You could fall in love many instances, however some individuals assume that falling in love along with your greatest pal is the very best factor ever. And plenty of nice Ok-drama {couples} have taken this recommendation fairly actually. The progress of childhood buddies who progress from nitpicking, bickering, and bantering to some very explosive chemistry and romance is a a lot beloved trope in a number of dramas. In case you are taking a look at your greatest pal and questioning if they’re the one, listed here are 10 such Ok-dramas to take a look at the place childhood buddies transitioned to life companions.
“Bubblegum”
This drama encompasses a sluggish burn and bittersweet romance between two childhood buddies Park Ri Hwan (Lee Dong Wook) and Kim Haeng Ah (Jung Ryeo Gained). Ri Hwan’s rich household had taken in Haeng Ah after the demise of her mother and father. Although inseparable as kids, Ri Hwan’s mom has resented Haeng Ah’s presence and makes her fixed dislike in direction of the lady obvious. Now grown up, Ri Hwan practices oriental medicines whereas Haeng Ah is a radio producer. Haeng Ah has had her share of dangerous relationships, and Ri Hwan has continuously seemed out for her. However when the 2 understand their emotions transcend being simply buddies, the largest hurdle isn’t just parental opposition, however one other inexplicable worry that has consumed Ri Hwan, which forces him to reject Haeng Ah.
“Bubblegum” scores for its simplicity and an easy storyline which offers with the pal to lover angle naturally. Although the writing lags a bit, the drama makes makes for a gentle, lilting watch. And Lee Dong Wook and Jung Ryeo Gained make for a really suitable couple on display screen, and their chemistry is mild and simple going.
“She Was Fairly”
Destiny works in unusual methods. Kim Hye Jin, a fairly and wealthy younger lady, befriends Ji Sung Joon, a younger boy weighed down by vanity points and mocked for being plump. The 2 are shut till Sung Joon strikes to america. Years later, Hye Jin (Hwang Jung Eum) is hustling between jobs, her household having gone bankrupt, and he or she lives a humble existence. Sadly, she is now not fairly within the classical sense of the phrase.
Sung Joon (Park Search engine optimisation Joon), now a strikingly good-looking and sought-after editor of {a magazine}, is again in Seoul. He has been seeking to join along with his greatest pal and past love, Hye Jin. However Hye Jin, feeling complexed about her seems to be and scenario, asks her greatest pal Hye Ri (Go Joon Hee) to satisfy him as her. Issues get sophisticated when Hye Jin finds herself working for a life-style journal which is led by Sung Joon, and Sung Joon, who initially retains belittling her for her incompetence, finds himself drawn in direction of her cheery character. Elements of Hye Jin’s character and conduct remind him of the lady he had left behind. And the cool but cocky Shin Hyuk (Choi Siwon), a options author who’s deeply affectionate in direction of Hye Jin, offers Sung Joon some critical competitors.
With its emphasis on self value and wonder being simply pores and skin deep, “She Was Fairly” is a delightfully enjoyable rom-com. The comedy, the humorous conditions, and the romantic plot mix in seamlessly. Except for Park Search engine optimisation Joon and Hwang Jung Eum’s nice chemistry, Choi Siwon will win you over along with his cheeky appeal.
Begin watching “She Was Fairly”:
Watch Now
“Reply 1988”
The well-known 5 of Ssangmun-dong have been greatest buddies ever since they may bear in mind. Now of their final 12 months of highschool, they stay an unhurried existence. The spunky slacker Duk Solar (Hyeri), the hardworking mannequin scholar and son Solar Woo (Go Kyung Pyo), the brooding and reserved Jung Hwan (Ryu Jun Yeol), the goofball Dong Ryong (Lee Dong Hwi), and the unassuming and shy genius baduk participant Choi Taek (Park Bo Gum) share an unbreakable bond.
Taking their first faltering steps into maturity and an unknown future, what they haven’t anticipated is the primary brush of affection and the complexities of feelings. Duk Solar feels the pangs of infatuation in direction of Solar Woo, who in flip is in love together with her sister Bo Ra. And Taek’s adoring devotion in direction of Duk Solar is clear, however the brusque Jung Hwan’s eyes additionally mild up each time Duk Solar is round. A telling second within the present is when Taek makes the statement that Jung Hwan too has emotions for Duk Solar. There isn’t any jealousy or angst, however a relaxed look as he seems to be away, properly understanding his transfer.
A favourite amongst Ok-drama followers,”Reply 1988″ is a type of reveals that has a excessive recall worth. It holds a timeless enchantment, and the squad is without doubt one of the greatest beloved in Ok-drama land. Many followers discovered themselves taking a aspect, with both workforce Taek or Group Jung Hwa, rooting for his or her favourite suitor. The present can be a comforting watch, holding you in its comforting embrace. It’s the proper ode to friendship, life, and every little thing in between.
