Are you tired of predictable romances? Dive into the thrilling slow-burn trope and savor the tension that will give you chills and spark joy.

Words Aly Bautista
Photos courtesy of TVN Drama
June 4, 2024

It seems there has been a downfall for the usual rom-coms that follow the same formula. They’re just not hitting the same anymore. We’ve seen enough of love at first sight, amnesia, second chances, office romances, and blind dates. It's time to spice things up a notch. We need the emotional high!

And what better way than to add a bit of mystery to the chemistry? Just like how the recent fan favorite, Queen of Tears, revived the K-rom-com scene, this shows that people actually dig the tension, despite the already spoiled happy ending.

So if you have a liking for some good contrast, here are 5 K-drama recommendations for you slow-burn enthusiasts:

Our Beloved Summer

This coming-of-age drama revolves around the school’s highest and lowest-ranked students being paired together to film a documentary. These two in one frame mean chaos. But the forced proximity definitely worked its magic, shifting their feelings, only for them to break up and swear never to see each other again. What happens when the high school ex-lovers get pulled back in for a sequel?

Shooting Stars

Shooting stars or shitting stars, your pick. If you’re a fan of Lee Sung Kyung from Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo and Kim Young Dae from The Penthouse and want to see them together in a project, this is a must-watch.

A love story between the head of the PR team and the company’s top star, these two have endured a love-hate relationship as best friends turned enemies since high school. Imagine how much they have to put up with now, seeing each other at work? And who has a secret crush on whom?

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha

Their banter is intense. But as lovers, they are toe-cringingly cheesy, which Shin Min Ah and Kim Seon Ho do best.

From strangers to endless fighting, Chief Hong can’t stand the high-maintenance city girl who just moved to town. At the same time, he can’t hide his fascination and amusement as he tries to help her adjust to seaside life. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha has that cute balance of buildup from despise to romance, with equally appealing cinematography that makes you experience South Korea’s countryside life straight out of postcards.

Goong (Princess Hours)

A classic throwback for those who fancy historical dramas. This 2006 Cinderella story revolves around Chaegyung’s life as she goes from being a common art student to becoming the crown princess overnight.

An arranged marriage setup between two high school kids? That almost never goes right. But their hatred turned jealousy turned fondness is what makes the idea of arranged unions thrilling. Will their royal play pretend finally be real?

Full House

What would you do when you get scammed out of your own house? Apparently, you can just get married on paper.

Full House is a light rom-com drama that jump-started the acting careers of Song Hye Kyo and singer Rain, taking over the Hallyu wave during its run in 2004. It tells the story of an aspiring writer and a hot-bod yet cocky movie star who are forced to share the property through a contractual marriage.

Will their becoming a couple-with-benefits defy all odds and stand the test of time?

Watching all the snarky bickering, denial, and the can’t-stand-their-guts flourish into character development is exciting. As the line between hate and love gets blurry, this progression in the relationship really powers this kind of style.

Showing the long journey they go through from barely tolerating each other, to being acquaintances, friends, and finally lovers, a kissing scene in episode 9 doesn’t seem like such a long wait, does it?