The 20 Best Korean Dramas About CEOs (2024)

K-Dramas have always had a following in the West but have become a sensation recently due to shows like Squid Games and Alice in Borderlands. Netflix, Hulu, and even Disney have started making their own original K-Dramas for the growing audience. While they make for great horror and thriller shows, they have a huge market in romance, as well. Notorious for being a little cheesy, they are nonetheless extremely fun watches and can lure you into reading subtitles until your eyes hurt.

One of the most common tropes in K-Drama romances is the Cinderella story, where a woman that is in a lower social class falls for a handsome, rich man in a higher social class, like a CEO, Vice President, or Chaebol son. It's a premise that's difficult to get tired of, which is why there are so many options to choose from.

Here are some of the best Korean dramas about CEOs or other elite businessmen!

Update November 19, 2024: This article has been updated by Soniya Hinduja with even more great material.

20 See You in My 19th Life (2023)

Set in a world where reincarnation is a reality, See You in My 19th Life tells the story of Ban Ji-eum, a young woman who can remember all her past lives and has been living them devotedly with every reincarnation. When he returns to life after a tragic incident, she’s determined to reunite with Moon Seo-ha, an introverted CEO and the man she met in her 18th life. But as she tries to reconnect with him, it only complicates the romance of her 19th life.

A Captivating Story of Reincarnation and Romance

Featuring a whirlwind of plot twists and truly mesmerizing secondary characters, this K-drama is about how profound of an impact our choices have on our lives. It beautifully combines themes of love and destiny and keeps the viewers hooked from start to finish. Also worth praising are the performances and natural chemistry shared by Shin Hye-sun and Ahn Bo-hyun. They add emotional depth to the narrative and make See You in My 19th Life a must-watch. Stream on Netflix.

19 Romance Is a Bonus Book (2019)

Romance Is a Bonus Book is a drama that takes you to the glamorous and competitive world of publishing. We follow Cha Eun-ho, a successful author and youngest editor-in-chief at a publishing company, who accidentally bumps into Dan-i, a friend from childhood. She was an advertising copywriter but after her divorce, she’s been struggling to find steady work. When Eun-ho offers her a job at his company, their relationship evolves into something more.

An Office Romance with Second Chances

A delightful and realistic series, Romance Is a Bonus Book presents the publishing industry with total authenticity and allows the protagonist to take her own time adapting to a new corporate environment. This makes it endearing and relatable to watch. Lee Na-young and Lee Jong-suk are well-cast and absolutely charming in their roles, and the OST, which features songs like “Take My Hand” by Jannabi and “Rainbow” by Rothy, makes the romance more seaworthy. Stream on Netflix.

18 Tomorrow, with You (2017)

Stepping into themes of time travel and romance, Tomorrow, with You is another innovative and captivating drama that follows Yoon So-ho, a successful CEO of a real estate company, who has the ability to travel through time. Having foreseen the future, So-ho knows that he’s going to be miserable, alone, and disgruntled. So-ho meets Song Ma Rin, a cheerful and free-spirited photographer, and decides to marry her in the hopes that she will change her unhappy future.

Features a Time-Traveling CEO

Tomorrow, with You has an intriguing plot that’s executed with an exceptional flair. It’s not fast-paced or filled with unpredictable plot twists. Instead, it’s a slow-burner. A gift that keeps on giving episode after episode with not just its unique time-travel premise but also the little, melancholic moments shared between the main characters. It is anchored by gorgeous performances of Shin Min-a and Lee Je-hoon and is a standout in the genre. Stream on The Roku Channel.

17 Introverted Boss (or My Shy Boss) (2017)

Starting off on a low note and then getting better with each episode, Introverted Boss revolves around Eun Hwan-ki, the CEO of a public relations firm, who is extremely shy and timid, so he often freaks out in social situations, thus earning him a reputation for being an arrogant boss. His life takes an unexpected turn when Chae Ro-woon, an energetic new employee, makes it her mission to reveal his true identity. And get some cold-blooded revenge.