Begin watching “Reply 1988”:
Watch Now
“Reply 1994”
The 12 months 1994 was a landmark 12 months, synonymous with the rise of the primary era K-pop group Search engine optimisation Taiji and the Boys to the delivery of the Korean Basketball League. In opposition to this backdrop we go to a bunch of buddies as they set out on a journey of affection and self discovery. Sung Na Jung’s (Go Ara) household operates a boarding home and is house to 6 of her buddies as properly. The highlight being on Trash (Jung Woo) and Chil Bong (Yoo Yeon Seok), Na Jung has a crush on Trash, who regards her as nothing however a sibling. However, Chil Bong, although fashionable amongst ladies, carries a torch for Na Jung. As they navigate between these awkward moments when friendship turns into one thing extra, followers will discover themselves taking sides between Group Trash or Group Chil Bong.
By no means has the viewer invested their time and power right into a love triangle as on this present. “Reply 1994” ticks all of the packing containers in relation to its emotive storytelling, character arc, and performances. It’s a enjoyable look-back at these unfettered days of youth seen by means of the sepia tint lens of nostalgia and bonhomie of friendship.
Begin watching “Reply 1994”:
Watch Now
“Reply 1997”
Reply 1997 is a throwback to these surprise years passed by. It’s a ’90s present of pop stars and fangirls in addition to first loves and rising pains, seen by means of the eyes of the Class of 1997 as they meet for his or her reunion and reminisce of the time passed by. Sung Shi Gained (Jung Eun Ji) is a loud mouth and a hardcore H.O.T/Tony Ahn fangirl. Her world revolves across the band, and every little thing else pales into insignificance. Her greatest pal Yoon Yoon Jae (Search engine optimisation In Guk) adores her, however she is oblivious of his devotion, and problems come up when Yoon Jae’s older brother takes a liking to Shi Gained and he or she accepts him. One other twist within the story is Yoon Jae’s greatest pal Joon Hee (Hoya), who silently loves Yoon Jae however by no means reveals his emotions. And given their distinct personalities, Shi Gained and Yoon Jae share a simple friendship which may all the time explode into an argument.
A coming-of-age drama, “Reply 1997” has stood the take a look at of time for its wonderful storytelling. By way of the lens of its feminine lead, the present revisits the emergence of fan tradition, which unfolded within the ’90s when idol teams took heart stage. The present additionally subtly touches upon identical intercourse love as Yoon Jae, although conscious of his pal’s emotions, sensitively handles the scenario, by no means deriding Joon Hee. “Reply 1997” is a healthful watch, taking one again to less complicated and uncomplicated instances.
Begin watching “Reply 1997”:
Watch Now
“Struggle My Method”
All of us have that one pal who is aware of us higher than anybody. Dong Man (Park Search engine optimisation Joon) and Ae Ra (Kim Ji Gained) have been besties since they had been children – they’ve one another’s again and by no means lived a day other than the opposite. Dong Man’s life revolved round taekwondo and the martial arts, however a aggressive combat gone unsuitable has compelled him to place his desires on the again burner. His private life just isn’t nice both since his ex-girlfriend dumped him to marry a wealthy man. Ae Ra, however, aspires to be a present host and a presenter, however has solely confronted fixed rejections. Continually squabbling, their teasing banter easily progresses into one thing deeper once they understand their emotions run deeper than simply friendship.
“Struggle My Method” strikes a chord for its realism. It’s a narrative of abnormal individuals, their hopes, desires, and aspirations to make it huge in opposition to the chances. Park Search engine optimisation Joon because the unassuming Dong Man and Kim Ji Gained because the opinionated Ae Ra are each relatable characters, and the couple’s onscreen camaraderie is effortlessly pure.
Begin watching “Struggle My Method”:
Watch Now
“Soundtrack #1”
Songwriter Eun Soo (Han So Hee) and photographer Han Solar Woo(Park Hyung Sik) have been one another’s closest confidante for almost 20 years. Although joined on the hip since they had been children, issues are a bit totally different as adults. Solar Woo is in love with Eun Soo, who in flip has friend-zoned him. When Eun Woo is advised her writing lacks depth, she turns to Solar Woo to assist her by means of her author’s block. Solar Woo obliges, properly conscious that he’s nothing however her consolation zone. However by the point Eun Woo realizes that they’re certainly soulmates, wouldn’t it be too late for them?
“Soundtrack #1” is a no-fuss and breezy watch, and Park Hyung Sik because the caring and even-tempered greatest pal is the person one needs for retains. He’s nice as Solar Woo, who’s attentive to Eun Soo’s each want.
