The One and Only: 10 Kdramas that are just as romantic, sad, and totally worth it

Doom At You Service | Image Via: tvN, Mr. Plankton | Image Via: Netflix, Rain Or Shine | Image Via: JTBC, Uncontrollably Fond | Image Via: KBS2
Doom At You Service | Image Via: tvN, Mr. Plankton | Image Via: Netflix, Rain Or Shine | Image Via: JTBC, Uncontrollably Fond | Image Via: KBS2

The One and Only is a K-drama with its unique combination of romance and heartbreak. The storyline of this K-drama draws us into the world of stories that are epic and emotions that run high.

Tears are almost guaranteed while watching The One and Only. The storyline is truly beautiful. It is also extremely heart-wrenching. Certain K-dramas are just as deep and emotionally poignant.

Just as The One and Only, the magic of these stories lies in their ability to balance the sweet with the sorrow. The characters are well-written and thought-provoking. So, let’s dive right into it.


The One and Only: 10 Kdramas that are just as romantic, sad, and totally worth it

1) Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo

Moon Lovers: Scarlett Heart Ryeo | Image Via: SBS TV
Moon Lovers: Scarlett Heart Ryeo | Image Via: SBS TV

The One and Only is filled with numerous intriguing elements. These aspects keep the viewers hooked. Similarly, this K-drama has a blend of melodrama, a great option if you liked The One and Only.

In this K-drama, Ha-jin gets transported back into the Goryeo period. As a 21st-century woman, she finds it extremely difficult to navigate this time. It is completely different from the one she is from.

She finds herself entangled with palace politics and romance with Wang So. From romance to heartbreak, this K-drama is just like The One and Only.


2) Chocolate

Chocolate | Image Via: JTBC
Chocolate | Image Via: JTBC

The One and Only brings forth a perfect balance of drama, romance, and emotionally charged moments that resonate deeply with viewers. Similarly, Chocolate also brings forth a perfect blend of pacing and storyline.

The characters with emotional journeys resonate with viewers. This K-drama is also set in a hospice where Lee Kang becomes a neurosurgeon. Lee Kang and Moon Cha-yeong navigate through numerous difficult situations, which shape their characters.

Both The One and Only and Chocolate are moving K-dramas, depicting the significance of kindness. Even the supporting characters of both K-dramas are intriguing.


3) Doom At You Service

Doom At You Service | Image Via: tvN
Doom At You Service | Image Via: tvN

Even though this K-drama has fantasy elements, there are numerous other similarities between The One and Only and this storyline.

The aspect of terminal illness in both The One and Only and this K-drama is delved into in a nuanced manner. Here, Dong-kyung’s life takes an unexpected turn. She finds out that she is terminally ill.

She does not have much time left. This affects her immensely. She gets entangled with Myul Mang. Myul Mang might look like a normal human being but is a messenger between gods and humans and is a powerful supernatural being.

He has numerous abilities and can even make an asteroid shower. This K-drama gives the viewers numerous heartwarming moments like The One and Only.


4) Mr. Plankton

Mr. Plankton | Image Via: Netflix
Mr. Plankton | Image Via: Netflix

This K-drama tells us the story of a terminally ill man and a woman suffering from premature menopause. Each has its own heartbreaking backstories as they come together to give the viewers one of the most intense storylines, just like The One and Only.

Chase Seung-hyeok has a difficult past. His life takes a turn after he finds out that he is also terminally ill. Jae-mi is a 28-year-old woman. Her story is also disheartening. She has premature menopause.

Through this heartbreaking K-drama, we see how they navigate the moments they have together. Their story resonates deeply. Before everything crumbles down, they have numerous humorous moments as well.

Much like The One and Only, this storyline has all the elements to make it a binge-worthy show.


5) It's Okay To Not Be Okay

It's Okay To Not Be Okay | Image Via: tvN
It's Okay To Not Be Okay | Image Via: tvN

Though the main aspect of this K-drama revolves around mental health, this K-drama brings forth similar attributes to The One and Only. Moon Gang-tae and Moon-young’s story resonates deeply with the viewers.

