Top Recommendations: Must-Watch K-dramas for Doona Fans!

2023 brought us the highly-discussed Netflix K-drama, Doona! starring Bae Suzy, which delves into the complexities of love and relationships. If you enjoyed this concept, here are some other worthwhile K-dramas that explore similar themes.

A top K-pop idol abruptly steps away from her career peak. Despite being a global star, Doo-na decides to retire from the spotlight and relocate to a share house near a college campus. Behind her fame lies a young woman at a crossroads.

She encounters ordinary college student Lee Won-jun (played by Yang Se-jong), who is kind, warm, and intelligent. Initially, they clash but Won-jun eventually discovers the truth behind Doo-na's fame and beauty. As Doo-na is unable to escape her life, the two begin to rely on each other.

Their relationship becomes complicated due to the challenges of Doo-na's life as an idol. Doona! captivated its audience until its cliffhanger ending, leaving a lasting impact. Here are some other K-dramas that share similar qualities.

Nevertheless

The Netflix K-drama is undeniably one of the most well-known romance storylines with warning signs, and for good reason. The K-drama aligns with Doona!'s focus on intricate love stories, as well as each character's personal struggles as they seek solace in another person. But does a relationship based on necessity equal true love?

Nevertheless stars Song Kang, known for Sweet Home, as Park Jae-eon, and Han So-hee, from GyeongSeong Creature, as Yoo Na-bi. Taking place in college, Nevertheless reveals the somewhat destructive yet captivating relationship between Na-bi and Jae-eon.

Jae-eon is notorious for his player reputation, as well as his striking good looks and charm. He has never been in a serious relationship. On the other hand, Na-bi is recovering from a humiliating breakup and wants to avoid commitment. Their paths cross, leading to a tumultuous and passionate relationship that may or may not be love.

One of them is skeptical about love, while the other no longer desires a relationship. Na-bi notices warning signs in Jae-eon, but they are inexplicably drawn to each other.

Nevertheless is available to stream on Netflix.

Uncontrollably Fond

Uncontrollably Fond tops the list when it comes to complex yet heart-wrenching romances. Newbies are often warned by many K-drama fans to have a box of tissues ready. Coincidentally, it also stars Bae Suzy as Noh Eul, alongside Kim Woo-bin as Shin Joon-young, fitting Doona best.

As teenagers, they were separated by a failing relationship, only to reconnect as adults in different life stages. While one might expect a heartfelt reunion, this K-drama takes a different path.

Noh Eul endured a difficult childhood, sacrificing her education after her father's death to support her family. In contrast, Joon-young had a privileged upbringing and a pre-determined future, until a significant event led him to abandon a career in law and pursue music. Now, as adults, Noh Eul is assigned to film a documentary about Joon-young.

Joon-young rejects her and wants no connection due to unresolved past issues. Uncontrollably Fond shows Joon-young's tough attitude towards her, but as they collaborate, their past feelings resurface. Watch Uncontrollably Fond on Viki.

Love Alarm

Love Alarm was one of the first K-dramas to gain global recognition among fans before the Hallyu Wave, Squid Game, and Doona! It was also Netflix’s initial venture into this genre. Notoriously known for being a webtoon adaptation, the show also stirred up emotions among fans.

Set in a world where a popular dating app determines people’s love lives, Love Alarm notifies users when someone nearby has romantic feelings for them. Kim Jo-jo (Kim So-hyun) is a diligent high school student who is skeptical of the app. Little does she know, her best friend Lee Hye-yeong (Jung Ga-ram) has unrequited feelings for her.

However, when Hye-yeong's childhood friend reappears, it sparks unexpected chaos. Hwang Sun-oh (Song Kang) is a charming model, wealthy, and his Love Alarm is constantly ringing. Upon realizing that Hye-young has feelings for Jo-jo, he also sets his sights on pursuing her.

The K-drama is famous for its passionate love triangle, with Jo-jo developing feelings for Sun-oh but struggling to trust him. As Sun-oh and Hye-young become more assertive about their feelings for her, a divide forms. Fans found themselves torn and experienced a K-drama first in Love Alarm Season 2.

Love Alarm is available to stream on Netflix.

Twenty-Five Twenty-One

The tear-jerking K-drama, Twenty-Five Twenty-One, captured the hearts of countless fans with its intricate love story. Netflix's biggest hit of 2022, it is set in 1998 and follows Na Hee-do (played by Kim Tae-ri) as she navigates the aftermath of the IMF Crisis, which leads her to transfer schools and join her fencing idol Ko Yu-rim (portrayed by Bona).

Baek Yi-jin (Nam Joo-hyuk) and his family are on the losing end of a crisis, leading him to stay behind and work hard to rebuild. A fateful encounter brings him together with a girl named Hee-do, and their friendship blossoms into something deeper as they grow older. However, Twenty-Five Twenty-One is not a fairy tale, but rather an exploration of first loves and the challenges of adulthood. As Yi-jin and Hee-do navigate their feelings for each other, they face the harsh realities of life that could threaten to tear them apart.

Stream Twenty-Five Twenty-One on Netflix now. For more of Dexerto’s K-drama coverage, check out details about Death’s Game, Sweet Home Season 2, Gyeongseong Creature, and My Demon.

Editor's P/S

As a K-drama enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for new and exciting shows to watch. I recently finished Doona! and was captivated by its complex and heartfelt portrayal of love and relationships. If you're a fan of Doona! and are looking for more K-dramas to watch, I highly recommend Nevertheless, Uncontrollably Fond, Love Alarm, and Twenty-Five Twenty-One.

These four dramas all explore similar themes of love, relationships, and personal growth. They feature intricate and well-developed characters, and they're all beautifully shot and directed. I highly recommend checking them out if you're looking for some great K-dramas to watch.