“Come And Hug Me”
A friendship and relationship weighed down by tragedy just isn’t a simple one to barter. Chae Do Jin (Jang Ki Yong) and Jae Yi (Jin Ki Joo) are sure by an unlucky future. Do Jin’s father was accountable for killing Jae Yi’s mother and father, which in flip pressured them to finish their friendship as children. Years later, Jae Yi is an actress, and Do Jin is a detective, who in his personal approach is searching for redemption for the sins of his father. As adults, can the 2 get closure from their darkish previous, the prejudices, and heartbreak? Even because the world and conditions conspire to maintain them aside, they hold discovering their approach again to one another.
“Come and Hug Me” is a melodrama that blends in romance, crime, and a thriller, so don’t go by its breezy title. It’s a heavy however compelling watch that can tug at your heartstrings given the scenario and destiny of its lead protagonists.
Begin watching “Come And Hug Me”:
Watch Now
“Romance Is a Bonus E book”
Kang Dan Yi (Lee Na Younger), a one-time hotshot copywriter, is now a divorced single mom main a hand-to-mouth existence. However her childhood bestie, the a lot youthful Cha Eun Ho (Lee Jong Suk), is a profitable creator, literature professor, and the youngest editor-in-chief at his publishing firm. Dan Yi’s efforts at getting a job are futile. Regardless of her expertise, she is continually discriminated over her age and being out of circulation, however someday she finds herself as an intern in the identical workplace as Eun Ho. Although she regards him simply because the little boy she used to babysit, Eun Ho’s emotions run deep for Dan Yi.
“Romance Is a Bonus E book” is a character-driven drama. Applauding a lady’s effort to beat challenges and take her life again, it additionally has probably the most supporting main males. Wi Ha Joon as creator Ji Search engine optimisation Joon and Dan Yi’s pal can be pleasant. This noona romance comes with a number of toe-curling moments, and the chemistry between Lee Na Younger and Lee Jong Suk will mild up your display screen.
“Pinocchio”
Choi In Ha (Park Shin Hye), the daughter of a prime-time information reporter and presenter, needs to be a broadcast journalist. However the largest hurdle in her approach is the “Pinocchio Syndrome,” a situation which triggers hiccups each time she lies. Choi Dal Po (Lee Jong Suk), haunted by his tragic previous, additionally needs to get into broadcasting to analyze the reality that destroyed his household. In Ha and Dal Po have been collectively since childhood, so she regards him as her uncle given his scenario in her household. Regardless of understanding that In Ha’s mom performed a key function in his household’s destruction, Dal Po harbors no resentment in direction of In Ha. As they pursue their profession in journalism, they be taught some onerous truths about life in addition to discovering their emotions for one another.
“Pinocchio” blends in romance and thriller properly, and Lee Jong Suk and Park Shin Hye’s onscreen chemistry scores excessive on the recognition quotient.
Begin watching “Pinocchio”:
Watch Now
“My First First Love”
Tae Oh (Ji Soo) has the seems to be, the wealth, and nice buddies, however what he lacks is love. However everybody sees him and his greatest pal of 20 years, Track Yi (Jung Chaeyeon), as soulmates who are supposed to be. The 2 unanimously swear their emotions are nothing greater than platonic, however when Track Yi falls for Tae Oh’s greatest pal, the hardworking Do Hyun (Jinyoung), she finds herself at a crossroads between her emotions for Do Hyun and Tae Oh.
“My First First Love” is an underrated present, and although it begins sluggish, it’s regular in sustaining the momentum of the characters and their conditions. It’s a dramedy that highlights the angst of millennials as they set sail on the journey to seek out real love.
“Happiness”
“Happiness” is a dystopian zombie apocalyptic thriller about residents in an condominium block who’re requested to quarantine on the outbreak of a brand new infectious virus. Detective Jung Yi Hyun (Park Hyung Sik) and Particular Unit Officer Yoon Sae Bom (Han Hyo Joo) are two of the many inhabitants of the condominium complicated. Yi Hyun and Sae Bom have been buddies since highschool, and Yi Hyun harbors emotions for Sae Bom and is all the time searching for her. Because the disaster breaks out, they put themselves within the frontline to guard individuals in opposition to the lethal virus and monsters. And because the battle of survival unfolds round them, will Yi Hyun have the ability to make his confession?
“Happiness” is a brilliantly crafted drama, and actors Park Hyung Sik and Han Hyo Joo ship a flawless efficiency of their roles. In case you like zombie thrillers but additionally some romance, test this one out!
Begin watching “Happiness”:
Watch Now
Hey Ok-POP Information Followers, which considered one of these reveals is your favourite friends-to-lovers romance ? Tell us within the feedback beneath!
Puja Talwar is a Ok-POP Information author with a powerful Yoo Tae Oh and Lee Junho bias. A very long time Ok-drama fan, she loves devising alternate situations to the narratives. She has interviewed Lee Min Ho, Gong Yoo, Cha Eun Woo, and Ji Chang Wook to call a number of. You possibly can comply with her on @puja_talwar7 on Instagram.
At present watching: “Name It Love.”
