Everyone loves a good K-Drama where you sit on the edge of your seat to see what happens next. What better way to do that than to add slow-burn K-Dramas to your watchlist?
Slow K-Dramas are characterized by a feeling of desire or anguish underlying a love line. In other words, this is when the main characters’ love line seems to be unfolding super slowly because they’re either late realizing their feelings or there are other obstacles in their way. Their love seems to have a slower build than the average K-Drama romance.
For the viewer who wants to watch more dramas like this one, we’ve compiled a list of slow-burn K-Dramas to melt your heart and soften your watchlist.
Observation: This list is not a ranking. At the end of the article, there is a poll where you can vote for your favorite K-Drama on your watchlist. However, no results article will be published as the poll will remain open.
JTBC
Cast: Lee MinKiKim Ji Won, Son Suk Ku, HEand more.
Summary: “My Liberation Notes”, set in the village of Sanpo, depicts the lonely lives of three unbearably rustic brothers and the mysterious man who lives in their neighborhood.
Watch Why: If there were a K-Drama dictionary, “My Liberation Notes” would be in the dictionary next to ‘Slow K-Drama’. Each episode is full of nostalgia in every sense of the word and every aspect of the story. The story with its identifying ability has a great payoff for the slow burn and is definitely worth it. This K-Drama is a drama that will give you a sense of security.
JTBC
Cast: ZE: It’s Yim SiWan, Shin Sae KyeongGirls’ Generation’s SooYoung, Kang TaeOh, and more.
Summary: It tells the love stories of people from different worlds who communicate with their own languages and create relationships in times where it is difficult to communicate even using the same Korean language.
Watch Why: Although the plot doesn’t just focus on the romantic element, the main couple makes a pretty mature pair. It’s an invigorating drama that takes a fresh approach to romance. There is clear communication between them that sweetens the relationship as there is no room for ambiguity. You also enjoy watching their romantic journey as they learn to love each other.
JTBC
Cast: Son Ye Jin, Jeon Mi Do, Kim Ji Hyunand more.
Summary: A drama that portrays the real human experience of friendship, love and life of three women who are about to turn 40 years old.
Watch Why: This slow burn is pretty bittersweet. It comes from all sides of the story, romantic or otherwise, and keeps you thinking throughout the drama. There’s also this sense of an imminent end that you know is coming, but it feels like time within the drama is dragging on. We mean this in the most positive way. The sadness of this drama puts the ‘burn’ into ‘slow burn’ but leaves you with a healthy and compassionate impression of the story and its characters.
TV genius
Cast: AOA’s Seol HyunZE:A’s Yim SiWan and more.
Summary: After her boyfriend dumps her, Lee YeonReum’s mother dies in an accident. She lives one of her worst moments in life. After her mother’s death, she decides to live a completely different life and quit her job. She then moves to a small village. Upon entering the village, Lee YeonReum meets the villagers, such as An DaeBeom who works as a librarian, and rarely speaks to people. However, he manages to get comfortable with Lee YeonReum despite his stutter. Throughout their time together, Lee YeonReum also learns more about herself.
Watch Why: This drama is not only a slow drama, but also a healing drama. That goes for both the characters in the drama and those of us who are enjoying the story. It has an uplifting quality and the characters have the best dynamics. All in all, watching this drama promises a heartwarming experience.
JTBC
Cast: Park Min Young, Seo Kang Joon, Lee Jae Wook, Kim Hwan Hee, I am SeMiand more.
Summary: It tells the heartwarming romance of Haewon (Park MinYoung) who goes to her hometown – a village called BukHyeonRi- because she got tired of living in Seoul, and EunSeob (Seo KangJoon) who runs an independent bookstore, they meet again. .
Watch Why: This drama will give you a wholesome and messy feel mixed with heavier subject matter. It focuses on healing and forgiveness – all set in a refreshingly rural setting. If you’re looking for something mellow and warm to watch, then this is a drama that will soothe you.
MBC
Cast: Han Ji Min, Jung Hae In, Kim JunHanand more.
Summary: It tells the realistic romance of Lee Jung In, who thinks he has found his happiness, and Yoo JiHo, a man with a good heart.
Watch Why: This drama is one of those guilty-watching pleasures that everyone enjoys. It’s quite realistic, which only adds to the beauty of the drama when you find yourself empathizing and empathizing with the characters. The drama is from the same director of “Something in the Rain” (number 9 on our list). So if you like one, you’ll like the other.
SBS
Cast: Kim Min Jae, Park Eun Binand more.
Summary: It tells a love story that involves the uncertain and uncertain dreams of 29-year-old classical music students.
Watch Why: This drama features some of the best character development in both of the main characters. In addition, they also have one of the cutest love stories ever with a heartwarming plot. The drama is silent in nature and makes you contemplate many things while enjoying the sweet romance.
disney plus
Cast: Han So HeePark HyungSik and more.
Summary: “Soundtrack #1” is a romantic musical drama about a man and woman who have been friends for 20 years and how they blur the lines of their friendship after living together for two weeks.
Watch Why: This drama is an interesting slow burn because the male and female lead already have an established relationship, just another dynamic. We teeter on the edge of that dynamic and its possible shift over the course of the drama, and that makes for a wholesome experience.
JTBC
Cast: Son Ye Jin, Jung Hae In, Jang So Yeonand more.
Summary: A 30-year-old woman, living a depressing life, falls in love with her best friend’s younger brother. The story of a relationship that goes from “just acquaintances” to a “genuine couple”.
Watch Why: This drama has a very intense love, despite its slow nature. It has a powerful emotional buildup and the chemistry is amazing too. It will make you obsessed with the main couple and their love, hoping to one day have something similar. The drama is from the same director of “One Spring Night” (number 6 on our list). So if you like one, you’ll like the other.
SBS
Cast: Choi Wooshik, kim dami, Kim Sung Cheol, Jeong Eui’s Spiritand more.
Summary: A dizzying romantic drama disguised as a youth documentary that puts two people in front of the camera after 10 years of a relationship that should have ended.
Watch Why: With top-notch dialogue and a focus on young lovers going through so much personal development, this is definitely a drama you can take to your heart and your personal journey. Not to mention the chemistry between our male and female lead is fantastic. It’s an excellent coming-of-age life drama that’s easy to relate to.
Which of these slow-burn K-Dramas is your favorite addition to the watchlist? Let us know and share your recommendations in the comments!
What is the best slow K-Drama according to you?
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