No Romance

School 2013: Part of the reason why I loved this drama was because it didn't have any romance. There was simply no room in the plot for one, and I appreciated that the writer didn't shove one in there just for drama's sake. This is a high school drama focusing on the students of the most troubled class and the two teachers that work their best to educate their students. This drama is worth watching because of the relationships between the students and the teachers. It is so heartwarming to see the way the students grow on the teachers, and vice versa. There are many students in the story, so it is likely that you'll find one you can identify with. Because the students don't have the easiest of lives, this drama shows how a little support can go a long way. This drama made me think back on my own high school years, and I thought about how grateful I was for my teachers and friends who I shared that time with.  - u/eal8

The Fiery Priest: This is an action-crime-comedy that will draw you in so much, you won't even miss the romance! This drama is about a priest who uses unorthodox methods to get revenge for the death of the previous priest, and also to uncover the corruption that is happening in his small town. This drama is worth watching for its over-the-top action scenes, humor, and amazing cast. Each character has a quirk about them, and down to the supporting cast, I loved every single one of them. I laughed until my stomach hurt, clenched my fist at the injustice, and cried with the characters. This drama has an excellent balance of emotions but will leave you laughing at the end.  - u/eal8

This is an office comedy that just continued to roll out the laughs. It's about a corrupt accountant who swindles money, but gets to chance to become a "model citizen" overnight. He takes the opportunity and begins to expose the corruption in the company he just began working at. This drama is worth watching because of how funny and well-done it is. It is one of my favorite "expose the corruption" dramas because it handles office politics in a very digestible way. There is an excellent bromantic chemistry between the two male leads, who are always in screaming matches. The supporting characters also add charm as they gradually start to become more fond of their boss. Despite being a comedy 90% of the time, I appreciate the moments where the drama becomes more emotional or sentimental. Depending on the viewer, there is a very light touch of romance, but it's definitely not the focal point of the drama. - u/eal8 

Chief Kim - This is my favourite drama, and for good reason. It's hilarious all the way through, while still giving us a great story of challenging injustice and those in power. I loved all the characters and their interactions, and I especially appreciated that there was no main romance. It meant that there was a focus on platonic, professional and sometimes familial bonds, which was very nice. Watch for a drama full of humor, epic internal corporate battles, character developmentTM, award winning bromance (literally), team bonding, and a plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Note, there is a bit of side romance but it's never really the main focus of the plot. - u/foxxi_paradoxxi

Memorist - This one had really taken me by surprise because up until watching Memorist, most murder mystery dramas I've seen always had romance between the male and female leads. I went into this fully expecting this to happen here as well, but oddly enough it never did. The story is compelling enough as it is, with crazy twists and turns and a scary villain who makes us feel hopeless for the heroes. It's an excellent superpower based murder-mystery drama which really had me at the edge of my seat. There is a minor romantic backstory for the main character, but it's short lived and only adds to the protagonist's character. - u/TotoroTheGreat

Mother - Mother is a suspenseful and beautifully emotional tale of motherhood and growth. The plot involves Soo Jin, a temporary teacher who had no interest in becoming a mother, who realizes that a girl in her class is being abused. Realizing that the girl is in immediate danger, she decides to kidnap her in order to protect her. And so begins a roller-coaster of a journey that takes us through the various motions as Soo Jin meets the many mothers in her life and understands the value of motherhood. For a story about motherhood, this had me at the edge of my seat with all the suspense and thrill that it throws at you. There is a slight hint of romance between the female lead and a supporting character, but it never takes the spotlight.  - u/TotoroTheGreat

Save Me -Watch this drama if you're looking for suspense, action, friendship, an uphill battle against evil, and a unique drama setting. This is a thrilling suspense drama that is not afraid to go dark, but has strong moments of friendship and just individuals constantly fighting (figuratively and literally) to overcome the evil that keeps you from being overwhelmed by the dark tones of the show.

One of my favorite things about this drama is the unique environment and topic that it covers: the life inside a cult and the people who become involved in it. South Korea has its own set of cults which you may be familiar with after the news of a Coronavirus outbreak there being linked to one of the most infamous cults there, Shincheonji Church, but this is an interesting article that talks about real-life people's experiences with Korean cults and it is interesting to see how much of this drama corresponds with real life stories.

