If you’re a fan of “The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract,” you’ll likely enjoy these other Kdramas featuring a contract marriage theme.
The concept of contract marriages has been a staple in Kdramas, gaining immense popularity in 2023. This theme isn’t new; it has been integral to Kdrama romance narratives for years. Its enduring appeal lies in its unique blend of drama and romance. If this theme captivates you as much as it does us, we’ve compiled a must-watch list of the top 8 Kdramas featuring a contract marriage theme. Don’t miss out on these captivating stories!
Synopsis of “The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract”
“The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract,” a standout Kdrama from 2023, blends historical drama with modern-day romance in a unique and captivating way. Bae In-hyuk and Lee Se-young star in this engaging series, which starts with a Joseon-era woman being transported to contemporary South Korea. Here, she encounters her husband, who had passed away in the Joseon period but is alive and in need of a wife in modern Seoul.
Their relationship begins as a contract marriage, but as the story unfolds, it blossoms into genuine love. This series skillfully combines fantasy elements, like time travel and reincarnation, with a deeply moving love story that has universal appeal. The dynamic supporting characters add depth and humor to the narrative, enriching the overall viewing experience. “The Story of Park’s Marriage Contract,” with its well-rounded plot, emotional depth, and imaginative storytelling, making it a must-watch Kdrama.
Other Kdramas with similar theme you should binge-watch
Full House (2004)
“Full House” is a 2004 South Korean romantic comedy series about Han Ji-eun (Song Hye-kyo), an aspiring writer who unknowingly loses her house to friends. She returns from a trip to find her house sold to Lee Young-jae (Rain), a famous actor. They end up living together, leading to comedic and romantic situations. Despite initial conflicts, Ji-eun and Young-jae develop feelings for each other, complicated by their love interests. The series is known for its charming story and has become a significant part of the Korean Wave.
Watch on Netflix or Prime Video
Prime Minister & I (2013-2014)
“Prime Minister and I” is a Kdrama with delightful blend of comedy, romance, and family dynamics. It revolves around the life of Prime Minister Kwon Yool (Lee Bum-soo), a competent and dedicated leader who struggles with the challenges of raising his three children alone. Enter Nam Da Jung (Im YoonA), an enthusiastic but often unsuccessful reporter known for missing out on major news stories.
In a twist of fate, Nam Da Jung’s pursuit of a big scoop involving Prime Minister Kwon leads her to an unexpected role in his life. As she chases this exclusive story, circumstances lead to Nam Da Jung becoming a much-needed maternal figure for Kwon Yool’s children. And the children receive a mother as a Christmas gift!
Watch on Prime Video
You Are My Destiny (2014)
“You Are My Destiny,” also known as “Fated To Love You,” is a classic Kdrama with a blend of comedy and romance about contract marriage. It features a gripping love triangle and remarkable character development that captivates and resonates with the audience. Central to the plot are Lee Gun (Jang Hyuk) and Kim Mi-young (Jang Nara), who find themselves unexpectedly connected after a one-night stand results in a pregnancy. Amidst a family company power struggle and the need for an heir, Lee Gun, and Kim Mi-young enter a contractual marriage. As the story unfolds, they gradually develop a deep and genuine bond.
Watch on Netflix
Marriage Contract (2016)
For those seeking more depth and emotion in Kdrama, “Marriage Contract” is a compelling choice. As the title suggests, it revolves around a marriage based on a contract rather than love—at least initially. The male lead, Han Ji-hoon (Lee Seo-jin), is desperate for a liver donor for his mother. Meanwhile, the female lead, Kang Hye-soo (Uee), a single mother with a terminal illness, needs financial support to provide for her daughter.
Their contractual marriage sets the stage for a profound narrative exploring themes of love, sacrifice, and family bonds. The journey they embark on together is deeply moving, filled with moments that are both heart-wrenching and heartwarming. The show’s strength lies in its authentic portrayal of family dynamics and the intense chemistry between the leads. While “Marriage Contract” leans towards the more serious side of drama, it’s a highly rewarding watch that will likely leave a lasting impression.
