Korean dramas indeed have a global fanbase, and the trope of a CEO falling in love with an employee is a classic theme that continues to captivate audiences. This type of romance drama often combines elements of love, ambition, and societal differences, making it a popular and engaging storyline for viewers.
If you’re interested in exploring K-dramas featuring this trope, there are various streaming platforms where you can find them, including Netflix, Hulu, iflix, Prime Video, and Disney Plus. Here’s a list of 10 Korean CEO romance dramas that have been well-received and are worth considering for your watchlist
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Business Proposal
It follows the romantic storyline of Shin Ha Ri, a single woman working at a company. In this series, Ha Ri finds herself in a financial bind due to her own carelessness. Her friend, Jin Young Seo, who happens to be the daughter of a wealthy chaebol family, offers her financial help but with a unique condition. Ha Ri must stand in for Young Seo on a blind date in return for the money.
Expecting to be rejected by her date, Ha Ri is taken by surprise when she meets the charming Kang Tae Mu. He introduces himself as the CEO of the company where she works. Unbeknownst to her, Kang Tae Mu has made a decision that could change both of their lives. He plans to marry the next woman he meets on a blind date to eliminate potential distractions from his work. Surprisingly, that woman turns out to be Shin Ha Ri.
Released in 2022 on Netflix, “A Business Proposal” unfolds over 12 episodes, taking viewers on a journey filled with unexpected romance, workplace dynamics, and the challenges of balancing personal and professional lives. It’s a story that explores love and ambition in the corporate world and provides an entertaining and engaging viewing experience.
Released Year: 2022
No. of Episodes: 12
Start Up
“Start Up” stands out as a highly popular CEO romance K-drama. It revolves around four individuals who possess different attitudes but share a common ambition.
First, there’s Seo Dal Mi, who yearns for an exciting adventure that will propel her to the pinnacle of success, allowing her to manage her own company. She possesses lofty dreams, unwavering determination, and a pioneering spirit.
Next, we have Nam Do San, the founder of Sam San Tech, a startup company aspiring to transition into a larger enterprise.
Also Read: 10 K-Dramas Starring Nam Joo Hyuk That You Should Watch
Then, there’s Han Ji Pyeong, a man who is determined not to be indebted to anyone but finds himself owing a significant debt to someone who greatly aided him in the past. In the world of startups, he plays the role of an advisor, making critical decisions that can either lead startups to great success or obscurity.
Finally, there’s Won In Jae, a capable woman who has proven herself in a predominantly male-dominated industry. She has succeeded without relying on the advantages of her privileged upbringing.
Throughout their journey towards success, their lives become entangled in a complex love triangle, leading to intricate romantic developments that persist until the very end. “Start Up” is undoubtedly one of the finest Korean dramas available for streaming on Netflix, featuring a total of 16 episodes.
Released Year: 2020
No. of Episodes: 16
Reborn Rich
“Reborn Rich” is a captivating Korean drama centered around CEOs, and it’s a must-watch. Unlike typical romantic dramas, this one delves into suspenseful business affairs in the world of Korean entertainment.
The story unfolds with Yoon Hyun Woo, a dedicated and hardworking secretary in service to the chaebol family, Soonyang. His unwavering loyalty is unmatched as he serves under the prosperous Soonyang Group business empire, originally founded by Jin Yang Cheol.
Amidst a power struggle within the family, with Jin’s son Yang Cheol vying for control of the empire, Hyun Woo experiences a heart-wrenching betrayal. Tragically, he meets his demise at the hands of a member of the chaebol family, as per their orders.
However, miraculously, his life takes a surreal turn as he awakens as a child inhabiting the body of the youngest family member, Jin Do Jun. With this unexpected twist, he is determined to settle scores and repay those who wronged him.
Released Year: 2022
No. of Episodes: 16
Also Read: 5 K-Dramas To Watch If You Miss Reborn Rich
The Beauty Inside
“The Beauty Inside” unfolds a captivating love story between a CEO of a large company and a renowned top actress, Han Se Gye. She carries a reputation as a troublemaker, surrounded by numerous rumors.
However, Han Se Gye harbors a secret; at times, she undergoes a transformation, assuming a different body and a new identity for one week each month.
Enter Seo Do Jae, a brilliant man holding an executive position at an airline company. He appears to have it all: impeccable looks, profound knowledge, and a prestigious job. Yet, he guards a secret of his own. Do Jae grapples with Prosopagnosia, a condition that renders him unable to recognize faces. Remarkably, he manages to conceal this condition from the world. However, his life takes a profound turn when he encounters Han Se Gye, the sole individual whose face he can identify.
