Netflix boasts a plethora of K-dramas, and the ones that talk about first love always hold a dear place in a fan’s heart. Korean dramas put a lot of significance on the first love trope, with many of its series showcasing the characters’ journeys navigating it. Many series under this theme have grown to become hugely popular among the masses worldwide. These shows give viewers butterflies and all the good feelings that come with experiencing an emotion like love.
In recent times, many K-dramas have talked about first love. Furthermore, these are also available on Netflix for viewers from around the globe to tune in. These include Love Next Door, Lovely Runner, Twenty-Five Twenty-One, and more. Check out more details about these shows and recommendations of popular first-love-themed dramas.
Love Next Door
Love Next Door is a recently released tvN rom-com K-drama that follows the journey of two childhood friends, Choi Seung-Hyo (Jung Hae-In) and Bae Seok-Ryu (Jung So-Min). The two became acquainted after their respective mothers became friends. Years later, the duo reunite when they face challenges in their personal and professional lives. Together, they reflect on their memories and gradually fall in love. The drama premiered on August 17, 2024.
Lovely Runner
Lovely Runner cemented itself as one of the most popular K-dramas that premiered on August 1, 2024. The tvN drama follows the journey of a fangirl named Im Sol (Kim Hye-Yoon) who admires her favorite idol, Ryu Sun-Jae (Byeon Woo-Seok). However, his unexpected death devastates her. Soon, she finds herself going back in time with an opportunity to save Sun-Jae’s life. Along the way, the two characters begin discovering secrets about their connection and their growing love for each other.
Twenty-Five Twenty-One
Twenty-Five Twenty-One follows the story of Na Hee-Do (Kim Tae-Ri), a member of her high-school fencing team. She hopes to become a part of the national fencing team. However, due to the Korean financial crisis, her school shuts down the team. She crosses paths with Baek Yi-Jin (Nam Joo-Hyuk), who becomes poor after his wealthy father suffers the consequences of the crisis. The two navigate adulthood, friendship, and romance. As they start falling in love, the duo also deal with life’s challenges. The series was released on February 12, 2022.
Our Beloved Summer
Our Beloved Summer premiered on December 6, 2021, following the journey of two former high school students—Choi Woong (Choi Woo-Shik) and Kook Yeon-Seo (Kim Da-Mi). The two were part of a viral documentary film back in school. Years later, the ex-lovers get pulled in front of the camera again, and the two reunite. While navigating their personal and professional lives, they participate in the documentary, which only reignites their first love as they find their way back to each other.
My ID Is Gangnam Beauty
My ID Is Gangnam Beauty follows the story of a woman named Kang Mi-Rae (Im Soo-Hyang), who was bullied for her looks. To reset her life and stop being insecure and anxious about her looks, she gets plastic surgery to transform her face. Meanwhile, at the university, she crosses paths with Do Kyung-Suk (Cha Eun-Woo), who sees people for what they are on the inside. He falls in love with Mi-Rae and helps her regain control of her life and gain her confidence. Mi-Rae also begins to fall in love with Kyung-Suk. The drama premiered on July 27, 2018.
Other K-dramas on Netflix that also talk about first love include Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo, True Beauty, Fight For My Way, Moment of Eighteen, Love in the Moonlight, and more. All of these dramas can be streamed on the platform using a subscription.
