AlthoughCrash Landing on Youwas released in 2021, it continues to be hailed as one of the most outstandingK-dramasto date. The cross-border romance between the main characters from South and North Korea gave the tale a distinctive twist. Yet, it wasn’t just about the romance or chemistry between the leads that won the audience’s hearts. The series also features an engaging plot of political intrigue, drama, and action to make it truly entertaining. Of course, the pairing of Hyun Bin and Son Ye-Jin was the perfect icing on top of it all.
Crash Landing on Youis unique, but there are other K-dramas that mix cross-border romance, steamy love stories, and other engaging elements to make them quite remarkable.Descendants of the Sunis another highly renowned military romance that gained popularity for its unique premise and distinctive romance, and so isK2. For those who want their romance spiced up with action and other fascinating components, these 10 K-dramas are totally worth checking out.
10Descendants of the Sun (2016)
Descendants of the Sunis a romantic K-drama with elements of comedy and action. The story revolves around a charismatic and skilled captain in the Special Forces (played by Song Joong-ki) and a talented and compassionate surgeon (Song Hye-kyo), who meet under unusual circumstances in a fictional war-torn country of Uruk. As the drama unfolds, it depicts how these two navigate their feelings for each other amidst the challenges of their respective professions.
How It’s Like Crash Landing on You
LikeCrash Landing on You,Descendants of the Sunsets itself apart with its compelling storyline, enriched by military drama and action-packed sequences. The relationship between the leading actors is truly mature, and the secondary characters are relatable, enhancing its overall appeal. Not to forget the production value, which contributes to its credibility. It’s no wonder that it’s equally popular asCrash Landing on You.Stream on Hulu
9It’s Okay Not to Be Okay (2020)
Hailed as one of the best K-dramas of 2020,It’s Okay Not to Be Okaydelves into the relationship between a caregiver at a psychiatric ward, who is dedicated to caring for his brother, and a successful children’s book author with an antisocial disorder. It incorporates elements of symbolism and fantasy, adding depth and meaning to the overall narrative.
This is yet another outstanding K-drama,perfect for newcomers, that received widespread praise for tackling mental health issues and other tough subjects rarely explored in other dramas. The characters are multidimensional, and the development of their relationships are explored so thoroughly that viewers can’t help but get invested in their journey. While its tone may be different fromCrash Landing on You, it has unique strengths that make it stand out from other K-dramas, much like what madeCrash Landing on Youexceptional.Stream on Netflix
8Healer (2014-2015)
For those searching for extraordinary K-dramas with an amazing cast, story, high production value, and a riveting plot spiced up with romance,Healeris a must-see. It follows the story of a highly skilled night courier, the Healer, who crosses paths with a journalist. These two become entangled in a complex web of political conspiracies and family secrets, uncovering dark secrets about each other’s past.
Similarly toCrash Landing on You, Healerhas no boring episodes, and, in fact, only gets better as it progresses. With a plot filled with romance, action, drama, and mystery, it ensures that viewers stay invested in the story from start to finish. The chemistry between Ji Chang-ook and Park Min-young rivals the electrifying connection between Hyun Bin and Son Ye-jin inCrash Landing on You.Stream on Rakuten Viki
Related:The 28 Best Korean Dramas of 2023, Ranked
7Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016)
The mesmerizing K-drama,Guardian: The Lonely and Great God, also known asGoblin, follows the story of a Goryeo Dynasty warrior, who is cursed with immortality after his death. To break his curse, he must find a goblin wife born with the power to save him. With its emotional storytelling, stellar cast, compelling characters, visually stunning cinematography, and unique premise, this K-drama will leave many spellbound.
Guardianmay not have a lot in common withCrash Landing on Youat first glance, but it’s so brilliant and well-crafted that it would remind many of its exceptional quality. Their respective settings and story styles are different, but they both share a common thread of having truly unique premises and compelling love stories.Guardianis so good that it is often regarded as one of themost rewatchable K-dramas of all time.Stream on Rakuten Viki
6The King 2 Hearts (2012)
The King 2 Heartsrevolves around the unlikely romance between a carefree prince and a North Korean Special Forces officer. Things get complicated for them after the King is assassinated, and these lovers struggle to overcome challenges in their relationship due to the tension between North and South Korea, echoing some themes inCrash Landing on You.
