15 Relatable K-Dramas with Shy FL That Everyone Rates 10/10
There's something special about K-dramas that feature shy and timid female leads, as they often tell stories that feel close to our own hearts.
Most of these Korean series are somewhat old-ish, but still – FLs are so relatable, it's literally going to make you tear up.
1. "Do You Like Brahms?" (2020)
In a tale of aspiring classical musicians, violinist Chae Song-ah, older than her peers due to a late start, and pianist Park Joon-young, a child prodigy, wrestle with their dreams, setbacks, and romantic feelings, against the competitive backdrop of a prestigious music school.
2. "When the Camellia Blooms" (2019)
Dongbaek, a single mother, runs a bar in a small town and faces prejudice, but her life takes a turn when a kind-hearted but bumbling policeman, Yong-sik, becomes determined to protect her from her past and a mysterious serial killer targeting local women.
3. "Fated to Love You" (2014)
An accidental one-night stand between timid office worker Kim Mi-young and wealthy heir Lee Gun leads to an unexpected pregnancy and a contract marriage, through which they navigate misunderstandings, personal growth, and genuine affection.
4. "Age of Youth" (also known as "Hello, My Twenties!") (2016)
Five college roommates at Belle Epoque, each with distinct personalities and backgrounds, share life's challenges, romance, and personal growth, revealing secrets and forming unbreakable bonds through their youthful trials.
5. "Flower Boy Next Door" (2013)
Shy and reclusive Go Dok-mi is drawn out of her shell by her cheerful and handsome neighbor, Enrique Geum, leading to a series of misunderstandings, friendships, and a journey of self-discovery alongside a quirky cast of neighbors.
6. "Oh My Ghostess" (2015)
Na Bong-sun, a timid chef assistant, becomes possessed by a lustful virgin ghost, Shin Soon-ae, leading to unexpected changes in her life, including a confusing relationship with her arrogant boss, Kang Sun-woo, and a quest to resolve Soon-ae's unresolved issues.
7. "Dream High" (2011)
Six students at Kirin High School share dreams of becoming K-pop stars, facing challenges of competition, personal growth, and romance, eventually discovering their true selves and what it truly means to achieve their dreams.
8. "Cheese in the Trap" (2016)
University student Hong Seol navigates her relationship with enigmatic senior Yoo Jung; while initially drawn to each other, Seol becomes wary of Jung's manipulative tendencies, uncovering dark secrets that challenge their trust and understanding.
9. "Just Between Lovers" (2017)
Lee Gang-doo and Ha Moon-soo, survivors of a tragic building collapse, find solace and healing in each other as they confront their physical and emotional scars, and work together on the reconstruction project of the accident site, finding love amidst shared grief.
10. "My Holo Love" (2020)
Lonely So-yeon becomes entangled in a love triangle with Holo, a near-perfect AI companion, and its creator, Go Nan-do, who has been hiding from the world; their interactions challenge the boundaries between human and artificial emotion.
11. "Beautiful Gong Shim" (2016)
Gong Shim, overshadowed by her beautiful sister, rents out her rooftop room to Ahn Dan-tae, a quirky lawyer working to uncover a corporate conspiracy, leading to unexpected romance and Gong Shim's pursuit of her own dreams.
12. "Another Miss Oh" (2016)
Two women named Oh Hae-young find their lives intertwined in a twist of fate involving mistaken identity and premonitions, as sound engineer Park Do-kyung, who's been seeing visions of one Hae-young's future, tries to rectify his past mistakes and untangle their complicated relationships.
13. "True Beauty" (2020-2021)
Lim Ju-kyung, after mastering the art of makeup to overcome her insecurities, navigates high school life and a love triangle involving her secretive friend Lee Su-ho and the spirited Han Seo-jun, while learning about self-esteem and true beauty.
14. "She Was Pretty" (2015)
Once beautiful, Hye-jin's fortunes have faded, but when her handsome childhood friend, Sung-joon, who doesn't recognize her, returns, she panics and sends her attractive best friend in her place, leading to a series of comic mishaps and a heartwarming romance.
15. "Heart to Heart" (2015)
Cha Hong-do suffers from severe social phobia and blushes excessively; after her grandmother's death, she seeks the help of a psychiatrist, Go Yi-seok, to face the world, leading to healing, love, and understanding amidst personal insecurities and family issues.