Home Video Menu
Home Prev Next Menu
Better experience in portrait mode.

11 Recommendations for the Best Fake Dating K-Dramas You Must Watch

kapanlagi
11 Recommendations for the Best Fake Dating K-Dramas You Must Watch Recommendations for fake dating K-dramas. Photo: AI Generated
Kapanlagi.com -

For K-drama lovers, the trope of fake relationships or fake dating recommendations has always proven to be one of the most addictive and anticipated story formulas. The story concept that begins from a business agreement, forced matchmaking, or pretending in front of the public to avoid family pressure often develops into a deep love story filled with emotional tension. Relationships that initially are just a facade slowly break down the walls of self-defense of each character.

From the classic era to a series of modern releases starring top-tier actors, this formula of pretending to date or marry never runs out of appeal. The sweet slow-burn tension and various silly misunderstandings provide highly entertaining romantic escapism to accompany your leisure time. Here is the complete list of the best fake relationship-themed Korean dramas compiled from various sources to add to your weekend watchlist.

1. Business Proposal (2022)

Business Proposal (2022). Photo: IMDb

This iconic romantic comedy-drama begins when Shin Ha Ri is forced to replace her friend on a blind date for money, unaware that the man she meets is Kang Tae Mu, the CEO of the company she works for. Tired of his grandfather's pressure to marry soon, Kang Tae Mu instead offers a fake relationship contract to the woman he thinks is the daughter of a conglomerate. The awkward office dynamics and Ha Ri's efforts to hide her true identity fill the series with hilarious moments that will make you laugh out loud.
As time goes by, the pretense between them starts to fade when the cold CEO gradually reveals his caring true self. The strong chemistry between Ahn Hyo Seop and Kim Se Jeong makes this webtoon adaptation a new gold standard for the modern rom-com genre. Not only is their main story captivating, but the subplot involving the second couple in the drama also carries a similar fake relationship formula that successfully keeps the audience hooked.

2. Full House (2004)

Full House (2004). Photo: IMDb

As one of the legendary pioneers of the Hallyu wave, Full House introduces the iconic concept of a contract marriage through the story of Han Ji Eun and top actor Lee Young Jae. Ji Eun, a screenwriter, finds her beloved home secretly sold by her own best friend to Young Jae. In order to survive and regain her residence, Ji Eun agrees to enter into a contract marriage and live under the same roof with the actor to boost his popularity.
The meeting of these two characters with very contrasting personalities is initially marked by fierce arguments and strict household rules. However, the days filled with domestic interactions slowly nurture the seeds of true love behind their fake marriage status. The classic charm of Rain and Song Hye Kyo successfully brings to life the story of hate turning into love, which remains relevant and beloved to this day.

3. Marriage, Not Dating (2014)

Marriage, Not Dating (2014). Photo: iQIYI

Gong Gi Tae is a successful plastic surgeon who is very anti-marriage and feels exhausted from the constant pressure from his family. To stop his mother from arranging a marriage for him, he deliberately recruits Joo Jang Mi, a free-spirited woman who has just experienced a heartbreak, to be his fake girlfriend. Gi Tae chooses Jang Mi assuming that his family will be disgusted and outright reject her.
This clever plan, of course, falls apart when Jang Mi's warm personality manages to break down Gi Tae's family's defenses as well as his own heart. This drama presents a very refreshing situational comedy with a touch of sweet romance amidst the chaos of their engineered relationship. The transformation of their relationship from mere pretense to emotional sincerity is beautifully and entertainingly depicted.

4. Because This Is My First Life (2017)

Because This Is My First Life (2017). Photo: IMDb

For viewers who enjoy romantic stories wrapped in deep modern life realism, this drama offers a unique approach. Nam Sae Hee, an introverted computer designer burdened by mortgage payments, and Yoon Ji Ho, a screenwriter struggling to find housing in Seoul, decide to enter into a contract marriage solely for financial reasons. Their relationship is based on a rational agreement akin to that of a landlord and tenant.
Although legally valid from the start, they must still present a harmonious domestic facade in front of family and colleagues. The process of adjustment for two strangers living under one roof provides an emotional reflection on the meaning of commitment and the loneliness of urban life. That false bond gradually transforms into the most comfortable refuge for their hearts when their emotional fortresses crumble.

5. Her Private Life (2019)

Her Private Life (2019). Photo: iQIYI

Sung Deok Mi is a highly professional art gallery curator at her workplace but harbors a big secret as a hardcore K-pop idol fangirl. When a fake dating rumor between her and the idol threatens her privacy, the new gallery director named Ryan Gold offers to be her fake boyfriend to calm the anger of the fanatic fans. This charade begins as a form of professional protection in the workplace.
However, the pretense leads Ryan and Deok Mi to spend more time together, getting to know each other's vulnerable sides. The mature chemistry displayed by Park Min Young and Kim Jae Wook makes every romantic scene in this drama feel so alive. Viewers are presented with the sweet dynamics of a fake relationship without being filled with excessive misunderstandings.

