The Ultimate Ranking of the Most Addictive K-Drama Love Triangles!

K-drama love triangles are known for their captivating romance and intricate storylines that keep viewers hooked. They often serve as the primary source of conflict in the series, with new characters occasionally entering the picture to confess their love to one of the main characters, causing temporary chaos before fading away. Other times, the central conflict revolves around the main character's ultimate choice of partner.

These love triangles also raise the question of which love interest is truly the best match for the protagonist, adding an element of suspense, mystery, and anticipation. As two characters vie for the protagonist's affections, it becomes a battle of the heart, culminating in a climactic moment when the main character finally realizes their true feelings. Fortunately, K-drama enthusiasts are spoiled for choice when it comes to content featuring these exciting love triangles.

20 Black (2017) — Kang Ha-ram, Han Moo-gang & Oh Man-soo

One of the most captivating supernatural-fantasy K-dramas, Black offers a unique twist to the typical love triangle storyline, making it truly unforgettable. The series follows Kang Ha-ram, our protagonist, who possesses the extraordinary ability to see people's impending deaths. She finds herself entangled with Han Moo-gang, a grim reaper who has taken over a human body in order to retrieve his rebellious assistant. As their journey progresses, Ha-ram gradually awakens emotions within Moo-gang that are forbidden for his kind, while she herself begins to develop an inexplicable attraction towards him. Amidst this complex dynamic, we also encounter Oh Man-soo, a young CEO who not only acknowledges Ha-ram's extraordinary gift but also becomes her ally. As the story unfolds, Man-soo finds himself growing fond of Ha-ram, yet he suspects that her heart may already belong to someone else.

19 Jinxed At First (2022) — Gong Soo-kwang, Lee Seul-bi & Seon Min-joon

One of the most captivating K-drama love triangles can be observed in a show called Jinxed at First, which is based on a popular K-drama webtoon. The unfortunate and ill-fated Gong Soo-kwang finds himself haunted by recurring dreams featuring the mysterious Lee Seul-bi. Interestingly, these dreams always foreshadow an unlucky event. Seul-bi, an extraordinary woman with the ability to glimpse the future through physical touch, along with her mother, is unexpectedly released from their concealed room in the Sam Jung family residence by Seon Min-joon. As a result, Seul-bi seeks out Soo-kwang, leading to a delicate transformation from foes to lovers. However, there's a twist – Seon Min-joon also develops feelings for her.

18 Boys Over Flowers (2009) — Geum Jan-di, Gu Jun-pyo & Yoon Ji-hoo

Boys Over Flowers captivates viewers with its compelling K-drama love triangle. Adapted from a popular Japanese manga, the story revolves around Geum Jan-di, a young woman who finds herself entangled in the lives of a group of wealthy schoolmates, particularly Gu Jun-pyo. As Jan-di and Jun-pyo's relationship blossoms, another character, Yoon Ji-hoo, also develops feelings for Jan-di. However, amidst all the romantic entanglements, Jan-di shares a special and undeniable connection with one of them. Boys Over Flowers has received critical acclaim, earning accolades at prestigious events such as the Baeksang Arts Awards, Asian Television Awards, and KBS Drama Awards.

17 Record Of Youth (2020) — Ahn Jeong-ha, Sa Hye-jun & Won Hae-hyo

Record of Youth is a Netflix K-drama that features one of the most captivating love triangles in the world of K-dramas. The story revolves around Ahn Jeong-ha, a talented makeup artist, who develops feelings for Sa Hye-jun, a relatively unknown male model. When she gets the opportunity to do his makeup for a show, their friendship blossoms into a romantic relationship. However, things become complicated when Hye-jun's childhood friend, Won Hae-hyo, who is also a successful model-actor, becomes smitten with Jeong-ha. Both men appear to be equally compatible with Jeong-ha, adding a thrilling twist to her final decision.

