rufflina writes:
Dear kfangurl, I have a question for you – can you recommend dramas that are really good and don’t involve romance? I have just finished Healer and really liked the love story there. When picking a new series I searched for drama that does not have romance on purpose because I did not want to “replace” the OTP from Healer with a new OTP right away, but I still wanted to watch something engaging. Two examples that come to mind are My Mister (thanks for recommending it! I loved it so much!) and Hot Stove League (which is the one I’m watching at the moment). I’m sure there are more. And thank you so much for this awesome blog! I very much enjoy reading your reviews before and after watching a drama (except for Someday or One Day. I stopped reading the moment you said that’s best and returned after finishing it 🙂 )
Why, I do think I can help! 😉
Dear rufflina,
I’m so glad that you ended up loving Healer as much as you do; it’s one of my all-time favorite kdramas, and deserves all of the love. 🤩 I can understand your desire to watch dramas that are not romance-centric, at least for a while, so that you can continue to bask in the glow of the amazing Healer OTP. 😍
Because dramas (particularly Korean ones) have a peculiar quirk of trying to shoehorn in a romance one way or another – even if it’s just a token one – dramas that don’t have any romance at all, are fewer than one might expect. Therefore, I thought it would make sense to include dramas in this list, that might serve up a token romance, but aren’t actually focusing on the romance as a main thing. To help you sift through the titles in a meaningful way, I’ll indicate which shows have no romance at all, and which ones have smatterings of romance.
I hope you’ll find this list helpful!
Also, I’d just like to say, everyone, please feel free to chime in with your own suggestions in the comments. I certainly haven’t watched all of the dramas out there, and I know there are definitely other worthy titles I missed! Please share, because sharing is caring! 🥰
A SELECTION OF NON-ROMANCE-CENTRIC DRAMAS
Here’s a list of 40 dramas that I think fit the bill. I’ve watched most of them, but some of them I haven’t. I’m including those based on general positive opinion, so that you don’t miss out on a good drama just because I haven’t seen it yet.
For easy reference, I’ve put everything in alphabetical order.
PS: Just to be clear, when I mention “bromance,” it is to indicate a strong, platonic bond between male characters. A loveline between male characters is typically referred to as “BL,” ie, “boy love.” Just thought I’d put it out there.
Angry Mom
You need a bit of a comic book lens for this, and it can lean a little dark at times, but Kim Hee Sun is flat-out amazing as a mom so determined to get to the bottom of shady things going on at her daughter’s high school, that she’s willing to go in undercover, as a student.
Romance: Technically no, but there is young puppy Ji Soo who’s smitten with our angry mom, and he’s adorable.
Review is here.
Bad Guys
Bad guys who’re enlisted to catch badder guys, in exchange for reducing their jail sentences? I couldn’t say yes to this fast enough, and even though I found this a touch more melodramatic than I preferred, I still loved this one.
Romance: No, but one of our bad guys does carry a torch for someone.
Review is here.
Beethoven Virus
A very solid underdog story of a hodgepodge orchestra working earnestly to prove themselves. Kim Myung Min is excellent as the grumpy, aloof, reluctant maestro, and Jang Geun Suk looks great with a buzz cut, instead of his trademark ponytail. If you like classical music, you should check this one out.
Romance: There’s a romance in here, but it’s not the story’s main focus.
Grade: B+
Circle
An interesting sci-fi story spanning 3 timelines, Circle manages to be interesting, compelling and mysterious – and melodramatic, all at the same time. I found this an emotionally engaging watch that was worth my while, even though I’m not big into science fiction.
Romance: Very minimal.
Flash Review is here.
Dear My Friends
A rare drama that shines the spotlight on older characters and their lives and relationships. I haven’t finished this one because I suddenly felt intimidated by the idea of potentially losing some of our characters to illness or old age, and so I’m paused on this one, but from what I’ve seen, this is very excellent, special stuff that sits in A-grade territory.
Romance: Perhaps lashings of it via a younger character’s arc, but not the main thing, certainly.
