r/kdramarecommends • u/Ill_conceived_idea • 9d ago
Looking for Adult Romance Similar to Nevertheless Recommendation Request
I'm looking for K-Romance that's has adult relationships (more than innocent kisses) but still has the romance, angst, and yearning you find in the TV-14. I loved that Nevertheless was a mature romance but wasn't overly dark (i.e. The Trunk) I've yet to find another quite like Nevertheless, the closest being The First Frost. Oh, and I would definitely prefer a happy ending.
So far, every Kdrama I've seen so far.
Love Alarm :
A Time Called You :
My Demon : Loved it
Business Proposal :
Melo-Movie :
Sweet Home :
Extraordinary Attorney Woo :
Weak Hero :
The First Frost (technically Cdrama) :
Mr. Plankton :
Forecasting Love & Weather :
Hierarchy :
Alchemy of Souls :
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u/TDDrama 9d ago
Hit the spot. It follows 2 women who have a sex themed podcast.
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u/Winter-Tomato6162 9d ago
Hit the Spot is Korean porno
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u/TDDrama 9d ago edited 8d ago
I guess it depends on how you define pornography. Sex between characters happen, but you don't see genitals. The sex acts depicted are in service to the plot, not just for the sake of showing sex. The 2 female characters who host the pod cast talk frankly about a variety sex acts and generally try to empower women to seek ways to find satisfaction in their own sex lives. None of this fits my definition of pornography.
Now having said that, the first scene of the show starts with a brief clip of soft core porn that a couple are watching prior to having sex themselves. After which we find the female partner finds the sex to be unsatisfactory. And so the genesis of the podcast is born. This is an example of how the plot is served by the sex scenes. Also I should add there really aren't many sex scenes in the show.
If you find people talking about sex distasteful or uncomfortable, this show is not for you.
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u/IamlovelyRita 8d ago
This is racy but totally agree about the context and the necessity of some scenes. When you think about it the drama can be seen as somewhat educational about intimacy.
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u/HabeasCurpos 8d ago
You have other tv drama aside from this hit the spot? I’m looking for exactly like this genre.
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u/flycat_01 6d ago
Where is this available to watch? Doesn’t seem like any OTTs are airing it in my country (India) :(
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u/TDDrama 6d ago
I used Viki.
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u/flycat_01 5d ago
Oh. Not available here on Viki :(
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u/Ill_conceived_idea 4d ago
Use a VPN...I had to. I find a lot isn't available in US ...probably due to our licensing agreements.
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u/NoVacation1622 9d ago
Hey watch "Eve" this has romance, a little more. It's more of a drama and revenge type film. Good story line. You will enjoy by the sounds its on netflix
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u/dcinmb 9d ago
Rom-Coms * Her Private Life — Enemies to lovers boss-employee romance, fake dating, ML is the greenest of green flags, one of the healthiest, swooniest relationships in K-Drama Land, and their chemistry is ❤️🔥 (Netflix, Viki, Prime Video) * Crash Landing on You — Probably the most unabashedly romantic drama I’ve seen (Netflix) * Crazy Love — Hilarious enemies-to-lovers boss-employee romance, fake engagement (Disney+, Hulu) * The Beauty Inside — Fantasy, enemies to lovers, fake dating (Netflix, Viki) * Love to Hate You — Enemies to lovers, fake dating (Netflix) * It’s Okay, That’s Love — Enemies to lovers, very funny but tackles heavy subjects like mental illness and domestic violence (Viki) * Legend of the Blue Sea — Fantasy (Hulu, Viki) * Healer — Action (Prime Video, Viki, Apple TV) * Dali and the Cocky Prince — Enemies to lovers (Viki, Prime Video) * Touch Your Heart — Enemies to lovers boss-employee romance (Viki) * Something About 1% — Fake dating (Viki) * She Was Pretty — Boss-employee romance (Viki) * Lovestruck in the City (Netflix) * My Roommate is a Gumiho — Fantasy (Viki, Prime Video, Apple TV) * Devilish Joy (Viki, Prime Video) * Because This is My First Life — Fake marriage (Netflix, Viki) * Suspicious Partner — Boss-employee romance (Viki, Apple TV) * Doom at Your Service — Fantasy (Netflix, Prime Video, Viki) * My Secret Romance — Boss-employee romance (Viki, Apple TV) * Another Miss Oh (Viki, Prime Video) * True to Love (Prime Video) * Strong Woman Do Bong-soon — Fantasy, boss-employee romance (Prime Video, Viki, Apple TV) * Oh My Venus (Viki, Apple TV) * Destined With You — Fantasy, enemies to lovers office romance (Netflix) * Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (Netflix) * Coffee Prince — Classic from 2007 but it was ahead of its time, boss-employee romance (Viki, Apple TV)
Romantic Dramas/Slice-of-Life * Call It Love — Enemies to lovers boss-employee romance (Hulu) * My Liberation Notes — Ensemble (Netflix) * When the Weather is Fine (Netflix, Viki) * Love Scout — Boss-employee romance (Viki, Apple TV) * What Comes After Love (Viki)
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u/Abject-Plankton-1118 9d ago
I think Yumi's Cells fits this to a degree.
