10 Fake Relationship K-Dramas If You Love a Little Tension Before the Happy Ending

If you crave a drama that offers the perfect mix of heart-stopping moments and an overdose of unresolved tension, look no further than fake relationship/marriage-themed K-dramas.

Whether the setup involves mutual consent, forced agreement, or a relationship of convenience, this trope never fails to captivate viewers.

Here are 10 of the best fake relationship K-dramas that promise to satisfy your craving for complex and passionate storytelling.

10. Because This Is My First Life (2017)

This delightful series follows the lives of Yoon Ji-ho and Nam Se-hee as Yoon Ji-ho, an aspiring writer facing housing challenges due to her younger brother, crosses paths with Nam Se-hee, the owner of an upper-class townhouse looking for a roommate to ease his mortgage burden.

Initial misunderstandings and the challenges of living together pave the way for a surprising revelation, setting the stage for a contract marriage trope born of mutual convenience.

9. Marriage, Not Dating (2014)

This comedic gem revolves around wealthy plastic surgeon Gong Gi Tae, who is determined to avoid marriage, and luxury brand employee Joo Jang Mi, whose ultimate dream is to tie the knot. Facing constant pressure from his parents to marry, Gi Tae devises a plan to bring Jang Mi home posing as his girlfriend in the belief that his parents will disapprove.

The series takes a humorous and heartfelt look at the complexities of relationships and social expectations, featuring standout performances from Yeon Woo Jin and Han Groo.

8. Mr. Queen (2020)

Taking viewers back in time, Mr. Queen introduces the future Queen Cheorin, who is destined to marry Yi Won Beom, the future King Cheoljong, in a politically arranged marriage orchestrated by Cheorin's clan. However, things become complicated when Cheoljong falls in love with another woman.

The situation takes a dramatic turn when So Yong attempts to drown herself before the wedding, but in a supernatural twist, the queen's soul is replaced by a modern man, adding complexity and humor to the historical setting.

7. Business Proposal (2022)

This K-drama revolves around an office romance between President Kang, a dedicated food company CEO, and Shin Ha Ri, a food researcher portrayed by K-pop sensation Kim Se Jeong. The story takes an unexpected turn when Ha Ri, instead of her best friend, goes on a blind date and runs into her boss, President Kang.

As their professional and personal lives become entwined, the series explores the complexities of relationships and the challenges of navigating love within the confines of the corporate world.

6. Fated To Love You (2014)

After a series of comical mishaps lead to Mi Young's pregnancy following a one-night stand, the lives of Kim Mi Young and Lee Gun take an unexpected turn. The situation escalates into a whirlwind, prompting their elders to arrange a shotgun marriage, but navigating this forced union, the couple discovers their connection runs deeper than correcting one night's mistake.

Jang Hyuk and Jang Na Ra bring charm and emotion to their roles, making Fated to Love You a heartwarming and entertaining exploration of unexpected love.

5. 100 Days My Prince (2018)

In this K-drama set against a historical backdrop, Crown Prince Lee Yul suffers from amnesia after an assassination attempt and lives under the name Na Won Deuk after being rescued by Yeon Hong Shim's adoptive father. Hong Shim finds herself in a dilemma when Lee Yul orders mandatory marriages for all adults, with extreme consequences for those who resist.

Unaware of her true identity due to Lee Yul's memory loss, he is informed that he is betrothed to Hong Shim, forcing her into a marriage shrouded in mystery.

4. Be My Boyfriend (2021)

This charming series centers on Ji Na, who is not only the school beauty queen, but also an aspiring idol. When her ex-boyfriend Hyung Tak tries to rekindle their relationship, Ji Na tells a white lie, claiming that she already has a boyfriend.

To solidify her story, Ji Na seeks the help of Seung Min, an ordinary student with a secret crush on her, and proposes a fake relationship to keep up appearances. As the story unfolds, the drama explores the complexities of fake relationships, blending humor and romance while navigating the challenges of high school life.

3. Ending Again (2020)

The third installment in the Flower Ever After and Best Ending series, Ending Again tells the story of Chan In Young, who decides to avoid marriage after a recent breakup. The plot takes an interesting turn when she meets Do Yoon Soo, a school outcast, and in a quirky twist, they decide to enter into a contractual marriage in order to qualify for government financial support for newlyweds.

As the two navigate their newly married status, the drama unfolds with a blend of humor, romance, and surprising twists, providing viewers with a delightful and entertaining viewing experience.

2. Something About 1 Percent (2016)

This classic fake marriage K-drama revolves around Lee Jae-in, played by Ha Seok-jin, a wealthy businessman who makes a deal with Kim Da-hyun, played by Jeon So-min, a preschool teacher, to contractually marry him.

When Lee Jae In's grandfather dictates that Da Hyun must be the chosen bride for his grandchildren to inherit the family business, the two decide to sign a six-month contract for a fake relationship. Featuring captivating chemistry between the leads, the series offers a charming exploration of fake relationship dynamics, making it a must-watch for K-drama fans.

1. I Picked Up a Star on the Road (2018)

This captivating series takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride with contract worker Lee Yeon Seo as she unintentionally finds herself in a hilarious yet unpredictable situation. As Yeon Seo daydreams of giving her manager a hard time, her fantasies take an unexpected turn when she accidentally takes it out on Hallyu top star Kang Joon Hyuk.

Believing that she has accidentally caused his demise, Yeon Seo panics and decides to take him home and plans to dispose of the "body". Surprisingly, Joon Hyuk wakes up thinking he's been kidnapped by a murderous psychopath. Faced with a dilemma, Yeon Seo decides to keep him hostage to avoid being reported to the police.