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Among the vast array of tropes that K-dramas explore, one of the most prominent and fan-favorite themes is the rich-meets-poor trope. It’s a classic. Although we’ve encountered it many times, it never fails to entertain and remains captivating. This archetype typically features either a wealthy male lead and a poor female lead, or vice versa. It delves into the complexities of societal status, personal values, and the power of love. The challenges faced by couples are portrayed in a nuanced way in these K-dramas. The main allure of these stories lies in their ability to combine escapism with the relatable theme of love. So, let’s dive right in.
Top 10 K-Dramas with rich-meets-poor love stories
1) Strong Woman Do Bong Soon
This Kdrama features the rich-poor romance trope and a supernatural element, making it intriguing. Bong-soon’s family has hereditary powers: the female members gain superhuman strength. Unlike her twin brother, she possesses immense strength and dreams of working at a game-creating company. Min-hyuk, a self-made man, is the CEO of a gaming company.
He belongs to a wealthy family, but there are complications. Their humorous story unfolds as Bong-soon is hired by Min-hyuk as his bodyguard. Facing rumors about his sexuality, he opts for a female bodyguard. Bong-soon protects Min-hyuk from attacks, making their story intriguing and binge-worthy.
2) Queen Of Tears
K-dramas typically portray the male lead as wealthy, but in Queen of Tears, Hae-in, a chaebol of the Queen Group, falls in love with employee Baek Hyun-woo. Initially happy after their marriage, complications soon arise, turning their once-loving relationship bitter.
However, when Hae-in discovered that she was ill, their relationship began to change as he gradually started to feel more protective of her. Their story is truly heartwarming and filled with numerous emotional moments.
3) King the Land
The heir of King Group, Gu Won, falls in love with employee Chaeon Sa-rang. While it seems like a typical rich-meets-poor K-drama, this series breaks stereotypes, making it enjoyable. Unlike typical plots, the female lead actively resolves misunderstandings to be with her love. Gu Won initially has a cold demeanor, maintaining a professional relationship, but eventually falls for Sa-rang as he understands her better. Their story involves complex family dynamics that viewers appreciate.
4) What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim
Kim Mi-so is Young-joon’s capable secretary. She handles every little task for him, from bringing flowers to his girlfriends to keeping track of his work schedule. In a way, Young-joon’s life would fall apart if Kim Mi-so left. Though Mi-so’s resignation makes Young-joon think he might need to offer her a raise, she does not accept any compensation. She is resolute in her decision to leave her job. Gradually, it is revealed that Mi-so has been working her entire life without taking breaks or doing anything for herself. She wants to take this time to create happy memories for herself.
As Mi-so trains Youg-joon’s assistant, who will be her replacement, his feelings start to change. He understands his connection to Mi-so. He tries his best to impress her and make his feelings known to her. Their story is filled with humor and also a deep message about work-life balance and past traumas.
5) Guardian The Lonely and Great God
If we see the initial episodes of the drama, Ji Eun-tak’s economic condition is truly disheartening. She is not only poor but also suffering immensely at the hands of her aunt’s family.
After her mother’s death when she was a child, she suffered immensely. She also suffered from her ability to see ghosts. When she finally meets the Goblin, Kim Shin, her life takes an unexpected turn. Kim Shin takes her to his house and supports her.
Their story might have moments of humor and lightheartedness, but it also has deep emotional moments. This drama is wrapped up in a beautifully shot package. Kim Shin takes her to Canada, where he owns a hotel. The scenic beauty of this drama enhances the whole rich falls for the poor trope.
6) Encounter
This K-drama gives us the female lead as the rich one in the relationship. Cha Soo-hyun and Jin-hyuk’s story is truly a unique one. It started after they met one another in Cuba. There, they spent some of the most memorable moments of their lives. While they were in Cuba, they did not know about each other’s backgrounds.
Later, it is revealed that Jin-hyuk works for Cha Soo-hyun’s company. Even though their feelings are intact, complications arise because of their different social and economic status. This drama is filled with intricate complications that will keep you hooked throughout.
7) Boys Over Flowers
This list would be incomplete without the drama, which, despite being released many years ago, still remains one of the most iconic rich falls for the poor K-drama.
Geum Jan-di belongs to a poor family, in sharp contrast to Gu Jun-pyo’s family. Jun-pyo is used to getting his own way. He is incredibly arrogant and has a childish personality.
Though they initially clash, their story evolves in a nuanced manner. The rich fall for the poor trope has been handled deftly in this drama. It is a blend of classic romance, dramatic tension, and aspirational themes.
8) My Secret Romance
This is yet another intriguing romance with this trope. However, Yoo-mi and Jin-wook’s story has immense depth and is filled with heartbreaking moments that the viewers have loved.
Though they had met three years before, Yoo-mi wants to forget about him. Jin-wook’s ego is hurt as Yoo-mi left him without any explanation. When he finds out that Yoo-mi works for him, he tries to make her life difficult as a form of revenge.
However, he slowly starts to fall in love with her even more. The idea of conquering true love makes their story so intriguing.
9) Secret Garden
A Cinderella story with a modern twist. Joo-on and R-im’s journey is not a smooth one. Though they wanted to be with each other, Joo-on’s mother created enormous troubles for them and wanted them to separate.
Though Joo-on and Ra-im clash initially, they quickly fall for one another. Joo-on learns empathy and humility from Ra-im, and Ra-im opens her heart to him. This K-drama beautifully depicts how love can transcend social classes and bring two completely different people together.
10) Business Proposal
This K-drama truly broke the internet with not just its unique depiction of the rich falling in love with the poor, but also had a proper storyline to keep the viewers hooked.
With only twelve episodes, which is much less than the usual 16-episode format, this K-drama is one of the most binge-worthy shows. Kang Tae-moo’s grandfather is forcing him to get married. He makes him go to blind dates, which Tae-moo has no interest in going to.
On the other hand, we have Ha-ri and her best friend Young-seo. When Tae-moo is set for a blind date with Yeong-so, Ha-ri takes her place on her request. However, instead of making Tae-moo dislike her, he makes him more intrigued.
Tae-moo gives her a contract to pretend to be his girlfriend to make his grandfather happy. However, he slowly falls in love with her. Tae-moo’s financial background is completely different from Ha-ri's.
Their story is filled with humor and heartwarming moments, which the viewers have loved.
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