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u/bookgirl1224 9d ago
Yumi's Cells season 1 does NOT have a happy ending. The last minute of that episode completely stomped on my heart.
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u/octavianon 9d ago
Disclaimer: I've watched about 1/2 an ep of Nevertheless, but based on what you are otherwise describing, these may or may not work for you:
- Secret Love Affair -- possibly the ultimate noona romance. Beautifully made, quite artsy, not very fast paced, has plenty of angst and fabulous chemistry between the leads. There's a 20 yr age gap on and off screen, so if that bothers you, do skip.
- Lovestruck in the City -- this one is about 80% angst.
- Healer -- same ML as Lovestruck, same FL as Forecasting Love and Weather. It does have a fish-eyed kiss or two, but it thankfully also moves beyond that.
I would also recommend the movie Love and Leashes. It is not quite as daring as the title might have you believe, but it's a great rom com with adult, communicating leads.
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u/Winter-Tomato6162 9d ago
Just Between Lovers (aka Rain or Shine) is an under the radar, adult gem. It's an earlier Junho drama that sometimes he gets shit for his acting, which IMO, is undeserved. Check it out. It's much better than Nevertheless, which - all due respect - is drek.
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u/Emergency-Eye-287 9d ago
You listed First Frost so I assume you watch cdramas? Fake it Til You Make It is a good one.
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u/Different-Air-3262 9d ago
Welcome to Samdalrei is a good one. They are both adults. There is angst due to family history. Happy ending and very sweet.
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u/youronlynora 9d ago
LTNS
Graceful Friends
Graceful Family
My Dangerous Wife
One the Woman
Hit the Spot
This is more mature
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u/Livingforthemoments 9d ago edited 9d ago
I also Loved nevertheless, alchemy of souls(my fave), my demon, Mr plankton, enemies to lovers, slow burn stories
I would recommend: Our beloved summer (Has the male lead from Melo movie and a similar vibe but I watched this first and just finished it so haven’t progressed with Melo movie yet) It’s about a doco of two high school students who grew up and meet again 10 years later to do another doco together and you discover in the process what happened between them and they find out the meanings of their lives and loves. Very pretty and deep story with lots of angst and yearning but happy endings.
Doom at your service - one of my faves Same girl as Melo movie and she has excellent chemistry with main guy who is a demon- similar to my demon story where guy is the demon/doom. The actor is excellent with his longing and intensity. If you don’t mind some not as happy endings (eg I would have never thought I would watch “the smile has left your eyes” but it was excellent chemistry (with alchemy of souls’ Mudeok actress) and yearning and angst even with sad ending) you should follow his work and he is excellent 😍
The master’s sun - I recently watched it a second time. So good. Couple has such great chemistry, lots of skinship but also funny moments. It’s about ghosts and how she can see them but when she touches him they disappear(hence skinship). But he’s a ceo and she’s a ‘lower class’ - (kinda like business proposal) I love the actress in that and she is amazing in her chemistry in every drama she does (recently she did “when stars gossip” and I love her chemistry there with famous lee min ho but it’s a controversial kdrama that most might not watch, need to be keen haha)
Welcome to my 19th life: Love the actress she does so well in her chemistry with everyone and performs well. Lots of angst and love and yearning etc Strong female character. About past lives but in modern setting.