About Overcoming Insecurities and Fear

While Introverted Boss is light-hearted and romantic for the most part, it stands out because of the unpredictable revenge plot that ties the relationship between Hwan-ki and Ro-woon together. It beautifully captures the CEO’s journey of opening up and learning to trust people, and the transformation is truly worth the wait, while also navigating topics like forgiveness. Overall, it is a must-watch if you’re a fan of unconventional rom-coms. Stream on The Roku Channel or Tubi.

16 Coffee Prince (2007)

The most influential and impactful K-drama of all time, Coffee Prince, is a beloved romantic comedy that follows the story of Go Eun-chan, a tomboyish young woman often mistaken for a man because of how she dresses. Struggling to make ends meet, she uses the assumption to her advantage and poses as a boy to get a job at a coffee shop owned by Choi Han-kyul, a wealthy and carefree bachelor destined to become the CEO of his grandfather’s company.

Charming, Award-Winning Romance

Coffee Prince stands out for its refreshing take on gender roles, and it’s also a stark reminder that K-dramas can be subversive instead of being melodramatic all the time. Its heartwarming and humorous storyline captures the complexities and challenges of embracing a new romance. The chemistry between Yoon Eun-hye and Gong Yoo is palpable, which makes the transition from friendship to romance more unique and intriguing to watch. The series received widespread acclaim and is a timeless favorite among K-drama fans. Stream on Kocowa.

15 Crazy Love (2022)

Lee Shin-ah has never had any plans to climb up the corporate ladder, attain enormous wealth, or even indulge in a passionate romance. She’s happy being a shy and introverted secretary to the CEO of GOTOP, the most renowned math institute in all of South Korea. Speaking of CEOs, Noh Go-jin may appear harmless and perfect on the outside, but he is actually quite proud of his status. When he starts receiving death threats, Go-jin pretends to be an amnesiac. Meanwhile, Shin-ah discovers that she has little time left to live. She takes advantage of Go-jin’s dwindling memories and declares herself as his fiancé.

Corporate Shenanigans and Romantic Chaos

Entertaining from start to finish, the drama blends the world of business and wealth with an unpredictable tale of romance. Its refreshing story, the web of lies and secrets, and the dynamic chemistry between Kim Jae-wook and Krystal Jung captivates audiences endlessly. That said, Crazy Love centers around the imperfect yet completely swoon-worthy romance between these two leads. From light comedic moments to patient celebrations of love, the drama is truly amazing. Stream on Hulu.

14 Kill Me, Heal Me (2015)

Dissociative identity disorder manifests in the most eccentric and surprising ways for Cha Do Hyun, the son of a wealthy Korean conglomerate. As a chaebol heir, he must not only conceal his condition but make sure none of his seven personalities come out when he’s with people or his family. Scared of his condition getting worse, Do Hyun hires a resident psychiatrist, Oh Ri Jin, to treat him. A love triangle forms between Do Hyun, Ri Jin, and Shin Se Gim, the currently emerging CEO who is perfectly fine and capable of handling the business.

Takes You on an Emotional Rollercoaster

Kill Me, Heal Me, unlike many other K-dramas on the list, is filled with heavy emotions and complicated themes. It navigates the sensitive realms of mental health and offers an authentic portrayal of the protagonist’s journey of healing. As more secrets unravel and Ri Jin gets to the bottom of Do Hyun’s childhood trauma, Kill Me, Heal Me becomes a beautiful and nuanced dissection of the psyche and how it is possible to heal even the most damaged souls. Stream on Kocowa or Viki Rakuten.

13 Celebrity (2023)

Becoming more relevant to the modern cutthroat showbiz and influencer business, Celebrity is a recent Korean drama that centers around Seo A-ri, who fell from the top when her rich family lost all their wealth. Determined to get back up on her feet, A-ri becomes an influencer and archives social media stardom quite instantly, but she soon realizes that the tempests of fame and fortune come with other vices, such as betrayals and jealousy. In the process, she meets Han Jun Kyung, the CEO of a huge cosmetics company, and the two eventually develop a romance.

