The Childhood Connection: The Psychological Reason K-Dramas Are Obsessed with This Trope

Hello! This is Sunny from K-Music Note.

"This is purely business. We must never, ever develop real feelings for each other." In the world of K-drama, a 'contract relationship' almost always begins with this solemn vow. But as viewers, we know the delicious truth: no rule, no matter how strict, stands a chance against a slowly blossoming love. This magical narrative, where a fake relationship evolves into a real one, is a foolproof formula for a hit romantic comedy. But not all contract romances are created equal. Today, I'm here to recommend a binge-watching list of contract relationship dramas, each with its own unique charm, perfectly curated to match your taste.

A Curated List of Contract Romances for Every Mood

The thrilling start to these relationships is the same, but the stories they tell offer vastly different kinds of fun and emotion. What kind of drama are you craving right now?

1. For a Classic, Laugh-Out-Loud Rom-Com:

If you want to laugh, swoon, and just have a good time without any heavy angst, 'Business Proposal' is the perfect choice. The story follows a woman who pretends to be her friend on a blind date to scare off the suitor, only to discover he's the CEO of her company. He then blackmails her into a contract relationship to deceive his grandfather. It's a masterclass in the genre, hitting every beloved trope with perfect comedic timing and sparkling chemistry. Both the main and secondary couples are so charming you'll be smiling through every episode.

2. For a Heartfelt, Healing Romance:

This is a masterpiece that uses the fantasy of a contract relationship to explore the hyper-realistic struggles of millennials in 2025. A 'house-poor' IT employee who needs rental income and a 'homeless' aspiring drama writer who needs a place to live enter a marriage of convenience. Living under one roof, they learn to navigate life, comfort each other, and find real love. The drama is filled with profound quotes about careers, love, and the meaning of home that resonate deeply. If you're looking for a show that will leave a lasting impression on your heart, this is it.

3. For a Taste of the Trope-Defining Classic:

This is the OG, the classic that arguably launched the modern contract romance craze in K-dramas. An aspiring scriptwriter is tricked by her friends and loses her house to a famous, arrogant actor. To get it back, she agrees to enter a contract marriage with him. The drama sets the standard for the 'enemies-to-lovers' dynamic as the two leads, who can't stand each other at first, slowly develop real feelings through forced proximity. It's a delightful throwback and a chance to see two of Korea's biggest stars, Song Hye-kyo and Rain, in their fresh-faced prime.

[Insider's Tip] For writers, the 'contract relationship' is one of the most powerful 'engines' in the romance genre. It's a single setup that naturally creates countless compelling situations, from 'forced cohabitation' to 'deceiving friends and family.' It's an attractive device because it provides a logical reason to force the main characters into close proximity, allowing the story to jump right into their emotional development and letting the audience focus completely on their changing feelings.

Countless other 'contract relationship' dramas are out there, each with its own charm. Which one will you choose? I hope this list helps you start your next exciting binge-watch!

Core Ideas in 3 Lines

• The 'contract romance' is a beloved K-drama formula that delivers the thrill of a forbidden secret and the swoon-worthy inevitability of fake love turning real.
• For a light and hilarious modern rom-com, is a perfect choice, while offers a deep, healing story about modern life.
• To see where it all began, the classic is a must-watch that defined the 'enemies-to-lovers' charm of the contract relationship trope.