Watch on Prime Video
Because This Is My First Life (2017)
The next Kdrama you should watch is “Because This Is My First Life,” a 2017 South Korean drama. It tells the story of two people in their 30s navigating societal expectations. Yoon Ji-ho (Jung So-min), a writer, and Nam Se-hee (Lee Min-ki), a financially strained tech designer, enter a marriage of convenience. Sharing a home, they grapple with the challenges of modern life and love in Seoul. The series beautifully explores themes of friendship, romance, and the meaning of marriage in contemporary society. As they live together, Ji-ho and Se-hee develop genuine feelings, leading to heartwarming and reflective moments.
Watch on Netflix
Love in Contract (2022)
With a unique and engaging story, “Love in Contract” is one of the best contract marriage Kdramas. The story revolves around Choi Sang-eun (Park Min-Young). She is an attractive, talented, and charming woman with an unusual profession – she is a master of contract marriages, designed to aid her clients in maintaining an ideal single life. To suit each client’s needs, Sang-Eun adeptly transforms herself, showcasing her versatility and adaptability.
One of her long-standing clients is Jung Ji-ho (Go Kyung-Pyo), with whom she has maintained a contract marriage for five years, meeting on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Ji-ho is a mysterious man, adding an element of intrigue to the narrative. Meanwhile, her new client, Kang Hae-jin (Kim Jae-Young), is a famous actor. Sang-eun enters into a contract marriage with him for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
As the story unfolds, Choi Sang-eun finds herself entangled in a complex love triangle with her two clients. This dynamic adds emotional depth and romantic tension to the series. The drama likely explores themes of love, identity, and the blurred lines between professional and personal relationships. With its unique premise and the involvement of two different clients, the show promises to be a captivating watch full of drama, romance, and intriguing character development.
Watch on Prime Video
My Demon (2023)
The 2023 Kdrama “My Demon,” starring Song Kang and Kim Yoo-jung, captivates audiences worldwide with its stunning cinematography and engaging storyline. This fantasy romance Kdrama expertly balances darker elements with light-hearted romance, creating a unique viewing experience.
The plot centers around Jung Gu-won (Song Kang), a demon whose immortality hinges on striking deals with humans. However, his life turns unexpectedly when he loses his powers to Do Do-hee (Kim Yoo-jung), a young woman poised to inherit the Future Group amidst a complex succession battle. Forced to protect her to preserve his own existence, Gu-won and Do-hee’s paths intertwine deeply.
Their relationship starts as a contract marriage, driven by mutual benefit, but gradually evolves into something more profound. As they navigate the complexities of their arrangement, they unexpectedly develop genuine feelings for each other. “My Demon” is a perfect mix of fantasy, romance, and drama, led by the strong performances of its leads. It’s a mesmerizing tale that is both thrilling and emotionally rich.
Watch on Netflix
Perfect Marriage Revenge (2023)
“Perfect Marriage Revenge” is an enthralling Kdrama that masterfully blends themes of time travel, revenge, and romance based on Webtoon. The story revolves around Han Yi-ju (Jung Yoo-min) who is betrayed by her family. Afterwards, her husband abandons her. It didn’t stop there, she is ultimately murdered, mysteriously transported back in time by one year. This twist of fate grants her the opportunity to rewrite her destiny.
The series was a hit both in South Korea and internationally, praised for its gripping narrative. Its satisfying depiction of revenge and the healing journey of its protagonist get viewers’ attention. The central relationship, evolving from a contract marriage, becomes a pivotal element of the story, showcasing a powerful and captivating romance.
“Perfect Marriage Revenge” is known for its emotional depth, engaging plot, and the chemistry between its leads. It’s the drama that captures your attention from the start and keeps you hooked, making it a binge-worthy watch.
Join us on Kpoppost’s Instagram, Threads, Facebook, X, Telegram channel, WhatsApp Channel and Discord server for discussions. And follow Kpoppost’s Google News for more Korean entertainment news and updates.
