This month, some of our staff members discuss our favorite K-dramas where the leads have to live together for various reasons but end up falling in love!
Take a look at our staff’s picks:
Sala: “My Roommate Is a Gumiho”
When I think of this particular brand of romance genre, “My Roommate Is a Gumiho” often comes to mind. “My Roommate Is a Gumiho” is a fantasy rom-com about a 999-year-old male gumiho named Shin Woo Yeo (Jang Ki Yong) who moves in together with Lee Dam (Hyeri) after she accidentally swallows the magical bead that would have made him human. With no choice but to stay close to him, the two end up spending time together from sharing heartwarming meals to cozy late nights, eventually leading a heart-fluttering romance to bloom. Their cohabitation brings on so many swoonworthy moments, playful banters, and hilarious encounters as they gradually grew closer from their awkward first moments.
Watch “My Roommate Is a Gumiho”:
Winnie: “Full House”
When talking about housemates-to-lovers, the iconic “Full House” cannot be missed. My very first K-drama, this is a true classic starring Song Hye Kyo and Rain, who breathed life into their roles and chemistry despite their young age at the time. In “Full House,” Han Ji Eun (Song Hye Kyo) and Lee Young Jae (Rain) inevitably live together when her friends scam her by secretly selling her house to Young Jae and taking all of the money. They do not start out on a positive note but gradually begin falling for each other. It’s a drama full of charm, humor, and warmth that is a timeless gem for a reason.
Watch “Full House”:
Jinny: “The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract”
“The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract” unfolds with Yeon Woo (Lee Se Young), a woman from 19th century Joseon, being thrust 200 years in the future to 2023. Struggling to return after the death of her husband Kang Tae Ha (Bae In Hyuk) and falling into a mysterious well, she finds herself in an unfamiliar era and in a fake marriage with powerful heir Kang Tae Ha, and they end up living together. As they navigate this charade, genuine feelings emerge, offering a chance to “fix” the past. It’s funny to watch how Yeon Woo confronts the complexities of time travel and uses her knowledge to investigate her past. It’s a warm and heart-fluttering series that is impossible not to love!
Watch “The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract”:
Somni: “Doom at Your Service”
“Doom at Your Service” depicts an unprecedented fantasy romance between the terminally-ill Tak Dong Kyung (Park Bo Young) and the mysterious entity Myul Mang (Seo In Guk) who can make things vanish with his touch. Myul Mang, who wants himself to vanish from the world, and Tak Dong Kyung, who wishes for the end of the world, make a deal so that each can achieve their own wishes. Until then, Myul Mang can make Tak Dong Kyung’s pain go away by holding hands, but due to the fact that this effect can only last a day, the two start living together. The reason I enjoyed watching this drama so much is because as they spend more time being next to each other, they begin to recognize each other as indispensable and find reasons to continue their existence in order to be with each other. “Doom at Your Service” will definitely serve your romantic trope needs if you are looking for a K-drama where cohabitation turns to romance!
Watch “Doom at Your Service”:
Yeon: “Because This is My First Life”
My favorite K-drama where cohabitation turns to romance would have to be “Because This is My First Life.” In this drama, Yoon Ji Ho (Jung So Min) needs a place to live and ends up moving into a home owned by Nam Sae Hee (Lee Min Ki), who she originally thinks is a woman. With this accidental situation, the two decide to get into a contract marriage for their own personal and financial reasons. While almost just business partners at first, living together causes their relationship to develop in an unexpected way. I love this drama for the tone that is a bit more mellow than other dramas with a similar theme, and the main couple has quite a touching relationship that makes you feel very warm inside.
Watch “Because This is My First Life”:
What was your favorite K-drama where cohabitation turns to romance? Let us know in the comments below!