Love triangles are a common trope in TV shows, but they can sometimes lead to toxic relationships. However, some Korean dramas have portrayed love triangles in a healthy and positive way. Here are six of the best examples.
1. Lovely Runner (2024)
In Lovely Runner, we follow the love triangle between Ryu Sun Jae (Byun Woo Seok), Kim Tae Sung (Song Geon Hee), and Im Sol (Kim Hye Yoon). Sun Jae and Tae Sung both love Im Sol, but their rivalry is respectful and supportive. Tae Sung, even when he doesn’t win Im Sol’s heart, continues to support her relationship with Sun Jae. This positive portrayal of a love triangle shows how one can handle rejection gracefully and maintain supportive relationships.
Main Cast:
- Byun Woo Seok as Ryu Sun Jae
- Song Geon Hee as Kim Tae Sung
- Kim Hye Yoon as Im Sol
2. Castaway Divas (2023)
Castaway Divas presents another healthy love triangle. Childhood friends Kang Bo Geol (Chae Jong Hyeop) and Seo Mok Ha (Park Eun Bin) share a deep bond, but Bo Geol’s brother, Kang Woo Hak (Cha Hak Yeon), also loves Mok Ha. When Woo Hak realizes his love is unrequited, he chooses to support Mok Ha’s dreams and happiness instead. This selfless act highlights the importance of supporting loved ones, even when it means sacrificing personal desires.
Main Cast:
- Chae Jong Hyeop as Kang Bo Geol
- Park Eun Bin as Seo Mok Ha
- Cha Hak Yeon as Kang Woo Hak
3. Crash Course in Romance (2023)
Crash Course in Romance shows a healthy love triangle among high school students. Seo Geon Hu (Lee Min Jae), Nam Hae Yi (Roh Yoon Seo), and Lee Sun Jae (Lee Chae-min) navigate their feelings in a way that helps them grow and learn about themselves. Despite the challenges of unrequited love, they handle their emotions maturely and support one another.
Main Cast:
- Lee Min Jae as Seo Geon Hu
- Roh Yoon Seo as Nam Hae Yi
- Lee Chae-min as Lee Sun Jae
4. Our Beloved Summer (2021)
In Our Beloved Summer, two friends, Kim Ji Ung (Kim Sung Cheol) and another lead character, like the same girl. Ji Ung’s character gracefully chooses friendship over unrequited love, which leads him to personal happiness. His positive attitude is a standout aspect of this drama.
Main Cast:
- Kim Sung Cheol as Kim Ji Ung
5. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha features a love triangle where Ji Seong Hyun (Lee Sang Yi) is the best friend of the female lead, Yoon Hye Jin (Shin Min Ah). Hye Jin falls in love with Hong Du Sik (Kim Seon Ho), but Seong Hyun remains supportive despite his unrequited feelings. This story emphasizes the importance of prioritizing the happiness of loved ones.
Main Cast:
- Lee Sang Yi as Ji Seong Hyun
- Shin Min Ah as Yoon Hye Jin
- Kim Seon Ho as Hong Du Sik
6. While You Were Sleeping (2017)
In While You Were Sleeping, Han Woo Tak (Jung Hae In) is the perfect second lead who gracefully accepts his unrequited love for Nam Hong Joo (Suzy). Despite his feelings, he continues to support her relationship with Jung Jae Chan (Lee Jong Suk), showcasing a commendable level of maturity and selflessness.
Main Cast:
- Jung Hae In as Han Woo Tak
- Suzy as Nam Hong Joo
- Lee Jong Suk as Jung Jae Chan
It’s refreshing to see love triangles portrayed in a non-toxic way. These dramas show us that love doesn’t always have to be about winning or losing; sometimes, it’s about understanding, supporting, and being happy for others. Personally, I think Lovely Runner sets a fantastic example of how love triangles can be depicted in a way that promotes kindness and respect. Which of these dramas resonated with you the most? Let me know in the comments!