16 She Was Pretty (2015) — Kim Hye-jin, Ji Sung-joon & Min Ha-ri & Kim Shin-hyuk

In the K-drama She Was Pretty, viewers will experience a rollercoaster of emotions as they witness one of the most captivating love triangles in K-drama history. The story unfolds when Kim Hye-jin, feeling insecure after her childhood friend Ji Sung-joon's transformation into a handsome individual, decides to send her best friend, Min Ha-ri, in her place for their meeting.

Coincidentally, Hye-jin lands a new job at a fashion magazine by mistake, only to discover that Sung-joon is now the editor and her new boss. This adds an intriguing twist to the storyline, making it one of the most captivating K-dramas that explores the theme of falling in love with one's boss. However, not just one, but two love triangles develop within the plot. The incredibly charming Kim Shin-Hyuk finds himself falling for Hye-jin, just as her boss starts to recollect their shared past. Meanwhile, Ha-ri, who initially posed as Hye-jin during their first encounter, also finds herself developing feelings for Sung-joon.

15 Cinderella And The Four Knights (2016) — Eun Ha-won, Kang Ji-woon, Kang Hyun-min & Kang Seo-woo

Cinderella and the Four Knights presents a love dynamic unlike any other in K-drama history. Instead of a simple love triangle, we are introduced to a complex and captivating love quadrangle. Eun Ha-won, a hopeful high school senior, is faced with the arduous task of working multiple part-time jobs to support her college education. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters an elderly gentleman who persuades her to move into his residence. Little does she know, she will be residing with three incredibly attractive billionaire cousins: Kang Ji-woon, Kang Hyun-min, and Kang Seo-woo. As the story unfolds, the intricate web of love begins to entangle each of the cousins, as they find themselves developing deep emotions for Ha-won.

14 Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016) — Kim Bok-joo, Jung Joon-hyung & Jung Jae-yi

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo also showcases one of the most captivating love triangles in K-drama. The story revolves around the deep bond between Kim Bok-joo and Jung Joon-hyung, who have been friends since childhood and have shared countless memorable moments together. In a twist of fate, they even saved each other's lives in the very first episode. However, complications arise as Kim Bok-joo finds herself falling for Jung Joon-hyung's older brother, Jung Jae-yi, who happens to be a respected doctor.

This adorable love triangle portrayed the innocent infatuation of Bok-joo towards Jae-yi, who unfortunately did not reciprocate her feelings. Instead of taking advantage of Bok-joo's vulnerable state, Joon-hyung offered her comfort and support during her first heartbreak, which eventually led to a strong bond of friendship between them. Eventually, Joon-hyung mustered the courage to confess his true feelings. The exceptional performances of the cast in this series were duly acknowledged at the MBC Drama Awards.

13 Romance Is A Bonus Book (2019) — Kang Dan-i, Chan Eun-ho, Song Hye-rin & Ji Seo Joon

Romance is a Bonus Book presents a unique twist on the typical love triangle, introducing a love quadrangle that brings happiness to each member involved. This refreshing take on relationships is what sets the show apart and has earned it recognition at the prestigious Baegsang Arts Awards. Additionally, the critically acclaimed soundtrack adds another layer of emotional depth to the series. Within Romance is a Bonus Book, the character Kang Dan-i shares a deep bond with Chan Eun-ho, her best friend, and has harbored feelings for him over the course of many years.

However, the author and editor in question has garnered quite a following among the female population and even embarked on a casual relationship with his coworker, Song Hye-rin, only to discover that Dan-i was unattached and homeless. Adding an extra layer of complexity, the renowned book cover artist, Ji Seo-joon, also harbored feelings for Dan-i and made attempts to capture her heart.

12 Love Alarm (2019) — Hye-yeong, Kim Jo-jo & Hwang Sun-oh

This drama, based on a popular webtoon, showcases a captivating love triangle that has piqued the interest of many. Lee Hye-yeong has harbored deep feelings for Kim Jo-jo for quite some time. Despite his desire to confess, he finds solace in silently supporting and protecting her from a distance, understanding that he doesn't want to complicate her life. However, everything takes a turn when Hye-yeong's closest friend returns and discovers his secret crush.

