In the world of romantic K-dramas, there is a special ingredient that, if missing, causes even the most thoughtful plot to lose half of its charm. This ingredient is the chemistry between the actors – the spark that makes viewers believe every word, look, and touch.

8. 'King the Land', 2023

IMDb Score: 5.6/10

Cheon Sa-rang is a goal-oriented girl who dreams of becoming a hotel manager. To gain experience, she starts at the bottom of the successful King Hotel. Through her impeccable work ethic, she quickly rises up the career ladder to become a VIP lounge employee.

One day, fate brings her together with Gu Won, the gloomy and arrogant heir of the King Group. Initially hostile towards each other, they eventually begin a romantic relationship.

7. 'Cheer Up', 2022

IMDb Score: 6.9/10

This drama explores friendship, youth, the fleeting nature of time, and the importance of pursuing your passions. Cheer Up tells the story of a cheerleading squad from a university in Seoul that is trying to restore its reputation after a series of failures and scandals.

The main character, Do Hae-yi, is a freshman from a low-income family. She aims to earn as much money as possible to secure a better future for herself, her mother, and her brother.

Park Jung-woo, the cheerleading squad's captain, is in love with his work and dreams of making the team popular again.

6. 'Nevertheless', 2021

IMDb Score: 7.1/10

This drama breaks all the rules of healthy relationships, clearly showing how not to do it. However, the chemistry between the main characters is undeniable.

Yoo Na-bi and Park Jae-eon are art students who meet for the first time when they bump into each other at a bar, immediately sparking a connection. However, Na-bi wants a committed relationship, while Jae-eon believes you can have a good time together without burdening yourself with responsibility and conventions.

5. 'Touch Your Heart', 2019

IMDb Score: 7.6/10

It's the love story of an arrogant, cold-blooded lawyer and a charming actress. After a big scandal, she is forced to work as his secretary to save her reputation.

Initially, the two main characters do not get along, but gradually, through a series of awkward, funny, and cute situations, a romance develops between them.

Actors Lee Dong-wook and Yoo In-na previously played lovers in the drama Guardian: The Lonely and Great God.

4. 'Our Blooming Youth', 2023

IMDb Score: 7.7/10

After the death of his brother at the hands of conspirators, Prince Lee Hwan has withdrawn into himself. The courtiers say he is cursed by a ghost because his hand has begun to turn black.

Sensing that the conspirators are after him, Lee Hwan meets his best friend's future bride, Min Jae-yi, who has never seen her betrothed's face.

Jae-yi was wrongly accused of killing her family and is now hiding from the guards while trying to find the true criminals. The prince believes her and arranges for her to live in his palace under the guise of a eunuch.

3. 'Business Proposal', 2022

IMDb Score: 8.1/10

Shin Ha-ri is a simple girl who works at Go Food. One day, her friend Young-seo asks her for help. Young-seo's wealthy parents constantly arrange blind dates for her so she can find a husband.

However, the girl wants her relationships to be genuine and sincere. Therefore, she always sends Ha-ri on dates in her place, because the latter skillfully turns down potential suitors.

However, it is the CEO of Ha-ri's company who shows up at the next date. And for some reason, the man is not scared off by the girl's behavior.

2. 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay', 2020

IMDb Score: 8.6/10

This is a fascinating drama with unusual main characters and a light mystical-fantasy element. Moon-young is a popular children's book author whose fairy tales are beautiful, tragic, and scary.

In contrast, Moon Gang-tae is a kind and patient man who works as a caregiver at a psychiatric hospital and cares for his older brother.

Both have difficult relationships with their families and internal contradictions that they will help each other cope with.

1. 'Crash Landing on You', 2019-2022

IMDb Score: 8.7/10

Following an unsuccessful paragliding excursion, the daughter of a wealthy family finds herself in North Korea. A national army officer hides her in his house. Initially, she complains about the inconvenience, but gradually realizes that happiness isn't found in money or comfort.

The most important aspect of this drama is not the plot, but the chemistry between the characters. Leading actors Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin continued their relationship in real life.