What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim
This Korean drama, available on Netflix, revolves around the dynamic between a boss and his employee. Meet Lee Young Joon, the head of a family-owned company. He’s incredibly self-absorbed and rarely acknowledges the people around him.
Young Joon’s reliable secretary is Kim Mi So, a beautiful and patient woman who has faithfully served him for nine years without any romantic involvement.
However, Mi So reaches a point where she desires to take control of her life and decides to resign from her position. This decision leads to a cute misunderstanding between her and her boss, who is reluctant to see her leave the company. After maintaining a strictly professional work relationship for nine years, could their connection evolve into something more profound?
Released Year: 2018
No. of Episodes: 16
Also Read: 10 Best Korean Dramas Based On Webtoon
Crash Landing On You
“Crash Landing On You” stands out from the typical CEO-themed K-Dramas by featuring a female heiress, Se-ri, to a massive conglomerate. Her father had intended to appoint her as his successor due to her entrepreneurial prowess. However, Se-ri’s life takes a dramatic turn when she gets involved in a paragliding accident.
Originally destined for Seoul, South Korea, a tornado diverts her course, leading her to crash-land in the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), a forbidden area between North and South Korea. In this perilous setting, she crosses paths with Jyeong-hyeok, a North Korean Army captain.
Jyeong-hyeok makes a courageous decision to shelter Se-ri and keep her hidden from other North Korean soldiers. Despite the deep-seated division between their countries, a connection blossoms between the two of them. Jyeong-hyeok embarks on a hazardous mission to protect Se-ri and assist her in returning to South Korea.
Released Year: 2019
No. of Episodes: 16
Strong Girl Bong-soon
“Strong Girl Bong-soon” introduces us to a remarkable woman named Bong-soon, who possesses superhuman strength inherited from the women in her family. Her lifelong dream is to create a video game based on her own extraordinary abilities. She also harbors a significant crush on her friend Guk-doo, a police officer, even though she knows she doesn’t fit his ideal image of an elegant and feminine woman. Despite this, she endeavors to assist him in solving a case concerning the mysterious disappearance of women in their neighborhood.
Bong-soon’s life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with Min-hyuk, the CEO of a gaming company. Their encounter occurs when she intervenes to protect a bus driver from a group of thugs. After the incident, Min-hyuk not only follows her to the police station but also concocts a story to extricate her from the situation. Subsequently, he extends an offer for her to become his personal bodyguard and even considers her for a potential role in the planning department of his gaming company.
Bong-soon accepts this intriguing proposal, which propels her into another complex case involving threats against Min-hyuk. The drama unfolds as she navigates her dual roles as a protector and a potential game developer.
Released Year: 2017
No. of Episodes: 16
Also Read: 20 K-Dramas With The Highest Viewer Ratings As Of 2021
Lucky Romance
“Lucky Romance” follows the story of Bo-nui, an incredibly unlucky woman who places strong faith in superstitions and fortune-tellers. Her life has been marked by tragedy, with her parents perishing in a car accident, and her younger sister remaining in a coma for the past two years. Bo-nui firmly believes that her sister’s survival is attributed to a chance encounter with a fortune-teller. Following the fortune-teller’s guidance, she performed a ritual that seemingly saved her sister’s life. To cover the mounting hospital bills, Bo-nui has tirelessly juggled multiple part-time jobs.
However, her world crumbles when she learns that her sister’s condition has deteriorated. Desperate for a solution, she seeks guidance from the fortune-teller once again. This time, the fortune-teller advises her that she must engage in a one-night-stand with a man born in 1986, the Year of the Tiger, as part of a peculiar remedy.
Bo-nui’s life takes an unexpected turn as she repeatedly crosses paths with Soo-ho, the CEO of a gaming company, in a series of unfortunate encounters. In one fateful encounter, after witnessing Soo-ho’s failed presentation, a tipsy Bo-nui persistently queries him about his birthdate. Eventually, he admits that he was indeed born in 1986, the Year of the Tiger. This revelation marks the beginning of their intriguing journey together.
Released Year: 2016
No. of Episodes: 16
My Secret Romance
Cha Jin Wook hails from a prosperous family and is the heir to a large family-owned business empire. He has a reputation for indulging in flings and fleeting romances, preferring casual encounters over meaningful relationships. However, everything changes when he crosses paths with Lee Yoo Mi, who has never had a boyfriend.
In Lee Yoo Mi’s presence, Cha Jin Wook reveals his genuine emotions and they share a passionate one-night stand. Sadly, they part ways afterward.
