Promotional K-drama posters / Courtesy of Kakao Entertainment, SLL, MBC and TVing
From first love to contract marriage, four of South Korea’s biggest actresses are leading a wave of romance dramas this spring — and the buzz is already spreading across global streaming audiences.
Actors under Kakao Entertainment are returning with distinctly different love stories, as IU, Han Ji-min, Kim Go-eun and Kim Min-ju headline a slate of highly anticipated dramas.
First love, realism and viral buzz
Kim Min-ju is drawing attention for her portrayal of first love in JTBC’s Friday series, “Still Shining,” a coming-of-age romance that follows young people growing into each other’s emotional anchor.
She plays a character navigating love, ambition and grief after losing family, delivering what viewers have described as a delicate and relatable performance. Clips of her emotional scenes have been circulating online, fueling early buzz among younger viewers.
A dating reality many recognize
Han Ji-min, long known for her warm and relatable screen presence, returns with a more grounded romance in JTBC’s weekend drama, “The Practical Guide to Love.”
She plays a woman who turns to so-called “engineered dating” — a growing trend in Korea where people actively seek introductions rather than waiting for chance encounters. The character’s struggle to balance career and relationships has resonated strongly with female viewers, reflecting real-life pressures in modern dating culture.
A contract marriage with a twist
IU is set to headline MBC’s upcoming Friday-Saturday drama, “Perfect Crown,” premiering April 10.
In the series, she plays a bold and ambitious woman who enters a contract marriage with a royal figure in order to shape her own destiny. The story blends classic romance tropes with modern ambition, as her character evolves from a strategic partner into someone experiencing genuine love.
Playing a wealthy business leader in the drama, IU is also expected to showcase a more assertive and glamorous side, adding to anticipation among global fans.
‘Yumi’s Cells’ returns with new love
Kim Go-eun will return on April 13 with “Yumi’s Cells Season 3,” a TVING original series that continues the story of Yumi, now a successful writer.
The show, based on a popular webtoon, is known for visualizing emotions through animated “cells” inside the protagonist’s mind — a concept that has attracted international viewers.
This season introduces a new romance with a producer she meets through work, described as a “love-hate relationship,” a popular trope in Korean dramas that often drives strong fan engagement online.
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.