Hwang Sun-oh notices that Hye-yeong has developed feelings for Jo-jo and urges him to confess, but in the process, he himself starts to fall for her as well. Sun-oh, being more forthcoming about his emotions, surprises Jo-jo with a kiss, igniting an immediate spark between them. Before long, they begin dating, all while Jo-jo remains oblivious to Hye-yeong's affection for her. Love Alarm stands out as one of the most captivating K-dramas, featuring a compelling love triangle that spans multiple seasons.

11 The Heirs (2013) — Cha Eun-sang, Kim Tan & Choi Young-do

The Heirs, much like Boys Over Flowers, is a beloved drama that showcases an unforgettable K-drama love triangle, captivating audiences and leaving them torn between the two male leads. The storyline revolves around Cha Eun-sang, an ordinary girl who finds herself attending an elite school for the wealthy. Kim Tan, her primary love interest, deeply cares for her and strives to help her fit into this unfamiliar world, although their attempts often face hurdles.

However, the situation becomes more intricate with the arrival of troublemaker Choi Young-do. Young-do used to be Tan's closest friend until they had a major falling out. At first, he approached Eun-sang with the intention of seeking revenge against Tan. However, as time went on, he developed genuine feelings for her and provided her with solace during moments when Tan failed to comprehend. The show has garnered numerous accolades, including prestigious awards at the SBS Drama Awards, the Baeksang Arts Awards, and the APAN Star Awards.

10 Hwarang: The Poet Warrior Of Youth (2016) — Ah-ro, Moo-myung & Sam Maek-jong

Hwarang presents a captivating and intricate love triangle that adds a touch of confusion and unease. However, it is undeniably one of the most compelling romantic conflicts in K-drama. This exceptional historical series revolves around the meeting of Ah-ro and Moo-myung. Interestingly, Moo-myung assumes the identity of Ah-ro's deceased long-lost brother, who tragically passed away in the initial episode. It is revealed that Moo-myung and Ah-ro's brother were close friends, and before his untimely demise, Moo-myung made a vow to protect her.

Around the same time, Ah-ro encounters the young king Sam Maek-jong, who admires her spirited and determined nature. An intricate and peculiar situation arises when Moo-myung and Ah-ro find themselves developing feelings for one another. Ah-ro wrestles with her emotions, mistakenly believing she is in love with her brother, and attempts to suppress her true feelings. Eventually, she discovers the truth and is compelled to make a choice between the two boys. This series has garnered critical acclaim and has been honored at prestigious events such as the KBS Drama Awards, Melon Music Awards, and Soompi Awards.

9 Oh My Ghost (2015) — Na Bong-sun, Kang Sun-woo & Soon-ae

Oh My Ghost presents a captivating love triangle, which stands out as one of the finest in the realm of K-drama. Na Bong-sun, a reserved and introverted chef, possesses the ability to perceive spirits. She goes relatively unnoticed by her boss, Kang Sun-woo, towards whom she harbors a secret affection. However, everything takes a dramatic turn when the vivacious, flirtatious, and eccentric ghost of Soon-ae takes over her physical form.

This love triangle becomes perplexing as viewers are kept in suspense about Sun-woo's true feelings for either of the girls until the very end. The girls frequently swap identities, and gradually, Bong-sun starts to embody more of the ghost's characteristics. Adding to the complexity, Sun-woo's former crush, who had previously rejected his advances, reenters the picture and confesses her mistake. The immense popularity of Oh My Ghost led to a Thai remake and accolades at prestigious events such as the tvN10 Awards, DramaFever Awards, and APAN Star Awards.

8 Cheese In The Trap (2016) — Hong Seol, Yoo Jung & Baek In-ho

Cheese in the Trap is a drama that is based on a webtoon and is known for having one of the most notable cases of "Second Lead Syndrome" in any K-Drama. It also boasts one of the most captivating love triangles in the world of K-dramas. The concept behind this syndrome is that viewers tend to root for the girl to choose the second guy because he is often seen as a better character and a better match for her. In this drama, Hong Seol is attracted to Yoo Jung, but he is a reserved and enigmatic individual, making it difficult for anyone to decipher his true thoughts and feelings.