Defendant
From the several episodes of this that I’ve seen, this one is very good. Ji Sung is wonderful as always, and delivers a performance that feels raw, organic and faceted. I paused this one because it was hard to see his character suffering, but I’m told that this is a worthy ride, that is exciting, compelling and rewarding. From what I’ve seen of this show, I’d say it’s in A-territory.
Romance: None.
Designated Survivor: 60 Days
I was so pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one, given that I’m not into politics as a general rule. I loved Ji Jin Hee as our hapless, bewildered, sudden presidential stand-in, who suddenly has to put aside his fears to rise to the occasion, and carry a nation on his shoulders.
Romance: Technically none, but there is a burgeoning connection between a pair of secondary characters.
Flash Review is here.
Hi Bye, Mama!
Our premise is one where difficult emotions are a given, and Show – and our actors – pull it off so well. I did feel that some secondary arcs took up too much screen time, but by and large, this was a well-executed story that knew how to bring a lot of feels. Poignant, heartfelt and bittersweet.
Romance: Show deals with a lot of familial love, and along with that, there’s some emphasis on marital love, but this is not a romance, at its heart.
Review is here.
Hikaru no Go [China]
I haven’t yet seen this one, but I’ve heard very promising things, like Show has excellent production values, is a fantastic adaptation of the manga source material, is mostly well-paced, thought-provoking and even a bit educational, while featuring an affecting friendship. My mum just finished this one, and she says she’d give it an A.
Romance: None.
Joseon X-Files
The only other sci-fi kdrama that I’ve watched besides Circle, I found Joseon X-Files smart and different, even though I also felt it was less accessible than the average kdrama. If you’re into sci-fi, this one is worth a look.
Romance: None.
Grade: B+
Kairos
I haven’t seen this one yet, but I’ve heard that it is very well-written, and that the time-travel element is well-managed, with few dropped threads, if any. I’m told that this is absorbing, thrilling, and quite the wild ride.
Romance: None.
Liar Game
I didn’t love this one as much as everyone else, but I thought I’d include it anyway, since it’s so well-loved. I found it uneven and too focused on the mathy games, but most fans love this a lot and find it exciting, intriguing and all-around awesome. I do agree that Lee Sang Yoon does broody and angsty well, though.
Romance: Technically none, although Show hints at a burgeoning connection between our main characters.
Flash Review is here.
Life On Mars
Show is a strange, fantastical, confident little beast, and it is absolutely its own thing, feeling nothing like other kdramas that I’ve seen. The story is mysterious and mind-bendy, and the handling of characters is warm and personal, together making for a rollercoaster of a ride that feels as thrilling as it is confusing. In the midst of it all, the reluctant community feels were my favorite thing.
Romance: Minimal. There are hints of a burgeoning connection between our protagonist and a female character, but it’s quite nominal, in the grand scheme of things.
Flash Review is here.
Live
I’ve only sampled a couple of episodes, so I can’t personally vouch for this one, but I’m told that this is an excellent ensemble drama; one of the best in its genre, even.
Romance: A smattering of it, but it isn’t the main focus of the story.
Midnight Diner
A warm little show that feels like a slice-of-life collection of vignettes, where patrons of a midnight diner end up bonding over food. Show sometimes weirdly attempts to be creepy, but by and large, I found this warm and easy.
Romance: Not that I can recall, meaning, if it’s there, it’s negligible.
Flash Review is here.
Medical Examiner Dr. Qin [China]
I wandered off from this because I found the cases a little perfunctory for my taste, but I thought I’d include this because it’s very popular among fans for the teamwork and camaraderie among our three main characters.
Romance: None.
Misaeng
An understated, realistic, measured story of underdogs trying to make good in a harsh and unforgiving world, Misaeng isn’t an easy watch, but it’s an excellent one. Many viewers found a sense of solidarity in sharing our characters’ journeys. How precious, to be assured that you are not alone.
Romance: None.
Review is here.
Money Flower
An absorbing, compelling revenge tale that is masterfully headlined by the ever-amazing Jang Hyuk. So far, this is the only revenge drama that I’ve watched, that I’ve found satisfying from beginning to end. A tight story, excellent performances, and a haunting soundtrack together made this a very memorable watch for me.