Romance note: The only bit of romance in this one is hints that boys from the main friend group like the main female lead, but it is not the main focus of the drama. - u/Bren42

Kingdom: This is a fast-paced, beautifully shot action and suspense drama that will rope you in to our protagonist's fight against zombies from the very first episode. It takes the zombie apocalypse genre to a new stage as we see what it would be like to encounter the terrifying creatures in historical Korea without all of the modern weapons, defense, and technology that we have today. Because of this deficiency, we instead get to watch as the characters are forced to make the best of what they have and be creative in their thinking to survive. Action and suspense aren't all this drama offers though as we also watch as the protagonist is faced with constant political battles and search for the truth behind the zombie outbreak as well.

Romance note: There are some small parts where one of the supporting characters starts feeling romantically towards another character, but it is never the center of the drama. - u/Bren42

Psychopath Diary - Comedy thriller where Yook Dong Sik witnesses a murder, escapes with crucial evidence in the form of a diary, and then immediately gets amnesia! Misunderstandings and hijinks ensue as Dong Sik believes he owns the serial killer diary. The show is hilarious! Think it got even funnier towards the end. You can tell the cast had a fun time filming and great balance of nonsense & scary. There are a lot of movie references, so if you're a thriller buff those were fun to see incorporated too!

The drama has 2(!) great bromances, wholesome family dynamics, office politics and stellar friendship between female lead and her work partners. A big theme is about what happens if you give a donkey lion's clothing, and it was hilarious and heartwarming to see how that turned out. If you don't take the show too seriously, you'll love it.

Very minor romance (SPOILER) - a side character shows interest in ML but not focal or often. There is a part where the villain tries to romance the FL to control her/know what she's doing but it's more disturbing than it is a focus. Also doesn't go anywhere. - u/litoxpinky

SKY Castle  -Deserves all the credit it got and more. Stellar cast and one of the most nuanced and mesmerising performances by Kim Seo Hyung as the tutor. Watch it for the intrigue, social critique, family relationships and mystery in the second half. We all lie...... - u/mixedbrew

Life - This is a medical drama starring Lee Dong Wook focusing on hospital politics rather than medical cases unlike most medical dramas. There is a hero and an anti-hero (different from a villain).There is some romance in the story but it is subtle and used only to aid the plot. It made me think about the workings of a hospital more than anything I've ever watched! It keeps you on your toes and makes you root for the anti-hero. Highly recommend. - u/Iconia18

365: Repeat the Year -  11/10 recommend this drama, can’t recommend it enough. It’s a mystery fantasy thriller that’s only 12 episodes long. 10 people get the chance to go back in time and change their mistake/regret/etc. Why only these 10 specific people tho? Of course, things begin to go awry much to their surprise and horror. Who can they trust and how much does everyone know? The plot almost seemed plain and obvious at first but I quickly realized how much creativity and depth there was in the drama and it kept me on my toes throughout. The brilliant writing, plot twists and cliffhangers are seriously worth binge watching the drama for. There’s no romance shown between the main leads but there is a very very minor side story between the minor supporting characters. - u/OkayICY

Hot Stove League - Depicts the off-season of a floundering professional baseball team, with the introduction of a new general manager. Most of the conflict actually arises not from issues with the baseball players themselves but between the management team and the team owners. New problems pop up unexpectedly and keep the viewers on their toes, but most are resolved in a feel-good way characteristic of inspirational sports stories. A good watch if you want some high stakes tension and conflict, but also happy endings. - u/vcconut

Hot Stove League - about Korean Pro Baseball and how a team is managed. I don't know a thing about baseball but that was never a problem, that's one of the highlights of the show. Great acting, great characters. It basically takes on the question of how does one "manage" someone's passion?  - doryandchill

Black Dog - After failing the qualification exam to become a public high school teacher, Ko Haneul secures a short-term teaching position at a private high school. Not heavily plot-driven, this slice-of-life gives viewers a glimpse into the struggles of teachers and third-year students. It's nice to watch the characters change and grow as the drama progresses. - u/vcconut

Designated Survivor: 60 Days - A remake of the U.S. show, the Minister of Environment, Park Moojin, becomes the temporary head of state of South Korea after an explosion at the National Assembly building kills the President and all other cabinet members. Formerly a man with really no political savvy at all, Park Moojin has to figure out how to keep the country from imploding and solve the mystery behind who bombed the National Assembly. The cast is all-around fantastic, and the politics is fascinating. The dynamic around the Presidential secretaries is nice. - u/vcconut

