As someone who once was a broke student on a budget (ah, the good times when eating out at Applebee's was an event to look forward to), I have learned to be resourceful and find ways to satiate my Korean Wave mania in the least prodigal way possible. During those destitute days when I had nary a penny to my name, I always turned to Amazon Prime.
Below are my top ten romance dramas (in no particular order), all available on Amazon Prime. And currently, if you are a student, you can get 6-months of free Amazon Prime shipping here.
Now, enough of my yammering. Lights off, laptop on, and...hit that spacebar!
SEE ALSO: Comedian Park So Young and former baseball player Moon Kyung Chan tie the knot
Boys Over Flowers
I can't believe that this drama is over six years old already. I remember watching it only because I enjoyed the original manga series 'Hana Yori Dango' so much. At such an impressionable age of 17, I was enchanted by the idea that love would overcome and prevail despite class or status.
Personal Taste
Yet another drama featuring Lee Min Ho (I swear I'm not a Lee Min Ho fangirl), this one is about a guy and girl roommate falling for each other. That sounds pretty typical right? Well, you would think so until you find out that Lee Min Ho actually portrays a gay man who isn't actually gay but is only pretending to be one, making for some hilariously awkward interactions between him and his roommate, played by Son Ye Jin.
The Greatest Love
The Hong Sisters are famous for their talent at writing sappy romantic comedies, which tend to end up immensely popular with the mainstream audience. They have an impeccable taste of humor that is subtly laced in their writing. Watching a macho man like Cha Seung Won act like a giant 'man baby' head over heels in love with Gong Hyo Jin's character proved to me once again not to underestimate the power of the Hong Sisters.
Sun of My Master
I loved the chemistry between Gong Hyo Jin and Cha Seung Won so much that I knew I had to watch 'Sun of My Master' to see her chemistry with So Ji Sub. I wasn't disappointed by this drama, as the interactions between the main leads were just as heartwarming and funny, if not funnier than the interactions I saw in 'The Greatest Love.' Every episode was made more interesting by the fact that Gong Hyo Jin's character could communicate with specters from the world beyond, requesting her to fulfill the wishes they couldn't fulfill in their lifetime.
I Can Hear Your Voice
Ever thought it'd be cool to know what other people are thinking? Not likely because not only would that be incredibly creepy but you would also never be able to sleep because you would always hear voices in your head. And if you tried to tell people of this superhuman power, you will probably be thrown in the psychotic ward. But Lee Jong Suk makes it look so darn cool in 'I Can Hear Your Voice' that you almost wish you had that ability!
Rooftop Prince
If you want to have your heart stolen by a time traveling crown prince from the Joseon Era, then 'Rooftop Prince' is the drama for you! Starring JYJ's Yoochun and Han Ji Min, this show will keep you on the edge of your seat with not just the romance but also with all the fight for power, deceit, backstabbing, and of course, doing the impossible of crossing the barriers of time.
Book of the House of Gu
We are now moving into the realm of mystical creatures with 'Book of the House of Gu,' in which Lee Seung Gi plays a badass nine-tailed fox that is incredibly loyal to the love of his life--a lovable tomboy skilled at swordplay, portrayed by Suzy. Though Suzy's love was one-sided in the beginning, Lee Seung Gi slowly realizes his love for her love as well, especially after Suzy's confession that she will love even his tormented 'demon' half.
You Who Came From the Star
I 80% watched this for Jun Ji Hyun whom I absolutely loved for her portrayal of an outspoken, fiercely carefree soul in 'My Sassy Girl.' The other 20% was for Kim Soo Hyun. I didn't think I would be able to finish this drama and had my doubts about it when I started watching it, but not even a full 48 hours later, I had completed the entire drama. Was it Jun Ji Hyun? Or was it the fact that Kim Soo Hyun was an alien? Whatever it was, you will undoubtedly enjoy this drama too, whether you are a Kim Soo Hyun/Jun Ji Hyun fan or not.
Secret Garden
'Secret Garden' is the drama that birthed many a parodies for all its predictably campy yet oh-so-gratifying romantic scenes. Do you still remember the part when Ha Ji Won rubbed noses with Hyun Bin doing sit ups and the part when he kissed the whipped cream off her mouth in the cafe?? Because I sure do! When it first came out, everybody was raving about it on Facebook so I was compelled to ride the 'Secret Garden wave' and check it out. What ensued were countless hours spent in front of my laptop, buckets of tears, and a slide in my GPA.
The Princess's Man
When I watched this drama, I don't remember sleeping. How could you expect me to just go off to bed after leaving me with that cliffhanger?! Park Si Hoo and Moon Chae Won were fantastic and their onscreen chemistry was so convincing that I almost believed that Grand Prince Suyang actually had a daughter named Lee Se Ryung. A girl can only dream...
What are your favorite romance dramas?
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