You can often find realistic portrayals of human relationships in K-dramas. In addition to fluffy love stories, South Korean romantic shows are not shy about depicting toxic and even abusive relationships.
Of course, it's always cathartic to see a main character break out of them and into a better, healthier romance. Here are seven K-dramas guaranteed to give you that feeling.
She Would Never Know (2021)
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Where to stream: Netflix
Yoon Song-ah is an ambitious employee at a cosmetics company. She is in a relationship with her boss, but doesn't know that he is leading a double life and has another woman. Her new co-worker finds out and opens her eyes, which results in plenty of drama and new beginnings.
Extraordinary You (2019)
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki
Eun Dan-oh discovers that she is not a high school girl, but a minor character in a fictional comic book world. This makes her rethink her whole life and make some conscious changes. Among other things, she dumps her crappy, abusive boyfriend and sets her sights on a much better option.
One Spring Night (2019)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Where to stream: Netflix
Lee Jeong-in has been in a relationship with her boyfriend for a long time, but she doesn't feel ready to tie the knot. The doubts become impossible to ignore when Jeong-in meets a charming single dad she can't seem to forget.
Bo-ra! Deborah (2023)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Where to stream: Prime Video
Yeon Bo-ra is an influencer and writer who teaches people about relationships. But her personal life is thrown into chaos when she finds out that her boyfriend is cheating on her. On top of that, to add to her frustration, there's this annoying publishing planner she has to work with.
Doom at Your Service (2021)
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Viki
Tak Dong-kyung learns that her boyfriend has a wife, gets scolded at work, and finds out that she has three months to live. All in one day. Out of frustration, the woman makes a wish for the end of the world. Surprisingly, her call is heard by a spirit who agrees to grant the wish.
Perfect Marriage Revenge (2023)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki
Everything is going wrong for Han Yi-joo. Her husband is in love with her sister, her family frames her for a crime, she gets into an accident and then dies. Luckily, she wakes up a year before these terrible events and sets out to make things right, avenge the villains, and find true love along the way.
Romance Is a Bonus Book (2019)
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Where to stream: Netflix
Kang Dan-i's world is shattered when she discovers her husband is cheating on her. Divorced and financially stranded, she seeks the help of her old friend, who is the editor-in-chief of a book publishing company and has harbored romantic feelings for her for years.