7 K-Dramas That Show How Fake Relationships Evoke Real Feelings
A real treasure for lovers of the fake dating/marriage trope.
You might think that the fake relationship storyline can only exist as part of tasteless soap operas. But in fact, when done right, this trope can become the basis of a very relatable and swoon-worthy love arc.
Basically, it tells the story of two strangers who are forced (for different, usually materialistic reasons) to pay attention to each other and spend time together, pretending they are in love. This brings them closer and makes them realize that appearances are deceiving and a stranger can suddenly feel good as your girlfriend/boyfriend.
If you feel that such a plot development might be right up your alley, there is an easy way to find out. Here are seven fan-recommended K-dramas that revolve around fake relationships. See if you like any of them.
The Story of Park's Marriage Contract (2023)
IMDb rating: 7.5/10
Where to stream: Viki, Wavve
Park Yeon-woo is a young noblewoman from the Joseon era who loses her new husband and is almost killed in one night. She is magically transported to the present and the first face she sees is that of her late husband. The doppelganger turns out to be a wealthy man looking for a fake wife.
Something About 1% (2016)
IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Where to stream: Viki
Lee Jae-in is a rich heir to a huge corporation. His grandfather thinks Jae-in is arrogant and spoiled, so he decides to teach him a life lesson by setting him up with a simple schoolteacher. In order not to lose his wealth, Jae-in convinces the woman to pretend that they are together.
My Demon (2023)
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IMDb rating: 7.7/10
Where to stream: Netflix
Do Do-hee is the adopted daughter of an extremely rich family and the cutthroat and cynical CEO of a huge corporation. She is in desperate need of a fake husband, and that's where Jeong Gu-won comes in. Do-hee isn't even afraid of the fact that Gu-won is a 200-year-old demon who survives by signing soul-binding contracts.
100 Days My Prince (2018)
IMDb rating: 7.8/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Viki, WeTV, iQIYI
A fake relationship in the Joseon era? Yes, please! The story follows a crown prince who survives an assassination attempt but loses his memory. A commoner takes him in and tells him that he is the fiancé of his daughter, who is required by law to marry as soon as possible.
Perfect Marriage Revenge (2023)
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IMDb rating: 7.9/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Viki, TVING, Wavve
Han Yi-joo is a naive young woman whose family uses her as a scapegoat for their crimes. Everything leads to Yi-joo's murder. But instead of dying, the lead is transported one year before the tragic events, and now she is determined to take revenge on her evil relatives. This is only possible with the help of a fake husband.
Because This Is My First Life (2017)
IMDb rating: 8.1/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Viki
Nam Se-hee is a socially awkward IT worker who bought a house he can't afford. Yoon Ji-ho is a broke screenwriter who needs a place to live. They accidentally become landlord and tenant and soon enter into a two-year marriage of convenience that turns out to be not so convenient.
Business Proposal (2022)
IMDb rating: 8.1/10
Where to stream: Netflix
Shin Ha-ri goes on a blind date instead of her friend with the sole purpose of scaring off a potential suitor. She is shocked to find out that her date is her boss. To make matters worse, he offers to pay Ha-ri a lot of money if she pretends to be his girlfriend.