The relationship between the two characters starts off quickly and is filled with both positive and negative experiences. Throughout this time, Hong Seol finds herself getting closer to Yoo Jung's former best friend, Baek In-ho. Despite In-ho's outgoing and unusual personality, he manages to bring comfort to Seol and brighten her day. As time goes on, In-ho develops feelings for her, but Seol is already deeply invested in her relationship with Yoo. The K-drama that this story is based on was later adapted into a movie with the same title, which was released in 2018. The film has received critical acclaim and has been recognized at prestigious events such as the Baeksang Arts Awards, the Asia Artist Awards, and the Korean Cable TV Awards.

7 My Girlfriend Is A Gumiho (2010) — Cha Dae-woong, Gu Mi-ho & Park Dong-joo

The romantic comedy series My Girlfriend is a Gumiho features one of the most captivating K-drama love triangles. Cha Dae-woong, a college student with dreams of becoming an action star, inadvertently releases a gumiho named Gu Miho, a fox with nine tails from Korean mythology, who saves him from a dangerous fall. Despite his initial fear that she might consume his liver like the legendary gumihos, he takes Mi-ho in and keeps her true nature a secret, gradually falling deeply in love with her.

However, the plot thickens when Park Dong-joo, a half-human half-supernatural being disguised as a veterinarian, enters the picture. He reveals to Mi-ho a process that can transform her into a human permanently, but deceitfully withholds the fact that it will result in Dae-woong's death, as he desires her for himself. The series has garnered widespread critical acclaim and has been honored with prestigious awards including the SBS Drama Awards, DramaBeans Awards, and Style Icon Awards.

6 Extraordinary You (2019) — Eun Dan-oh, Ha-ru, & Baek Kyung

In the highly acclaimed teen romance K-drama, Extraordinary You, the protagonist Eun Dan-oh stumbles upon a shocking revelation - she exists in a secret and fantastical world of comics. Along with everyone she knows, Dan-oh discovers that they are all characters in a comic called Secret, controlled by an all-knowing Writer. Dissatisfied with the fate assigned to her, Dan-oh embarks on a personal journey, defying the original storyline of being engaged to her long-time crush who despises her, and battling a terminal illness.

Amidst this extraordinary circumstance, Dan-oh finds solace and love in Ha-ru, a character who was originally unnamed. Together, they dare to rewrite their destinies, aware of the potential consequences it may bring. However, their love story becomes complicated when Dan-oh's original lover, Baek Kyung, realizes that his hatred towards her stems from her illness and that he harbors genuine feelings for her.

Extraordinary You has received critical acclaim and has been honored with awards at prestigious events such as the MBC Drama Awards, the Grimae Awards, and the Seoul Drama Awards.

5 Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016) — Hae Soo, Wang So, & Wang Wook

In the 2016 time-traveling K-drama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo, one of the most captivating love triangles unfolds. The complexity of this triangle is heightened by the presence of two brothers, Wang So and Wang Wook, both vying for the affections of Hae Soo. Complicating matters further, as princes, they find themselves under the pressure of their father, the king, who wishes to marry Hae Soo.

Hae Soo, transported from another time, finds herself in the Goryeo Dynasty assuming another identity. Throughout the series, she experiences the rollercoaster of love, enduring heartbreak, finding love again, only to have her heart shattered once more. This drama is a tragic tale, and viewers should not anticipate a happy ending. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo garnered significant recognition at the SBS Drama Awards, winning a total of seven accolades. Additionally, actor Lee Joon-gi's portrayal of Wang So attracted national attention.

4 Our Beloved Summer (2021) — Choi Ung, Kook Yeon-soo, Kim Ji-ung & NJ

Our Beloved Summer, considered Studio N's first original series, takes viewers on a captivating journey spanning a decade. At its core, the K-drama showcases an unforgettable love triangle that will leave audiences captivated. The story centers around Choi Ung, a gifted illustrator who struggled academically, and his ex-girlfriend Kook Yeon-soo, a brilliant student turned PR expert. Their heart-wrenching breakup led them to make a solemn promise to never cross paths again.

