Romantic relationships are at the heart of many K-Dramas, but not all love stories are met with enthusiasm. Some dramas have sparked controversy due to problematic portrayals of romance, including significant age gaps, power imbalances, and toxic relationship dynamics. While some viewers see these stories as pure fiction, others argue that they can normalize unhealthy behaviors and reinforce outdated societal norms. This article explores instances where K-Dramas crossed the line with their romantic narratives.
1. Eve – Revenge and a Questionable Relationship
Eve, starring Seo Ye-ji, gained attention for its intense revenge-driven storyline, but its central romance raised eyebrows due to its questionable nature.
Age Gaps and Power Imbalances
The drama depicted a romantic relationship between the female lead, Lee Ra-el (Seo Ye-ji), and a much older, married chaebol (Park Byung-eun). While the story framed their relationship as part of Ra-el’s calculated revenge, critics felt that it romanticized infidelity and a toxic power imbalance.
Seo Ye-ji’s Real-Life Controversy
Compounding the controversy, Seo Ye-ji had been embroiled in a scandal prior to the drama’s release, involving allegations of gaslighting and controlling behavior in her past relationship with actor Kim Jung-hyun. Some viewers found it difficult to separate her personal life from the drama’s themes, leading to further criticism.
2. Something in the Rain – Overbearing Family and Relationship Control
Something in the Rain (2018), starring Son Ye-jin and Jung Hae-in, was initially praised for its realistic and mature take on love, but as the drama progressed, it became a source of frustration for many viewers.
Parental Control and Toxic Family Dynamics
The drama followed the romance between a woman in her mid-30s and her best friend’s younger brother. While the premise was promising, the portrayal of the female lead’s overbearing mother became a major point of contention. Many viewers criticized how the show emphasized family interference to an unrealistic extent, with the mother resorting to emotional abuse to break up the couple.
Unhealthy Depiction of Love
As the show went on, the female lead’s submissive nature and the male lead’s inconsistent characterization left audiences disappointed. Rather than being a mature love story, it ended up portraying an exhausting and controlling relationship that many found unappealing.
3. Now, We Are Breaking Up – Workplace Power Dynamics and Lack of Chemistry
Despite its star-studded cast, Now, We Are Breaking Up, featuring Song Hye-kyo and Jang Ki-yong, failed to impress audiences, with many pointing out its problematic approach to romance.
Questionable Office Romance
The drama revolved around a no-strings-attached romance between a successful fashion designer and a younger photographer. While age-gap relationships are not inherently problematic, the drama’s execution felt forced. Song Hye-kyo’s character, Ha Young-eun, was written as emotionally closed-off, while Jang Ki-yong’s Yoon Jae-gook repeatedly pursued her despite her rejections. Some viewers felt this dynamic bordered on coercion rather than genuine romance.
Flat Chemistry and Poor Execution
Beyond the ethical concerns, the romance was criticized for its lack of chemistry. Viewers found the emotional depth lacking, making it difficult to root for the couple. Ultimately, the drama’s attempt to present a modern love story fell flat due to its outdated gender dynamics and lack of engaging storytelling.
4. High Society – Wealth and Manipulation in Relationships
High Society (2015) attempted to explore class struggles through two love stories but ended up reinforcing problematic relationship dynamics.
Manipulation and Power Struggles
One of the central romances involved an ambitious woman from a rich family and a self-made man. While their love story was intended to be about overcoming class barriers, it featured unhealthy emotional manipulation, including jealousy-fueled arguments and controlling behavior disguised as love.
Toxic Masculinity and Red Flags
The male lead’s actions, such as deliberately ignoring boundaries and making possessive statements, contributed to the criticism. Many felt that the drama romanticized toxic masculinity instead of presenting a balanced, healthy relationship.
5. Cheese in the Trap – The Dangerous Appeal of the Manipulative Male Lead
Cheese in the Trap started as a promising adaptation of the popular webtoon but quickly became one of the most divisive K-Dramas due to its problematic male lead and behind-the-scenes conflicts.
Manipulation Disguised as Love
The character Yoo Jung (played by Park Hae-jin) was portrayed as a mysterious and charismatic college student, but as the drama progressed, his behavior became increasingly manipulative. He used subtle psychological tactics to control those around him, including his love interest Hong Seol (Kim Go-eun). Many viewers argued that his actions were unsettling rather than romantic, making it difficult to sympathize with him.
Controversial Ending
To make matters worse, the drama’s ending deviated from the webtoon, leaving fans unsatisfied. Instead of resolving the love story in a meaningful way, the male lead essentially disappeared, reinforcing the idea that their relationship was never healthy to begin with.
Final Thoughts
While K-Dramas often thrive on romantic storytelling, they sometimes blur the lines between love and toxicity. Dramas like Eve, Something in the Rain, and Cheese in the Trap have sparked discussions about what should and shouldn’t be romanticized in media. As the industry evolves, it’s important for writers and producers to be mindful of the messages they convey through on-screen relationships.
