Why Mature Romances Are Becoming K-Drama’s Hottest Trend: The Rise of Middle-Age Love Stories
- Disha Paul
- 24 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Lately, K-dramas have been exploring romantic stories beyond youthful first loves, with an increasing number of shows featuring characters in their 30s, 40s, or beyond.
Every month, at least one new drama shines a spotlight on middle-aged romance, and the latest, My Troublesome Star, is trending hard.
Our Top Picks on K-Dramas Featuring Middle-Age Romance You Should Watch!
Here are notable series where romantic relationships involve characters well into adulthood.
My Troublesome Star
A once-famous actress wakes up decades later in the body of a middle-aged woman. She tries to return to acting while piecing together lost years.
A former detective becomes her unlikely ally.
As they face career setbacks and family secrets, a gentle romance grows between two people starting over.
Aired: July 12 to September 1, 2025
No. of Episodes: 16
Cast: Uhm Jung Hwa, Song Seung-heon, Lee El, Oh Dae-hwan, Jang Da-A
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Love Take Two
Love, Take Two follows Lee Ji An, a strong single mother whose world turns upside down when her rebellious daughter and first love reappear in her life.
Meanwhile, her daughter crosses paths with Ryu Jeong Seok’s son, sparking unexpected emotions and setting the stage for romance across two generations.
Aired: August 4 to September 9, 2025
No. of Episodes: 12
Cast: Yum Jung-ah, Park Hae-joon, Kim Min-kyu, Choi Yoon-ji
Streaming Platform: Viki, TVING, and Wavve in Korea
Mad for Each Other
A hot-tempered detective and a woman dealing with trauma meet at therapy. Both are hurt and guarded.
Their daily clashes slowly turn into care. The show portrays healing with warmth and shows love blossoming after difficult times.
Aired: May 24 to June 21, 2021
No. of Episodes: 13
Cast: Jung Woo, Oh Yeon-seo, Ahn Woo-yeon, Lee Su-hyun
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Not Others
A single mother and her adult daughter share a tiny home and a loud, loving life. They fight, make up, and face work and romance together.
Boys come and go, but their bond stays. The show mixes cosy humour with touching moments about family and second chances.
Aired: July 17 to September 5, 2023
No. of Episodes: 12
Cast: Jeon Hye-jin, Choi Sooyoung, Ahn Jae-wook, Park Sung-hoon
Streaming Platform: Viki, Prime Video in select regions
Romance in the House
A father who vanished returns years later as the wealthy owner of the family’s old home. His comeback stirs anger, hope, and fresh starts.
As the family learns why he left, parents and adult children make new rules for love and life. The romance is mature, messy, and sweet.
Aired: August 3 to September 1, 2024
No. of Episodes: 10
Cast: Ji Jin-hee, Kim Ji-soo, Son Na-eun, Choi Min-ho, Jung Woong-in
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Love Your Enemy
Two ex-lovers meet again as rivals at work. Old wounds reopen, but so do old feelings.
Each case they handle tests pride and trust. They learn when to fight and when to hold on, turning rivalry into a grown-up romance.
Aired: November 9 to December 15, 2024
No. of Episodes: 12
Cast: Lee Sun-bin, Lee Sang-yeob, Kim Ji-eun, Kim Sung-ryung
Streaming Platform: Viki, Disney+ in select regions
Touch Your Heart
A star actress takes a job as a lawyer’s secretary to study for a role. He is cold and strict. She is warm and chaotic.
Slowly, they help each other grow. The office turns into a safe place where real love feels simple and kind.
Aired: February 6 to March 28, 2019
No. of Episodes: 16
Cast: Yoo In-na, Lee Dong-wook, Lee Sang-woo, Son Sung-yoon
Streaming Platform: Netflix, Viki
One Spring Night
A librarian meets a kind pharmacist. She has a long-term boyfriend and a life that looks stable.
Small talks become deeper. She must choose between habit and an honest heart, showing love as a quiet, adult decision.
Aired: May 22 to July 11, 2019
No. of Episodes: 16
Cast: Han Ji-min, Jung Hae-in, Kim Joon-han
Streaming Platform: Netflix
Love to Hate You
A fearless lawyer who does not trust men crosses paths with a famous actor who does not trust women. Sparks fly fast.
Their fake dating pact turns real. Under the jokes, the show gives a bright look at grown-up love and respect.
Aired: February 10, 2023
No. of Episodes: 10
Cast: Kim Ok-vin, Yoo Teo, Kim Ji-hoon, Go Won-hee
Streaming Platform: Netflix
I Have a Lover
A top lawyer loses her memory after a crash and unknowingly meets her ex-husband again. The two once hurt each other deeply.
As truth returns, they face guilt and forgiveness. It is a sweeping second-chance romance about adults choosing love after pain.
Aired: August 22, 2015 to February 28, 2016
No. of Episodes: 50
Cast: Kim Hyun-joo, Ji Jin-hee, Park Han-byul, Lee Kyu-han
Streaming Platform: Viki
Why This Trend Matters
Middle-aged romances bring realism and emotional depth, often missing from youthful love stories.
They feature characters with careers, regrets, baggage, responsibilities and still, hope for connection. These stories resonate with viewers who want to see love that evolves, heals, and doesn’t follow the usual formula.
Your Thoughts?
Do you think middle-aged romance is becoming a new K-drama trend worth exploring and watching, or still just a niche?
Which series on the list moves you most at this point in life? Let us know in the comments!