Over the past few years, K-dramas have explored a variety of genres. However, romance continues to remain one of the most popular categories. Numerous themes are available for audiences to explore, such as noona romances. These shows explore relationships between a younger man and an older woman. In recent times, there has been a surge of viewership for this kind of unconventional storytelling.
Some of the more popular noona romance K-dramas include The Midnight Romance in Hagwon, Something in the Rain, Encounter, and more. They feature heartwarming stories of love beyond barriers and have managed to garner a wide fanbase in the community. Check out more details about the aforementioned series below.
The Midnight Romance in Hagwon
The Midnight Romance in Hagwon premiered on May 11, 2024 on tvN. The story follows popular academy instructor Seo Hye-Jin (Jung Ryeo-Won), who reunites with her former student-turned-instructor Lee Joon-Ho (Wi Ha-Joon). While the latter pursues her, she remains hesitant. However, gradually she begins to fall in love with him as the two navigate their relationships amidst academy competition and rivalry. Meanwhile, viewers can stream the drama on Viki.
Something in the Rain
Something in the Rain is a popular noona romance K-drama that follows the story of a woman named Yoon Ji-Ah (Son Ye-Jin), who has had her fair share of failed relationships until her mid-30s. Just when she goes through another traumatic breakup, her childhood friend’s younger brother Seo Joon-Hee (Jung Hae-In) appears in her life. The two gradually develop feelings for each other, with Ji-Ah finally getting the love she deserves. The K-drama premiered on March 30, 2018, and is available to stream on Netflix.
Encounter
Encounter is a popular K-drama that premiered on November 28, 2018. It follows the story of Cha Soo-Hyun (Song Hye-Kyo), the daughter of a wealthy politician. She is forcefully thrust into a loveless marriage as she isn’t able to make decisions for herself. Eventually, she gets divorced and goes on a trip to Havana, Cuba. There she crosses paths with a job seeker, Kim Jin-Hyuk (Park Bo-Gum), who is in the country for a trip abroad. The two fall in love with each other. Meanwhile, viewers can stream the series on Netflix and Viki.
Romance Is a Bonus Book
Romance Is a Bonus Book follows the story of a publishing company chief editor, Cha Eun-Ho (Lee Jong-Suk), who is popular at work for his way of getting things done. He crosses paths with his childhood friend Kang Dan-Yi (Lee Na-Young). The latter was a successful copywriter but now finds herself unemployed, divorced, and as a single mother. In an attempt to secure a job, she lies about her life and finds herself working under Eun-Ho. The two learn more about each other and fall in love. The drama premiered on January 26, 2019, and is available to stream on Netflix.
Crash Course in Romance
Crash Course in Romance is a popular noona romance K-drama that premiered on January 14, 2023. The series follows the story of Nam Haeng-Sun (Jeon Do-Yeon), who runs a popular side dish store. She adopts her sister’s daughter, who goes to an academy that has a popular instructor Choi Chi-Yeol (Jung Kyung-Ho). The latter crosses paths with Nam Haeng-Sun as the two navigate the child’s future. Eventually, they spend time and fall in love, while growing their respective lives and careers. The drama is available to stream on Netflix.
These noona romance K-dramas have gained significant attention because of their storylines and the performances by the cast members. They serve a perfect blend of romance, comedy, and drama, making them a worthwhile watch. Stay tuned for more updates.
