Crash landing on love: How to recreate K-Drama proposals on a budget and say 'Saranghae' in style
Here's a DIY K-drama proposal guide to follow for this Proposal Day 2025
The K-drama proposals aren't just a matter of popping the question. It's a full production, with the twinkling lights, music and just a lot of sweetness. While there's a lot that you can use, and we're talking yellow umbrellas (looking at you, Lovely Runner fans), or over-the-top proposals like Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young in the fun and breezy What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, that involved a full piano recital. Sigh.
If you really don't have time for all the mush and cheesiness, then you can shout about your love down the street like Seo Yea-ji in It's Okay Not To Be Okay. Just make sure he doesn't quicken his pace in nervousness like Kim Soo-hyun did.
So, if you’re planning to propose (or just daydreaming about it—because why not?), here’s how to recreate iconic K-drama proposal scenes without a team of scriptwriters and a massive production budget.
The ‘Goblin’ candlelit rooftop proposal
Scene reference: Guardian: The Lonely and Great God.
Love doesn't have to be profound and sorrowful, it can be as cute as Kim Go-eun confessing her love 'Sarangheyo (which I means I love you in Korean), a line that is still remembered today. Nevertheless, if you want to make the moment more magical like Kim Shin (Gong Yoo) kneeling in the glow of candlelight, asking Ji Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun) to be his bride, we've got ideas. The aesthetic? Pure fantasy.
DIY tips:
Location: Find a rooftop, balcony, or a scenic open space with a view.
Lighting: Candles are a must! If real ones are a fire hazard, go for LED candles or fairy lights.
Props: A small bouquet (bonus points if you throw in a dried buckwheat flower) and a cozy blanket for the ultimate romantic setup.
The line: “Will you be my bride?”—simple, effective, and straight out of a fairytale. The entire quote is: "I'm saying this because today is just about right. I'm saying this because you're still shining. I'm saying this because you were that first love. On another day that's just about right, will you be this man of Goryeo's bride?" (Go for it, why not)
The ‘Crash Landing on You’ surprise ring proposal
Scene reference: Crash Landing on You
Captain Ri Jeong-hyeok (Hyun Bin) may brood, but when it comes to love, his actions speak louder than words. And so, simple ring swap spoke volumes.
DIY tips:
Location: A park, a quiet café, or even a cozy indoor setting.
Props: A single, delicate ring hidden in an unexpected place (a dessert box, a book, or even inside a piano if you want to go all out!).
The line: Well, there are many, but our pick: "Sometimes the wrong train takes us to the right direction."
Bonus: If you can pull off a soft gaze like Captain Ri, you’re already winning.
The Business Proposal: Over-the-top grand gesture
Ahn Hyo-seop really won us with that credit card line didn't he, "My love for you is as unlimited as this card." Well, if you're as extra, from Kang Tae-moo (Hyo-seop). His proposals and love confessions to Shin Ha-ri (Kim Se-jeong) were all batty, chaotic but just as sweet.
DIY tips:
Location: A fancy restaurant, a surprise event, or anywhere with a little pizzazz.
Props: A handwritten contract (with “Will you marry me?” as the final clause!), a bouquet big enough to block your view, and a dramatic pause before the big moment.
The line: “I can't be apart from you any longer. So let's get married."
Extra points: Show up unannounced in a perfectly tailored suit. Because why not?
The ‘My Love from the Star’ dramatic love confession Proposal
In the words of AESPA, bring the dram-ama-mama.
Nothing says K-drama like a dramatic, time-stopping, against-all-odds confession. Do Min-joon (Kim Soo-hyun) made our hearts race with his desperation to stay with Cheon Song-yi (Jun Ji-hyun). If you’re ready for a proposal with maximum emotional impact, this is your scene.
DIY tips:
Location: A starry night setting—outdoors or with a galaxy projector indoors.
Props: A heartfelt letter or a meaningful keepsake.
The line: It doesn't matter if you're an alien or a fox....
So, there you go. If they're a K-drama addict, they'll be sure to love your ideas.
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