'Reply 1988,' 'Extraordinary You': K-dramas with exceptional love triangle plotlines
What's the story
In K-dramas, love triangles aren't just plot devices—they're the juicy bits that make your heart race. Picture this: confrontations, jealousy flares, and dreamy confessions that keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering, "Will they or won't they?" It's like the K-drama version of picking sides—think Team Edward versus Team Jacob from Twilight! On that note, here are some love triangle trope recommendations.
#1
'Reply 1988' (2015)
Reply 1988 is renowned as one of Korea's most celebrated dramas. Centered around five childhood friends, the series unfolds a heart-wrenching love triangle involving Sung Duk-sun (Lee Hye-ri), Kim Jung-hwan (Ryu Jun-yeol), and Choi Taek (Park Bo-gum). Their bond might be close to that of siblings, but it's also complicated as Kim and Choi harbor deep feelings for Sung—resulting in an emotionally charged narrative.
#2
'She Was Pretty' (2015)
She Was Pretty is a seemingly simple narrative that unfolds into a surprising love triangle. Childhood friends Kim Hye-jin and Ji Sung-joon experience contrasting journeys through puberty. Kim—popular before—now works part-time at a convenience store. In contrast, Ji—formerly bullied—emerges as an attractive adult. As Ji proposes a meeting between the two of them, Kim—overwhelmed by the prospect—sends her best friend to Ji's place.
#3
'Strong Girl Bong-Soon' (2017)
Strong Girl Bong-Soon revolves around the titular character who harbors an unrequited love for her childhood friend-turned-cop, In Guk-doo—who is oblivious due to their existing relationship. Fate intervenes as she becomes the bodyguard for game company CEO An Min-hyuk, who finds her fantastic, though she sees him as annoying. The series unfolds with Bong-soon eventually falling for An, leading to a heartwarming resolution.
#4
'Extraordinary You' (2019)
Extraordinary You follows high school girl Eun Dan-oh, who stumbles upon the revelation that she exists in a world of comics. Discontent with her preordained fate, she defies the narrative by forgoing an engagement with her uninterested crush. She instead pursues a nameless character. They rewrite their destinies—leading to a complex love story. The dynamics intensify when Eun's original lover—Baek-kyung—discovers his true feelings.
#5
'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha' (2021)
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha stands out as one of the best K-dramas on Netflix. Yoon Hye-jin—a dentist—uproots her life in Seoul, finding solace in the seaside village of Gongjin. There, she encounters Chief Hong (Hong Du-sik)—a local handyman, sparking a delightful romance. However, the plot thickens when Ji Seong-hyun (Lee Sang-yi), a star variety show production director who used to like Yoon visits the village.