K-Drama magic: From on-screen romance to real-life couples
From historical romances to modern-day love sagas, K-Dramas explore relationships in ways that feel fresh and unexpected.
K-Dramas have a magical way of drawing viewers into the love stories they tell, with their mix of intense emotion, humor, and heartwarming moments.
Over the years, the Korean entertainment industry has raised the bar, continuously offering storylines that push the boundaries of creativity. From historical romances to modern-day love sagas, K-Dramas explores relationships in ways that feel fresh and unexpected.
What's even more magical is when these fictional love stories evolve into real-life romances, turning fans’ fantasies into reality as the on-screen couples become real-life sweethearts. Let’s take a look at some of the best K-Drama couples from the last decade who stole our hearts both in the dramas and in real life.
Hyun Bin & Son Ye Jin – "Crash Landing on You" (2019)
One of the most talked-about couples in recent years, Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin's chemistry in ‘Crash Landing on You’ was undeniable. In this drama, Son Ye Jin plays Yoon Se Ri, a South Korean heiress who accidentally paraglides into North Korea, where she meets Captain Ri Jeong Hyeok, played by Hyun Bin.
The show captivated millions, and fans were over the moon when the pair confirmed they were dating in real life shortly after the series ended. Their romance blossomed on set, and they announced their marriage in 2022, solidifying their status as one of K-Drama's most adored real-life couples. Their relationship feels like a real-life fairy tale, perfectly mirroring the cross-border romance that tugged at so many heartstrings in the drama.
Park Hyung-sik & Park Bo-young – ‘Strong Woman Do Bong Soon’ (2017)
One of the most beloved on-screen couples, Park Hyung-sik and Park Bo-young, won hearts with their roles in Strong Woman Do Bong Soon. In this fan-favourite drama, Park Bo-young played the strong yet lovable Bong Soon, while Park Hyung-sik portrayed the charming and protective CEO Ahn Min-hyuk. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their adorable interactions quickly captured the hearts of viewers, making them an unforgettable pairing.
After the drama ended, rumours surfaced that Park Hyung-sik had confessed his feelings for Park Bo-young. According to international media reports, in one interview, Park Hyung-sik admitted that he truly loved Park Bo-young, even saying that she embodied the character of Bong Soon in real life.
“I loved her. I wanted to love her more but [the drama] unfortunately ended,” read the article.
Similarly, Park Bo-young also shared her affection for Park Hyung-sik. She revealed that she had always held a soft spot for him, even before they worked together, as she had admired him since his debut with the idol group ZE:A.
In an interview on another media article, Park Bo-young stressed that she had memorised all of ZE:A’s title tracks and her confession was heartwarming and only fueled fans' love for their on-screen connection.
“I had my eye on Hyung Sik when he was an idol in ZE:A. I know all of the title tracks by heart, and Hyung Sik personally quizzed me to see my knowledge of the songs,” the article read.
Though their romance never blossomed in real life, their dynamic on-screen and genuine bond continue to captivate viewers, making them one of the most iconic K-Drama couples. Their story proves that sometimes the magic of K-Dramas can leave a lasting impact, blurring the lines between fiction and reality, and keeping fans enchanted long after the show ends.
Song Joong Ki & Song Hye Kyo – "Descendants of the Sun" (2016)
When ‘Descendants of the Sun’ aired in 2016, it quickly became a global phenomenon, and much of the hype surrounded the chemistry between lead actors Song Joong Ki and Song Hye Kyo. Playing the roles of Captain Yoo Si Jin and Doctor Kang Mo Yeon, their love story on-screen was one of the most captivating in K-Drama history, blending action and romance in a unique military-medical setting.
Fans were thrilled when the duo became a real-life couple, affectionately dubbed the ‘Song-Song’ couple. After dating for some time, the two tied the knot in a beautiful wedding in 2017. Unfortunately, their love story came to an end when they divorced in 2019, but their romance remains iconic in the K-Drama world.
Nam Joo Hyuk & Lee Sung Kyung – "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo" (2016)
Fans of ‘Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo’ were overjoyed when Nam Joo Hyuk and Lee Sung Kyung, who played the lovable couple on screen, confirmed they were dating in real life.
The two had been friends since their modelling days, but it wasn’t until they portrayed the adorable athletes in the drama that their relationship blossomed into something more. Sadly, their relationship only lasted for a few months in 2017, but fans still fondly remember their cute moments both on and off screen.
Kim Bum & Moon Geun Young – "Goddess of Fire" (2013)
Kim Bum and Moon Geun Young met while filming the historical drama "Goddess of Fire" in 2013, where their on-screen chemistry translated into real-life romance. The couple was spotted travelling together in Europe, and their relationship quickly became a hot topic.
Unfortunately, their relationship only lasted for about seven months. Though brief, their love story added an extra layer of emotion to their drama’s already intense narrative.