Angry Mom - So often, in reality, “no romance” ends up meaning mostly male characters. But woman-centric suspense-melodrama Angry Mom is special for way more than its dynamic female characters and the mom’s force of nature protective mission. Great characters, writing, and cinematography and a plot as focused as a mama lion when something gets too close to her cub. All this, plus the mom’s collaborator, a high school gangster friend, brings an unusual counterculture bonus via her kinky nightclub and man toys. After watching this drama, I felt, yeah, empowered. - u/amnesiafakedating

White Christmas - The only romance in this twisty meditation on human nature is a dead one. And like the old song says, “there ain’t no ash will burn.” However, several amazing young hottie performers are all present at roll call in this actors’ tour de force about elite students. Those who didn’t go home for the winter holiday are cut off from the world in high, snowy mountains. And then the threats begin. I love the actor's workshop feeling of this drama -- it's all about the acting and the writing. And the darkness inside us all. - u/amnesiafakedating

Strangers from Hell - Best drama I have watched recently. This comes in the psychological thriller category and one genre I am not much fond of until this drama. It has a tight script, unsettling suspense and thrilling soundtracks. It is about a serial killer who wants to make a new guy in his residence like himself. I was sick of the romance genre due to its typical over-used tropes although I still love it. I also was hoping to find a drama where I can be obsessed about a character even after finishing the drama. I did not think this drama would fit the bill but it did and all of Lee Dong Wook's appearances on screen gave me chills down my spine. If you want to feel excitement, this drama is a must-watch. It does not contain action but rather plays on your nerves as to what will happen in the next moment. I love the tension and the suspense. Lee Dong Wook's and Im Siwan's scenes are also a delight to watch.  - u/MarooshQ

Defendant - This was a very exciting watch. It reminded me of Prison Break although story is very different. The struggle for justice and the chase to prove innocence of the main character were right up my alley. The villain was also outstanding in his role. I don't want to give the story away but the hero's daughter was such an adorable addition. Plus the team within the prison and the relation between them was also heartwarming to watch for me. It is a pleasure to watch how all of them eventually help our main guy out in order so he can get justice albeit with some sacrifices along the way.  - u/MarooshQ

Mad Dog - An outstanding drama in which there is no romance as the main storyline although there is a hint of some love lines. I loved the teamwork between the main characters and how they slowly but surely warm up to Woo Doo Hwan's character's presence among them. Again, this is a drama about the struggle for justice and in this genre does really well in terms of excitement. There is also always hope that our good guys will outwit the bad ones eventually. Unlike some dramas where I feel frustrated that the bad guy is always winning, in this these vigilantes are fun to watch as they also gain some as they lose some every time. - u/MarooshQ

My Mister - I know this one is sometimes debated but this is decidedly not a romance-centered drama (and the director says so as well). (especially considering the ML and FL's storyline). This is a drama that focuses on so much about life; how loneliness can impact you, the importance of relying on others, making yourself vulnerable, and the power of a good support group. It also comments on the power structure and politics of corporations, and the way individuals suffer as a part of it. The story is moving and life-changing.

romance note: there is a relationship that plays an important role in the plot, as well as some side character romance, but this is definitively not a romance drama! - u/forever-cha-young

Good Casting - 3 fl and the leader of the group is one of the most iconic characters I’ve ever seen. The 3 fl’s all work in different positions at NIS and are assigned a special mission which forces them to reluctantly work together. It’s a fun and cute drama with a good plot that I feel deserves way more attention (and I will fight for a season 2) also it’s technically a nuna drama and I think that’s pretty neat  - u/Stcage213

The Sound of Your Heart - This is a fairly short, episodic and purely slapstick comedy involving a family and their daily antics. Lots of hilarious sketches and parodies makes this one of the funniest dramas I've seen. What's supposed to be a romance sub-plot is also mostly just gags and jokes, so I think this fits this list.  - u/TotoroTheGreat

Beautiful World is a plot and character driven drama where the plot and the characters are excellent. Beautiful World is not a romance but the main characters are a married couple. In terms of how the plot and characters carry the drama, it reminders me somewhat of My Mister. - u/ComplicatedShadows

Beyond Evil - Two detectives who have a dislike and tension between each other are supposedly partnered and a serial murder takes place similar to the one that happened 20 years back. Both try to uncover the truth this time around but they're never on the same page. This is a psychological crime thriller without any romance. It has top tier acting, direction and writing. The drama keeps you on the edge of your seat and keeps you engaged throughout. It needs full attention as every scene is a detail. It also won three major awards at Baeksang and is one of the top tier dramas. - u/Fatooz

