Stories about high school and teenage romance in Korean dramas always succeed in captivating audiences. These dramas not only showcase sweet and heartwarming moments but also highlight personal growth, courage, and the meaning of true love. Viewers are easily immersed in the whirlwind of emotions, nostalgia, and the unique charm of teenage years.
Several Korean dramas have become favorites in this genre, such as Lovely Runner, True Beauty, Extraordinary You, Our Beloved Summer, and A Love So Beautiful. Each of these titles offers a different narrative, ranging from fantasy-filled sacrifice to realistic first love that lingers in memory. The following are five highly recommended Korean dramas about school life and complicated romance.
1. Lovely Runner
Lovely Runner stands out as a fantasy romance K-drama that explores themes of fate and sacrifice. The story focuses on Im Sol, a devoted fan of the famous idol Ryu Sun-jae. Im Sol suffers an accident, leaving her disabled, only to then face the heartbreaking news of Sun-jae’s death.
Miraculously, she is given the opportunity to travel fifteen years into the past. Her mission is to save Sun-jae from his tragic end, leading her to persuade him to return to his passion for swimming rather than pursuing a career in music. Along the journey, Im Sol encounters many obstacles, including a dangerous obsessive stalker.
As the story unfolds, the relationship between Im Sol and Sun-jae evolves from fan-idol admiration into a heartfelt romance built on courage and selflessness. Lovely Runner delivers a moving message about the power of love, the importance of choices, and the courage to face one’s destiny. The drama resonates deeply with viewers by exploring how each decision in the past can profoundly influence the future.
2. True Beauty
True Beauty is another popular school romance drama based on the hit webtoon by Yaongyi. This series is known for its blend of comedy, romance, and youth drama, receiving a 96% rating on the international streaming platform, Viki.
The story follows Lim Ju-kyung, a high school girl bullied for her appearance, who uses makeup as a way to escape ridicule and reinvent herself. At her new school, Ju-kyung is admired for her beauty, yet she struggles to hide her true face behind cosmetics.
Ju-kyung finds herself torn between two vastly different boys. Lee Su-ho, calm and caring, offers her quiet understanding, while Han Seo-jun is charismatic and bold. Amidst this love triangle, Lim Ju-kyung works to maintain her secret and overcome insecurities about her identity. True Beauty appeals to viewers through its humorous yet meaningful depiction of self-acceptance, peer pressure, and first loves.
3. Extraordinary You
For those searching for a unique high school romance with a twist, Extraordinary You provides an original narrative that blurs the lines between fiction and reality. The main character, Eun Dan-oh, is a seemingly privileged high school student with everything one could ask for, including a wealthy background and a fiancé, Baek Kyung.
Dan-oh’s world is shaken by the revelation that she is merely a supporting character in a comic book titled "Secret." As she becomes aware of her role, she meets a nameless student she calls Haru. Their encounter sparks Dan-oh’s desire to change her fate and experience real love rather than scripted affection.
This drama stands out for its metafictional concept, as Eun Dan-oh embarks on a journey to defy the limits imposed by the story’s unseen author. The storyline explores the idea of agency and the pursuit of genuine emotions in a world governed by fate. Extraordinary You appeals to viewers with its blend of mystery, romance, and character growth.
4. Our Beloved Summer
Our Beloved Summer presents a relatable and touching story about former lovers who are brought together again after several years apart. The narrative centers on Choi Ung, a less-than-stellar student, and Kook Yeon-su, the class’s top achiever with high ambitions.
Their paths cross due to a documentary project during high school, sparking a romance that lasts for five years. Despite their deep connection, life pulls them apart, and both move on separately.
An unexpected twist occurs when the old documentary goes viral, forcing Choi Ung and Kook Yeon-su to work together on a reunion project. This situation brings unresolved feelings to the surface, forcing them to reflect on their past and reconsider their future together. The drama captures the complexities of growing up, letting go, and possibly rekindling old love with greater maturity.
5. A Love So Beautiful
A Love So Beautiful is a Korean adaptation of the successful Chinese drama of the same name. The series revolves around Shin Sol-yi, a cheerful and persistent high school student who openly expresses her affection for her long-time friend and neighbor, Cha Heon.
Despite seventeen years of devotion, her feelings are repeatedly rejected due to Cha Heon’s reserved and emotionally distant nature. The arrival of Woo Dae-sung, a new student and talented swimmer, introduces another layer of complexity to Sol-yi’s love life.
This drama is rich with moments of sweetness, strong friendships, and personal development. Through the character of Sol-yi, viewers see the courage required to love whole-heartedly, deal with disappointment, and remain true to oneself. Meanwhile, Cha Heon’s gradual journey to open his heart adds depth and realism to the story, making it relatable to anyone who has experienced unspoken feelings during their youth.
Quick Guide to School Romance K-Dramas
Here is a simplified list of the five recommended dramas and their main appeals:
- Lovely Runner – Fantasy, time travel, fan-idol love story.
- True Beauty – Comedy, identity struggles, love triangle.
- Extraordinary You – Metafiction, changing destiny, unexpected romance.
- Our Beloved Summer – Reunion, realistic characters, second chances.
- A Love So Beautiful – Friendship, perseverance, first love triangle.
Most of these dramas go beyond just romantic storytelling. They reflect broader themes of self-discovery, facing adversity, and embracing change during the teenage years. Each title presents relatable situations faced during school life: complex friendships, personal transformation, and the search for acceptance.
Korean dramas set in schools remain consistently popular for good reasons. Their stories evoke warm nostalgia and allow viewers to reminisce about the joys and challenges of young love. These series deliver a mix of emotional tension and sweet moments, drawing audiences both young and old into the world of high school romance.
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