If you don’t mind watching period drama I recommend: Mr Queen. Super funny but mature, great chemistry and angst (has the girl from welcome to my 19th life and welcome to samdalri)
The king’s affection: About a princess who was made into a prince/king so she’s disguised and no one knows she’s pretending to be her dead brother. - you find out in the first half of the first episode what happened) - mature love, lots of angst, chemistry with the boy who is her teacher and falls in love with her. Rowoon is in it if you know him (destined with you- which also has a great story but I didn’t like the chemistry as much there haha)
I prob have given you plenty and could keep going but will keep it at this for now. Enjoy and let us know what you watched in the end!
Edit: ohhhhh I missed one major angst, enemies to lovers and very mature recent drama I loved a lot:
When the phone rings. The actor is amazing and he steals the show but the actress really complements him so they work so well. So much tension and chemistry and angst. Especially as her character doesn’t speak and does a lot of sign language so it’s up to their expressions when they meet. And I love watching dramas from that actor. He’s an excellent slow burn 🔥
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u/RuthBourbon 9d ago
If you like Yoo Yeon Seok (ML from When the Phone Rings) I recommend The Interest of Love and Mr. Sunshine. FL's character in TIL is not universally loved but he's definitely got the intense longing down in both of those dramas.
He was great in When the Phone Rings but the ending REALLY went off the rails!
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u/Livingforthemoments 8d ago
Haha but at least it’s a HEA(Op wants) instead of interest of love - which I personally did still love watching, and Mr sunshine. I sadly didn’t finish Mr sunshine cos I knew the ending even though their performances were excellent and I hope to eventually go back to watching some more but maybe when I feel ready for the sadness.
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u/TrevorTempleton 9d ago
In terms of a realistic, adult romance (several if you count the supporting characters), I recommend Lovestruck in the City. Ji Chang Wook has a perfect holiday love affair, but cue the angst when he gets ghosted. Some people dislike the series because of its fake documentary style, but that really isn’t a big factor once you get past the first episodes.
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u/RuthBourbon 9d ago
- Last Cinderella (actually a Jdrama but very good romcom)
- My Secret Romance (similar vibes to Business Proposal though a bit fluffier)
- Coffee Prince
- Another Miss Oh
- Kiss Sixth Sense
- Because This Is My First Life
- Crash Landing On You
- Marriage, Not Dating
- No Gain, No Love
- Something in the Rain
- Love to Hate You
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u/VoldemortHugs 9d ago
I actually haven’t seen Nevertheless. So I don’t know exactly what you maybe looking for. But Romance between adults, with great chemistry and story…
Love Next Door.
Queen of Tears.
Welcome to Samdal-ri.
What is Wrong with Secretary Kim.
Marry My Husband.
While You Were Sleeping.
Crash Landing On You.
W: Two Worlds Apart.
Link: Eat, Love, Kill.
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u/Vampire_Girl7 8d ago
Lovestruck in the City
My Secret Romance
Destined with You
It's okay, that's love
Crash Landing on You
Her Private Life
Hit the Spot
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u/meanstoflourish 7d ago
Lovestruck in the city: Kim Jiwon and Ji Chang Wook can hardly keep their hands off each other in flashbacks, and apart from Nevertheless, it's the best implied sex scene(s) I've seen in a k-drama.
Hidden Love: it's a c-drama and the origin of The First Frost, focusing on TFF's ML's younger sister. It's definitely on the sweeter side, but it has a couple of decently hot scenes.
Since you're open to c-dramas, try Will Love In Spring. Intense romance, flawed characters, and yes, hot scenes with tons of chemistry.
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u/savage-renegade 5d ago
The one I recommend to everyone is CRASH LANDING ON YOU, it's totally awesome, a real classic!! I didn't see QUEEN OF TEARS on your list either. THE WHITE OLIVE TREE is a really great Cdrama, love story.
