K-Drama

7 K-Drama Couples With Refreshing 'Poor Man, Rich Woman' Dynamic

7 K-Drama Couples With Refreshing 'Poor Man, Rich Woman' Dynamic
Image credit: jTBC

If flipping the script is your thing.

The romantic storyline where the lovers come from different social and wealth backgrounds is part of a larger 'forbidden romance' trope. The main challenge for such couples usually comes from families and friends forbidding the relationship, or different perspectives on life.

Do you like fictional couples who find their way to each other despite their social status differences?

If you're a fan of the trope, you've probably noticed that K-dramas based on the trope usually focus on the classic 'rich man, poor woman' scenario. But there are a few that reverse the roles and show a successful, rich woman falling for a man from a humble background. Here are seven fan-recommended examples.

I Do, I Do (2012)

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IMDb rating: 6.7/10

Where to stream: Prime Video, Kocowa

Hwang Ji-ahn is a remarkable figure in the world of shoe design, living life on her own terms. But when a one-night stand with a young rookie designer, a fresh face at her company, unexpectedly results in a pregnancy, Ji-ahn's world is turned upside down and the drama begins.

A Witch's Love (2014)

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IMDb rating: 7.3/10

Where to stream: Prime Video, Viki, Tubi, iQIYI, AsianCrush

Ban Ji-yeon is a renowned news reporter who is called a 'witch' for her professional prowess and doesn't believe in love because of a past heartbreak. Yoon Dong-ha is a younger man who works part-time and also has a traumatic love story despite his age. When these two cross paths, sparks ignite, but will they dare to explore the electric chemistry between them?

Run On (2020)

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IMDb rating: 7.4/10

Where to stream: Netflix

In this K-drama, the 'rich woman, poor man' trope is used for the secondary couple, who are just as captivating as the main duo. Seo Dan-ah is a workaholic CEO with a personality marred by a cold upbringing. Lee Yeong-hwa is a charming art student whose warmth pierces through Dan-ah's icy facade, making him the only one who can reach her heart.

Graceful Family (2019)

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IMDb rating: 7.5/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Viki

Mo Seok-hee is the heiress of a powerful chaebol family who, after years abroad, returns home with a mission. Determined to uncover long-buried family secrets, including her mother's mysterious death 15 years earlier, she enlists the help of a struggling lawyer with a personal stake in the case. Together, they form an alliance, delving into the past and forging a bond that defies the odds.

Encounter (2018)

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IMDb rating: 7.6/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Hulu, Viki, iQIYI

Cha Soo-hyun is the daughter of a powerful politician and a successful businesswoman. But she feels suffocated by the confines of her family. During a vacation, Soo-hyun meets Kim Jin-hyuk, a carefree and innocent young man without a steady job. Their chance meeting blossoms into an unforgettable evening, but little do they know that fate has more meetings in store for them.

Extracurricular (2020)

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IMDb rating: 7.6/10

Where to stream: Netflix

Oh Ji-soo is a brilliant student from an abusive, impoverished home. Desperate to escape his circumstances, he delves into the murky world of illegal business. Bae Gyu-ri is the privileged daughter of two CEOs, whose path accidentally intertwines with Ji-soo's. Their story is quite dark, but the undeniable chemistry between the two will leave no romance fan indifferent.

Ugly Alert (2013)

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IMDb rating: 8.4/10

Where to stream: Wavve, SBS VOD, SBS World

Gong Joon-soo is an ex-convict who served time for a crime he didn't commit. While behind bars, he learned to sew, and after his release, lands a job at a fashion company run by the workaholic and bright Na Do-hee. Unexpectedly, the CEO finds herself drawn to Joon-soo, setting the stage for a love story unlike any other.