This curated list of K-dramas explores the timeless theme of love transcending social and economic barriers. These series showcase the complexities of relationships between wealthy young men and women from less fortunate backgrounds, offering viewers not only a glimpse into the opulent lifestyles of the rich but also the heartfelt struggles and triumphs of love against all odds. Each drama in this collection provides a unique perspective on class differences, making it a must-watch for fans of romance, drama, and cultural exploration.

The Heirs (2013)
Description: Set in a high school for the ultra-rich, this drama tells the story of Cha Eun-sang, a poor girl who gets entangled in the lives of the wealthy heirs, particularly Kim Tan, the heir to a conglomerate.
Fact: The drama was filmed in multiple locations, including the USA, showcasing the international scope of the characters' lives.


Boys Over Flowers (2009)
Description: This iconic drama follows Geum Jan-di, a poor girl who attends an elite school where she meets the F4, a group of rich and powerful boys. Her romance with the leader, Gu Jun-pyo, highlights the clash between their worlds.
Fact: This series is based on the Japanese manga "Hana Yori Dango" and has been adapted into several versions across Asia.


The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)
Description: While not strictly about rich and poor, this drama involves a king from a parallel universe who falls for a detective from our world, showcasing the clash of different social standings.
Fact: It features a unique blend of fantasy, romance, and political intrigue.


Secret Garden (2010)
Description: A quirky drama where a rich CEO, Kim Joo-won, and a stuntwoman, Gil Ra-im, swap bodies, leading to a complex romance that defies social norms.
Fact: The body-swap concept was a novel twist in K-dramas at the time of its release.


Cheese in the Trap (2016)
Description: A psychological drama where a scholarship student, Hong Seol, navigates her complex relationship with a rich and enigmatic classmate, Yoo Jung.
Fact: The drama delves into the psychological aspects of relationships and personal ambition.


Love in the Moonlight (2016)
Description: Set in the Joseon Dynasty, this drama tells the story of a disguised female scholar and a crown prince, exploring themes of class disparity and forbidden love.
Fact: The drama was praised for its historical accuracy and beautiful cinematography.


Cinderella and Four Knights (2016)
Description: Ha Won, a hardworking girl, moves into a mansion with four rich grandsons of a wealthy businessman. Her interactions with these "knights" lead to unexpected romance and personal growth.
Fact: The series features a modern take on the Cinderella story, with a focus on personal development and friendship.


Rich Man, Poor Woman (2018)
Description: A remake of a Japanese drama, this series follows a wealthy CEO with a unique condition and a poor, hardworking woman who helps him, leading to an unexpected romance.
Fact: The Korean version adds a unique twist to the original story, focusing more on the personal growth of the characters.


My ID is Gangnam Beauty (2018)
Description: Kang Mi-rae, who undergoes plastic surgery to escape bullying, navigates university life where she meets Do Kyung-seok, a rich and aloof student, exploring themes of beauty, self-worth, and class.
Fact: The drama sparked discussions on societal beauty standards in South Korea.


The Beauty Inside (2018)
Description: Han Se-gye, an actress who changes appearance every month, falls for Seo Do-jae, a rich CEO with face blindness, highlighting themes of identity and love beyond appearances.
Fact: This drama was adapted from a web series and features a unique concept of identity transformation.
