K-Dramas regularly sweep viewers off their feet with their heart-fluttering depiction of romance. Many K-Dramas focus on exploring healthy, loving relationships, but some lean into more “toxic” depictions of romance that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. If you like watching messy relationships unfold on screen, these series might be for you.
1. So I Married An Anti-Fan
So I Married An Anti-Fan tells the love story of Hoo Joon (Choi Tae Joon), a globally famous celebrity, and Geun Young (Girls’ Generation‘s Sooyoung), a magazine reporter and Hoo Joon’s “anti-fan.” Although their relationship starts as an “enemies to lovers” trope, some viewers actually don’t think their relationship is toxic.
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That label is reserved for the secondary couple, Jae Joon (2PM‘s Chansung) and In Hyung (Han Ji An). Unlike the main couple’s relationship, which evolves through the series, their “love” is all about jealousy and possessiveness.
ok but honestly in hyung and jae joon’s relationship is just pure toxic
— mei (@_springardens) June 6, 2021
2. Tempted
Tempted has every essential piece for a dramatic, toxic, and captivating drama. Kwon Shi Hyun (Woo Do Hwan) is the cliche playboy who feels no emotion for the women he sleeps with. He then takes a bet to seduce Eun Tae Hee (Red Velvet‘s Joy), who doesn’t focus on dating and leads a virtuous life. Although they inevitably fall in love, their relationship is established on lies, deceit, and a bet.
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3. Young Lady And Gentleman
Although many K-dramas have been criticized for the age gaps between characters, some viewers found Young Lady And Gentleman especially problematic after one flashback scene. The show depicts the love story between Lee Young Kook (Ji Hyun Woo), a single father in his 40s, and Park Dan Dan (Lee Se Hee), an independent woman in her 20s.
Fans tolerated the age gap, as the characters were both adults. However, when the drama showed one flashback scene of their first meeting, Park Dan Dan (played by Kim Min Seo in the scene) was only 13 years old. Thus many viewers found the relationship “creepy” and toxic.
every time I see young lady and gentleman related stuff, the plot gets worse and worse. like everything’s just so toxic and messed up? the only reason I’ll ever watch it is cause I wanna see if it can get any worse
— ellia ♡ (@ellialily) February 22, 2022
4. True Beauty
Many K-Dramas focus on love triangles, and viewers tend to enthusiastically root for their favorites. Such was the case for True Beauty, where fans of the series voiced their strong opinions about each character. The K-Drama follows the journey of high school student Im Ju Kyung (Moon Ga Young), who struggles with insecurities about her appearance, managing them with expert make-up skills. During high school, rich Lee Su Ho (ASTRO‘s Cha Eunwoo) and “bad boy” Han Seo Jun (Hwang In Youp) both fall for Ju Kyung’s charms.
tvn just turned true beauty into a cliche predictable, toxic love story – basically everything that the webtoon WASNT.
— bel
(@HWANGIYPD) January 19, 2021
Although Su Ho was Ju Kyung’s main love interest, some viewers found his behavior problematic. They saw his character as being too controlling or possessive of Ju Kyung.
i had never go against suho but this feels so off. really you get back with this for this? i had the same experienced and i swear this is so toxic & suffocating for a girl.
but anyways yeah it happened
pic.twitter.com/TalDS7rUSI
— kai (@4inyeopx) February 5, 2021
And while many rooted for the “underdog” second male lead, Seo Jun, viewers also criticized his behavior toward Ju Kyung, mainly focusing on his jealousy and treatment of his friends.
I just saw a tweet that irked me. I’ll just say I legitimately dislike Seojun as a character because of the way he blames Suho, who is already suffering, for something out of his control. Then they mend fences, but he still boxes him out upon his return because he’s jealous.
— kdrama trash
(@tttalkskdrama) December 2, 2020
Even Ju Kyung herself had her toxic moments, according to these viewers.
jukyung’s toxic behaviour is killing my mood here. she has so much insecurities but refuses to voice them out, and allows herself to be played by her sly friend just as they calculated. #여신강림 #truebeauty pic.twitter.com/B5o40Zo3zg
— 남고주스 (@namgojuice) February 6, 2021
5. Nevertheless
Nevertheless frequently pops up when K-Drama viewers discuss toxic romances. After all, that’s the entire point of this series. Nevertheless follows university students Park Jae Eon (Song Kang) and Yoo Na Bi (Han So Hee). Their relationship is tumultuous, to say the least, and driven more by lust than love.
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picking up kdrama nevertheless just bc their relationship is toxic and that’s more interesting
— aiyana (@sunshinestype) July 5, 2021
I saw some ppl qrt and comment with nevertheless butterfly toxic couple let me laugh one moment pls https://t.co/PVHl4UVehX pic.twitter.com/eEtbTvQXo8
— ꨄ︎ (@kcdramaniac) May 1, 2023
If messy love stories aren’t your thing, no worries! We have recommendations for you too.
7 K-Dramas With The Healthiest Romantic Relationships, According To Fans
