If you’re here, you’re probably done with dramas where the romance is barely there, shows up in crumbs, or gets used as bait while the plot runs off and does something else. You want the relationship to be the whole point: central, consistent, and actually worth sinking 16+ hours into, not something that pops up once in a while. If that’s what you’re looking for, you’re in the right place.
These are my personal top 10 picks for dramas where the romance is strong; where it carries the show, hits hard emotionally or with chemistry, and feels like the whole damn point.
Quick list
- What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim
- Business Proposal
- Hidden Love
- My Demon
- The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
- Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo
- Sh**ting Stars
- Dali and the Cocky Prince
- Fight for My Way
- Dynamite Kiss
1. What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim
Pure romcom comfort with insanely high chemistry and constant couple focus. Fun, addictive, and carries the whole show. Tied as my all time favorite drama that peaks early but never drops.
Best for: Banter lovers, high fluff/intimacy, zero real triangle mess, happy endings that satisfy.
Skip if: You want deep angst (it’s light conflict only).
Full romance breakdown: here
2. Business Proposal
If you want a clean, romance-forward watch with a happy landing and no triangle mess, this is the one for you. It’s a fun, addictive romcom that prioritizes the couple.
Best for: Quick payoff, happy landings, light vibes without frustration.
Skip if: You need slow burn depth.
Full romance breakdown: here
3. Hidden Love
Easily in my Top 3 and of of my all time favorites, a C-drama with giggly, consistent romance that never feels slow, even with the build up.
Best for: Sweet persistence, harmless triangles that don’t matter, leg swinging fluff.
Skip if: You hate age gap vibes.
Full romance breakdown: here
4. My Demon
Amazingly large amount of romance, packed with scenes, intimacy, and payoff. The pairing completely carries it.
Best for: Constant couple time, physical chemistry, temporary conflicts that don’t drag.
Skip if: Supernatural tropes annoy you.
Full romance breakdown: here
5. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
One of my all time favorites. Strong romance, but darker and more tragic and toxic. If you want intensity and you can handle pain, this is it. Also tied as my all time favorite.
Best for: Intense/emotional depth, if you can handle sad vibes.
Skip if: You want pure happy fluff.
Full romance breakdown: here
6. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo
Warm, wholesome coming of age with very high chemistry and a healthy relationship.
Best for: Friends to lovers done right, minor early noise that resolves fast, light tone.
Skip if: You want mature/drama-heavy.
Full romance breakdown: here
7. Sh**ting Stars
A comfort romance with strong chemistry that keeps the focus on the couple actually working with a fun, wacky romcom tone.
Best for: Entertainment industry vibes, initial bickering energy, multiple cute couples, happy fluff payoff.
Skip if: You want zero distractions from the main pair or super tight pacing all the way.
Full romance breakdown: here
8. Dali and the Cocky Prince
Fun romcom chemistry and a couple dynamic that stays entertaining the whole way through.
Best for: Stylish vibes, no real rivals, easy/watchable couple focus.
Skip if: You need heavy plot.
Full romance breakdown: here
9. Fight for My Way
Strong friends to lovers with natural progression and very high chemistry. Funny too.
Best for: Real progression, quick resolving tension, no real triangle.
Skip if: You want fantasy.
Full romance breakdown: here
10. Dynamite Kiss
Starts really strong, has a fast romance, obvious early chemistry and a mature vibe.
Best for: Quick hits, banter/affection when it sticks.
Skip if: Later padding annoys you.
Full romance breakdown: here
Quick wrap
Anyway, that’s my current top 10 when I want romance to be the main event. Every pick above has a full romance breakdown linked, so if you’re deciding what to watch next, click into the one that matches your vibe.
What’s your favorite from the list? Or got a drama you think belongs in the strong romance list? Drop it in the comments below.