhood that fuels the entire mystery. It's less 'we were meant to be' and more 'we were bound to collide', but the emotional weight of their past makes the adult romance all the more intense. 9. 'She Was Pretty' (2015) Once upon a playground, Kim Hye-jin (Hwang Jung-eum) had the world—good looks, good grades and a best friend who adored her. Years later, life has rearranged the chessboard: Hye-jin now hides behind frizzy bangs and an unpaid credit card bill, while her childhood pal Ji Sung-joon (Park Seo-joon) has transformed into a magazine-cover version of success. When they meet again, he doesn't recognise her, and she doesn't correct him. What follows is a masquerade of mistaken identity, office antics and buried affection, all underlined by the ache of once being seen and now being invisible. 10. 'See You in My 19th Life' (2023) We're redefining childhood sweethearts a bit with See You in My 19th Life . Ban Ji-eum (Shin Hye-sun) remembers every life she's ever lived—all 18 of them. But in her 19th, she wants only one thing: to find the boy she once loved. Her pursuit of Moon Seo-ha (Ahn Bo-hyun) isn't just romantic; it's cosmic, a collision of past and present griefs. He, of course, remembers nothing, only the aftermath. A reincarnation romance soaked in melancholy and second chances, See You in My 19th Life asks: how far would you go to reclaim a love the universe keeps rewriting? 11. 'Come and Hug Me' (2018) They met in childhood, shared first kisses and playground promises. But then his father murdered her parents. Come and Hug Me is not a gentle love story, but a raw, unnerving meditation on trauma and survival. Years later, Chae Do-jin (Jang Ki-yong) wears a police badge; Han Jae-yi (Jin Ki-joo) lives behind stage lights. Their connection is fragile, haunted and quietly defiant, a love not defined by the violence that surrounded it but by the strength it takes to remember who they were before it. Don't miss: 12 intense K-drama thrillers that will keep you on the edge of your seat 12. 'Our Beloved Summer' (2021) First love rarely comes with a film crew, but Choi Woong (Choi Woo-shik) and Kook Yeon-soo's (Choi Woo-shik) romance was documented from the start: awkward, bickering, electric. Years after they break up, fate (and a nosy producer) drags them back on camera for a sequel no one asked for. What unspools is part rom-com, part emotional autopsy, as flashbacks blur into present longing. It's messy, modern and disarmingly tender: the story of two people trying to make sense of a love that never fully faded. 13. 'Pinocchio' (2014) Their lives are stitched together by coincidence and calamity. Choi In-ha (Park Shin-hye), who hiccups when she lies, and Choi Dal-po (Lee Jong-suk), who wears his grief like armour, share a household, not by blood, but by circumstance. She considers him family; he's spent years quietly redefining the word. Behind their sibling façade lies a tension neither dares name, forged in tragedy and nurtured in quiet companionship. When the past catches up, their bond must weather more than just societal judgment. 14. 'Reply 1988' (2015) There are dozens of love stories in Reply 1988 , woven through dinner tables, alleyways and late-night chats under shared blankets. Set in the analogue warmth of the late '80s, Reply 1988 isn't just about who marries whom. It's about how love grows when no one's looking—via childhood games, neighbourly teasing and the way a boy silently gives you an extra tight hug. This classic is a love letter to community, nostalgia and the kind of affection that sneaks up after years of friendship. Also read: 11 heart-warming found families in K-dramas 15. 'Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo' (2016) She lifts like a tank, cries like a teenager and falls in love like someone who's never really been looked at before. Kim Bok-joo (Lee Sung-kyung) is no manic pixie. She's an athlete with calloused hands and a deeply awkward crush. Her banter with swimming star Jung Joon-hyung (Nam Joo-hyuk) is peak college rom-com, but what elevates their story is a flicker of memory: a childhood encounter, long buried but quietly formative. He once helped her, and now he sees her. And slowly, so does she.
