There’s something electric about the enemies-to-lovers trope that keeps us hooked every single time. Maybe it’s the fiery tension, the biting banter, or the sheer thrill of watching two people who shouldn’t work together falling head over heels. More compelling than the romantic endgame is the difficult journey of breaking down walls, challenging preconceptions, and discovering that there’s a spark waiting to ignite under all the animosity.
K-dramas have been the perfect playground for this trope. The latest success of “Love Your Enemy” proves that the time-worn formula of hatred turning to love still works. At its best, the enemies-to-lovers story offers both drama and satisfaction, making it one of the most beloved formulas in television.
However, it isn’t to say that this trope hasn’t been problematic. Its earliest K-drama iterations often perpetuated problematic dynamics, with romantic tension sometimes rooted in toxic behaviors like bullying, manipulation, or a lack of consent. It was common for male leads to be frequently portrayed as domineering or emotionally unavailable, while female leads endured mistreatment before a romance could blossom (ahem, 1% of Something, anyone?) Though a product of their time, these narratives romanticized unhealthy power imbalances, framing them as passionate love stories.
Thankfully, recent K-dramas have shifted toward healthier portrayals, focusing on mutual respect, personal growth, and trust. This evolution has refreshed the trope, ensuring it stays compelling without perpetuating harmful stereotypes. Because let’s face it: watching two people go from throwing insults to throwing themselves into each other’s arms never gets old.
Here are some noteworthy dramas with the enemies-to-lovers dynamic in chronological order because why not?
Full House (2004)
Plot: Aspiring writer Han Ji-eun (Song Hye-kyo) is tricked into selling her house to arrogant actor Lee Young-jae (Rain). Forced to live together due to a contract marriage, their constant bickering turns into love.
Why Watch: A classic rom-com with hilarious misunderstandings, iconic chemistry, and plenty of heartwarming moments that paved the way for K-drama’s global popularity. It's practically a staple for fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope.
The Master’s Sun (2013)
Plot: Joo Joong-won (So Ji-sub), a greedy CEO, crosses paths with Tae Gong-shil (Gong Hyo-jin), a woman who can see ghosts. Despite their mutual irritation, their connection deepens as they work together.
Why Watch: A quirky premise and heartfelt romance wrapped in spooky, supernatural fun.
It’s Okay, That’s Love (2014)
Plot: Psychiatrist Ji Hae-soo (Gong Hyo-jin) and mystery novelist Jang Jae-yeol (Jo In-sung) clash over their vastly different approaches to life, only to uncover their vulnerabilities and fall for each other.
Why Watch: This drama balances romance with mental health themes, offering both heart and depth.
Descendants of the Sun (2016)
Plot: Special forces Captain Yoo Si-jin (Song Joong-ki) and Doctor Kang Mo-yeon (Song Hye-kyo) clash over their vastly different values. Their shared experiences in a war zone break down their initial hostility.
Why Watch: The explosive reel-to-real chemistry and heart-pounding action keep this drama one of the classics of the great Hallyu wave of 2016.
1% of Something (2016)
Plot: Cold-hearted chaebol Lee Jae-in (Ha Seok-jin) and kind-hearted teacher Kim Da-hyun (Jeon So-min) are forced into a six-month fake relationship to fulfill a clause in his grandfather’s will. Their constant clashes eventually turn into genuine affection.
Why Watch: This underrated chaebol drama combines a classic enemies-to-lovers setup with heartfelt moments and sparkling chemistry, making it an easy, satisfying watch.
Jealousy Incarnate (2016)
Plot: Weather forecaster Pyo Na-ri (Gong Hyo-jin) and reporter Lee Hwa-shin (Jo Jung-suk) begin as professional rivals, but their bickering eventually turns into undeniable attraction.
Why Watch: The hilarious and relatable tug-of-war between the leads is equal parts funny and heartwarming. Our review here.
Another Miss Oh (2016)
Plot: Sound director Park Do-kyung (Eric Mun) is haunted by visions of a woman named Oh Hae-young (Seo Hyun-jin), who happens to share the same name as his ex-fiancée. Their initial misunderstandings lead to unexpected love.
Why Watch: A quirky, emotional rollercoaster with incredible chemistry, a unique premise, and a heartfelt exploration of love, heartbreak, and fate.
Doctors (2016)
Plot: Badass neurosurgeon Yoo Hye-jung (Park Shin-hye) and her stern mentor Hong Ji-hong (Kim Rae-won) clash professionally before developing mutual respect and a slow-burn romance.
Why Watch: The mix of medical drama and romance and strong character arcs keep you hooked.
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (2018)
Plot: Narcissistic CEO Lee Young-joon (Park Seo-joon) clashes with his ever-efficient secretary, Kim Mi-so (Park Min-young), after she announces her resignation. What starts as workplace animosity turns into an unexpected romance.
Why Watch: The witty banter and sizzling chemistry between the leads make this drama a fan favorite. Park Min-young’s charm perfectly balances Park Seo-joon’s over-the-top arrogance.
Hyena (2020)
Plot: Rival lawyers Jung Geum-ja (Kim Hye-soo) and Yoon Hee-jae (Ju Ji-hoon AGAIN!) face off in court and beyond, with their constant clashes turning into mutual respect and attraction.
Why Watch: This drama is fierce and witty and showcases one of the most intense love-hate relationships on screen.
Into the Ring (2020)
Plot: Goo Se-ra (Nana), a feisty underdog running for local office, clashes with Seo Gong-myung (Park Sung-hoon), a cold and rule-bound civil servant. Despite their differences, they team up to tackle corruption and spark a romance along the way.
Why Watch: A unique mix of politics, humor, and romance, this drama shines with Nana’s charm and the playful chemistry between the leads. Perfect for anyone who loves strong female characters and witty banter.
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021)
Plot: Big-city dentist Yoon Hye-jin (Shin Min-a) moves to a seaside village where she constantly clashes with the charming but mysterious Hong Du-sik (Kim Seon-ho). Their bickering slowly blossoms into a heartwarming romance.
Why Watch: Beautifully shot with endearing small-town vibes, this drama combines swoon-worthy chemistry, laugh-out-loud moments, and a feel-good exploration of love and healing.
Mad for Each Other (2021)
Plot: No Hwi-oh (Jung Woo), a hot-headed detective, and Lee Min-kyung (Oh Yeon-seo), a traumatized woman, meet as neighbors and initially can’t stand each other. As they confront their struggles, their animosity turns into an unexpected bond.
Why Watch: A refreshing mix of humor, raw emotion, and healing, this drama beautifully portrays how two broken people can help each other find hope and love again. Short, heartfelt, and binge-worthy.
Crazy Love (2022)
Plot: Genius but tyrannical CEO Noh Go-jin (Kim Jae-wook) finds himself the target of a death threat. To protect himself, he fakes amnesia, only to clash with his overworked secretary Lee Shin-ah (Krystal Jung), who pretends to be his fiancée to get revenge.
Why Watch: A chaotic mix of dark humor, wild twists, and sizzling chemistry, this drama takes the enemies-to-lovers trope to absurd heights.
True to Love (2023)
Plot: Love coach Deborah (Yoo In-na), a confident dating guru, finds herself at odds with Lee Soo-hyuk (Yoon Hyun-min), a reserved book editor with no patience for her bold advice. Their clash of personalities slowly develops into mutual understanding and unexpected romance.
Why Watch: A fun and modern take on dating dynamics, this drama combines witty banter, heartfelt moments, and sizzling chemistry between the leads. Perfect for romcom fans craving humor with a dash of depth.
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