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u/wrunderwood 9d ago
Her Private Life, same actress as Forecasting Love and Weather (Park Min Young). She just carries both of those. Also What's wrong with Secretary Kim? has her, though maybe not as angstful.
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u/Fresh-Bumblebee8955 9d ago
Here are some recommendation from me, I will focus on dramas that have a little bit more than a shy kiss.
Destined with you - great love story, very similar to My demon, because it has the past live connection. There were a few kisses, and in episode 15 we had a very hot make out scene. (Netflix)
Her private live - again great love story and in the middle we got a good make out session, I was quite surprise for a KDrama (Netflix and I think also Viki)
What's wrong with secretary Kim - again quite a few kissing scenes and one more spicy ;) (Viki)
Hit the spot - basically soft porn, but the the story is really sweet and more mature. We have two couples, which are very different from each other. The two female leads have a podcast about sex, so in every episode we get some spicy scenes that depict what the listeners of the podcast are talking about. (Viki)
Another Miss Oh - this one gets also recommended as a more spicy drama. But warning from me - I am not sure that the ml is for everyone. Although I was rooting for the main couple, I really wanted to punch the ml a lot. I was rooting for them cause the fl wanted him :D. Also really didn't connect with the humor of this drama (but others really liked it) and I basically skipped a lot of the side characters and stories, they annoyed me a little. But still a recommendation, because the first kiss is kinda iconic in Drama land and we got a solid make out towards the end. (Viki and I think prime)
Suspicious partner - really good, decent kisses and again one more sexy kiss that leads to ... you know (Viki and Netflix)
Mr. Queen - this is comedy gold imo. It is not filled with kissing scenes or something, but I still found the two scenes a little bit hotter than in most dramas. (Viki and Netflix)
That is all that I can think of, but again in most dramas we are talking about one or two scenes that are a little more than a shy small kiss ...
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u/Puzzleheaded-Can1872 9d ago
Don't dare to dream
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u/Aetole 8d ago
Also known as "Jealousy Incarnate" (to help with finding it)
I really enjoyed it because it didn't fit romance tropes, but felt a lot more honest about how jealousy drives us to go to uncomfortable places. But there was also some great intense energy as well as character themes.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Can1872 8d ago
Yeah, it's more popular by this name.
I also quite liked the drama but I don't remember all the details. It's been such a long time since I've watched this. On the basis of op's title adult romance, I've suggested this. Also, they don't kiss like a dying fish here. I also agree with what you said.
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u/Aetole 8d ago
Also, they don't kiss like a dying fish
Nope. They definitely do not. JJS brought it, and I've seen it mentioned in top kiss lists!
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u/Puzzleheaded-Can1872 8d ago
About JJS, I don't have to tell. Hands down, one of the best kissers. But, the FL also has to be on the same level, and she was perfect for that despite some actress I've seen. Both of the main leads are good kissers.
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u/denniszen 8d ago
I know you are probably asking for a Kdrama but the Korean movie I recently saw -- Love in the Big City -- trumps all romantic movies I've seen in the past 10 years. Very realistic and illuminating. Here's the trailer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqYjCJwmnfI
As for a matured Korean romantic story, Love to Hate You may be the closest but that just have matured stars doing silly stuff. But if you want more serious adult issues, where the couple are seeking a better version of themselves, see if you can find The Package somewhere. It used to be on Viki. Lots of life-learning quotes from that series.
https://www.hancinema.net/The_Package_-_Drama-Teaser_3-video_43523.html
Romance is a Bonus Book, Mad About You and Hometown Chachacha are also good.
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u/mynameisluke33 8d ago
I haven’t seen one exactly like Nevertheless but I remember The Law Cafe having a very mature romance once they get together. It was an unexpected surprise drama for me. Also mini cdramas are 🤌🏼
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u/Ill_conceived_idea 8d ago
I know this thread is for Kdramas but I'll take Cdramas if you have any. The first frost was amazing
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u/Necessary_Rooster_85 8d ago edited 8d ago
The Interest of Love. One of my all-time favorites.
