Top 9 Best Contract Marriage K-Dramas To Have On Your Watchlist

Contract marriage was a huge trend in 2023 K-Dramas and continues to be so today. However, they have been around for quite a while now, almost as far back as we can remember. Some of the most popular and iconic romance K-Dramas have historically included the contract marriage theme and it is a popular trope for a reason, even among higher trending themes. So, if you're like us and can't get enough of it, check out our starter pack for the top 9 contract marriage K-Dramas that you need to watch now!

Note: This list was first published in 2023 and updated several times with new releases. Latest update: December 2024. This list is not a ranking.

1. "Full House"

KBS

When: 2004

Cast: Rain, Song HyeKyo

Summary: Laced with Y2K nostalgia, "Full House" tells the story of Han JiEun, a young woman who is duped by her friends and loses her cherished house to superstar actor Lee YoungJae.

Reasons To Watch: The OG of contract marriage K-Dramas, "Full House" continues to be one of the best renditions of this theme. Determined to get her house back, Han JiEun starts working for Lee YoungJae as a maid, but the two eventually enter into a contract marriage. Despite not getting along well, enemies turn to lovers soon enough, and an exciting romance blooms between the two, full of ups and downs. If you're concerned about how old this K-Drama is, rest assured because the writing is not the least bit outdated, and although there are stereotypical tropes, you'll find them endearing nonetheless.

2. "Because This Is My First Life"

tvN

When: 2017

Cast: Jung SoMin, Lee MinKi

Summary: Two young people, each suffering from their own financial difficulties, decide to get married on the terms and conditions of a 2-year contract but live as landlord and tenant. However, the forced proximity and the play pretend of being a married couple allow them to open up to each other in ways they never imagined and heal the wounds in their hearts.

Reasons To Watch: Widely recognized as one of the best rom-com K-Dramas of all time, "Because This Is My First Life" is all about contract marriage. However, unlike most K-Dramas where this trope is used, this one is actually quite realistic and has a relevant critique of society at large. Jung SoMin and Lee MinKi are fantastic in this series, and it is also the perfect K-Drama to get out of a viewing slump.

3. "You Are My Destiny"

MBC

When: 2014

Cast: Jang Hyuk, Jang NaRa

Summary: The story revolves around Lee Gun (played by Jang Hyuk) and Kim MiYoung (played by Jang NaRa), who accidentally sleep together, leading to an unplanned pregnancy. This pregnancy comes just in time when Lee Gun is facing a power struggle at his family company and needs an heir. The two enter into a contract marriage and slowly warm up to each other.

Reasons To Watch: Another outstanding classic, "You Are My Destiny", also known as "Fated To Love You", has something for everyone. From the hilarity for the comedy lovers to the melodrama for the ones who like their K-Dramas a little more serious, a love triangle that will keep you on your toes and character development that makes you feel proud as an audience, this K-Drama continues to be a must-watch even today.

4. "Marriage Contract"

MBC

When: 2016

Cast: Lee SeoJin, Uee

Summary: The male lead, Han JiHoon (played by Lee SeoJin) needs someone to donate a part of their liver to his mother, and our female lead, single mother Kang HyeSoo (played by Uee), needs a little financial help to raise her daughter while she fights a terminal illness herself.

Reasons To Watch: If "You Are My Destiny" didn't fulfill your appetite for melodrama, check out "Marriage Contract". The name of this K-Drama couldn't have been more obvious because that's exactly what it's about - a contract marriage of convenience. The two enter into a contract marriage, and what follows is the most heart-rending tale of love, loss, and family that will move you to tears. The warm family dynamics and the strikingly passionate chemistry between the two leads definitely make this show worth the watch. Yes, this K-Drama might be on the heavier side but you won't regret adding it to your watchlist.

