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Bubble Gum is the type of K-drama that feels like a warm hug. It does not focus on any nail-biting plot twists. Rather, the quiet and healing nature of the story resonates deeply. It is the kind of show that stays with us for a long time. The narrative offers the beauty of shared silence. We see the profound significance of someone truly seeing you, flaws and all.
The story feels real and relatable. Bubble Gum managed to sneak into our hearts and set up a permanent residence. So, if you are looking for K-dramas that will explore human relationships and leave you with a satisfied smile, then this list is just for you.
Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Readers’ discretion is advised.
Bubble Gum: 10 Kdramas that will tug at your heartstrings just like it
1) My First First Love
Bubble Gum tugged at our heartstrings with its in-depth exploration of Park Ri-han and Haeng-ah’s relationship. Their past connection serves as a strong point in their relationship. Ri-han and Haeng-ah practically grew up together. They have been friends for a long time. Similarly, My First First Love is also about long-time friends, Yun Tae-o and Han Song-i.
They have been friends since they were in elementary school. Even as adults, their friendship is as strong as ever. However, Song-i’s life takes an unexpected turn. She finds herself in a pickle after getting evicted. Tae-o takes her in and lets her stay at his house.
This proximity starts to evolve their platonic friendship into something more. There is a truly heartwarming feel to this K-drama, just like Bubble Gum.
2) Pinocchio
Bubble Gum truly blends the aspects of friendship and romance intriguingly. If you liked the heartwarming feel of Bubble Gum, then this K-drama can be your next binge-watch.
The tragic aspect of this K-drama brings a nuanced sense of grief. It does leave a lasting impact. Choi In-ha and Ki Ha-myung’s story resonates deeply with the viewers.
3) Dear M
A combination of mystery, friendship, and lots of heartwarming romance, Dear M, just like Bubble Gum, will become your favorite in no time. The key similarity between the two K-dramas is the aspect of friends-to-lovers. This classic show trope builds a strong foundation for this K-drama.
The relaxed feel and focus on the everyday lives of both the K-drama resonate with the viewers. We see their struggles and the joy they feel as adults. It is grounded and relatable.
4) The Time We Were Not In Love
Sometimes we fail to see what is right in front of us. This is the story of Oh Ha-na and Choi Won, who have been friends for twenty years. They have seen every up and down of each other's lives. From childhood to adulthood, they stayed by each other’s side. They thought their friendship was platonic, and the troubles they were having in relationships were not because of their friendship.
In Bubble Gum, we also see a similar aspect. How Oh Ha-na and Choi Won are completely clueless (or in denial) of their romantic feelings for one another will give you a hearty laugh. Both Bubble Gum and this show leave the viewers with a lasting, heartwarming feeling.
5) True Beauty
If you are looking for a K-drama that will leave you with a heartwarming feeling and will become your comfort K-drama, then this is the perfect choice for you. Since her childhood, Lim Ju-kyung has been suffering because of her looks. People were condescending towards her as she was not considered to be conventionally pretty. It became one of her biggest insecurities.
Even at her school, she gets constantly bullied because of it. The bullying becomes too extreme for her. She decides to end her life to escape from all the troubles. However, things take an unexpected turn when she is saved by an unknown man.
She slowly starts to take matters into her own hands and decides to use makeup to hide her insecurities. From love triangles to aspects of mental health, this K-drama has it all. After Bubble Gum, True Beauty will give you the perfect dose of happiness.
6) 18 Again
Do you want the same tug at your heartstrings like you felt while watching Bubble Gum? Then 18 Again is the perfect choice for you. There are many similarities between these two K-dramas. The aspect of the main character becoming 18 again adds to the overall humor of the K-drama.
Jung Da-jung and Hong Dae-young were childhood sweethearts. They chose to take the difficult route and stay by each other’s side. However, fate had a different plan. It started as a romantic love story, but turned into one with difficulties.
Dae-young and Da-jung’s marriage was falling apart when one day he woke up and found himself as his 18-year-old self. Both Bubble Gum and 18 Again bring forth the aspect of mending broken relationships and growing stronger together.
7) Our Beloved Summer
Our Beloved Summer is yet another intriguing K-drama that gives us a similar feel to Bubble Gum. From the aspect of friends turning into lovers to the familiar heartwarming tones, this K-drama shines bright with its interesting storyline.
The character development in both shows also has a similar feel. Choi Ung and Koon Yeon-soo’s past connections play a vital role in the story. Like Bubble Gum, this K-drama also offers a warm and nostalgic atmosphere.
8) When Life Gives You Tangerines
When Life Gives You Tangerines will undoubtedly tug at your heartstrings and will leave you in both happy and sad tears, just like Bubble Gum. This K-drama tells us the story of the strength of three women, or rather, three generations of women.
Gwang-rye is a haenyeo. Being in the water for hours takes a toll on the body. She does it all for her family. After her death, her daughter, Ae-sun’s life takes a turn. She works hard and tries to take care of her sibling despite being a child herself. After she grows up, her daughter decides to break the cycle of accepting torment from the in-laws.
Ae-sun’s daughter, Yang Geum-myeong, studies hard and gets a job. The three generations of women have their own set of struggles. This K-drama depicts the aspect of how sometimes life itself becomes the biggest enemy.
Ae-sun and Gwan-sik’s love story is the cherry on top of this K-drama. It depicts the significance of a supportive partner. If deeply emotional and heartwarming stories, like Bubble Gum, are your go-to, then this K-drama is a must-watch for you.
9) Lovely Runner
Did you fall in love with the way Bubble Gum handled Park Ri-hwan and Haeng-ah’s story, especially focusing on their past? Then, Lovely Runner will give you a heartwarming feel as well.
This is not just a love story. Ryu Sun-jae and Im Sol’s story transcends time. Both Bubble Gum and this K-drama focus on deep-rooted connections. In Bubble Gum, they are childhood friends. In this K-drama, their past is deeply interconnected as well. Both the K-dramas focus deeply on emotional well-being and healing.
This resonates deeply with the viewers. Im Sol’s desperate attempts to save Sun-jae’s life and change their fates leave a lasting impact. It shows us the significance of actions.
10) Love Next Door
Love Next Door is another intriguing love story of childhood friends finding their way towards one another. Bubble Gum offers a realistic depiction of the struggles, and this K-drama offers the same.
After working extremely hard at her job, Bae Seok-ryu hardly gets the recognition she deserves. It not only affects her mental health but also deteriorates her physical health. She decides to return to her hometown to make a new start. However, it wasn't easy. Leaving a well-paying job and a life that many dream of raises eyebrows. Seok-ryu not only has to answer to her family but others as well.
On the other hand, her childhood friend, Choi Seung-hyo, also decides to move back to his house to stay close to Seok-ryu. As the story progresses, they share their difficult moments, which strengthens their bond.
Love Next Door, just like Bubble Gum, offers an immediate sense of comfort. There is a welcoming familiarity in both stories. The realistic depiction of relationships tugs at our heartstrings.
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