Three years later, their paths intersect once more, igniting a tentative romance filled with attraction that keeps them on their toes as they gradually fall in love. This story captures the essence of their evolving relationship, where emotions run deep despite their initial casual encounter.
Released Year: 2017
No. of Episodes: 13
Touch your Heart
“Touch your Heart” is a must-watch Kdrama featuring a male CEO as the lead character. The story revolves around Oh Yoon Seo, a highly renowned actress whose acting skills have taken a hit due to her involvement in a scandal with the son of a chaebol family.
However, Yoon Seo’s fortunes take a turn when she learns that a famous screenwriter wishes to cast her as the female lead in a drama series. The character she’s meant to portray works as a lawyer’s secretary, and to prepare for the role, Yoon Seo must immerse herself in the world of legal work by serving as a lawyer’s secretary for several months.
Her professional partner in this endeavor is Kwon Jung Rok, a lawyer known for his arrogance and cold-hearted demeanor. Jung Rok finds himself reluctantly compelled to accept Yoon Seo as his secretary, a commitment that spans three months. The drama unfolds as they navigate their professional relationship, blending the worlds of acting and law.
Released Year: 2019
No. of Episodes: 16
Conclusion
These K-dramas offer a blend of romance, comedy, and drama, making them suitable for various tastes and enjoyable for viewers of all ages. Whether you’re a long-time fan of K-dramas or just starting to explore the genre, these CEO-employee romance dramas (Korean Dramas about CEO) provide a delightful and entertaining watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are Korean Dramas about CEO?
There are several K-dramas that feature CEOs as central characters. Some popular K-dramas with CEO protagonists include:
- “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim?”: This drama revolves around Lee Young Joon, a narcissistic CEO, and his secretary, Kim Mi So.
- “My ID is Gangnam Beauty”: While not a CEO, it features a character named Do Kyung Seok, who comes from a wealthy family and is a prominent figure in the story.
- “Touch your Heart”: This drama follows the story of a lawyer, Kwon Jung Rok, who is a senior partner in a law firm.
- “She Was Pretty”: The CEO character, Kim Shin Hyuk, is one of the main characters in this drama.
- “The Beauty Inside”: The CEO in this drama is Seo Do Jae, who is a pivotal character with a unique condition.
These dramas offer various takes on the lives and romances of CEOs and other high-ranking professionals.
Which Korean drama has a female CEO lead?
One notable Korean drama with a female CEO lead is “Search: WWW” This series centers around the lives and careers of three strong, independent women working in the tech industry, and one of them, Bae Ta-Mi, is a top executive and the CEO of a prominent web portal company. “Search: WWW” delves into their personal and professional challenges and successes while portraying the female CEO as a central character.
Who is the biggest K-drama star?
Some of the most renowned and widely recognized K-drama stars included:
- Lee Min Ho: Known for his roles in dramas like “Boys Over Flowers,” “The Heirs,” and “The King: Eternal Monarch,” Lee Min Ho has a massive global fan following.
- Park Shin Hye: She has had a successful career with roles in popular dramas like “You’re Beautiful,” “The Heirs,” and “Doctors.”
- Song Hye Kyo: Known for her work in classics like “Autumn in My Heart,” “Full House,” and “Descendants of the Sun.”
- Kim Soo Hyun: His roles in dramas such as “Dream High,” “Moon Embracing the Sun,” and “It’s Okay to Not Be Okay” have garnered him widespread acclaim.
- Jun Ji Hyun: Famous for her roles in “My Love from the Star” and “Legend of the Blue Sea.”
Which Kdrama is most popular in India?
several K-dramas had gained significant popularity in India. However, determining the absolute “most popular” K-drama in India can be challenging due to diverse tastes and evolving preferences. Some K-dramas that had garnered substantial attention and viewership in India included:
- “Crash Landing On You” (CLOY): This drama, featuring a cross-border romance between a South Korean heiress and a North Korean soldier, enjoyed immense popularity in India and worldwide.
- “Descendants of the Sun” (DOTS): The romantic military drama “Descendants of the Sun” had a significant following in India.
- “Itaewon Class”: Known for its unique storyline and strong characters, this drama also found a dedicated audience in India.
- “Start-Up”: The story of young entrepreneurs and their startups resonated with Indian viewers interested in business and technology themes.
- “Vincenzo”: This dark comedy and crime drama received positive reviews and had a growing fanbase in India.
Which kdrama is trending in Netflix?
Popular on Netflix
- King the Land.
- The Uncanny Counter.
- Destined with You.
- Mr. Queen.
- A Time Called You.
- Behind Your Touch.
- Alchemy of Souls.
- Extraordinary Attorney Woo.
