Hybrid genre romance now dominates global K-drama trends
Eun-jo (Nam Ji-hyun, left) and Lee Yeol (Moon Sang-min), whose souls have been swapped in the KBS drama "To My Beloved Thief" / Courtesy of KBS
K-romance is regaining momentum on global streaming platforms after a period when more provocative genres dominated viewer attention. This rebound stems from a shift toward hybrid storytelling that infuses romance tropes with thriller, fantasy and mystery elements.
Data released Wednesday by Netflix’s Tudum shows three Korean romance titles in the Global Top 10 Non‑English TV list. The Netflix original “Can This Love Be Translated?” ranked No. 1, followed by SBS’ “No Tail to Tell” at No. 6 and ENA’s “I Dol I” at No. 9.
This resurgence is attributed to a hybrid strategy — by combining emotional narratives with high‑concept hooks, these shows are attracting viewers seeking both lighthearted comfort and fresh storytelling.
A scene from the SBS drama "No Tail to Tell," which depicts the romance of a gumiho, or nine-tailed fox / Courtesy of SBS
"Can This Love Be Translated?" introduces psychological elements through a character with split personalities, while "No Tail to Tell" mixes fantasy into a love story between a soccer player and a gumiho (mythical nine-tailed fox) who refuses to become human. Meanwhile, "I Dol I" combines a courtroom mystery with fan culture, depicting a lawyer fighting to prove the innocence of her favorite idol accused of murder.
The trend extends to historical dramas. TvN's "Bon Appetit, Your Majesty" found success by mixing time travel with a culinary plot centered on a French chef stranded in the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
Body-swapping also continues to be a popular trope in historical narratives. Building on the trend set by MBC's "Moon River," KBS’ "To My Beloved Thief" is gaining popularity with a story about a soul-swap romance between a lowborn woman and a prince.
"While viewers naturally seek warmth in this season, romance is particularly beloved in times of high social burnout," said drama critic Gong Hee-jung. "Writers are now adding new flavors — like thriller or fantasy elements — to twist cliches and refresh the genre."
A scene from the ENA drama "I Dol I" / Courtesy of ENA
Economic factors are also driving the trend. "With the overall number of drama productions decreasing, the industry is banking on romance, which can deliver high impact for relatively lower production costs compared to blockbuster action series," noted pop culture critic Jung Deok-hyun.
More hybrid projects are slated for release later this year. MBC’s “Perfect Crown” stars IU and Byeon Woo‑seok in an alternate history romance set in a constitutional monarchy. Disney+ is preparing “Portraits of Delusion,” a vampire thriller set in 1935 Gyeongseong, which was the old name for Seoul, as well as the anticipated adaptation of fantasy webtoon “The Remarried Empress.”
A scene from "Portraits of Delusion," scheduled for release on Disney+ in the second half of the year / Courtesy of Disney+
While traditional melodramas depicting quiet, realistic relationships continue to struggle with viewership, analysts suggest it is too early to call them failures.
“With the advent of the streaming era, the lifespan of content has effectively lengthened,” Gong explained. “Shows can ride a late wave of word-of-mouth or viral buzz, meaning the well-made dramas now have the potential to succeed in the long run."
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.