Navillera - An elderly man with a dream of becoming a ballerino and a young boy in his early 20s with the talent of becoming a ballerino both meet through circumstances and grow to help each other, motivate each other and be there for each other. One of the most purest and wholesome dramas without romance but with family and friendships that go beyond one's age. Loved the bonding and character development and definitely keep your tissues ready for the sob fest.  - u/Fatooz

Sweet Home - This is a survival drama where the ML who lost his entire family to an unfortunate accident moves into an apartment where as soon as he moves in strange incidents start happening throughout Korea and people are now turning into monsters/zombies. ML and some other residents join hands to survive against this apocalypse. A drama that was surprisingly wholesome and lovely, where you see people fight monsters but also strangers getting together like a small little family and being there for each other. - u/Fatooz

Taxi Driver - ML and his team called the "Rainbow Five" take revenge for their customers from criminals against whom the court can't give a sentence that is deserved by the criminals. This is a brutal action crime thriller with top tier acting that is again surprisingly wholesome. This small little family has each other's backs all the time and find peace in each other. It's a drama that highlights some realistic issues and has top tier acting. One that keeps you on the edge of your seat. - u/Fatooz

The Uncanny Counter - Four counters are chosen to take the evil spirits that are stuck in the living realm to hell. It's an action crime thriller that is yet again wholesome and where every character has a story arc that is heart touching. The first half was excellent although the second half sort of diverts from it's main plot. The acting was great and the writing for good too. Another drama that keeps you entertained throughout. - u/Fatooz

Confession - A man who believes his father was framed for murder becomes a defense lawyer who re-investigates his father's case on the side, trying to uncover the truth behind a tangled web of corruption and secrets. While there was no romance, the protagonists had excellent friendship - caring for each other, communicating well to avoid misunderstandings, and working together to achieve their goals. The drama was consistently exciting and high quality, with great plot progression! - u/craftsycandymonster

Vincenzo - A Mafia consigliere teams up with a sharp lawyer to strike back against a corrupt corporation, fighting fire with fire to give the antagonists a taste of their own medicine. While this drama technically does have romance, it remains as an undercurrent for almost the entire series - where the romance isn't explicit but the chemistry serves as a strong foundation for the protagonists' relationship. The focus of the drama is on the friendships and teamwork of the protagonists and their supporting crew, and on the battle between them and the villains. There's a mix of campy humor and dark crime that was enjoyable to watch, with a high production budget and excellent casting. - u/craftsycandymonster

Stranger (Forrest of Secrets) - Stranger is an intense and gripping crime thriller with a plot that hooks you in from the very first episode and doesn't let up until the last. Follows both a prosecutor who has a condition that makes it difficult for him to understand emotions and feel empathy (Cho Seung Woo) and a plucky cop (Bae Doona) who struggle to fight corruption and solve the crime. No romance between the lead characters but tons of chemistry that makes watching them become allies and friends the best part of the show. - u/Silly_Merricat

Sell Your Haunted House - A very fun ghost show about a real estate agent who performs exorcisims and a con man who teams up with her.  No romance between the leads, which was actually kind of surprising, but they do develop a pretty great friendship.  - u/Silly_Merricat

On the Verge of Insanity - a darkly funny take on human resources, business, and technology. It tells the story of a cynical engineer and a terrifyingly efficient HR manager as they move through office politics. The story follows them in their individual but related paths towards professional success. - u/FoucaultsFarts  

Dear My Friends - a young writer observes her mother's group of lifelong friends as they navigate work, retirement, health concerns, old grudges, and finances. Through their collective wisdom and love, she discovers how she wants to live her life. Almost every member of the ensemble cast has a romance in the past or present, but romance is not a central theme.  - u/FoucaultsFarts  

Misaeng - a young man without connections or formal education gets his foot in the door at a major corporation as a temp worker. His diligence and intelligence get him noticed by his supervisors while his lack of credentials gets him ostracized by his peers. The series does a good job of illustrating the high pressure stakes of corporate life in modern Korea, for the young (regardless of education and status) as well as the old.  - u/FoucaultsFarts  

D.P. - a new recruit is tapped to join the military police as a member of a task force that tracks down and brings back deserters who attempt to flee their mandatory military service. The series shines a light on rampant hazing and abuse, as well as the impacts of these on the mental health of the young men who are both victims and victimizers.  - u/FoucaultsFarts  

The Good Detective - a well done classic murder mystery. An experienced detective and his young partner stumble into a series of clues that hint at a cover-up and wrongful murder conviction. They unravel the clues and discover corruption in high places, where money and influence lead some men to believe that they are above the law or the morals that bind lesser folks.  - u/FoucaultsFarts