6. Love in Contract (2022)

Love in Contract (2022). Photo: Prime Video

Choi Sang Eun has an unusual profession as a "professional contract wife" hired by single men to accompany them to various social and family events. After years of being in a long-term contract with a mysterious client named Jung Ji Ho, she intends to retire. Problems arise when a top star named Kang Hae Jin suddenly comes and proposes a similar contract to clear his name.
This drama presents a unique premise about the double relationships that the main character must navigate on different days of the week. The lines between professional affairs and personal feelings begin to blur as clients start demanding Sang Eun's sincerity. The light and colorful storyline makes this series a must-watch for fans of the romantic contract trope.

7. 100 Days My Prince (2018)

100 Days My Prince (2018). Photo: IMDb

Switching to the background of the Joseon dynasty, this drama tells the story of Crown Prince Lee Yool who suffers total amnesia due to a planned murder incident. In a state of memory loss and living as a commoner named Won Deuk, he is forced to marry Hong Shim due to a royal decree he issued himself before the accident occurred. The marriage was initially an emergency and a ruse to spare unmarried citizens from punishment.
Their married life is filled with laughter as the prince, who is used to a luxurious life, suddenly has to adapt to poverty in the village. Behind this forced relationship, the mysteries of the past gradually unfold and lead them to deep feelings of love. The historical backdrop adds a unique color that enriches the viewing experience of this pretend love story.

8. Something About 1% (2016)

Something About 1% (2016). Photo: IMDb

Lee Jae In is an arrogant and annoying wealthy hotel heir, while Kim Da Hyun is a gentle yet firm elementary school teacher. They are brought together due to a will from Jae In's grandfather that requires his grandson to enter into a six-month contract relationship with Da Hyun in order to inherit all of his wealth. Although they initially look down on each other and are forced to follow the contract rules, the intensity of their meetings changes everything.
This drama is known for having many natural and intense romantic scenes between the two main characters. A relationship that starts for material reasons evolves into mutual respect and a strong emotional dependency. The straightforward execution of the story makes this series very satisfying to binge-watch.

9. Crazy Love (2022)

Crazy Love (2022). Photo: IMDb

Noh Go-jin is the genius yet very narcissistic and cruel CEO of a tutoring agency, while Lee Shin-ah is his loyal secretary who suffers from a serious illness and lives under pressure. One day, Go-jin gets into a hit-and-run accident and pretends to have amnesia to trap the perpetrator. Shin-ah, who intends to take revenge for her boss's mistreatment, boldly disguises herself and claims to be his fiancée.
The fake relationship in this drama is spiced up by a strong enemies-to-lovers element and is filled with hateful banter. As the amnesia charade unravels, they begin to realize the other sides of each other's personalities that have been obscured by misunderstandings. The blend of mystery, dark comedy, and romance makes the storyline of this drama feel very dynamic.

10. Love to Hate You (2024)

Love to Hate You (2024). Photo: IMDb

Yeo Mi-ran is a tough female lawyer who absolutely hates losing to men, while Nam Kang-ho is a top Korean actor who has deep psychological trauma towards women. Due to a public misunderstanding, intimate photos of both of them spread widely in the media, triggering a major reputation crisis for the actor. To save his acting career, they agree to enter into a contract relationship for three months.
Instead of behaving sweetly like a typical couple, their engineered relationship is filled with fierce debates as if on a battlefield. However, Kang-ho's protective nature and sincerity behind his cold demeanor gradually melt the lawyer's skeptical view. This drama offers a refreshing representation of an independent woman in the romantic comedy narrative ecosystem.

11. Crash Landing on You (2019)

Crash Landing on You (2019). Photo: IMDb

A fake relationship is already complicated, but what if it also involves an emergency paragliding landing in North Korea? That is the premise of Crash Landing on You, when South Korean heiress, Yoon Se-ri (Son Ye-jin), literally lands in the life of North Korean soldier, Ri Jeong-hyeok (Hyun Bin). To ensure Se-ri's safety, the soldier is forced to pretend that the woman is his fiancée.
Although the premise seems unusual, the romance that develops between them feels very touching, emotional, and filled with meaningful glances. Starting as enemies due to circumstances, their strong connection transforms this engineered engagement into one of the most unforgettable love stories in K-drama history, especially since both of its main actors actually got married in real life.

12. Questions About Fake Dating Dramas

Q: What is meant by Korean dramas with a fake relationship theme (fake dating)?

A: Korean dramas with a fake relationship theme are series that tell the story of two main characters who agree to enter into a fabricated romantic relationship, whether through a contract marriage, a fake engagement, or a pretend matchmaking for specific purposes, which ultimately leads to genuine feelings of love.

Q: Where can I watch this series of romantic drams legally?

A: Most of the Korean dramas with a fake relationship theme mentioned above can be watched legally through popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Viu, Viki, Prime Video, and iQIYI, depending on the availability of licenses in each respective country.

Q: Are all fake relationship-themed dramas comedies?

A: Not always. Although most are packaged in a romantic comedy (rom-com), there are also some titles that incorporate elements of realistic life drama such as Because This Is My First Life or historical backgrounds like 100 Days My Prince.

(kpl/mab)

Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.
Swipe Up Next Article

Cobain For You Page (FYP) Yang kamu suka ada di sini,
lihat isinya

Buka FYP