Especially how this K-drama handles sensitive elements. Moon-young’s antisocial personality slowly develops after she connects with Gang-tae. Gang-tae works as a caregiver in the psychiatric ward of a hospital.

There are numerous ups and downs in their storyline. Each of them feels respite in the presence of the other. Just like The One and Only, this K-drama is filled with humor and romance. Along with it, the heartbreaking moments will make you constantly wipe your tears.


6) Rain Or Shine

Rain Or Shine | Image Via: JTBC
Rain Or Shine | Image Via: JTBC

The One and Only and this K-drama are both equally intriguing stories. Each of the storylines is emotionally equipped. It shows us a realistic portrayal of human struggles.

The captivating character development of this K-drama is truly worth appreciating. Losing loved ones is truly a heartbreaking thing that can happen to anyone. This K-drama shows us the story of how people cope after losing loved ones.

Time is a vital element in helping to soothe the hurt and return us to our normal lives. However, the ache remains throughout our lives. Similarly, this K-drama has beautifully encapsulated this feeling through Lee Kang-doo and Ha Moon-soo’s lives.

The complexities of life and depth are a poignant aspect. The grounded approach in both the K-dramas offers a nuanced depiction. It is an emotionally resonant viewing experience. The heartfelt moments leave a lasting impact.


7) When the Camellia Blooms

When the Camellia Blooms | Image Via: KBS2
When the Camellia Blooms | Image Via: KBS2

Both The One and Only and this K-drama hit the right spots. Especially storylines that are filled with deeply emotionally resonant moments. This K-drama, just like The One and Only, is a masterful blend of the right elements.

It has romance and humor in just the right proportions. Dong-baek and Yong-sik’s story highlights the importance of second chances and the opportunity for happiness.

Even though Dong-baek’s life has not been easy, Yong-sik’s consistent support heals her. The One and Only offers a poignant and reflective journey, much like this K-drama.


8) Uncontrollably Fond

Uncontrollably Fond | Image Via: KBS2
Uncontrollably Fond | Image Via: KBS2

This K-drama is yet another storyline that similarly depicts numerous aspects to that of The One and Only. Joon-young and No-eul had a past. However, they get separated.

They grew up in completely different ways. While Joon-young’s life was planned out for him, No-eul had to work her own way to bring food to the table. Since she was young, she worked hard.

Her father dies. Hence, she could rely on no one but herself. Joon-young’s life might seem to be comfortable on the surface, but he also has deep emotional distress in his life.

After their paths cross once again, they end up having a devastating end, just like The One and Only. It is revealed that Joon-young is suffering from cancer. He does not have much time left.

Through the K-drama, we see their love evolve even during difficult times. This K-drama makes us aware of the constantly ticking clock. The transience of life in this K-drama is poignant. The emotional intensity of the K-dramas also leaves a lasting impact.


9) A Thousand Days’ Promise

A Thousand Days’ Promise | Image Via: Yein E&M
A Thousand Days’ Promise | Image Via: Yein E&M

This K-drama tells the story of how love becomes a backbone, especially during the most difficult times. Both The One and Only and this K-drama are heavy tear-jerker stories with romance that leaves a mark.

Seo-yeon and Ji-hyung initially have a very complicated relationship. After Ji-hyung’s parents fix the date of marriage with his fiancée, Seo-yeon breaks up with him.

She is then diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. When Ji-hyung learns about Seo-yeon’s health condition, he immediately decides to marry her. As they start their life after marriage, they slowly understand that their happy days are numbered.

This K-drama leaves the viewers thinking. It is a testament that love is the anchor in the stormiest days. Both The One and Only and this K-drama handle sensitive issues with utmost care. This resonates deeply.


10) Youth Of May

Youth Of May | Image Via: Story Hunter Production
Youth Of May | Image Via: Story Hunter Production

Both The One and Only and Youth of May are powerful K-dramas that share significant similarities, especially when we consider the romance and deep emotional moments in the K-dramas.

This K-drama is about a tumultuous time. To see the innocence of love blossom against such difficult times touches the hearts of the viewers. It also resonates deeply.

Through the K-dramas, we are reminded of the fragility of human life. Along with it, we also see that during the most difficult times, love and hope always shine.


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Edited by Debanjana