5 K-Dramas with raw, profound romances that left fans craving closure, from Twenty Five Twenty One to Mr Sunshine

K-Dramas tend to swing to two extremes, either filling your heart with love and joy or leaving you utterly wrecked, questioning the ending for years. A quick scroll through K-Drama Twitter proves one thing: fans rarely get closure. But if there’s one truth they all agree on, it’s this—these dramas are raw, real, and some of the finest storytelling South Korea has to offer.

A little less heartbreak wouldn’t hurt, though.

So, if you’re looking to skip the fluff and cuteness in favour of ‘realistic’ and deeply profound romances, we’ve got just the list for you.

Here’s our list—just make sure you have a box of tissues nearby.

1) Twenty Five-Twenty One (2022)

 Ah, the ending for this show is still debated, three years on. A coming-of-age- drama that features a bubbly Kim Tae-ri as Na Hee-do, a budding fencing star and Nam Joo-hyuk as Baek Yi-jin, the story tells the story of two people who strike an unlikely friendship as a country grapples with financial crisis. With rich performances, powerful storytelling, the show really does pull at your heartstrings, capturing love and friendship in a way that feels raw, quiet, and achingly real. 

Streaming on Netflix.

2) Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

Step away from the real world and journey back to the Goryeo Dynasty with IU and Lee Joon-gi in this historical and deeply tragic fantasy drama. IU plays Go Ha-jin, a modern-day woman who is unexpectedly transported back in time after a solar eclipse. She wakes up in the body of Hae Soo, a noble lady in the court of King Taejo, surrounded by several royal princes. Amid court intrigue, shifting alliances, and political power struggles, she falls for the most brooding and enigmatic of them all—Wang So (Lee Joon-gi), the future King Gwangjong. But love in the palace comes at a cost, and she soon realizes that her heart isn’t the only thing at stake—her very survival depends on the choices she makes.

Streaming on Viki.

3) Snowdrop (2022)

Starring Jisoo and Jung Hae-in, Snowdrop sparked controversy and polarised opinions upon its release, yet earned praise for its lead performances and emotional depth. Jisoo plays Eun Yeong-ro, a cheerful college student in 1987 South Korea, who discovers an injured man, Im Su-ho (Jung Hae-in), in her dormitory. She secretly shelters him, only to later learn that he harbours a dangerous secret tied to political turmoil. As their fate intertwines with historical events unfolding in front of them, the drama unfolds into a tale of conflicted love, sacrifice, and tragic consequences.

If you’re in the mood for action, heartbreak, and a star-crossed romance with high stakes, Snowdrop is worth the watch. Or if you're a Jisoo fan, then go for it.

Streaming on Disney Plus

4) Mr Sunshine (2018)

A drama packed with searing, raw performances, Mr. Sunshine is widely regarded as one of South Korea’s finest. The story follows Lee Byung-hun’s Eugene Choi, a former Joseon slave who rises to become a captain in the United States Marine Corps. When a diplomatic mission brings him back to Korea, he falls for Kim Tae-ri’s Go Ae-shin, an orphaned noblewoman with a fierce patriotic spirit. But as the drama proves, nothing is fair in love and war. Their romance is a breathtaking blend of passion and sorrow, unfolding against the backdrop of a turbulent era—where every moment of beauty is shadowed by impending tragedy.

 Streaming on Netflix.

5) The Red Sleeve

 Another historical drama that is poignant, heartfelt and so raw, The Red Sleeve, stars Lee Jun-ho as King Jeongjo and his court lady, played by Lee Se-young. They share a deep, moving connection and yet, time and duties strive to keep them apart.

 Streaming on Viki