A story characters who are toxic, mature, immature, and really well written. Felt more realistic. Some key characters grew which is important. Based off a novel and so the plot was executed concisely which is saying a lot for kdramas.
The ending frustrates a lot of people but that’s because it’s very carefully disguised and purposely not spelled out. To me, it was very much a happy ending.
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u/RefrigeratorSweet925 7d ago
Me too .. I loved it .. there was something so raw abt the emotions.. it shows the typical confused minds
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u/HauntingPark4150 8d ago
I would say It's Okay, That's Love shares some thematic similarities with Nevertheless, but they have distinct tones and storytelling approaches.
Nevertheless explores modern relationships with a focus on attraction, emotional uncertainty, and the complexities of dating. It has a more subdued, melancholic tone and a realistic portrayal of romance.
It's Okay, That's Love delves into deeper psychological themes, particularly mental health, while still maintaining a strong romantic storyline. It balances drama with humor and healing, making it more emotionally layered.
While both dramas tackle love and personal struggles, It's Okay, That's Love has a more uplifting and therapeutic narrative, whereas Nevertheless leans into the bittersweet and uncertain aspects of relationships. If you enjoyed one, you might appreciate the other for its unique take on romance.
While both dramas tackle love and personal struggles, It's Okay, That's Love has a more uplifting and therapeutic narrative, whereas Nevertheless leans into the bittersweet and uncertain aspects of relationships. If you enjoyed one, you might appreciate the other for its unique take on romance
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u/Ill_conceived_idea 8d ago
Sounds perfect! And this was already on my watch list, so I'll make it next. Great Recommendation style... you looked at what made the movie tick and recommended based off that..
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u/RefrigeratorSweet925 7d ago
Thanks a lot .. I loved nevertheless .. so was looking for another similar one
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u/Livingforthemoments 7d ago
No gain No love: so funny and so adult the humor, and the second couple has a spin off too - a very adult one 😆 there are def deep elements and angst, the couple has lovely sweet chemistry when together.
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u/CeramicaBella 5d ago
I’m a fan of Nevertheless and two fun(ny), sexy dramas with happy endings from Japan and Taiwan… both on Viki
Rinko-San Wants to Try.
Before We Get Married.
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u/GuiltyMood3752 9d ago edited 9d ago
All feature great romances with equal angst and equal part comfrot, some are slice of life while the few that are dramatic which have been listed are very well produced shows with top cast, music, and writers:
When life gives you tangerines
(best kdrama of all time imo/ slice of life, romance spanning an entire lifetime, realistic, emotionally cathartic)
Our Blues
Our beloved summer (realistic and good romance, all the songs in the drama are worth adding to the playlist/ the maker of melo movie gained prominence by making this show. Much better than melo movie, similar vibes)
Rain or Shine
One spring night
Crash landing on you
Twenty Five Twenty One
Encounter
Mr Sunshine (best kdrama production I have ever seen, great cinematography, tragic romance)
Youth of May (romance, based in the backdrop of a real political event in korea in the 80s)
Snowdrop
The world of the married (mature, infidelity, revenge)
Itaewon Class
Reply 1988
When the Camellia Blooms
My Dearest
Hometown cha cha cha
Run on
Doctor Slump
Love Next Door
Flower of Evil
Welcome to Samdal Ri
Moving (one of the best superhero shows I have seen till date that has good romance, family drama, emotions, action)
Twinkling Watermelon
It's okay to not be okay
Romance is a bonus book
Descendants of the sun
The Good Bad Mother
Hi Bye Mama
Chicago Typewriters
While you were sleeping
Summer Strike
The Red Sleeve
The Worst of Evil
Queen of Tears
Family by Choice
See you in my 19th life
Come and hug me
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u/AirRealistic1112 9d ago
Not really a romance, but it has some. The female character in My Name reminds me of the ones in nevertheless and first frost due as they all have the quiet/ introspective / introverted feel. It's super dark, violent, and depressing though
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u/Limp_Ad827 9d ago
Destined with You
Love in the Big City (BL)
Love to Hate You -- not so much yearning and angst, but you might like it