Shin Hye-sun and Ji Chang-wook in a scene from 'Welcome to Samdal-ri.' Screenshot from video on Netflix Philippines' YouTube channel 

The friends-turned-lovers trope is one that we have seen time and time again, yet we never seem to get tired of. There's just something about romance blossoming from childhood or longtime friends that never fails to bring "kilig" vibes.

Wondering if your best friend is the one for you? Below, we round up some popular K-dramas that have explored the theme:

Like Flowers in Sand (2023)

Starring: Jang Dong-yoon, Lee Ju-myoung

Watch on: Netflix

In the sports drama "Like Flowers in Sand," ssireum (Korean wrestling) prodigy Kim Baek-du (Jang Dong-yoon) is on the verge of retirement when his childhood friend Oh Du-sik (Lee Ju-myoung) returns with a new identity and takes on the role of his team's manager. With each other's help, Baek-du reignites his interest in his sport while Du-sik uncovers the mystery behind the incident that drove her family away from their village.

Welcome to Samdal-ri (2023)

Starring: Shin Hye-sun, Ji Chang-wook

Watch On: Netflix

Set in scenic Jeju Island, "Welcome to Samdal-ri" follows Cho Sam-dal (Shin Hye-sun), a renowned fashion photographer whose career suddenly falls apart due to a work-related scandal. The controversy prompts her to return to her hometown, where she reconnects with her childhood friend and ex-boyfriend, weather forecaster Cho Yong-pil (Ji Chang-wook).

Soundtrack#1 (2022)

Starring: Park Hyung-sik, Han So-hee

Watch On: Disney+

A four-part music drama, "Soundtrack#1" is about lyricist Lee Eun-soo (Han So-hee) and photographer Han Sun-woo (Park Hyung-sik), who have been best friends for two decades. A project requires the pair to live under one roof, during which they start to realize that their friendship may have developed into romance.

Happiness (2021)

Starring: Han Hyo-joo, Park Hyung-sik

Watch On: Netflix, Viu, iQIYI

The apocalyptic thriller "Happiness" follows Special Operations Unit trainee Yoon Sae-bom (Han Hyo-joo) and detective Jung Yi-hyun (Park Hyung-shik), who have been friends since high school. The two enter a contract marriage to qualify for a housing program. But as a disease begins to spread, the two find themselves not only protecting each other but also the other tenants in their apartment complex.

Hospital Playlist (2020)

Starring: Jo Jung-suk, Yoo Yeon-seok, Jung Kyung-ho, Kim Dae-myung, Jeon Mi-do

Watch On: Netflix

"Hospital Playlist" follows five doctors who have been friends since medical school. Amidst their busy lives within and outside the hospital, the five maintain a close bond through their shared love for food and music. Romance also develops between two members of the circle.

My First First Love (2019)

Starring: Ji Soo, Jung Chae-yeon, Jung Jin-young, Choi Ri, Kang Tae-oh

Watch On: Netflix

In the coming-of-age drama "My First First Love," Yun Tae-o's (Ji Soo) friends end up moving into his house. Tae-o soon begins to experience conflicting feelings towards his longtime friend Han Song-i (Jung Chae-yeon), especially after she becomes more involved with Seo Do-hyeon (Jung Jin-young).

Fight for My Way (2017)

Starring: Park Seo-jun, Kim Ji-won

Watch On: Netflix, Viu

"Fight for My Way" follows best friends Ko Dong-man (Park Seo-jun), a former taekwondo champion, and Choi Ae-ra (Kim Ji-won), an information desk worker. While chasing their dreams "in a world that isn't kind to those with medicore credentials," the two slowly find their friendship turning into something more.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016)

Starring: Lee Sung-kyung, Nam Joo-hyuk

Watch On: Netflix, Viu, iQIYI

This hit sports drama centers on Kim Bok-joo (Lee Sung-kyung), a weightlifter studying at an athletics college, where she reunites with her childhood friend -- swimmer Jung Joon-hyung (Nam Joo-hyuk). Initially, Joon-hyung teases Bok-joo for having a crush on his cousin, but later finds himself falling in love with her.

Reply 1988 (2015)

Starring: Lee Hye-ri, Park Bo-gum, Ryu Jun-yeol, Go Kyung-pyo, Lee Dong-hwi

Watch On: Viu, Netflix

A favorite among K-drama fans, the nostalgic "Reply 1988" follows five families and their teenage kids living in a small neighborhood in Seoul in the late 1980s. Audiences were especially invested in the love triangle involving the bright Deok-sun (Lee Hye-ri), renowned Go player Taek (Park Bo-gum) and stoic Jung-hwan (Ryu Jun-yeol).

Reply 1994 (2013)

Starring: Go A-ra, Jung Woo, Yoo Yeon-seok, Kim Sung-kyun, Son Ho-jun, Baro Min Do-hee

Watch On: iQIYI

"Reply 1994" tells the story of Sung Na-jung's (Go Ara) friendship with the college students residing in her family's boarding house. Flash forwards leave audiences speculating who among the tenants will become Na-jung's husband.

Reply 1997 (2012)

Starring: Jung Eun-ji, Seo In-guk, Hoya, Shin So-yul, Eun Ji-won, Lee Si-eon

Watch On: iQIYI

The first installment to the "Reply" series, "Reply 1997" centers around Sung Si-won (Jung Eun-ji), a high school student and devoted fan girl to the first-generation K-pop boy band H.O.T. Unbeknownst to Si-won, her childhood friend Yoon-je (Seo In-guk) harbors romantic feelings towards her.

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