7 K-dramas where the “fake dating” trope absolutely delivered

The fake dating trope in K-dramas is loved by fans. The setup of two people fake-dating or in a fake marriage contract is a classic. The thing that starts as a strategic alliance almost always blossoms into something more.

This trope always intrigues the viewers. These K-dramas are the perfect recipe for heartwarming moments. Along with it, the hilarious misunderstandings are also interesting to watch.

These K-dramas also have just the right amount of romance and awkward situations. The K-dramas in this list nail this trope. So, if you are a fan of watching sparks fly as two people pretend to be together, then this is the right place for you.

---

7 K-dramas where the “fake dating” trope absolutely delivered

1) Love In Contract

This K-drama is truly one of the most interesting depictions of fake dating turned real. Choi Sang-eun is a professional. Her work is to pretend to date single men through contracts.

She is not only well-versed but also has many abilities that make her intriguing. Initially, she is booked for Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for a mysterious man named Jung Ji-ho.

On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, she has to pretend to be with Jang Hae-jin. As the story progresses, this simple routine does not stay simple anymore. It gets more and more complicated.

Sang-eun finds herself in the middle of a love triangle. This K-drama is truly a heartwarming one. If you are looking for a fake dating trope in K-dramas, then this is the perfect starter for you.

---

2) Coffee Prince

This K-drama brings us a unique aspect of the fake dating trope. Han-gyeol’s life is filled with comfort and leisure. As a chaebol, he has never worked a day in his life.

All he is concerned about is being with the woman he loves. His first love, Yoo-joo, does not care about him. For her, he is just a friend. Han-gyeol’s grandmother decides to find a wife for him and plans blind dates for him as well.

Now, to evade going on the blind dates, he hatches a plan. He decides to pretend to date Eun-chan so that his grandmother stops sending him to the blind dates. Eun-chan is a tomboy and often gets mistaken for a boy.

Though Han-gyeol does not know that Eun-chan is a boy. He also hires him at his coffee shop. As the story progresses, things start to change. Han-gyeol’s feelings towards Eun-chan start to evolve.

He questions his sexuality and finds himself more and more confused as the days go by. This K-drama truly brings forth the essence of fake dating in an intriguing manner.

---

3) Her Private Life

The trope of fake dating in K-dramas is truly an intriguing concept for the viewers. To see two people pretend to be together but then fall in love with one another makes our hearts sing.

The fake dating aspect in this K-drama shines bright with Deok-mi and Ryan Gold’s story. Deok-mi is not just a chief curator at Cheum Museum of Art; she is also a huge fan of Cha Shi-an.

She maintains a fansite for Cha Shi-an with utmost dedication. However, when she gets entangled in the dating rumor with Cha Shi-an, things start to get complicated for her.

Ryan Gold decides to help Deok-mi find a way out of the difficult situation. He gives her a suggestion to fake date him so that the rumors die down. Deok-mi and Ryan start their fake dating, which leads them to spend more time together. As days go by, their feelings for one another start to evolve.

---

4) Marriage Contract

Among the many K-dramas with the fake dating trope, this one truly shines bright. Especially with its sombre and heartwarming storyline. Hye-soo is a struggling mother.

After her husband’s death, her life has not been easy. From tacking her late husband’s debts to taking care of her daughter, she finds it difficult to make ends meet.

On the other hand, the male lead, Lee Ji-hoon’s life, seems quite the opposite of Hye-soo's. He is the son of a chaebol. Yet he seeks a contractual marriage so that he can save his mother.

His mother has a disease and urgently requires a liver transplant. Hye-soo and Ji-hoon decide to start a contractual marriage. The contract marriage would be beneficial for both of them.

Ji-hoon would be able to take care of Hye-soo’s daughter. Hye-soo would be able to donate her liver to Ji-hoon’s mother.

As the story progresses, they spend more and more time together. Their feelings for one another grow. This K-drama is definitely a must-watch.

---

5) Crash Landing On You

Yoon Se-ri and Jeong-hyeok’s story in this K-drama shows us how often fake dating can become the propelling factor for the development of real feelings.

After a dangerous paragliding accident, Se-ri ends up in the DMZ portion of North Korea. Initially, she does not understand the situation. She tries to escape. However, she ends up getting into more trouble.

Jeong-hyeok decides to help Se-ri. He even plans out her escape so that she can reach her home in South Korea safely. However, if the villagers find out about her real identity, it would be dangerous for both him and Se-ri.

So, he tells the people of the village that they are together. He tries his best to give Se-ri as much comfort as possible. Her lifestyle in South Korea was much different.

This K-drama is not just filled with Se-ri and Jeong-hyeok’s romance but also intense suspense and thrill. Se-ri and Jeong-hyeok face numerous dangers as they try to escape and find safety.

---

6) Love to Hate You

This list would be incomplete without the fake dating of Yeo Mi-ran and Kang-ho. Kang-ho is a well-acclaimed actor with a huge fanbase.

Due to the complications with his past relationship, he gets anxiety attacks whenever he touches another woman. Hence, he has to take medications before doing any scene where he has to be near a female actor.

Yeo Mi-ran is a lively lawyer. She is also well accustomed to fighting and enjoys winning. Due to a misunderstanding, she starts to dislike Kang-ho. However, she ends up getting a job in the same law firm that works for Kang-ho.

After getting entangled in a scandal, Kang-ho’s manager asks Mi-ran to go into a fake relationship with Kang-ho so that the rumors subside. This starts off their story.

Though initially they are hostile towards one another, Mi-ran’s nature completely shocks Kang-ho. He starts to get more and more attached to her. This K-drama has depicted the slow development of Kang-ho and Mi-ran’s feelings towards one another realistically and genuinely.

This resonates with the viewers. This K-drama can definitely be on your watchlist for a weekend binge-watch.

---

7) Business Proposal

This K-drama is the perfect example of how often fake dating turns into something more. Shin Ha-ri and Jin Young-seo are long-time best friends. They went through many ups and downs together in their lives.

Despite the difference in their economic background, their friendship remained strong. Whenever Yeong-seo’s father starts to make her go on blind dates, she asks for Ha-ri’s help.

Ha-ri would use her tactics to evade these men. However, one day, Young-seo’s father fixes a blind date with Kang Tae-moo. Once again, Ha-ri pretends to be Young-seo and goes on a date to make him reject her.

However, Tae-moo does not get scared of her antics. Rather, he tells her to get married to him so that he does not have to go to any more blind dates. This starts off their blind dating journey.

Initially, Ha-ri is not aware of Tae-moo’s identity. However, when she finds out that Tae-moo is her boss, things start to get complicated for her. This K-drama is truly a binge-worthy gem.

If you are looking for K-dramas with a fake-dating trope that will make you belly laugh, then this is the right choice for you.

---

For more such interesting pieces, stay tuned to Soap Central.