If the unlikely romance between a South Korean belle and a tough military officer from North Korea touched your heart, then this K-drama, which explores the same cross-border romance, should appeal to you too. The combination of drama, romance and political tension is sure to keep many hooked.Stream on Kocowa
5Mr. Sunshine (2018)
Written by Kim Eun-sook and directed by Lee Eun-bok,Mr. Sunshinestands as one of the most realistic and highly rated K-dramas alongsideCrash Landing on You,Descendant of the Sun,andGuardian.Set during the Joseon Dynastyin Korea, this follows the story of a Korean-born U.S. Marine, who returns to his homeland as a soldier, where he becomes embroiled in political turmoil and a love triangle.
How It’s Like Crash Landing on You
Mr. Sunshinedoesn’t just focus on the love triangle between Eugene Choi, the noble woman Ko Ae-Shin, and the noble man Kim Hee-Sung, but it also incorporates political intrigue and conspiracies, reflecting the tumultuous historical period. LikeCrash Landing on You, it resonates with viewers for its exploration of a complex love story juxtaposed with patriotism, fascinating backstories, and a blend of action and drama.Stream on Netflix
4The K2 (2016)
The K2may not have an interesting beginning, but it eventually evolves into an intriguing blend of drama, romance, action, and political intrigue woven into a brilliant narrative. It revolves around a disgraced soldier falsely accused of murdering his girlfriend. He becomes a fugitive and ends up working as a bodyguard for the wife of a presidential candidate. Along the way, he develops feelings for the candidate’s daughter.
How It’s Like Crashing Landing on You
LikeCrash Landing on You,The K2is a popular South Korean drama that is a must-watch for every fan of K-dramas. Though this political thriller places more emphasis on action and suspense, the two dramas share similarities when it comes to mixing intricate and steamy relationships with political elements. This creates something more thrilling to go along with the romance rather than being typical by focusing solely on love and relationship dynamics.Stream on Tubi
Related:20 Best K-Dramas Longer Than Just One Season
3Memories of the Alhambra (2018)
For fans of Hyun Bin,Memories of the Alhambrais a must-watch. Here, he plays Yoo Jin-woo, a successful CEO who becomes involved in a groundbreaking Augmented Reality (AR) game developed by Jung Se-joo and his sister, Jung Hee-joo. As Yoo Jin-woo becomes ensnared in the game, the boundary between reality and the virtual world becomes blurred.
Memories of the Alhambramixes elements of fantasy, mystery, and drama to create a truly unique premise quite different fromCrash Landing on You. While these shows may not share many similarities, this makes for a compelling watch for fans ofCrash Landing on You, especially those enamored with Hyun Bin’s acting prowess. He truly embodies his character, earning accolades for his nuanced performance. The added romance with Park Shin-hye contributes to the drama’s overall appeal.Stream on Netflix
2While You Were Sleeping (2017)
While You Were Sleepingcombines elements of fantasy, romance, and suspense to narrate the story of a woman with the ability to foresee the future through her dreams. Teaming up with a police officer and his close friend, this trio strives to prevent predicted tragedies from happening.
How It’s Like Crash landing on You
One of the K-drama’s outstanding features is its combination of lead characters that are smart, funny, intelligent, carefree, and charming, all brilliantly portrayed by the talented actors. Though categorized as a rom-com,While You Were Sleepingis much more than that. It incorporates murder, suspense, drama, and many spine-chilling cliffhangers that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It is an excellent choice for those who want their romance intertwined with a diverse range of storytelling, encompassing elements of mystery, fantasy, and action, much like the captivating appeal ofCrash Landing on You.Stream on Hulu
1Snowdrop (2021)
Snowdropis an unforgettable K-drama that weaves drama, romance, and comedy into the story of a student who seeks refuge in a women’s dormitory after escaping from North Korea. This heart-felt drama has the North-South adventure and charming romance many loved inCrash Landing on You.
Jung Hae-in and Blackpink’s Kim Jisoo deliver heartfelt performances that make viewers feel their pain and cheer for them in a world full of antagonists and challenges. Packed with many plot twists, the show keeps many hooked from start to finish. And, of course, the chemistry between the leads warms the heart, while the story takes viewers on a wild ride. With its twists, romance, beautiful cinematography, and well-executed suspense, this drama will remind many of the magic ofCrash Landing on You.Stream on Disney+
