Kapanlagi.com -
Korean dramas with the theme of fake relationships or fake relationship always manage to captivate global audiences. The story concept that begins with a business agreement, forced matchmaking, or merely acting in public to resist family pressure often leads to a deep and emotionally charged love story. This classic trope offers a slow-burn tension that is highly entertaining as two strangers gradually start to break down each other's walls.
From the classic era to modern releases filled with a lineup of famous stars, the formula of fake relationships never loses its charm. This listicle article summarizes a collection of recommendations for the best romantic Korean dramas featuring fake dating relationships that must be on your weekend watchlist.
Let's take a look at the complete titles along with in-depth reviews below, as summarized by KapanLagi.com from various sources, Friday (14/8/2026).
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. Fed up with his grandfather's pressure, Kang Tae Mu decides to offer 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 this series with hilarious moments that will make you laugh out loud.
As time goes on, the pretense between them starts to fade as the cold CEO gradually reveals his genuinely caring side. 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 this drama also follows a similar fake relationship formula that successfully keeps viewers hooked.
2. Full House (2004)
Full House (2004). Photo: IMDb
As one of the legendary pioneers in the Hallyu Wave, Full House introduced 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 marriage contract 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, those 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 love-hate that remains relevant and beloved to this day.
3. Marriage, Not Dating (2014)
Marriage, Not Dating (2014). Photo: IMDb
Gong Gi Tae is a successful plastic surgeon who is very anti-marriage and feels exhausted by the constant pressure from his family. To stop the matchmaking arranged by his mother, he deliberately recruits Joo Jang Mi, a free-spirited woman who has just experienced heartbreak, to be his fake girlfriend. Gi Tae chooses Jang Mi with the assumption that his family will be disgusted and completely reject her.
This clever plan, of course, falls apart when Jang Mi's warm personality begins 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 sweet touch of romance amidst the chaos of their arranged 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 romance 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 struggling screenwriter searching for a place to live in Seoul, decide to enter into a contract marriage solely for financial gain. Their relationship is based on a rational agreement akin to that of a landlord and tenant.
Although legally married from the start, they must continue to perform a harmonious marriage facade in front of family and colleagues. The adjustment process of two strangers living under one roof presents an emotional reflection on the meaning of commitment and the loneliness of urban dwellers. That false bond gradually transforms into the most comfortable refuge for their hearts as their emotional walls crumble.
5. Her Private Life (2019)
Her Private Life (2019). Photo: IMDb
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 false dating rumor between her and the idol threatens her privacy, a 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 causes Ryan and Deok Mi to spend time together often, allowing them to get 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: IMDb
Choi Sang Eun has an unusual profession as a "professional contract wife" hired by single men to attend various social and family gatherings. After years of 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 requests a similar contract to clear his name.
This drama presents a unique premise of dual relationships that the main character must navigate on different days of the week. The line between professional affairs and personal feelings begins to blur as the 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 from 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. The marriage was initially a matter of circumstance and a ruse to avoid punishment for unmarried citizens.
Their household life is filled with hilarity 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 setting adds a unique flavor that enriches the viewing experience of this pretend love story.
8. Something About 1% (2016)
Something About 1% (2016). Photo: AsianWiki
Lee Jae In is an arrogant and annoying heir to a wealthy hotel, while Kim Da Hyun is a gentle yet firm elementary school teacher. They are brought together due to a letter of inheritance from Jae In's grandfather, which requires his grandson to have a six-month contract relationship with Da Hyun in order to inherit the entire estate. Although they initially underestimate each other and are forced to follow the contract rules, their frequent meetings change everything.
This drama is known for having many natural and intense romantic scenes between the two main characters. The relationship, which starts for material reasons, develops 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 CEO of a tutoring agency who is a genius but very narcissistic and cruel to his subordinates, 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 criminal. Shin-ah, who intends to take revenge for her boss's mistreatment, daringly disguises herself and claims to be his fiancée.
The fake relationship in this drama is spiced up by a strong enemies-to-lovers element filled with teasing hatred. As the amnesia charade unfolds, they begin to realize the other sides of each other's personalities that have long been obscured by misunderstandings. The blend of mystery, dark comedy, and romance makes the storyline very dynamic.
10. Love to Hate You (2024)
Love to Hate You (2024). Photo: IMDb
Yeo Mi-ran is a tough female lawyer who deeply hates losing to men, while Nam Kang-ho is a top Korean actor who has a deep psychological trauma towards women. Due to a public misunderstanding, intimate photos of the two spread widely in the media and trigger a major reputation crisis for the actor. To save his acting career, they agree to enter into a three-month contract relationship.
Instead of acting sweet like a typical couple, their staged relationship is filled with fierce debates like a battlefield. However, Kang-ho's protective nature and sincerity behind his cold demeanor gradually melt the skeptical view of The Lawyer. This drama offers a refreshing representation of an independent woman within the romantic comedy narrative ecosystem.
11. Questions About Romantic Dramas with Fake Dating Relationships
Q: What is a Korean drama themed around fake relationships?
A: A Korean drama themed around fake relationships is a series that tells the story of two main characters who agree to enter into a fake romantic relationship, whether through a contract marriage, a staged marriage, or a pretend matchmaking, for certain interests, which ultimately leads to genuine feelings of love.
Q: Where can I stream this romantic drakor?
A: Most Korean dramas with fake relationship themes mentioned above can be legally watched on popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Viu, Viki, Prime Video, and iQIYI, depending on the availability of licenses in each country's region.
Q: Are all fake relationship 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 slice-of-life dramas (slice-of-life) such as Because This Is My First Life or historical royal backgrounds like 100 Days My Prince.
(kpl/mab)
Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.
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