In case anyone needs to hear it again, not all Korean dramas dwell solely on romance. In fact, a lot of them keep us fixated hook, line and sinker because of the iconic friend duos and epic friend groups that keep the story running. From platonic pairings to unexpected sidekicks, K-Dramas are A+ in showing what real friendship means.
The annual BFFs day may be over, but these shows might teach you how to acknowledge your bomb-ass homies. Need a refresher on your gang’s love language? Let these 5 K-Drama besties do the work.
Kim Hye-jin and Min Ha-ri in “She Was Pretty”
Kim Hye-jin and Min Ha-ri know each other to a tee. Even if their friendship began way back during their childhood, it doesn’t become a dead-end when they grow up. Despite their differences, they keep their pact by putting each other first and supporting each other’s dreams—even if it takes big, scary sacrifices. If you score even the smallest of achievements, you could trust them to throw a party for you, too. Though things get rocky, these two strong women (who call each other husband and wife) will do everything to fix what they have.
Kim Book Joo, Lee Seon-ok and Jung Nan-hee in “Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo”
Who can forget the Swag Squad? Besides the quirks and seemingly in sync personalities, this trio shares a friendship that goes beyond the surface level. They’re each other’s vent buddies—while snacking on piles of chicken at that. With friends like them, braving your coming of age arc doesn’t seem so terrifying. Can we hang at a rooftop, too?
Hae Soo and Baek Ah in “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo”
If you think there’s no such thing as platonic opposite sex friendships, this show might change your mind. Though their friendship started unexpectedly, Hae Soo and Baek Ah eventually vibed not only because of their similar personalities, but also their aspirations focused on freedom and justice. Sure, opposites attract. But nothing beats having a sidekick who just effortlessly gets you.
Gong Myung, Ki Bum and Dong Young in “Drinking Solo”
I don’t know about you, but cabin fever just gets worse without your drinking buddies nearby. If that kind of sepanx hits you again, this drama about teachers and students—who cope with life through drinking—might hit home. Even though life throws them hundreds of curveballs, Gong Myung, Ki Bum and Dong Young still win at life because they have someone to run to at the end of the day.
Dong Man, Ae Ra, Joo Man and Seol Hee in “Fight For My Way”
There are many reasons why this drama lands on everyone’s favorites—one of them is the indisputable chemistry between the leads. These ever-competitive long-time friends—dubbed The Crazy Fantastic Four—brawl their way to adulthood while protecting each other at all costs. Sentimental and realistic, this show lets you vividly feel the harshness of life, especially when you’re pushing your way out of mediocrity.
Still from “Fight For My Way”