One of the most beloved K-drama romance tropes is "childhood friends to lovers." Fans adore these stories for their natural progression of friendship blossoming into love. These dramas often feel more authentic, avoiding overly dramatic romances, and offering heartwarming stories that focus not only on the main couple but also the supporting cast.
While waiting for the next episode of Love Next Door, check out these must-watch K-dramas that explore the "childhood friends to lovers" dynamic!
1. Love Next Door (2024)
Love Next Door tells the story of a successful woman living abroad with her perfect life — a great job and an international lawyer fiancé. But when she suddenly returns to Korea, she reconnects with her childhood best friend, now a top architect. Their relationship evolves, bringing the familiar warmth of a "childhood friends to lovers" romance that K-drama fans adore.
2. Fight for My Way (2017)
Ko Dong Man (Park Seo Joon Gyeongseong Creature 2023 - 2024) a former taekwondo athlete, and Choi Ae Ra (Kim Ji Won Queen of Tears 2024), an aspiring TV anchor, have been best friends since childhood. Both work mundane jobs but hold on to their dreams. As they face challenges together, their bond deepens into something more, giving fans a heartfelt romance alongside the struggles of their friends.
3. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (2016)
Bok Joo (Lee Sung Kyung Dr. Romantic 3 2023) is a determined weightlifter with dreams of winning gold. Despite her focus on sports, she experiences her first romance with a childhood friend. The show masterfully blends youthful romance, friendship, and ambition, making it a perfect coming-of-age drama!
4. Happiness (2021)
This drama introduces a high-stakes situation with a childhood friends-to-lovers romance. Yoon Sae Bom (Han Hyo Joo Moving 2023) and Jung Yi Hyun (Park Hyung Sik Doctor Slump 2024), childhood friends, pretend to be married to secure an apartment. But when a mysterious disease forces a quarantine, their relationship is tested in unexpected ways.
5. Reply 1988 (2015)
Set in a nostalgic neighborhood, Reply 1988 follows five childhood friends who share their lives, loves, and struggles. This slice-of-life drama perfectly captures the beauty of lifelong friendships turning into love, especially through its heartwarming focus on everyday moments and relationships.
6. She Was Pretty (2015)
Childhood friends Hye Jin (Hwang Jung Eum The Escape of the Seven: Resurrection 2024) and Sung Joon (Park Seo Joon) reconnect as adults. Hye Jin, once a cute and wealthy girl, has lost her looks and fortune. Sung Joon, now successful and handsome, doesn’t recognize her. Their journey from old friends to lovers is full of hilarious misunderstandings and touching moments.
7. See You in My 19th Life (2023)
Ban Ji Eum (Shin Hae Sun See You in My 19th Life 2023) remembers all her past lives and is determined to find Moon Seo Ha (Ahn Bo Hyun Flex X Cop 2024), whom she loved in her 18th life. This drama combines the childhood friends-to-lovers trope with a unique reincarnation twist, exploring love across different lifetimes.
If you're enjoying Love Next Door, these "childhood friends to lovers" K-dramas are perfect to watch while waiting for new episodes. Each brings its own charm to this beloved trope, offering both heartwarming and relatable stories!
Which K-drama will you watch next? Share your thoughts below!
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