Did you know that almost all our favourite Korean drama actresses, including Park Shin Hye, Bae Suzy, Park Min Young and more have once fooled the hearts of male leads by pretending to be a boy?
Well! Here are 9 awesome Korean dramas where girls rock the “pretending to be a boy” vibe. From sweet romances to plot twists that’ll keep you hooked, these shows are a total mood. These heartwarming stories that will keep you entertained from start to finish as the leading ladies navigate life in disguise.
1. Coffee Prince
Ever wondered how agreeing to be someone’s gay lover could lead to an unforgettable love story? Dive into “Coffee Prince” and discover the magic! Go Eun Chan (Yoon Eun Hye), resembling a boy, takes on various part-time jobs to support her family. One day, she agrees to pretend to be Choi Han Kyul’s (Gong Yoo) gay lover, who needs one to confuse his blind dates. Not knowing Eun Chan is a girl he still develops feelings for her. Soon! a unique love story unfolds in a coffee shop. Their chemistry is sure to leave you smiling as their strong love develops.
Watch On: WeTV, AppleTV, Netflix, Viki
2. Love In The Moonlight
Hong Ra On (Kim Yoo Jung), disguised as a man to protect her family, becomes a relationship counselor and starts giving dating advice to men, often helping them in their relationships. One day, a love letter she wrote for one of her client is discovered by Crown Prince Lee Young (Park Bo Gum). Her encounter with the Prince sets the stage for a captivating love story filled with unpredictability. What happens when the Crown Prince discovers her true identity?
Watch On: Amazon, Viu, Netflix, Viki
3. Sungkyunkwan Scandal
Imagine studying undercover—what university shenanigans would you get up to? Kim Yun Hee (Park Min Young) disguises herself as a boy to support her family and attend Sungkyunkwan University, after participating in the national exam meant for her brother. This intelligent woman faces challenges while navigating life as a boy and forms unexpected connections. Can she keep her secret?
Watch On: Netflix, Viki
4. The King’s Affection
“The King’s Affection” is the first South Korean television series to win an International Emmy Award for Best Telenovela. It’s story starts with Lee Hwi (Park Eun Bin), a girl abandoned at birth, disguises herself as a male to become the crown prince after the death of her twin brother. As she hides her identity, she becomes attracted to her handsome teacher, Jung Ji Woon (Rowoon), adding layers of complexity to this historical drama.
Watch On: Netflix
5. To The Beautiful You
Enter the world of Goo Jae Hee (Sulli), who goes to great lengths, even disguising herself as a boy to attend a boys’ sports school and be close to her crush, Tae Joon (Choi Min Ho). Somehow, they both become roommates and Goo Jae Hee encourages Tae Joon to start high jump again. They end up liking each other. Their journey, filled with encouragement and blossoming feelings, adds a touch of warmth to this beautiful gender drama.
Watch On: Amazon, AppleTV, Prime Video, Viki
6. You’re Beautiful
After Mi Nam goes to the States to repair a botched eye job, his twin sister, Go Mi Nyeo (Park Shin Hye), disguises as him to join the boy band A.N.JELL. Somehow, other three members in the boyband becomes attracted to her, while she tries to find her mother’s past. Later she finds its connection to one of the member. The story unfolds with humor and heart as she navigates the challenges of maintaining her secret while forming connections within the group and also finding her mother’s past.
Watch On: Amazon, Viu, YouTube, Netflix, Viki
7. Gu Family Book
Choi Kang Chi (Lee Seung Gi) is a half-human and half-gumiho who strives to live as a human. On his search for a mythical Gu family book that will help him become a human, he meets Yeo Wool a martial arts instructor who is disguised as a boy. Choi Kang Chi once saved Yeo Wool (Bae Suzy) when she was young. Despite her fate, Yeo Wool decides to stay with Choi Kang Chi to help him. His encounters with martial arts instructor Dam Yeo Wool lead to a tale of fate, love, and self-discovery.
Watch On: Amazon, AppleTV, Viki
8. Splash Splash Love
The most loved short Korean drama “Splash Splash Love” tells the story of a high school student, Dan Bi (Kim Seul Gi) who hates Maths. She is about to give her KSAT exam, that suddenly a rain shower causes her to transport back in time. She has now gone 100 years back in the Joseon Kingdom. It is the height of the Joseon era and is suffering from severe drought. Dan Bi then meets King Lee Do (Yoon Doo Joon) who likes advance Mathematics a lot. Their love story unfolds against the backdrop of the Joseon era and a severe drought, offering a unique blend of romance and historical elements.
Watch On: AppleTV, Prime Video, Viki
9. Love Detective Sherlock K
Da Hae (Nam Bo Ra), pretends to be “Sherlock K,” a psychologist and relationship expert who helps people with their love lives. She hides her true identity by acting as a man. Assisted by Kang San and Jin Joo, they run a healing cafe. Sherlock K is hired by Do Min Woo to investigate Yoo Na, a star he’s set up with. The drama is short (less than 20 minutes), combines relationship advice, a murder mystery, and a touch of humor, making it a captivating watch.
Watch On: Amazon