Dissects Fame and Influencer Culture

Celebrity transports you to the glittery and glamorous world of fame, social media, and high-profile individuals and the profound impact it has on the lives of those involved. It has a gripping narrative paired with remarkable performances from Park Gyu-young, Kang Min-hyuk, and more, who draw out the complexity of their characters brilliantly. Critically praised for exploring the dark side of micro-celebrities, also known as social media influencers, this series packs a punch in almost every popular genre. Stream on Netflix.

12 I’m Not a Robot (2017)

I’m Not a Robot is the story of Kim Min Kyu, a filthy rich CEO of KM Financial who struggles with intimacy due to a rare allergy that spikes with the slightest human touch. This leads him to be isolated and never experience any romantic relationships with anyone. However, Min Kyu’s life takes a sharp upward turn when he meets Jo Ji A, an aspiring entrepreneur. Apparently, Ji A’s ex-boyfriend is a scientist who has developed an advanced robot that looks exactly like her. When Min Kyu hears of this robot, he’s eager to acquire it, but before it can be delivered to him, the robot gets damaged, and Ji A takes charge and pretends to be a robot herself.

Unique Drama About Genuine Connections

Blending romance, comedy, and science-fiction, I’m Not a Robot is a whimsical tale about the female protagonist hoping her compassion will heal the CEO’s frozen heart and their chemistry will crackle a newfound life into their relationship. It’s a nuanced take on the traditional CEO narrative and it’s fast-paced enough to draw the viewers into the journeys of its quirky characters while also balancing the humorous elements. Stream on Kocowa or Viki Rakuten.

11 King the Land (2023)

King the Land follows Gu Won, the charming heir to The King Group. While he may seem completely cool to some, Gu Won harbors trauma from his childhood and dislikes anyone who smiles at him. Enter Cheon Sa Rang, the company’s employee known for her bright and infectious smile. When Gu Won meets her, he’s initially taken aback. But soon, he lets his guard down and allows her fiery life to fuel his own.

Romance Meets Corporate Rivalry

King the Land is a Netflix original Korean drama that may have a clichéd enemies-to-lovers narrative, but its storyline, overall pacing, and outstanding acting has fans going crazy about it. It enchanted longtime K-drama fans and was appealing to new ones as well. The story may be predictable at times, but you will still find yourself rooting for the destined romance between the two leads and admire the sharp production values and impeccable writing. Stream on Netflix.

10 Lucky Romance (2016)

Lucky Romance follows Bo-nui, an extremely unlucky woman who strongly believes in both superstitions and fortune-tellers. Her parents died in a car accident, and her little sister has been in a coma for the last two years. She's been working far too many part-time jobs to pay for her hospital bills, only to find out that her sister has taken a turn for the worse. She visits a fortune-teller for advice, and they tell her that she needs to have a one-night stand with a man born in 1986, the year of the Tiger. This is when she starts to run into the CEO of a gaming company, Soo-ho, in a multitude of unlucky ways.

Stays True to Its Name

Lucky Romance is a popular and beloved drama that won several nominations at the Korea Drama Awards and the MBC Drama Awards because of its entertaining story and instantly addictive romance. The breakout performance of Ryu Joon Yeol as Je Su Ho is a standout, while Hwang Jung-eum is weirdly adorable as Shim Bo Nui. The drama was a roaring success back when it was airing, and it earned a lot of praise for its premise and its rewatch value. Stream on Viki Rakuten.

9 Master's Sun (2013)

Master's Sun revolves around Kong-sil, a woman who is able to see ghosts due to an accident that she was in years ago. She is terrified of the ghosts around her and isn't able to function normally because of it. So, she lives in an inn and makes a living by doing odd jobs there. One day, she meets the ghost of an old woman that she can't run away from, which leads to a supernatural encounter with the cold and calculating CEO of a shopping center, Joong-won, who brings her back to sanity.

