K-Dramas Without Romance? Yep, They Exist. Here Are 7 Top-Notch Examples

There's no denying that many South Korean showmakers and stars have made a name for themselves with romantic stories adored by millions of fans around the world.

However, K-dramaland is not all about on-screen love affairs and sexual tension. From horror to slice-of-life, from sci-fi to mystery, from thriller to fantasy, there are plenty of series that are made without romance as the centerpiece.

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For those not into romance, here are seven binge-worthy shows that steer clear of lovey-dovey plots entirely.

Black Dog (2019)

IMDb rating: 7.6/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Viki

This is the title you've probably never heard of. But according to the few people who have seen the show, it is definitely worth checking out. Especially if you like school stories that focus more on the teachers than the students. Go Ha-neul is a rookie teacher who finds her new position at a private school difficult to navigate. Fortunately, her colleagues are there to help.

Taxi Driver (2021-present)

IMDb rating: 8.0/10

Where to stream: Prime Video, Netflix, Viki, Kocowa

Officially, Kim Do-gi is a taxi driver, but in reality he has a unique job – he answers calls from victims of various crimes and helps them get revenge on those who wronged them. The show has one unexpected couple, but it doesn't distract from the main plot. The third season is currently in production.

Beyond Evil (2021)

IMDb rating: 8.1/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki

Beyond Evil is a true crime police drama about fighting evil outside and within. Two decades ago, a woman was killed and another vanished in a small town. The missing woman's twin brother is now a cop. When a young elite detective arrives to reopen the old case, they team up, ready to do whatever it takes to nab the culprit.

The Fiery Priest (2019)

IMDb rating: 8.2/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa, SBS World

The K-drama revolves around an odd crime-solving team – a special agent-turned-priest with a temper, a talkative detective, and a smart prosecutor. Together, they dig into the death of a senior Catholic priest while cracking jokes and diving into Korean pop culture.

Hot Stove League (2019)

IMDb rating: 8.3/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Viki, Kocowa

The protagonist, Baek Seung-soo is a top sports manager hired to turn a bottom-of-the-barrel baseball team into champions. The problem is that he has zero baseball skills. The slice-of-life story revolves around Seung-soo's tough personality and his relationship with the team's staff and players, leaving any romantic entanglements offscreen.

Prison Playbook (2017)

IMDb rating: 8.4/10

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

Kim Je-hyuk, a superstar baseball pitcher, finds himself in an impossible situation. He protects his sister from an attacker and badly injures him, which lands him in jail for a year. Inside, he meets men (both inmates and guards) with various stories that will keep you glued to the screen. There is a tiny romantic arc, but it can easily be skipped.

Navillera (2021)

IMDb rating: 8.7/10

Where to stream: Netflix, TVING

This fan-favorite drama is about two very different men who form an unlikely bond. Shim Deok-chul is a retired mailman who, at the age of 70, decides to fulfill his long-held dream of becoming a ballet dancer. Lee Chae-rok is a young wannabe ballerino who is stuck as Deok-chul's tutor.