Realistic Romance- Modern World
Even if the drama takes some creative liberties- fantasy- the relationship between the leads is in some way rooted in reality and fleshed out to 3-D real life, whether it is the acting alone or the writing in some capacity, or both.
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1. Koi wa Tsuzuku yo Doko Made mo
Japanese Drama - 2020, 10 episodes
If you think this is the same storyline of the insecure but determined girl who has a crush on the cold jerk-like guy, you’re wrong. It’s the version I have always wanted- one where the girl is not portrayed as an idiot (sorta) and one who does care about their career in comparison to the guy + the guy is not the typical cold jerk - he has reasoning for his behavior and he does get reprimanded by the girl *. He genuinely has affection for her and their relationship isn’t forced. The guy genuinely finds her attractive despite the girl’s casting and lack of fashionable clothing/makeup to picture her as a determined girl but that’s it. She’s not ugly-none of the characters think so and he likes her for who she is! He is affectionate in their relationship and makes a point to talk with her when he notices her feeling insecure/etc not because it’s annoying. But because he cares about her and the relationship. For the first time ever- I heard on a JDRAMA- “I am not dating you so you can take care of me!” THANK YOU. Overall- this relationship is real and mature! Way different than others of the same “type”.
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2. Yumi's Cell
Korean Drama - 2021, 14 episodes
Absolutely brilliant! I did not realize the significance of the beginning of the cells and showing the inner workings of her mind and feelings. This was more than a romance story and I am glad there will be a season 2 and 3 tracking her relationships till marriage but more importantly, her growth! The romance is fluffy but real :)
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3. Youkai Share House
Japanese Drama - 2020, 8 episodes
WOW WOW WOW. This was amazing. It was wacky but they managed to execute the show perfectly. The development of the character and the storyline with her friends was amazing. The ending was amazing though- she truly did become a person who doesn't care what anybody thinks and the lesson about how a man cannot make you happy alone, was perfect.
Not a romance in the ending- but considering a technicality of the show. you'll get to see some romance, The reason why it belongs on the list though- is because of the message about how romance, a relationship with someone, cannot make you happy or fulfill you. You do that on your own.
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4. Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu
Japanese Drama - 2016, 11 episodes
This was not the typical opposites attract storyline. I was pleasantly surprised! They are actually more alike than different. One great point this show brought up is that just because you communicate well and love your partner, it does not mean things are going to work out. They work on their relationship together as a team and talk frankly about their expectations on more than one occasion.
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5. Totsuzen Desu ga, Ashita Kekkon Shimasu
Japanese Drama - 2017, 9 episodes
This was an AMAZING drama. Why? The description makes you think the female lead is childish and trying to push her view of marriage on her bf but in reality, while it seems to be that way, in the beginning, it quickly becomes apparent the 2 are aware of their different views and chose to be together for an indefinite period because they genuinely have this attraction and desire to be together. The leads had great chemistry which you can attribute to the acting and writing. This show showed a very realistic portrayal of people who "shouldn't" be together do so anyway and end up making it work. The male lead's initial rude behavior stopped quickly and he did make a point to apologize- plus the writing explained realistically why he was mean. The male lead had this unique confidence around her while also being quick at times to admit his feelings for her and his thoughts. Rather than being a 2-D perfect boyfriend, he was really fleshed out to be a walking contradiction of confidence and insecurity. His change to agree to marriage was not immediate which is realistic and the female lead's ultimate respect for his decisions is unique to the drama world and important. THIS IS ONE OF THE FEW SHOWS THAT SOMEHOW WITH THE COMBO OF ACTING AND WRITING CAN PORTRAY 2 PEOPLE MEETING THAT HAVE AN INSTANT CHEMISTRY.
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6. Hitomonchaku nara Yorokonde!
Japanese Drama - 2023, 10 episodes
I liked it! It was a unique love story. They initially connected because of their shared goals/ambition. They continued to see each other after their first meeting because he asked her to help him improve his business as a consultant. Both the FML and ML were not perfect but improved through spending time together.
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7. Hayako Sensei
Japanese Drama - 2016, 9 episodes
Really like how the main lead met her love interest and their interactions - wish they could've shown a future timeline where they were married but the ending was good too.