Not Just Thrillers: 7 Lighthearted K-Dramas With No Romance Focus

The days when South Korean showmakers produced exclusively romantic shows are long past. Nowadays, if you are not interested in love stories, you can find a lot of K-dramas with no (or almost no) romance.

1

Another thing is that most non-romantic K-dramas are thrillers and have dark things going on. If you want a fun and lighthearted K-drama that focuses on non-amorous relationships, you have to make an effort to find one. Luckily, we have done the job for you.

Here's a list of seven fan-favorite shows you're guaranteed to enjoy.

Racket Boys (2021)

IMDb Rating: 4.6/10

Where to stream: Netflix

Don't be discouraged by the show's low IMDb rating. Racket Boys was review bombed because of the misunderstanding behind the camera. In reality, the story of a badminton coach who resurrects a struggling, ragtag middle school team is a truly uplifting tale with only a hint of romance.

Behind Your Touch (2023)

IMDb Rating: 7.4/10

Where to stream: Netflix, TVING

The drama's creators called it 'comrom' because they wanted to emphasize that comedy comes before romance here. And it's true. Fantasy, comedy, drama, family relationships, friendship and an amazing whodunit play a much bigger role than subtle romance. The story follows a psychometric vet who solves crimes with the help of her powers and friends.

Pegasus Market (2019)

IMDb Rating: 7.8/10

Where to stream: TVING, Apple TV, Google Play TV

Guaranteed to make you laugh out loud every episode, this workplace comedy is set in a struggling retail store where the manager is trying to save the business and the director is doing his best to destroy it. To do this, he hires some of the most chaotic employees seen on TV.

Good Manager (2017)

IMDb Rating: 7.9/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Viki, Kocowa

Can a corporate culture turn a fraud into a social justice warrior? Kim Sung-ryon is a genius accountant who has mastered fraud. He goes to work for a big company to embezzle their money, but ends up bonding with his colleagues and fighting for their rights.

Avengers Social Club (2017)

IMDb Rating: 8.1/10

Where to stream: Roku, Apple TV

The K-drama revolves around a very unusual club, organized by three women with very different backgrounds and characters. Their common goal is to serve the cold dish of revenge to those who have wronged them. Don't be discouraged by the dark premise, the show has a gripping humorous undertone that makes it fun to watch.

Welcome to Waikiki (2018)

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Prime Video, Viki, Kocowa

The story of three aspiring filmmakers who decide to make money for their first movie by reviving an old, failing guesthouse has some romantic subplots, but the creators manage to work humor into it, so there's no fluff and cheesiness. The ultimate goal of this show is to make viewers laugh, and it does that brilliantly.

Would You Like a Cup of Coffee (2021)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Where to stream: Netflix, Viki, Tubi

The meditative slice-of-life story of a coffee shop owner and his new barista focuses on many human emotions, but romantic love is not one of them. The two men, obsessed with coffee and bringing warmth to the lives of their customers, form a delightful dynamic that is a real pleasure to watch.