Romance: There are romantic feelings present among our main characters, but they don’t overshadow the main story.
Review is here.
Mother
I haven’t seen this yet, but I’ve heard so many good things about it that I thought I’d include it in this list. I’ve heard that this one is meaningful, touching and emotionally gripping.
Romance: None.
My Mister
So warm, dark and beautiful. This show took my heart, and broke it, and filled it, and turned it upside down and all around, in the process. Thought-provoking, viscerally moving and altogether exceptional.
Romance: Debatable. Some viewers insist that the connection between our main characters is romantic, while others believe it to be platonic.
Review is here.
Nirvana in Fire [China]
So well-written, wonderfully acted, and amazingly executed, that it might be the best drama I’ve seen to date. It can get a touch confusing at first because of the sprawling cast, but hang in there, because everything comes together. There are no superfluous details in this story; everything has its significance and is allowed to take centerstage in its season. Fair warning that this ruined me for dramas for a while; it was just that good.
Romance: There is a very muted loveline in this, that is secondary to the main narrative.
Flash Review is here.
Prison Playbook
Warm and hopeful, with a strong emphasis on community, loyalty, friendship and found family, Prison Playbook stole my heart in deep and surprising ways. Show does a great job of giving secondary characters their time in the spotlight, while keeping a good grip on our overall story. Excellent performances all-around, very much recommend.
Romance: There is some romance in this for our main characters, but the emphasis is always on the bromance rather than the romance.
Review is here.
School 2013
My absolute favorite among the School series, School 2013 is so well-written and so full of heart. Most memorably, this drama boasts one of the best, most potent bromances that I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing on my screen. I found this bromance more compelling than many a romance; it’s SO good.
Romance: None.
Review is here.
Secret Forest / Stranger
I haven’t seen this one yet, but have it on good authority that it’s one of the best kdramas ever written. I’m told that even if legal thrillers aren’t your thing, that this one is still well worth a look.
Romance: None.
Signal
I’ve only sampled a few episodes of this one, and wandered off because I found the serial killing hard to watch. However, from what I saw, this one looks like a solidly excellent drama. Its legions of fans would agree with me, I’m sure.
Romance: None.
SKY Castle
An excellent ensemble cast, tight pacing, and interesting characters make this social satire worth a look, despite its darker content and dysfunctional vibe. I thought the finale was rather weak, but Show manages to tell such a solid story within its first 19 episodes, that the missteps of the finale don’t even matter that much. Compelling and thought-provoking.
Romance: Not that I recall. Which means if it’s there, it’s negligible.
Review is here.
Stove League
A solid underdog story that I found very engaging. Well-written and well-paced, Show remains consistent and deft all the way through, in managing its story. Besides a consistent focus on our GM protagonist (excellently played by Nam Goong Min), our secondary characters also get time in the spotlight, which I thought was very nice. Altogether, very enjoyable and heartfelt.
Romance: None.
Flash Review is here.
Sweet Home
I’ve only just started on this one, so I’m including it in this list mainly based on other fans’ recommendations. Many people have gushed over how good this one is, and how it’s a fascinating psychological study, on top of being a good story. I can only say so far, as a self-confessed horror wuss, that the monsters are more manageable to watch than I’d expected.
Romance: None.
Update: Flash Review is here.
The King’s Avatar [China]
I haven’t seen this one, but have it on good authority that this is a fun and engaging watch that’s full of heartwarming teamwork and camaraderie, set in the world of cyber-gaming.
Romance: None.
The Last Empress
Blithe, over-the-top makjang that’s just the right kind of hammy for my taste, I found The Last Empress a fun, rollicking, ridiculous watch. You do need the right kind of makjang lens for this, but with it on, this one is engaging and entertaining, despite some missteps in Show’s ending.
Romance: There are romantic feelings here and there among our main characters, but romance is never the main point, in our story.
Flash Review is here.
The Uncanny Counter
I’m still watching this one (Edit: review is here!), and so far, I find it very solid. I find the evil spirit hunting dark stuff very manageable, and Show’s knack for heartfelt goodness more than balances it out. I love Show’s superhero origin story vibe, as well as the found-family dynamics of our crew.
