Age holds great importance in Korea, and Koreans have developed various approaches to show proper respect to their elders, both in real life and K-Dramas. Along with using formal and respectful language, they use honorifics such as “hyung” for older men (used by younger males), “oppa” for older men (used by younger females), or “ahjussi” for middle-aged men (used by both genders). Similarly, “noona” is used by younger males to refer to older females, “unnie” by younger females to refer to older females, and “ahjumma” for middle-aged females (used by both genders). The term “noona” is specifically used by men to address women who are older than them.
When two people are of legal and consenting age, the age gap is simply a number in matters of love. However, societal norms and outdated beliefs, particularly among those who are extremely conservative, may disapprove and frown upon women who date younger men. Nevertheless, this does not stop melodramas from depicting such stories, particularly if it makes for a great storyline. Over the years, K-Dramas have showcased many amazing couples, proving that age is irrelevant when there is chemistry between two individuals!
If you’re looking to binge-watch some K-Dramas featuring “noona” relationships (younger male-older female), here are some great options to consider!
“My Name is Kim Sam Soon”
One of the classic K-Drama noona romances is “My Name Is Kim Sam Soon.” The show’s protagonist is Kim Sam Soon (Kim Sun Ah), a feisty and sassy baker with an old-fashioned name. Despite her relatively older age and lack of accomplishments, she frequently faces underestimation due to her weight and single status. When Hyun Jin Heon (Hyun Bin), the chaebol owner of a sophisticated French restaurant, witnesses Sam Soon’s messy breakup with her cheating boyfriend and subsequent job loss, he hires her as the new pastry chef at Bon Appetit. Their relationship starts off acrimoniously, but a turn of events leads to Sam Soon posing as his make-believe girlfriend in exchange for money. The plot thickens when Jin Heon’s ex-girlfriend returns with a handsome doctor, and Jin Heon’s mother openly rejects Sam Soon as her son’s girlfriend.
“When the Camellia Blooms”
The popular series “When the Camellia Blooms” showcases a mix of love, humor, and societal issues. The plot centers on Dong Baek (Gong Hyo Jin), a single mother who moves to the village of Ongsan and opens a pub named Camellia, which raises some eyebrows in the traditional area. Hwang Yong Shik (Kang Ha Neul), a young and determined policeman, falls for Dong Baek at first sight. Although she initially hesitates to reciprocate Yong Shik’s feelings, he remains undeterred by the rumors about her, her status as a single mother, or her profession. Their love is put to the test by the re-entry of Dong Baek’s ex-boyfriend Kang Jong Ryeol (Kim Ji Suk), a baseball star and the father of her child, the community’s initial rejection of their relationship, and a serial killer on the loose.
“Romance is a Bonus Book”
Kang Dan I (Lee Na Young) is a stay-at-home mother trying to restart her career. Despite her excellent track record in advertising, she finds it difficult to secure a job due to her prolonged absence from the industry. In order to re-enter the workforce, she decides to remove a significant portion of her work history and applies for an entry-level position. Fortunately, she lands a job at a publishing house where Cha Eun Ho (Lee Jong Suk), her junior, serves as one of the chief editors. Eun Ho has always regarded Dan I as his noona since they were young. As they begin to work together more closely, he starts to appreciate her courage and compassion, but he has never had the courage to pursue her romantically. As they spend more time together, Eun Ho finds it increasingly difficult to suppress his feelings. He eventually succeeds in winning Dan I’s heart, but they face obstacles in their relationship.
“Encounter”
The central character of “Encounter” is Cha Soo Hyun, a woman in her late thirties who is the daughter of an influential politician and the former daughter-in-law of executives of a large multinational corporation. She married her ex-husband only for political reasons, and after their divorce, she managed a hotel that she received as alimony with great success. Soo Hyun travels to Cuba for work and meets the carefree Kim Jin Hyuk, a regular 20-year-old man who is traveling before starting his promising career. Initially unaware of Soo Hyun’s position as CEO of the hotel where he is recruited, Jin Hyuk still tries to pursue her despite their age and circumstances. The drama showcases their romantic story and the challenges they face in their relationship.
“Something in the Rain”
The drama you are referring to is “Something in the Rain,” which explores the challenges of a noona romance in South Korea. It portrays how age and social expectations can often create barriers for two people in love, particularly if the woman is older. The chemistry between the lead actors, Son Ye Jin and Jung Hae In, is undeniable, and their naturalistic acting enhances the emotional depth of the story. This drama highlights the cultural expectations and gender norms that women face in Korean society and the difficulties that they experience in balancing their careers and personal lives. Despite the challenges, the story shows that love can overcome all obstacles and that age is just a number when it comes to love.
“A Witch’s Romance”
Ban Ji Yeon is a highly motivated single reporter in her late thirties, known for her intense passion for her job. However, her excessive dedication often leads her to be perceived as unlikable, earning her the nickname “witch” behind her back. After her fiancé leaves her at the altar, Ji Yeon finds it challenging to open up emotionally and has lost faith in love. Meanwhile, Yoon Dong Ha runs an errand service with a friend, catering to the needs of those willing to pay. When Ji Yeon and Dong Ha meet, they don’t hit it off immediately due to an incident, but they gradually become attracted to one another. Ji Yeon panics upon discovering that Dong Ha is only 25 years old, leading to further complications when her ex-boyfriend resurfaces.
“Secret Love Affair”
Unlike other noona romance dramas, “Secret Love Affair” delves into a taboo affair between a married older woman and a talented pianist. Oh Hye Won (Kim Hee Ae), who is 40 years old, discovers love as she falls for Lee Sun Jae (Yoo Ah In), who is 20 years old. They meet at a piano recital held at the art gallery where Hye Won works, and things get complicated when Hye Won is revealed to be married to Kang Joon Hyung (Park Hyuk Kwon), Sun Jae’s piano instructor who discovered his talent. Sun Jae falls in love with Hye Won, and she sees him as the best person to teach her about “true” love. They continue their secret relationship despite knowing it’s wrong. While the plot is dark and heavy, the lead actors deliver exceptional performances, making it an enthralling drama to watch.
“Temperature of Love”
In “Temperature of Love,” the story revolves around Lee Hyun Soo (Seo Hyun Jin), an aspiring playwright who spent ten years working as an assistant writer. She connects with a young chef named On Jung Seon (Yang Se Jong), who owns a Michelin-star restaurant called Good Soup, through an internet platform where they use the usernames ‘Jane’ and ‘Good Soup.’ After meeting in person, they realize that their lives and goals are intertwined more closely than they thought, and they fall in love. However, Hyun Soo wants to focus on her work, and their relationship is complicated by Park Jeong Wu (Kim Jae Wook), Jung Seon’s business colleague, who also has feelings for Hyun Soo and is unwilling to take no for an answer. Meanwhile, Ji Hong Ah (Jo Bo Ah), Hyun Soo’s wealthy friend who dreams of becoming a scriptwriter, develops a crush on Jung Seon and is used to getting what she wants.
