Korean dramas have long been known for their swoon-worthy romance, and one of the most loved tropes is the noona romance—where an older woman falls in love with a younger man. These dramas bring out mature yet heart-fluttering love stories that challenge societal norms and showcase deep emotional connections. If you’re a fan of the noona romance genre, here’s a list of the best K-dramas that you must watch in 2025 and beyond.
1. Queen of Tears (2024)
Starring: Kim Soo-hyun, Kim Ji-won
Plot: This highly anticipated 2024 drama follows the emotional rollercoaster of a married couple facing challenges that test their love. While not a conventional noona romance, Kim Ji-won’s character is older and more dominant in the relationship, adding a unique twist.
Watch Queen of Tears full online: Netflix
2. Doctor Slump (2024)
Starring: Park Shin-hye, Park Hyung-sik
Plot: A delightful medical rom-com where two former rivals, now struggling doctors, rekindle their relationship. Park Shin-hye plays an older, more experienced woman who finds unexpected romance with a younger colleague.
Watch Doctor Slump full online: Netflix
3. Marry My Husband (2024)
Starring: Park Min-young, Na In-woo
Plot: A revenge romance drama where the female lead gets a second chance at life and love. The chemistry between the leads and the age-gap romance make it a must-watch.
Watch Marry My Husband full online: Amazon Prime Video
4. Lovely Runner (2024)
Starring: Byeon Woo-seok, Kim Hye-yoon
Plot: This time-travel romance has an older female lead who unexpectedly connects with a younger aspiring musician. Their love story unfolds across different timelines, adding emotional depth.
Watch Lovely Runner full online: Viki
5. See You in My 19th Life (2023)
Starring: Shin Hye-sun, Ahn Bo-hyun
Plot: This fantasy romance follows a woman who remembers all her past lives. In her 19th life, she reunites with a younger man she loved in a previous life. Their touching love story makes it a top-tier noona romance drama.
Watch See You in My 19th Life full online: Netflix
6. King the Land (2023)
Starring: Lee Junho, Im Yoon-ah
Plot: A heartwarming romance between an elite hotel heir and a hardworking hotelier. The age difference is subtle but plays a role in their dynamic.
Watch King the Land full online: Netflix
7. Call It Love (2023)
Starring: Kim Young-kwang, Lee Sung-kyung
Plot: A slow-burn melodrama about a woman seeking revenge but ending up falling in love with a younger man who is just as broken as she is.
Watch Call It Love full online: Disney+
8. Summer Strike (2022)
Starring: Seolhyun, Im Si-wan
Plot: A healing drama about a woman who quits her stressful city life and moves to a small town, where she meets a younger librarian. Their tender love story will leave you smiling.
Watch Summer Strike full online: Netflix
9. Forecasting Love and Weather (2022)
Starring: Park Min-young, Song Kang
Plot: A workplace romance featuring a strong, older female lead who falls for her younger, free-spirited colleague. Their sizzling chemistry makes it a must-watch.
Watch Forecasting Love and Weather full online: Netflix
10. Thirty-Nine (2022)
Starring: Son Ye-jin, Yeon Woo-jin
Plot: This mature romance drama follows three best friends navigating life and love in their late thirties. One of them falls in love with a younger man, creating a heartfelt love story.
Watch Thirty-Nine full online: Netflix
11. Romance is a Bonus Book (2019)
Starring: Lee Na-young, Lee Jong-suk
Plot: A noona romance classic where a divorced woman struggling with her career finds love in her much-younger best friend, who has secretly loved her for years.
Watch Romance is a Bonus Book full online: Netflix
12. Something in the Rain (2018)
Starring: Son Ye-jin, Jung Hae-in
Plot: A slow-burn romance between a career woman and her best friend’s younger brother. This drama is an emotional ride that beautifully portrays love defying age norms.
Watch Something in the Rain full online: Netflix
13. The Love Affair (2018)
Starring: Kim Hee-ae, Yoo Ah-in
Plot: A controversial yet beautifully shot drama about a sophisticated older woman falling in love with a young pianist. The passion in this drama is unmatched.
Watch The Love Affair full online: Viki
14. Witch’s Romance (2014)
Starring: Uhm Jung-hwa, Park Seo-joon
Plot: A classic noona romance featuring an older woman who has given up on love until she meets a charming younger man who changes her life.
Watch Witch’s Romance full online: Viki
15. I Hear Your Voice (2013)
Starring: Lee Bo-young, Lee Jong-suk
Plot: A legal drama with a deep romantic storyline between a tough lawyer and a younger man who can hear people’s thoughts. Their love story is powerful and touching.
Watch I Hear Your Voice full online: Netflix
Final Thoughts
Noona romance K-dramas continue to captivate audiences with their heartfelt, mature, and often deeply emotional love stories. Whether you enjoy intense melodramas, lighthearted rom-coms, or workplace romances, this list has something for every fan of the genre. So, grab your popcorn, pick a drama from this list, and get ready to swoon over these age-gap love stories!
Let us know which one is your favorite in the comments!
