K-dramas about marriage of convenience are always a hit among audiences; this typical story of love that starts off as merely a matter of circumstance is often some twist of destiny. From the prime time classics of the early 2000s to the latest phenomena available to stream today, marriage of convenience stories provide equal parts comedy, heartbreak, and chemistry that turns the audience into a swooning puddle of feelings. Whether the couple marries for business, money, or just generally more convenient circumstances, one thing is for sure, feelings do happen.
Below are the 10 best Korean dramas about marriage of convenience from 2004-2025, which has a detailed explanation of the plot, how the marriage of convenience occurs, the popularity factor behind the drama, and the overall elements and moments that fans love.
1. Full House (2004)
Cast: Rain, Song Hye-kyo | Episodes: 16 | Network: KBS2
Story: Han Ji-eun, a writer, is tricked by friends who sell her house to arrogant superstar Lee Young-jae. To regain her home and save his image from dating rumors, they sign a contract marriage. Their playful fights turn into deep affection as they learn to understand each other.
Why It Works: This classic defined the “contract romance” formula — enemies-to-lovers with tons of comedy.
Fans’ Reaction: Still adored today. Fans call it “the mother of all fake marriage dramas.”
2. Marriage Contract (2016)
Cast: Lee Seo-jin, Uee | Episodes: 16 | Network: MBC
Story: Single mother Kang Hye-soo, struggling financially and battling illness, agrees to marry CEO Han Ji-hoon so his mother can get a liver transplant. Their deal, born from desperation, grows into one of the most emotional romances in K-drama history.
Contract Basis: A practical, life-saving deal.
Why Watch: A tear-jerking yet inspiring drama about family and sacrifice.
Fans’ Reaction: “Uee’s performance broke my heart.” The series earned critical praise for realism.
3. Because This Is My First Life (2017)
Cast: Lee Min-ki, Jung So-min | Episodes: 16 | Network: tvN
Story: Practical landlord Nam Se-hee and broke writer Yoon Ji-ho agree to a paper marriage — he gets a quiet tenant, she gets a stable home. Their calm arrangement slowly blossoms into a gentle love story about companionship and personal dreams.
Contract Basis: A financial and social convenience marriage.
Why Watch: Subtle, realistic, and beautifully written.
Fans’ Reaction: “This drama healed me.” