5 Irresistible K-Dramas to Satisfy Your Fangirl Heart

One of the best things about Korean dramas is how unapologetically they celebrate fangirls. There’s even a whole sub-genre dedicated to K-dramas about K-pop idols, groups, and their devoted fans—sometimes honoring them, other times turning them into muses. Being a fangirl isn’t just about liking your favorite star; it’s about standing by them, hyping their work, shielding them from negativity, and sharing their talents with the world. Here are 5 must-watch dramas that will satisfy your K-drama heart and your inner fangirl!

1. Lovely Runner (2024)

There’s no denying that Lim Sol (Kim Hye-yoon) is the ultimate fangirl, while Ryu Sun-jae (Byeon Woo-seok) is the perfect lover boy. Lim Sol is a devoted fan of Ryu Sun-jae, a top-tier celebrity. But her world shatters when she hears the heartbreaking news of his tragic death. Just when all hope seems lost, she’s given a chance to go back in time to their high school days. Determined to change their fate, Lim Sol sets out to protect Sun-jae and rewrite their story. Lovely Runner isn’t just a drama that celebrates fangirling—it shows that when the time comes, fans will go to any lengths to save their favorite stars.

2. Her Private Life (2019)

This romantic comedy delivers a simple but empowering message: even with a 9-to-5 corporate job, you can still live out your fangirl dreams. K-drama rom-com queen Park Min-young plays Sung Deok-mi, an art curator by day and a die-hard fan of the fictional K-pop group White Ocean’s Cha Shi-an by night. She runs a dedicated fan site, sharing exclusive photos and insider updates with fellow fans. Add some idol-fan drama, workplace antics, and a fake dating plot, and you’ve got a rom-com that’s nothing short of gold (pun fully intended).

3. Reply 1997 (2012)

The first installment of the beloved Reply series is a heartfelt ode to the world of idols and fangirls. Set in 1997, it follows Sung Shi-won (Jung Eun-ji), a cheerful high school student and passionate fan of the iconic K-pop group H.O.T. Her room is plastered with posters, and she fiercely defends them against anyone who says anything negative. She’s devastated when her father tears the posters off her walls. This drama is a beautiful tribute to fangirling—celebrating the pure, unfiltered love fans have for their idols. While that passion may fade with time, the memories and joy remain forever cherished.

4. Imitation (2021)

While this drama focuses more on the harsh realities and struggles of the K-pop industry, it wouldn’t be complete without exploring the fangirl experience. Lee Ma-ha (Jung Ji-so) is known as a cheap imitator of the famous K-pop soloist La Ri-ma. Her career as a look-alike gives her a second chance to chase her dream, and she eventually debuts as part of the three-member girl group Tea Party. As her career begins to take off, she crosses paths with La Ri-ma (Park Ji-yeon) and the lead singer of the popular boy group SHAX, Kwon Ryok (Lee Jun-young). Meanwhile, her friend Lee Yu-jin (Jeong Yun-ho) of the group Sparkling secretly harbors feelings for her, adding another layer to the drama’s interpersonal web.

What sets Imitation apart is how it highlights a young female idol’s fangirl devotion to another female star—a fresh and compelling twist in a world where fangirling is often portrayed through a male idol’s lens.

5. To the Beautiful You (2012)

When we think of fangirls, it’s usually in the context of K-pop idols, actors, or singers. To the Beautiful You, however, takes a refreshing approach. It follows Goo Jae-hee (Sulli), a young girl who becomes an instant fan after watching a track athlete, Kang Tae-joon (Choi Min-ho), on TV. Her admiration is so intense that she moves from the United States to South Korea to pursue sports and get closer to her idol. To stay near him, she cuts her hair short, disguises herself as a boy, and enrolls in his school—turning fangirling into a bold, adventurous journey.

Which of these dramas speaks to the fangirl within you? Let us know in the comments below!

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