TV

7 Engrossing K-Dramas With 'Rich Girl Poor Guy' Trope

7 Engrossing K-Dramas With 'Rich Girl Poor Guy' Trope
Image credit: Netflix, tvN

Different roles, different dynamics.

The affair between two people of different social status and wealth is a popular trope in K-dramaland. But if you are a fan of the trope, chances are you have mostly watched the 'rich man, poor woman' variation.

If you're interested in seeing how the relationship would play out with the roles reversed, here are seven K-dramas where the female lead is a successful, rich professional and her love interest comes from a poor background.

I Do, I Do (2012)

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IMDb Rating: 6.7/10

Where to stream: Kocowa

Hwang Ji-ahn is a top shoe designer, a workaholic and a free-spirited woman living her best life. One day, she makes the mistake of sleeping with a young rookie designer who is a new employee of her company. When Ji-ahn realizes that she is pregnant, the drama begins.

A Witch's Love (2014)

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IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Where to stream: Prime Video, Tubi, Sling TV, Pluto TV

Ban Ji-yeon is a successful and famous news reporter whose prowess comes from a broken heart (she was left at the altar). Yoon Dong-ha is a much younger man who mostly works part-time. When the two meet, sparks fly, but will they act on their crazy chemistry?

Run On (2020)

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IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Where to stream: Netflix

The trope is used for the secondary couple, who are just as compelling as the main one. Seo Dan-ah is a CEO and workaholic who grew up in a cold family. Because of this, she can't channel and express her emotions properly and often comes across as rude and cold-hearted. Lee Yeong-hwa is a cheerful art student and the only person who can get through to Dan-ah.

Encounter (2018)

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IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

Where to stream: Viki

Cha Soo-hyun is the daughter of a prominent politician and successful businesswoman who feels trapped in her life. During her visit to Cuba, Soo-hyun meets and spends a fun evening with the innocent, free-spirited Kim Jin-hyuk, who doesn't even have a steady job. But this is not their last encounter.

Graceful Family (2019)

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IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

Where to stream: Viki, Sling TV

Mo Seok-hee is the heiress of a major chaebol. After years of studying abroad, she returns home to investigate family secrets, including the death of her mother 15 years ago. She enlists the help of a broke lawyer who has a personal connection to the case.

Extracurricular (2020)

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IMDb Rating: 7.6/10

Where to stream: Viki

Oh Ji-soo is a top high school student from an abusive, poor background. In order to succeed in life, he gets involved in illegal business. Bae Gyu-ri is the daughter of two CEOs and gets involved in Ji-soo's problems by chance. The story is rather dark and not too romantic, but the chemistry between the two leads is palpable.

Ugly Alert (2013)

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IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Where to stream: Viki

Gong Joon-soo is an ex-convict who spent time in prison for a crime he did not commit. He learns sewing in prison and after his release gets a job in a fashion company run by a competent and smart rich heiress.