If you’re the type of viewer who loves it when the main characters fall in love fast, this list is for you. These K-dramas skip the slow build-up and get straight to the romantic action within the first few episodes. Dive into these series that guarantee quick-burn romance!
1. Nevertheless
Yoo Na Bi (played by Han So Hee) and Park Jae Eon (played by Song Kang) meet as university students in this emotionally intense drama. Yoo Na Bi is an art student who’s skeptical of love due to a past relationship, while Park Jae Eon is a carefree individual who enjoys flirting but avoids commitment. From the very first episode, their physical attraction is evident, and they share several intense moments. The drama explores how quickly feelings develop, despite their personal hesitations. Their complicated relationship keeps viewers intrigued throughout, showcasing early romantic tension and quick emotional connections.
- Episodes: 10
- Year: 2021
- Network: JTBC, Netflix
- Genre: Romance, Drama
2. Love Alarm
Set in a world where a mobile app called “Love Alarm” tells you when someone nearby likes you, Kim Jo Jo (played by Kim So Hyun) finds herself caught between two boys: Hwang Sun Oh (played by Song Kang) and Lee Hye Young (played by Jung Ga Ram). The love triangle takes off quickly, and Kim Jo Jo and Hwang Sun Oh share a passionate kiss in the very first episode. Their relationship speeds up as they navigate the complexities of the app and their emotions. The sci-fi twist adds depth to this high school romance.
- Episodes: 8 (Season 1), 6 (Season 2)
- Year: 2019–2021
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Romance, Sci-Fi
3. What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim
Lee Young Joon (played by Park Seo Joon) is a wealthy, narcissistic vice-chairman of a company who is shocked when his capable secretary, Kim Mi So (played by Park Min Young), announces her resignation. In a bid to keep her by his side, he quickly proposes marriage—within just a couple of episodes. Although their initial relationship is more transactional, sparks fly fast as the two begin to develop real feelings for one another. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the light-hearted, fast-moving romance is what makes this drama so popular.
- Episodes: 16
- Year: 2018
- Network: tvN
- Genre: Romantic Comedy
4. Yumi’s Cells
This unique drama follows Yumi (played by Kim Go Eun), an ordinary office worker whose life is controlled by tiny “cells” in her brain, each representing her emotions. Yumi falls for Goo Woong (played by Ahn Bo Hyun), a game developer, and their relationship develops quickly within a few episodes. The show combines live-action and animation, providing a refreshing take on romantic relationships. In the second season, Yumi falls for Yoo Babi (played by Jinyoung), leading to another fast-paced romance.
- Episodes: 14 (Season 1), 14 (Season 2)
- Year: 2021–2022
- Network: tvN, iQIYI
- Genre: Romance, Comedy
5. It’s Okay, That’s Love
Jang Jae Yeol (played by Jo In Sung) is a famous novelist and radio DJ with a traumatic past and obsessive-compulsive disorder. He meets Ji Hae Soo (played by Gong Hyo Jin), a psychiatrist, and though their initial interactions are tense, the two quickly develop a deep romantic relationship. Their bond strengthens as they help each other through emotional and psychological struggles. The drama dives into complex issues but maintains a fast-paced romantic storyline that blossoms early on.
- Episodes: 16
- Year: 2014
- Network: SBS
- Genre: Romance, Medical Drama
6. Search: WWW
Bae Ta Mi (played by Im Soo Jung) is a high-powered career woman working at a top web portal company. When she meets Park Mo Gun (played by Jang Ki Yong), a composer, the two share a night together almost immediately, setting the stage for a whirlwind romance. Their relationship is filled with intense moments as Bae Ta Mi tries to balance her feelings with her career ambitions. Park Mo Gun is persistent in pursuing love, and their emotional journey moves at a rapid pace.
- Episodes: 16
- Year: 2019
- Network: tvN
- Genre: Romance, Drama
7. My Secret Romance
Cha Jin Wook (played by Sung Hoon) and Lee Yoo Mi (played by Song Ji Eun) share a one-night stand that leads to an unexpected romantic entanglement three years later. Right from the first two episodes, their chemistry is intense. This was OCN’s first foray into romantic comedy, and fans appreciated how quickly the romance developed between the leads. The drama is filled with steamy moments and plenty of heart-fluttering scenes, making it a go-to for quick-burn romance fans.
- Episodes: 13
- Year: 2017
- Network: OCN
- Genre: Romantic Comedy
8. 1% of Something (2016 Remake)
This classic contract-marriage trope revolves around Lee Jae In (played by Ha Seok Jin), a wealthy heir who enters into a fake relationship with school teacher Kim Da Hyun (played by Jeon So Min) to secure his inheritance. Their fake romance quickly turns real as they grow closer. Originally aired in 2003, the 2016 remake of this drama brings a modern twist to the story, with strong chemistry between the leads from the start.
- Episodes: 16
- Year: 2016
- Network: Dramax
- Genre: Romantic Comedy
9. Lovestruck in the City
Jae Won (played by Ji Chang Wook) is a passionate architect who falls in love with the free-spirited Eun Oh (played by Kim Ji Won) during a beach vacation. Their romance is fast and fiery, but Eun Oh disappears without a trace, leaving Jae Won heartbroken. The series is told through interviews with various characters, adding a documentary-like feel. Their intense summer romance and Jae Won’s relentless search for Eun Oh make this a compelling quick-burn love story.
- Episodes: 17
- Year: 2020–2021
- Network: KakaoTV
- Genre: Romance, Drama
These K-dramas deliver romance at lightning speed, skipping the slow buildup and getting right to the heart of the love story. Perfect for those who enjoy fast-paced emotional rollercoasters with great chemistry between the leads!
Keep an eye on VvipTimes, and allow notifications from us to let you know the latest developments about your favorite K-dramas!
Leave a Reply