Romance: None.
Tientsin Mystic
I didn’t finish this one, but thought I’d include it in this list anyway, because it has a lot of fans. I found the murders, zombies and magic savior babies a bit much for my taste, but Show is very well made, well acted, and gives a rare glimpse into Chinese mysticism.
Romance: None.
Tree With Deep Roots
Really solid, and highly educational too, Show paints a compelling picture of how King Sejong developed the Hangul writing system, fighting against opposition, and against all odds. Han Suk Kyu, Jang Hyuk and Shin Se Kyung are all excellent in this. Highly recommend.
Romance: None.
Grade: A.
Two Weeks
A tight story, deft execution and a great cast come together to make this a satisfying rollercoaster of a ride. Lee Jun Ki is fantastic as a father on the run, desperate to save his daughter. Poignant, satisfying and coherent to the very end.
Romance: Negligible.
Review is here.
Vampire Prosecutor
So engaging, witty and well-written, that I loved this, even though I’m generally not big into crime procedurals or vampires. Yun Jung Hoon never looked so cool, and blood never looked so beautiful or stylish.
Romance: Technically no, but Show does hint at a burgeoning connection between our main characters.
Review is here.
VIP
Well-paced and well-handled, I found myself getting sucked into this one right away, within mere minutes. I really enjoyed the emo-angsty thrust of our story, where we have our protagonist very bothered and very agitated over the discovery that her husband is allegedly having an affair with an unnamed colleague. I found this engaging, thought-provoking and quite cracky.
Romance: There are romantic feelings in the mix among our characters, but that is not the main focus of our story.
Flash Review is here.
Warrior Baek Dong Soo
A very flawed drama that managed to get under my skin in spite of itself, and in spite of my bemusement with said flaws. If you can roll with Show’s logic fails and uneven pacing, Show somehow manages to serves up a watch experience that feels deep and epic, even though there are multiple things that don’t actually make sense. The bromance between Ji Chang Wook and Yoo Seung Ho is Show’s main event, and I did enjoy their bromantic bond very well. Think poetry rather than prose, with this one.
Romance: There’s technically a romance in this, but it’s heavily overshadowed by the bromance.
Review is here.
When The Devil Calls Your Name
A heartfelt story of personal journey and redemption, with excellent performances by Jung Kyung Ho and Park Sung Woong, and lots of great music to score it all. Show manages to retain the integrity of its fantasy logic reasonably well, while serving up a watch experience that’s poignant, funny and thought-provoking.
Romance: Negligible. There are some romantic feelings in the mix between our characters, but it is very little in the overall scheme of things.
Flash Review is here.
White Christmas
I’m including this one even though I didn’t love it, because it’s a cult favorite among drama fans. Dark and thought-provoking, Show asks the question, “Are monsters born or made?” and explores that via our ensemble of fresh-faced characters, in a wintry, starkly beautiful setting. There are a good number of plot holes that I noticed in this one, so adjusting your logical lens to a blurry setting helps.
As a bonus, this happens to feature the “model set” Kim Woo Bin, Hong Jong Hyun, Kim Young Kwang and Lee Soo Hyuk when they were starting out.
Romance: None.
Review is here.
Zombie Detective
I haven’t watched this one myself, but I’ve heard that this one is surprisingly wholesome and funny, as our titular zombie figures out the ins and outs, and various limitations of the zombie life, while trying to live among humans again.
Romance: None.
Update: Flash Review is here.
IN CLOSING
I hope you find this list useful, and I also hope that you find at least some of the dramas on this list interesting enough to check out!
Like I mentioned earlier, there are lots more dramas out there that aren’t romance-centric, so everyone, please feel free to add your suggestions in the comments below. As they say, sharing is caring. 🥰
I hope this post helps!
Love! ❤️
~kfangurl
Teamwork makes the dream work 😉
POST-SCRIPT:
1. If you feel that I missed anything, or if you have your own insights that you’d like to share with the rest of us, do tell us about it in the comments!
2. Do you have a question of your own? Drop me a comment here or on the Dear kfangurl page, or send me an email!
