10 Shocking K-Drama Relationships Viewers Never Saw Coming!

K-dramas are known for their emphasis on romantic relationships, which are often endearing and heartwarming. However, not all k-drama couples manage to capture this essence. Chemistry plays a significant role in the success of a romantic pairing on-screen. Even if actors are placed in ideal romantic situations, the lack of a genuine romantic connection between them can lead to a lackluster portrayal of romance. Additionally, some k-drama couples are problematic and toxic, which undermines their likability. These factors contribute to their failed attempts at romance.

10 Lee Hyun-wook & Yoon Se-na In My Lovely Girl

9 Do Kyung-seok & Kang Mi-rae In Gangnam Beauty

: In the drama My Lovely Girl, released in 2014, the main characters' relationship received mixed reviews. While there were no major flaws with the couple, the female protagonist's constant nervousness overshadowed their romantic connection. The storyline revolves around Hyun-wook, a talent scout who is still mourning the loss of his girlfriend, who tragically passed away three years prior. Se-na, the girlfriend's sister, moves to Seoul with aspirations of pursuing a music career, and their paths intertwine. As they begin working together, their friendship blossoms into love. However, the primary criticism of this series lies in Se-na's excessive admiration and flustered demeanor whenever she is around Hyun-wook, hindering the development of their chemistry.

The lack of chemistry between a k-drama couple can sometimes be seen plainly on the actor's face. Gangnam Beauty, a 2018 series, revolves around Mi-rae, a young woman who undergoes plastic surgery to escape the bullying she faced due to her appearance as a child. However, her transformation comes with its own set of repercussions, leaving Mi-rae's self-esteem far from fully recovered. In the midst of all this, she reconnects with Kyung-seok, a former classmate who is distant yet protective when it comes to her tormentors. While this might seem like a recipe for a passionate romance, Kyung-seok's aloofness makes it difficult to discern any romantic connection. Moreover, the repetitive theme of him being her savior becomes monotonous, ultimately hindering their relationship from reaching new heights.

8 Kim Je-ha & Go An-na In K2

K2 offers a unique opportunity for romance; however, the series fails to establish a strong connection. In 2016's K2, we follow Je-ha, a mercenary soldier who, after being framed for murder, is presented with the chance to become a bodyguard for the presidential candidate's daughter, An-na. Once again, Je-ha finds himself in the role of An-na's savior, which ultimately leads to the downfall of their relationship. In addition to relying heavily on the clichéd damsel in distress trope, the k-drama introduces a more captivating second lead: An-na's mother, Yoo-jin. When Je-ha saves her from a car crash, their chemistry surpasses his romance with An-na, overshadowing it completely.

7 Baek Seung-jo & Oh Ha-ni In Playful Kiss

Playful Kiss, released in 2010, attempts to portray an enemies-to-friends-to-lovers storyline but falls short. The main character, Ha-ni, has harbored a long-lasting crush on the aloof and intelligent Seung-jo. When her family's home gets destroyed, they end up living with him, providing an opportunity for a connection to develop. Regrettably, both protagonists exhibit questionable behavior: Ha-ni crosses the line into stalking, while Seung-jo publicly humiliates and insults her after she confesses her love in a letter. In the end, Playful Kiss features a couple with severe dysfunction, making it difficult for the audience to empathize or feel warmth towards them.

6 Moo Myung & Ah-ro In Hwarang

Hwarang is a drama series set in a historical kingdom where a group of highly skilled warriors is assembled to bolster the monarchy. Among these warriors, two of them develop a close relationship with Ah-ro, a girl from a lower social class. However, it is Moo Myung who ultimately becomes her romantic interest. Unfortunately, their romance lacks chemistry and seems forced, primarily due to Ah-ro being portrayed as a helpless damsel in distress. Moreover, their previous connection as friends further complicates their romantic involvement. Ah-ro has always viewed Moo Myung as a brother figure, so the sudden shift to a romantic relationship feels inauthentic. When all these factors are considered, it becomes evident that the romance in this storyline is unconvincing.

5 Jo Min-hyuk & Kang Yoo-jung In Secret Love

In the medical k-drama series Secret Love, released in 2013, it is not the chemistry between the characters that makes their relationship unlikely, but rather the overall circumstances. The series revolves around Yoo-jung, who is recently released from prison after serving time for a crime committed by her ex-boyfriend - the accidental killing of a woman in a hit-and-run. Soon after her release, she encounters Min-hyuk, a wealthy bad boy who was in a relationship with the hit-and-run victim. While there is a romantic connection between them, it is undeniably strange to build a romance upon their association with death. Furthermore, their relationship does not begin with love, but rather with misunderstanding and animosity, creating a problematic foundation for their connection.

4 Hong Ji-hong & Yoo Hye-jung In The Doctors

The Doctors is a 2016 series that revolves around Hye-jung, a young doctor who had a rebellious past but underwent a transformation after encountering her mentor, an older doctor named Ji-hong. After a gap of 13 years, Hye-jung and Ji-hong cross paths again and embark on a romantic journey.

3 Park Jae-eon & Yu Na-bi In Nevertheless

Nonetheless, the uncomfortable age difference between them and the fact that they were forced apart for over a decade due to a student's disclosure of their close bond make their romance a problematic student-teacher dynamic, ultimately leading to its failure.

3 Park Jae-eon & Yu Na-bi In Nevertheless

Nevertheless, the worst couples in k-dramas are the ones who embrace their toxic behavior without remorse. Such is the case with Nevertheless, a 2021 series that portrays the tumultuous relationship between Jae-eon, a player, and Na-bi, an art student nursing a broken heart. Their connection is defined by a friends-with-benefits dynamic, with Jae-eon repeatedly inflicting emotional pain on Na-bi by indulging in flirtatious behavior with others and sending her mixed signals. Despite recently escaping an abusive relationship, Na-bi chooses to overlook the warning signs. Even though Jae-eon's attempt at redemption is hasty, it fails to mend the toxicity of their relationship, cementing their status as one of the most problematic couples in k-drama history.

2 Kim Tan & Cha Eun-sang In The Heirs

While 2013's The Heirs initially presents a series of romantic k-drama scenes, the lead relationship quickly takes a darker turn. Rich Kim Tan encounters Eun-sang while in America, and their love blossoms. However, complications arise as Eun-sang becomes a target of bullying and unwanted attention, forcing Kim Tan to make a difficult choice between her and his family business. Regrettably, Kim Tan epitomizes a toxic boyfriend in The Heirs. He exhibits extreme possessiveness over Eun-sang, going so far as to harm her and invade her privacy in order to maintain control over their relationship. What's particularly concerning is Kim Tan's lack of willingness to change, solidifying this as an unmistakably unhealthy dynamic.

1 Gu Jun-pyo & Geum Jan-di In Boys Over Flowers

The coupling of Jun-pyo and Jan-di in Boys Over Flowers is widely regarded as the most unlikable in k-drama history. This 2009 series depicts the relationship between the rich, arrogant Jun-pyo and Jan-di, the only girl in school brave enough to defy him. However, the intensity of their connection is overshadowed by the constant turmoil they endure. Their initial encounter involves Jan-di rescuing a victim of Jun-pyo's bullying, only to become a target herself shortly after. Moreover, despite having the opportunity to be with a kind and tender-hearted boy, Jan-di inexplicably chooses to be with the abusive and troublesome Jun-pyo. In essence, their relationship is founded upon violence, with countless warning signs being disregarded.