It's Not All About Romance: 7 K-Dramas Celebrating Beauty of True Friendship

In K-dramaland, it can seem like romance rules the roost, leaving those who are not so into love stories with only thrillers or horror to watch. Fortunately, this is just the first impression. In reality, South Korean TV offers a treasure trove of slice-of-life dramas that focus on friendship, with romance as a side dish or absent altogether.

For those who crave heartening, budding stories, here are seven must-watch fan picks to snuggle up with.

Be Melodramatic (2019)

IMDb rating: 8.0/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Viki

The three leads of this drama are tight-knit friends in their thirties, all working in the TV industry. Jin-joo writes scripts, Eun-jung directs documentaries, and Han-joo is in charge of marketing. They all end up working on the same K-drama, which mirrors their warm relationship and personal adventures.

Because This Is My First Life (2017)

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Apple TV, Viki

The drama's leads, Nam Se-hee, a socially awkward computer designer, and broke but charming screenwriter Yoon Ji-ho, end up falling in love. But their relationship starts out as a friendship based on hilariously crazy situations. They also both have a group of friends whose interactions are very much in the spotlight. So you can say that this drama is about friendship first and love second.

Dear My Friends (2016)

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Where to stream: Disney+, Prime Video, Netflix, Tubi

The lead character of the drama, Park Wan, is a writer looking for her next big idea. She often hangs out with her mother and her colorful group of friends, all in their 60s and 70s. Could their wholesome stories about the past and adventures in the present become the basis for a new book?

Age of Youth (2016-2017)

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki

In this show also known as Hello, My Twenties!, five college girls become housemates, each with their own quirks and troubles. From childhood trauma to academic stress, they navigate the highs and lows of youth together, forming deep bonds. There are some romantic subplots, but the friendship between the girls takes center stage.

Twenty-Five Twenty-One (2022)

IMDb rating: 8.6/10

Where to stream: Netflix, TVING

Set in 1998, during an economic crisis in South Korea, this coming-of-age story centers on fencing prodigy Na Hee-do and her classmates. While the romance adds flavor, the heart of the story lies in the teens' friendships and the sweet moments they cherish together.

Hospital Playlist (2020-2021)

IMDb rating: 8.8/10

Where to stream: Netflix

In this two-season slice-of-life, five forty-something doctors, lifelong friends since medical school, juggle their shared medical practice and a hobby – a hilariously lousy garage band. Fans say you have to immerse yourself in the K-drama to feel the full warmth of the ideal friendship unleashed.

Twinkling Watermelon (2023)

IMDb rating: 8.9/10

Where to stream: Viki, TVING

In this touching drama, Ha Eun-gyeol, a music-loving student from a deaf family, finds himself time-traveling to 1995 after a fight with his father. There, he meets his parents as teenagers and discovers that they are actually amazing people worthy of friendship. Together they form a music band.