In the world of South Korean dramas, conventional depictions of marriage are often set aside to make way for a more whimsical and complex narrative—that of the contract marriage. Deviating from the eternal pledge of ‘until death does us part’, these K-dramas pivot to an arrangement that is bound not until death, but until the terms of the contract are fulfilled. The reasons for these fictional marriages span from escaping societal expectations to maneuvering through family inheritances and even to orchestrating revenge. Despite varied motivations, a common thread weaves through these stories: an inevitable romance that blooms between the contractual couples, often sparked by twists of destiny.
Perfect Marriage Revenge unfolds the tale of Han Yi Joo (Jung Yoo Min), a character prone to pleasing others, easily swayed by her family, her husband, and her in-laws. But when she uncovers the malevolent intentions of her supposed loved ones and that her husband nurses feelings for her own sister, Yi Joo’s plight takes a dramatic turn. She seeks out Seo Do Guk (Sung Hoon), a distant heir to a sprawling fortune, to help her right the wrongs by entering into a marriage with her. With Seo Do Guk also being the target of her sister’s affections, a tactical game of love and vengeance begins. The series can be enjoyed on Viki.
1% of Anything, recognized as the original gem in the ‘contract marriage’ category, spins the tale of a schoolteacher who, unbeknownst to her, assists an elderly multimillionaire. In gratitude, the magnate leaves his immense wealth to her in his will, to the detriment of his haughty grandson. The grandson then crafts a strategy to reclaim his inheritance. Portrayed by Ha Seok Jun and Jeon So Mon, “1% of Something” delivers all the essentials of a romantic comedy, blessed with sizzling chemistry between the leads. Fans can find the series on Viki.
The Story Of Park Marriage Contract narrates a story set in the Joseon era, where Park Yeon Woo (Lee Se Young) is thrown into turmoil on her wedding night as her husband reveals a fatal heart condition and subsequently dies. Her life takes an even stranger turn as she finds herself in present-day Seoul, encountering Kang Tae Ha (Bae In Hyuk), a cold but powerful business tycoon. In her, he sees the opportunity to fulfill his grandfather’s wish to see him married and thus secure his inheritance. The peculiar encounter leads to a surprising marriage proposal. Its unique storyline and lead chemistry contributed to its high viewership ratings, available on Viki.
Full House remains a classic in the genre, chronicling the lives of an optimistic writer, Han Ji Eun (Song Hye Kyo), and a roguish actor, Lee Young Jae (Rain), who end up sharing a home. When Ji Eun is swindled out of her house by friends who sell it to Yeong Jae, she must coerce the celebrity into selling it back—even if it means entering a mock marriage. The drama is etched in the annals of K-drama history for its iconic duo and their electric on-screen relationship. It’s available to watch on Viki.
Lastly, Because This Is My First Life explores the intersection of convenience and burgeoning love. Nam Sae Hee (Lee Min-Ki) leads a monotonous life as a computer designer while Yoon Ji Ho (Jung So Mi) is an aspiring writer without a roof over her head. Their chance meeting results in a mutually beneficial contract marriage that shields Sae Hee from unwanted matchmaking and provides Ji Ho with stable housing. Their arrangement slowly matures into a deep connection, with the drama capturing hearts with its unassuming storytelling. This serendipitous romance is available on Netflix.
Each one of these K-dramas offers viewers a unique experience, blending comedic elements, poignancy, and the universal appeal of unexpected love. As the characters navigate the terms and conditions of their contracts, they also venture into the depths of their hearts, often finding love where they least expect it. These five K-dramas serve as perfect examples of why contract marriages have become such a captivated trope in South Korean television, allowing audiences to indulge in the fantasy of a love written in the stars, if not in the fine print.