However, fate intervenes when a decade later, a documentary resurfaces, shedding light on their past relationship and quickly gaining viral attention. Reluctantly, they find themselves in front of the camera, compelled by their mutual friend and producer, Kim Ji-ung. Unbeknownst to them, Ji-ung has harbored feelings for Yeon-soo since their high school days. Adding to the complexity, NJ, a popular idol, becomes entangled in their lives and develops his own feelings for Choi Ung. The exceptional storytelling of Our Beloved Summer has earned accolades at the Seoul International Drama Awards and SBS Drama Awards, and even inspired a webtoon adaptation.

3 Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017) — Do Bong-soon, In Guk-doo & An Min-hyuk

The K-drama Strong Girl Bong-soon excels in various aspects, particularly in its portrayal of one of the most captivating love triangles in K-drama history. The story begins with Do Bong-soon, a woman blessed with extraordinary strength, harboring feelings for her childhood friend-turned-cop, In Guk-doo, who unfortunately does not reciprocate her affections due to his commitment to a girlfriend. Unexpectedly, Bong-soon finds herself reluctantly becoming a bodyguard for An Min-hyuk, the CEO of a game company. While Min-hyuk constantly expresses his admiration and attraction towards Bong-soon, she remains irritated by his presence.

As time goes on, Bong-soon gradually falls in love with Min-hyuk, leading to a beautifully resolved love triangle and a blissful conclusion. Despite the consideration and subsequent cancellation of an American adaptation of the series, Strong Girl Bong-soon received acclaim at the Seoul International Drama Awards and the Seoul Awards. Additionally, the series spawned a sequel titled Strong Woman Gang Nam-soon.

2 Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (2021) — Yoon Hye-jin, Hong Du-sik & Chang Yeong-guk

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, a top-notch K-drama on Netflix, showcases one of the most captivating love triangles in the genre. The story revolves around Yoon Hye-jin, a meticulous dentist whose life in Seoul crumbles, prompting her to seek solace in the quaint seaside village of Gongjin, where she establishes her dental practice. During her time there, she becomes acquainted with Chief Hong, a skilled handyman also known as Hong Du-sik, and their connection blossoms into a promising romance.

However, things take a complicated turn when Chang Yeong-guk, realizing that his first love has returned to town, musters up the courage to confront his long-standing feelings for her. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha has garnered widespread acclaim, with critics applauding its straightforward storyline, exceptional performances, and visually stunning aesthetics. The show's success has even led to an increase in tourism at its filming locations. Notably, it secured the sixth spot on Variety's prestigious list of the Best International TV Shows of 2021. Additionally, Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha has been honored with awards at the Korean Content Awards, Seoul International Drama Awards, and APAN Star Awards.

1 Reply 1988 (2015) — Choi Taek, Kim Jung Hwan & Sung Deok Sun

Reply 1988 has achieved widespread recognition and praise, solidifying its position as one of the top-rated K-dramas ever made. One of the standout aspects of the series is the captivating love triangle between close friends Choi Taek, Kim Jung Hwan, and Sung Deok Sun. Throughout the show, Deok Sun's affections fluctuate between the two friends, creating an intriguing dynamic that keeps audiences engaged. The drama delves into the consequences of waiting too long to express one's feelings and highlights the importance of showing affection when vying for someone's love. As viewers follow the story, they will find themselves rooting for both boys, deeply invested in their respective journeys.

Reply 1988 has transcended boundaries and garnered international acclaim, solidifying its place in Korean cable television history. At the time of its airing, it held the title of the highest-rated drama, and it currently ranks as the fifth highest-rated drama in Korean cable television history. The series has received extensive recognition at prestigious awards ceremonies, amassing an impressive total of 19 accolades. Notable award shows where Reply 1988 has been honored include the Asia Artist Awards, APAN Star Awards, Baeksang Arts Awards, and more.