Exceeds Genre Expectations

Combining elements of corporate leadership and the existence of a supernatural realm, Master’s Sun is a genre-defying drama about how the most unexpected connections can bind two people together and help them heal from their biggest traumas. It has great execution and direction, and a narrative that balances poignant character development with spooky elements. Extremely successful, Master’s Sun is worth a watch for fans of all genres. Stream on Kocowa.

8 Start-Up (2020)

Start-Up is the story of Dal-mi, a woman who lost her mother and sister when they decided to leave both her and her father due to his failed business. The two move in with Dal-mi's grandmother and when her father passes, she remains in her grandmother's care. There, she bonds with an orphan, Ji-pyeong, who stays in touch with Dal-mi when they grow up but writes to her under the name of Do San. Mistaken identities and complicated truths surface when Dal-mi meets the real Do-san.

An Inspiring Drama with a Hint of Romance

Immersing you in a vibrant world of tech startups and ambitious individuals, Start-Up is less about the romance and more about Dal-mi’s personal journey of becoming a CEO herself. Despite facing a series of setbacks in the cutthroat world of venture capitalism, she establishes her place in the industry, and it’s absolutely captivating to watch Bae Suzy embody her character. The supporting cast and the love triangle and rewatch value are all praiseworthy as well. Stream on Netlflix.

7 My Secret Romance (2017)

My Secret Romance starts with Yoo-mi meeting the young playboy, Jin-wook, at a resort while attending her mother's second wedding. Charmed by each other, they end up spending the night together, but Yoo-mi leaves him in the morning without a word or reason. Three years later, Yoo-mi starts a position at Jin-wook's company as a nutritionist, unaware of his presence there until she runs into him and realizes he still has some lingering feelings for Yoo-mi.

A Light-Hearted Office Romance

My Secret Romance stands out for its playful and heartwarming storyline. It unfolds at an endearing pace as the two leads, played by Sung Hoon and Song Ji-eun, navigate their awkward past and develop feelings in the current workplace. Of course, there are secrets kept and romantic mishaps occur, but for the most part, it’s hilarious and enjoyable to watch. The series also received praise for its soundtrack as it perfectly complements the romantic tone of the show. Stream on Viki Rakuten.

6 Crash Landing On You (2019)

Crash Landing On You breaks the mold with CEO K-Dramas, revolving around a female heiress to a conglomerate, Se-ri. Her father was about to declare her his successor due to her entrepreneurial spirit when Se-ri became involved in a paragliding accident. While originally starting in Seoul, South Korea, she is thrown off course by a tornado and lands in the DMZ, a forbidden section of land between North Korea and South Korea. There, she meets Jyeong-hyeok, a captain of the North Korean Army, and the two develop feelings for each other.

Mixes Political Tension With an Epic Romance

Back in 2019 and 2020, it was Crash Landing On You that was responsible for launching K-dramas into the mainstream international domain for viewers’ consumption. Its brilliant storyline, the depiction of the delicate political landscape, and the dangers associated with the relationship between Son Ye-jin and Hyun Bin’s characters, marked a great love story. The series received widespread acclaim for its epic blend of romance, suspense, and humor, making it one of the most popular K-dramas of all time. Stream on Netflix.

5 Protect the Boss (2011)

Protect the Boss centers around a physically and mentally strong woman, Eun-sul, who is in a desperate search for a job. Because of her record for starting fights when she was younger, she was only able to get into a third-rate university and has a poor resume. When she finally gets offered a job, it ends up that it's from a loan sharking firm that is less than reputable. She has a strange encounter with Ji-hun, the agoraphobic son of the chairman of his company, and eventually lands a job as his new secretary. Slowly, his feelings for her begin to change.

Quirky Comedy About Growth

This drama is worth watching because it flips the overused CEO trope on its head by introducing us to a socially awkward main character who needs help managing his eccentricities and an unconventional female lead who rises to the occasion and protects him. The performances by Choi Kang-hee and Ji Sung are charming and empathetic and severely addictive. It’s also got some impressive character growth and a sweet and meaningful romantic storyline to add to the appeal. Stream on Kocowa.