5. "The Story Of Park's Marriage Contract"

MBC

When: 2023-2024

Cast: Bae InHyuk, Lee SeYoung

Summary: "The Story Of Park's Marriage Contract" tells the story of a Joseon woman who is transported forward in time to modern-day South Korea, where she meets her husband anew. This husband, who had died in Joseon, is alive in Seoul, and in desperate need of a wife. The two enter into a contract marriage, which soon gives way to true love.

Reasons To Watch: "The Story Of Park's Marriage Contract" is easily one of the best and most well-rounded K-Dramas of 2023. There are elements of fantasy with time travel as well as reincarnation but at the same time, the love story at its core is universally resonant and touching. The colorful cast of supporting characters makes the viewing experience even better.

Watch on Viki.

6. "My Demon"

SBS

When: 2023-2024

Cast: Song Kang, Kim YouJung

Summary: "My Demon" tells the story of Jung KooWon (played by Song Kang), a demon who can live on forever by making devilish deals with humans. However, when he loses his powers to a young woman named Do DoHee (played by Kim YouJung), he must protect her to survive. Do DoHee is the prospective heir of Future Group, entangled in a succession battle. When she gets involved with Jung KooWon, they enter into a contract marriage for mutual benefit and slowly find themselves falling in love.

Reasons To Watch: Song Kang and Kim YouJung's fantasy romance K-Drama "My Demon" made waves all over the world. Not only did the drama give us the most breathtaking cinematography and captivating visuals, thanks to our lead actors, but the story was also pleasantly engaging, maintaining a balance between darker themes and light-hearted romance.

Watch on Netflix. 

7. "Perfect Marriage Revenge"

MBN

When: 2023

Cast: Jung YooMin, Sung Hoon

Summary: Starring Jung YooMin and Sung Hoon, this K-Drama tells the story of a scorned woman who is abandoned by her family, betrayed by her husband, and even murdered, but instead of ending her life, fate takes her back exactly one year before her death, with a chance to change her destiny.

Reasons To Watch: Voted by Kpopmap readers as one of the top K-Dramas of 2023, "Perfect Marriage Revenge" is a satisfying contract marriage story that will sweep you off your feet. The K-Drama was highly rated in South Korea and loved by global viewers, too. The cathartic revenge, the healing relationship, and best of all, the impeccable romance are the strongest points of this K-Drama. It will draw you in unexpectedly, and you won't be able to resist binge-watching.

Watch on Viki.

8. "No Gain, No Love"

tvN

When: 2024

Cast: Shin MinA, Kim YoungDae

Summary: Son HaeYoung (Shin MinA) is a calculative person and does not want to lose in any aspect from her finances, work, and romance. In order to be considered for a promotion at work, she enters into a contract marriage with convenience store worker, Kim JiWook (Kim YoungDae). They go through the motions of a fake marriage, but discover their shared past and gradually develop feelings for one another.

Reasons To Watch: "No Gain, No Love" is a light-hearted romantic comedy that provides both butterflies and endless laughter. Both Shin MinA and Kim YoungDae brilliantly portray their roles, immersing viewers totally into the drama from beginning to end. The drama saw such huge success that a spin-off series was immediately released after its original run.

9. "The Trunk"

Netflix

When: 2024

Cast: Gong Yoo, Seo HyunJin

Summary: In order to get back together with his ex-wife, Han JeongWon (Gong Yoo) agrees to enter into a contract marriage with Noh InJi (Seo HyunJin). Although he initially finds it hard to have her in his life, they gradually get used to one another and he begins to lean on InJi for support. However, when a mysterious trunk is recovered from a lake, the characters are faced with a rabbit hole of secrets behind NM company.

Reasons To Watch: It has been several years since both Gong Yoo and Seo HyunJin have taken on leading roles in a K-Drama. On top of their comeback to the small screen, "The Trunk" presents spellbinding storytelling, immersing you even deeper with every episode. Their romance isn't typical either, and errs more on a mature slow burn. But every minute is worth it as they come to accept the love they so rightfully deserve.

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