If we’re talking Kdramas with loads of drama featuring characters on opposite ends of the societal spectrum, then a Korean drama about a rich girl and a boy sounds like a good place to start as any.
In this article, I’ve listed 12 Korean dramas with this trope that absolutely stole my heart, and I’m sure they’ll steal yours as well!
Here are 12 rich-girl and poor-boy Korean dramas to watch right now:
1. My Princess
Lee Seol, a regular degular college student, discovers she’s a princess, and Park Hae Young, the grandson of Daehan Group, becomes her etiquette tutor.
But, Hae Young faces a dilemma as he develops feelings for Seol, knowing that her ascension to the throne would strip him of his inheritance if the monarchy is reinstated.
While Lee Seol didn’t live a life of affluence and influence from the start, it was really interesting to see her move into her new palace while recollection stamps were placed all over Hae Young’s apartment.
Fingers crossed these two work together again, because they had so much chemistry in this drama.
2. It’s Okay To Not Be Okay
Moon Gang-tae and his autistic brother, Moon Sang-tae, live a nomadic life since their mother’s murder.
Gang-tae works as a caregiver and ends up at the OK Psychiatric Hospital in Seongjin City, their childhood home.
There, he meets Ko Moon-young, a famous children’s book writer rumored to have antisocial personality disorder.
Moon-young becomes infatuated with Gang-tae after discovering their shared past and follows him to Seongjin.
Together, they, along with Sang-tae, heal emotional wounds, uncover secrets, and find comfort in each other, moving forward in their lives.
This is another fantastic rich woman and poor man Kdrama that’s quite faithful to this trope.
From small differences like her extravagant personality and his subdued one to their disparate living conditions, you’ll love this Kdrama if you want something with this trope.
In search of a fresh start, dentist Yoon Hye Jin flees the city for a quaint seaside village from her childhood memories.
Discovering the village lacks a dentist, she seizes the opportunity to establish her practice there. But, her reserved nature clashes with the locals, hindering her integration.
Enter Hong Do Shik, a spirited multi-talented individual, who steps in to guide her through village life, despite their initial clash of personalities.
Together, they embark on a journey of understanding and personal growth, embracing the charm and warmth of small-town living.
While Yoon Hye Jin wasn’t extraordinarily rich, the differences in their pockets were quite evident throughout the entire drama, and this is a solid option if you’re on the hunt for the perfect rich girl, poor boy Korean drama to watch.
4. Descendants Of The Sun
The romance between the second leads in this Kdrama – Yoo Myung Joo and Seo Dae Young – had this trope and this was the very issue affecting their relationship and I feel it deserves an honorary mention here.
In this drama, Myung Joo came from an honored line of military men and woman, while Dae Young came from a more inconspicuous background, and this disparity in their backgrounds ultimately drove a wedge between them.
Aside from their family background, there was also the added fact that she was his superior in rank and that was just another whole load of drama.
5. A Business Proposal
Just like Descendants of The Sun, the second leads, Cha Sung Yoon and Jing Young Seo, in this drama also have this trope although it was more or less a background problem that wasn’t really treated.
But, with the way A Business Proposal became widely popular and the cries (I also cried) for a spinoff where we flesh out the second leads’ relationship, there was no way I wouldn’t mention it here.
Kang Chul Soo, a spirited fireman with a heart of gold, and to support his ailing friend, he takes on an unconventional side gig as a nude model.
But, his life takes a dramatic turn when he becomes the prime suspect in a decade-old arson-murder case.
Teaming up with the enigmatic heiress Han Jin Ah, they embark on a mission to uncover the truth and clear his name.
This romantic rich woman and poor man Kdrama has a healthy dose of thrills, shivers, and fantastic reveals, and I honestly recommend it to anyone looking for a new watch.
7. Encounter
Cha Soo Hyun, the wealthy daughter of a politician, is trapped in a life devoid of choice, and after she says goodbye to a loveless marriage, she finds her path altered when she meets Kim Jin Hyuk, a simple and kind-hearted man.
Jin Hyuk who enjoys the small joys of life, works multiple part-time jobs while seeking stability.
Their lives intersect during an overseas trip, sparking a connection that defies expectations.
8. High Society
Jang Yoon Ha, the youngest daughter of a wealthy chaebol family, works at a food market while keeping her heiress background a secret. Her ultimate goal? To find love based on who she truly is, not her wealth.
Enter Choi Joon-ki, who grew up in poverty and carries a deep resentment towards his humble origins.
As a middle manager in a conglomerate, he becomes cynical and calculating, convinced that love is a luxury reserved for the privileged.
If you’ve been on the fence, get down – this Kdrama about a wealthy heiress and a man who’s winging it day by day delves into the complexities of relationships and the pursuit of happiness.
Do Yong Shik, facing a decreased sex drive in his 30s and looking for a treatment for weight gain while preparing for his civil service exam, reunites with his first love and urologist, Lee Ru Da.
Meanwhile, Lee Ru Da’s overconfident boyfriend, Do Ji Hyuk, adds to the chaos of everything, and if you fancy a Kdrama with lots of laughter, romance, and personal growth, this entertaining Kdrama series is just the thing.
Lee Ma Ri, a beloved Korean star, sets out to redefine her public image, and to do that, a talented ghostwriter, is enlisted to assist in this transformation.
Enter Kim Chul Soo, a struggling university lecturer who takes on the job to repay a debt to his ex-girlfriend.
Amid their collaboration, love blossoms between Chul Soo and Ma Ri during their time in Japan.
But, when their joint success triggers controversy, their relationship faces a tumultuous test.
This is another fantastic Kdrama where the girl is rich and the boy is poor with a heavy dose of drama – from exes, internal forces, and external forces.
11. Ruler Of Your Own World
Go Bok Su is a man with a troubled past, and when he crosses paths with Jeon Kyung, a talented musician from a wealthy family, their lives take an unexpected turn. He decides to leave his girlfriend and pursues Kyung, hoping to win her heart.
But, their lives take a dramatic turn when Bok Su learns he has a terminal illness.
With limited time remaining, he embarks on a journey of self-discovery and cherishes each moment.
12. My Fair Lady
As the heiress to Kang San Group, Kang Hye Na has lived a princess-like life in the opulent ‘Lady Castle’ with her loyal servants, but her world is turned upside down when she encounters Seo Dong Chan.
Through a series of coincidences, he becomes her community service partner and even kidnaps her.
Despite their clashes, Dong Chan refuses to back down, presenting a formidable challenge to Hye Na.
This Korean drama is the one you’ve been waiting for if you like strong female protagonists, an unlikely romance, and you’re in the mood to watch a drama where a rich girl falls in love with a poor boy.
And, that’s a wrap!
I loved every Kdrama on this list, and I don’t doubt that you’ll enjoy them too if Kdramas with the rich girl, poor boy trope are your speed.
If you want more recommendations, check out the related posts below – there’s definitely something for you there.