4 Business Proposal (2022)

Business Proposal follows a single woman named Ha-ri. She's best friends with the daughter of a chaebol family, Yeong-seo, who is constantly being set up on blind dates by her father, despite her complete lack of interest. Yeong-seo asks Ha-ri to take her place on one of her blind dates and forces the suitor to reject her, offering her money for the favor. Ha-ri agrees and attends the date with who turns out to be the CEO of her company, Tae-moo. To her surprise, Tae-moo likes her to the point where he decides to marry her, forcing the two to navigate the challenges of a fake relationship.

It All Starts With a Hilarious Misunderstanding

Capitalizing on the fan-favorite fake-dating trope is a highly entertaining and irresistibly charming K-drama titled Business Proposal. From the get-go, the narrative and the acting are amusing and as the episodes progress, the drama takes unexpected turns with its romantic developments, both between the leads and the secondary characters. Kim Se-jeong and Ahn Hyo-seop share a palpable chemistry and elevate the show’s lighthearted atmosphere. Stream on Netflix.

3 What's Wrong With Secretary Kim (2018)

What's Wrong With Secretary Kim is the story of Mi-so, the amazingly savvy and capable secretary to Young-joon, the vice president of his family's company who's not as great at his job as everyone thinks that he is. Finally fed up with his arrogant behavior after nine years, Mi-so suddenly quits, leaving Young-joon absolutely helpless. Realizing that he needs her in his life, Young-joon attempts to win his secretary back, revealing his deep-seated feelings of affection for her.

Features a Power Couple in the Making

Unlike several other CEO romances that create a love triangle to keep things interesting, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim shines all the spotlight on the main couple, played by Park Seo-joon and Park Min-young. They bring charm and authenticity to their newly developing relationships and the chemistry they share is insane. It’s a treat to watch them play off each other so well. Moreover, the show’s witty dialogue, memorable scenes, a captivating OST, and well-rounded storyline make it a fan-favorite. Stream on Hulu.

2 Strong Woman Do Bong-soon (2017)

Strong Woman Do Bong-soon features a woman with superhuman strength that is inherited from the women in her family, Bong-soon. Her dream has always been to create a video game that's about her. She meets Min-hyuk, the CEO of a gaming company, when he stumbles upon her protecting a bus driver from a group of thugs. When she's taken to the police station, he follows and lies to the police officers to get her out of the situation. Afterward, he offers her a position as his bodyguard, as well as the possible opportunity of her working in the planning department of his gaming company.

Superhuman Strength and Delicate Romance

Featuring an enticing blend of action, comedy, and romance, Strong Woman Do Bong-soon is an extraordinary drama. Park Bo-young’s portrayal of the strong and ambitious yet lovable Bong-soon and Park Hyung-sik’s charming and responsible CEO make for an irresistible pairing and watching their affection for one another grow is simply swoonworthy. The series was a standout success when it was released, with fans praising the premise, engaging plot twists, and the adorable one-of-a-kind romance. Stream on Viki Rakuten.

1 Secret Garden (2010)

Secret Garden centers around Ra-im, an independent stuntwoman who excels at her job. When she gets mistaken for the actress she was stunting for, she meets the wealthy and arrogant CEO of a department store, Joo-won, who takes her to a hotel to keep their “supposed” relationship private. Later, they both meet again at a tea house named the “Secret Garden” in the rain and when they wake up in the morning, they find that, somehow, they've switched bodies.

A Sweeping, Timeless Favorite

A body-swap romance that explores the transformative power of love and the unpredictable nature of fate, Secret Garden is considered somewhat of a classic. It has a whimsical aesthetic and it traverses around topics like social barriers and personal insecurities, but for the most part, the narrative is filled with moments of humor, suspense, and romance. Anchored by mesmerizing turns from Hyun Bin and Ha Ji-won, it is famous for its memorable scenes and an OST that features some top hits like “That Man” by Hyun Bin and “That Woman” by Baek Ji-young. Stream on Kocowa.