If You Read These Books…Try These K-Dramas: Romance Edition
Hello Everyone! As you know, I’m a big fan of Korean dramas and Romance novels. I wanted to try something to new from the typical recommendation posts I have on the blog. Today I’ll be recommending Romance novels that can be paired up with Korean Dramas and vice versa.
Each book or show centers around a romance or has romance included in the story line. I hope you all enjoy these personal picks and come away with some new books and TV shows to watch!
In The Frame Up, the main character, MG, becomes an assistant helper on a LAPD (Los Angeles Police Department) case after a crime mirrors one of her favorite comic books. She is more than eager to jump right into the role of an amateur sleuth and ends up biting off more than she can chew!
In Strong Woman Do Bong-Soon, we have an interesting fusion of murder mystery, fantasy, and slapstick comedy. The main character, Bong-Soon, is a girl with supernatural strength and ends up in tangled in a mystery of disappearances happening within her neighborhood. The constant witty banter between the lead couple is hilarious and the show has many lighthearted moments despite the grim mystery that happens in the show.
Why You Should Watch/Read: Super Sleuth Heroines, Murder Mysteries, Action-Packed
In Dating an Alien Pop Star tells the story of Daisy who lives in the Big Apple and wants to break into the music industry. She meets two aliens from another planet who desire to be pop stars and the crazy antics begin. This story is humorous and very goofy. It’s so “out of this world” and it’s not meant to be taken too seriously, which is why I liked the novel so much.
In My Love From Another Star, an alien who has been stranded on Earth for more than 400 years is almost able to return home, but finds himself developing feelings for a famous actress. It’s a story that outlandish and very unique, while the romance is very sweet. Watching Do Min-joon (the alien) and his interactions with humans are interesting and hilarious.
Why You Should Watch/Read: Aliens, Characters in the Spotlight, Sassy Lead Characters
In Running from a Rock Star, Scarlett Kelly is the poster child for responsible living. However she ends up going to Vegas and has a shotgun wedding and she ends up married to a bad-boy rock star. It’s humorous watching the lead couple interact as they come from different worlds and try to get along among the chaos.
In Accidental Couple, we focus on a relationship between a post office clerk and an actress after they agree to a six-month contract marriage in order to avoid the actress’ scandal. This drama is full of sweet and tender moments. I think it’s so underappreciated since I don’t hear many people discuss it. I loved how their relationship develops in a natural way that doesn’t seem forced.
Why You Should Watch/Read: Opposites Attract, Full of Tender Moments
In The Unhoneymooners, this book follows the story of Olive Torres who is offered the chance to take a honeymoon trip to Maui with the best man Ethan Thomas and having to pretend to be a married couple. Just when she thinks things couldn’t get worse after winning a dream vacation, crazy situations are thrown their way.
Full House, takes on the same concept except with a contact marriage in order to keep a house. Aspiring scriptwriter Ji-eun is tricked into going on holiday while her house is sold to pampered actor Young-jae. They enter into a contract marriage, but complications arise as they become attracted to each other.
Why You Should Watch/Read: Fake Relationship, Scenic Locations, Enemies To Lovers
In Along Came Love, when free-spirited India Shaw ends up behind bars in San Francisco, she has no choice but to call the only person she knows in the unfamiliar city—the very man she abandoned after a steamy two-day fling. The fact that she’s pregnant with his child is something she’d rather not divulge. India doesn’t want to depend on him for anything, but their constant proximity stirs up feelings she can’t ignore.
In Fated To Love You,A chance encounter turns everything upside down for wealthy CEO Lee Gun and office worker Kim Mi Young, and they must deal with the consequences. This show is wacky and fun, but it also has it’s equal share of serious and melodramatic moments. What made this show a joy to watch how the actors portray the characters and it immediately pulled me into the show.
Why You Should Watch/Read: Loveable characters, Chance Encounters
The Right Swipe takes a deeper look at the world of online dating with a focus on dating apps. The main characters, Samson and Rhiannon, are from two different dating apps and have to collaborate for a project. Even though they briefly dated and it went sour they try to find a amicable way to work with each other. It was very entertaining read and I enjoyed the main leads and the supporting characters that left a presence after I finished the novel.
In My Horrible Boss, life turns into one bumpy ride for a timid employee at a cosmetics company when his new hot-tempered female boss also becomes his next-door neighbor. While romance is not the full focus of the plot, I found this to be even more enjoyable for that reason. Like The Right Swipe, each story focuses on issues that can arise in the workplace and touches on some deeper topics. The writing still manages to keep the story lighthearted overall, and it’s relatable while being humorous.
Why You Should Read/Watch: Workplace Humor, Character/Cast Chemistry, Relatable
Have you watched any of these Korean Dramas or read any of these books? What pairings would you recommend? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
