Korean dramas are famous for their emotional and romantic stories. While they can be a comforting escape, some dramas might hit too close to home, especially if you’re nursing a broken heart. Here are 12 Korean dramas that might make your heartbreak worse.
The Emotional Roller Coaster of Heartbreak Dramas
Watching Korean dramas when you’re heartbroken can sometimes be too intense. The strong chemistry between characters, their sweet moments, and their romantic struggles can remind you of your own experiences. Let’s dive into these heart-tugging dramas.
1. Yumi’s Cells (2021-2022)
Cast: Kim Go Eun, Ahn Bo Hyun, Jinyoung (GOT7)
Episodes: 28 (2 Seasons)
Where to Watch: Viki, iQIYI
Yumi’s Cells tells the story of Kim Yu Mi (Kim Go Eun), a working woman navigating the ups and downs of love. The realistic portrayal of her relationships, first with Woong (Ahn Bo Hyun) and later with Ba Bi (Jinyoung GOT7), can be too relatable. Watching her emotional journey might remind you of your own heartache.
2. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (2016)
Cast: Lee Sung Kyung, Nam Joo Hyuk
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
This drama showcases the love-hate relationship between Jung Joon Hyung (Nam Joo Hyuk) and Kim Bok Joo (Lee Sung Kyung). Their relationship evolves from friendship to romance, and their deepening bond is both heartwarming and heart-wrenching. Watching their chemistry might be hard if you’re trying to move on.
3. Strong Woman Do Bong Soon (2017)
Cast: Park Bo Young, Park Hyung Sik
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
Strong Woman Do Bong Soon combines romance and action, focusing on the relationship between CEO Ahn Min Hyuk (Park Hyung Sik) and Do Bong Soon (Park Bo Young). Their romantic journey is sweet, but if you’re heartbroken, their love story might feel more upsetting than enjoyable.
4. Chocolate (2019)
Cast: Ha Ji Won, Yoon Kye Sang
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Netflix
Chocolate is a slower-paced drama featuring Lee Kang (Yoon Kye Sang), who gave up cooking after a family tragedy, and Moon Cha Young (Ha Ji Won), a chef who remembers him as her first love. Set in a nursing home, it includes many poignant stories that might deepen your sadness.
5. Business Proposal (2022)
Cast: Kim Se Jeong, Ahn Hyo Seop, Seol In Ah, Kim Min Gyu
Episodes: 12
Where to Watch: Netflix
Business Proposal follows Shin Ha Ri (Kim Se Jeong) who accidentally goes on a blind date with her company’s CEO, Kang Tae Moo (Ahn Hyo Seop). Their growing relationship and the secondary romance between Young Seo (Seol In Ah) and Cha Sung Hoon (Kim Min Gyu) are sweet but might be hard to watch when you’re heartbroken.
Navigating Romance in Heartbreak
When you’re heartbroken, it’s often better to steer clear of romantic dramas that might bring back painful memories. Instead, consider lighter genres or action-packed series that provide a distraction without the emotional weight.
6. Twenty Five-Twenty One (2022)
Cast: Kim Tae Ri, Nam Joo Hyuk
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Netflix
Twenty Five-Twenty One is about the love story between Na Hee Do (Kim Tae Ri) and Baek Yi Jin (Nam Joo Hyuk), which starts in their school days. Their relationship is filled with struggles, and the realistic ending might make it harder to process your own heartbreak.
7. Run On (2020)
Cast: Im Siwan, Shin Se Kyung, Sooyoung (SNSD), Kang Tae Oh
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Netflix
Run On depicts the love lives of Seon Gyeom (Im Siwan), a runner, and Oh Mi Joo (Shin Se Kyung), a film translator. The secondary romance between CEO Seo Dan Ah (Sooyoung) and art student Lee Young Hwa (Kang Tae Oh) adds to the emotional mix. Watching this drama might be too overwhelming if you’re heartbroken.
8. Playful Kiss (2010)
Cast: Jung So Min, Kim Hyun Joong
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Viki
Playful Kiss is a classic drama where Oh Ha Ni (Jung So Min) falls for Baek Sung Jo (Kim Hyun Joong) despite his initial rejection. Their journey from cohabitation to romance might be entertaining but could also remind you of past infatuations.
9. What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim (2018)
Cast: Park Seo Joon, Park Min Young
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
In What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, Lee Young Joon (Park Seo Joon) tries to keep his secretary, Kim Mi So (Park Min Young), from resigning. Their developing romance and the humorous antics of the company’s employees can be bittersweet if you’re trying to heal from a breakup.
10. Crazy Love (2022)
Cast: Kim Jae Wook, Krystal Jung
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Viki
Crazy Love features a secretary, Lee Shin Ah (Krystal Jung), who ends up falling for her annoying boss, Noh Go Jin (Kim Jae Wook). Their love story, filled with twists and unexpected moments, might seem too idealistic when you’re feeling down.
11. Goblin (2016)
Cast: Gong Yoo, Kim Go Eun
Episodes: 16
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
Goblin is a fantasy romance about Kim Shin (Gong Yoo), a cursed goblin, and Ji Eun Tak (Kim Go Eun), his destined bride. Their epic love story is filled with highs and lows that might be too much to handle if you’re already heartbroken.
12. My Love From The Star (2013)
Cast: Kim Soo Hyun, Jun Ji Hyun
Episodes: 21
Where to Watch: Viki, Netflix
My Love From The Star revolves around Do Min Joon (Kim Soo Hyun), an alien, and Cheon Song Yi (Jun Ji Hyun), a famous actress. Their unique romance is filled with fantasy and humor, but the deep emotional connections might be tough to watch if you’re dealing with a broken heart.
Final Thoughts
While these Korean dramas are beloved for their engaging stories and strong chemistry, watching them when you’re heartbroken can be emotionally challenging. Instead, consider other genres to help you heal and find comfort. Remember, it’s okay to take a break from romance and give yourself the time and space to move on.
