Love in K-dramas: An Exploration of Couples and Stories (Episodes 1-4)

Forget Single’s Inferno, because Love Like a K-drama on Netflix is the new must-watch dating series. Japanese and Korean actors team up to compete for roles in a K-drama, adding an exciting twist to the show. The competition heats up as the contestants live together in Seoul, auditioning for episodic roles and aiming to land the lead.

Love Like a K-drama has simple rules that cause rifts and drama among the contestants. The first four episodes have already stirred up turmoil as some actors have developed feelings for their initial partner.

Love Like a K-drama Episode 1

Netflix

The first couples were formed during the initial meet and greet. Kim Won-shik was met by three female contestants who expressed interest in being paired with him, but he ultimately chose Honoka Kitahara. At a second cafe location, Song Ji-hyuk met the remaining three women, with Rio Yamashita being the one to show interest and be paired with him. At a highway bridge, Ayano Kudo and Nozomi Bando met Lee Tae-gyun, and both expressed interest in him. Tae-gyun ultimately picked Ayano, leaving Nozomi and Kim Dong-kyu paired together as the last contestants.

In the Episode 1 audition, the plot included a lot of tears and a kiss. In the end, Rio and Kin-hyuk outperformed the other couples and emerged as the winners of the first episode.

Entitled "The Last Goodbye," the storyline revolved around an engaged couple who were full of hope for their future. Rio portrayed Aoi, a Japanese exchange student, while Min Woo was played by Ji-hyuk. He immediately fell for Aoi upon meeting her. Despite his insistence on joining her on a trip, Aoi planned to go alone. The tragic news of her passing left them both grappling with the emotional turmoil and bidding farewell.

Love Like a K-drama Episode 2

Netflix

The dating series took an unexpected turn when the male contestants were given the authority to change up the couples. Both Ji-hyuk and Tae-gyun expressed their desire to pair with Rio. Ji-hyuk admitted his growing affection for Rio, while Tae-gyun struggled to explain his interest in her.

With no clear decision in sight, Won-shik and Dong-gyun stepped in to make the choice for them. They both decided that Tae-gyun should have the opportunity to get to know Rio better. As a result, the new couples for Love Like a K-drama Episode 2 were Tae-gyun and Rio, Won-shik and Honoka, Dong-kyun and Nozomi, and Ji-hyuk and Ayano.

Episode 2 of the storyline introduces a love triangle that causes further turmoil. After being judged by an industry professor, Honoka and Won-shik pass the audition, but the love triangle forces Honoka to choose a different male lead, ultimately selecting Tae-gyun.

"She is the One" depicts two men falling in love with the same woman and the female lead sharing a kiss with both, leaving her shook. Honoka stars as Nana, a Japanese interpreter working in Korea, while Won-shik plays the role of Byeong Gwan, Nana's boyfriend and chaebol heir.

Love Like a K-drama Episode 3

Tae-gyun portrays Sang Gu, who has harbored a secret affection for Nana for a significant period. Upon discovering Byeong Gwan's intention to end their relationship, Nana finds herself in the rain, where Sang Gu comes to her aid and escorts her home. In the warmth of his apartment, they exchange a kiss. Unbeknownst to her, Byeong Gwan genuinely loves her and is striving to safeguard her. Upon realizing her feelings for him, she discovers him fishing, and they share a kiss.

After the second episode, Honoka informed Won-shik that she would be selecting someone else for the next round. In a surprising twist, Love Like a K-drama leaves the decision in the hands of the women. The male contestants each drew an item they would like to receive as a gift. Each female contestant must choose who they want to be partnered with, run to purchase the item, and return in time to be the first to give it to them.

Rio and Nozomi both selected Dong-kyu and his flower, but only Nozomi returned in time. Meanwhile, Honoka and Ayano chose Tae-gyun’s headphones. However, only one of them made it back in time, and Ayano was paired with him.

Rio and Honoka didn’t get their choices and had to choose between Won-shik and Ji-hyun. Ultimately Honoka bought a T-shirt for Ji-hyun, pairing them together. Rio was left buying a keychain for Won-shik, forcing them to be paired together for Episode 3.

During auditions, couples were evaluated by two industry professionals and acting students for their roles in the storyline of a female painter and a man facing unique circumstances whose unexpected kiss leads to blossoming love. Ayano and Tae-gyun emerged as the winning pair to star in Episode 3.

Love Like a K-drama will be available for weekly viewing on Netflix every Tuesday.

Read more K-drama news here, details about Single’s Inferno Season 3 here, and Physical: 100 Season 2 here.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am obsessed with K-dramas and reality TV shows, so Love Like a K-drama is the perfect combination of both. I have been eagerly waiting for each new episode to see how the couples develop and which couples will be formed.

The show is full of drama, both on and off-screen, and I can't get enough of it. The contestants are all incredibly talented actors and actresses, and it's been fascinating to watch them compete for the lead roles. I'm also really enjoying the behind-the-scenes footage, which gives us a glimpse into the contestants' personal lives and how they're coping with the competition.

Overall, I think Love Like a K-drama is a great show that is sure to appeal to fans of both K-dramas and reality TV. I can't wait to see how the rest of the season unfolds!