If you love a good K-drama that has that sweet, lighthearted, and full of warmth feeling, look no further. I've started devouring some of the most iconic, beloved series like 2521 and Reply 1988, and below are some K-dramas that give off the same cozy, heart-fluttering energy.

1. Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo (2016)

This drama is like a warm hug with all the funny bits of a rom-com. It follows Kim Bok-Joo, a strong but softhearted weightlifter, as she navigates college life, dreams, and her first love. She explores romance with her childhood friend Joon-Hyung, which is incredibly wholesome, and her friend group is chaotic, hilarious, and endlessly supportive. This is perfect if you want a feel-good romance without unnecessary angst.

Honestly, Bok-Joo and her squad cracked me up. The way they teased each other, comforted each other, and went through silly “missions” together was adorable.

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2. Twinkling Watermelon (2023)

A musically gifted boy accidentally time-slips into the past and ends up forming a high school band with his teenage father and friends. While there’s romance (and it’s sweet), the real beauty is in the friendships, music, and heartwarming family themes. This is perfect if you want a story that makes you laugh, cry, and cherish the people around you.

My favorite part was watching Eun-Gyeol bond with his dad, which was truly an emotional rollercoaster. It’s rare to see a K-drama dive this deep into parent-child relationships, so that felt special. The friend group’s goofy energy also reminded me so much of Reply 1988’s neighborhood squad.

3. Rookie Cops (2022)

Set at the Korean National Police University, this drama blends romance with coming-of-age friendships. The main couple starts off bickering but quickly develops into one of the most adorable, supportive K-drama romances. The squad dynamics of late-night food runs and pranks will make you feel as if you're right there with the group of friends.

4. I’m Not a Robot (2017)

A wealthy man allergic to human contact falls for a woman pretending to be a robot. The setup sounds silly, but trust me: this drama is full of clever comedy, surprisingly touching romance, and tender emotional moments.

Watching the male lead slowly open up to “the robot” was so sweet. His awkwardness, paired with her desperate improvising, gave me some of the funniest and most heartfelt moments I’ve seen in a rom-com.

5. Hospital Playlist (2020)

Made by the creators of Reply 1988, this drama trades a neighborhood for a hospital, but the feeling is the same: a tight-knit group of friends who feel like family. Each character has their own quiet romance or life story, but what keeps you watching are the friendships and little slices of life. Every time the five friends jammed together as a band, I couldn’t stop smiling.

6. School 2021 (2021)

Unlike other School installments, School 2021 focuses on vocational high school students figuring out who they are outside of traditional academic paths. The romance is youthful and sweet, but what really stands out is the friend group dynamic, which feels very genuine and heartwarming. I loved seeing how the students found pride in paths that weren’t the typical “top university” route.

7. My Lovely Sam Soon (2005)

This one is a K-drama classic. Sam-Soon is a bold, witty pastry chef who doesn’t fit the usual mold of a K-drama heroine. Her romance with Hyun Bin’s character is equal parts hilarious and swoony.

I genuinely loved the main character so much. Sam-Soon is witty, unapologetic, and one of the most relatable heroines I’ve ever watched. I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.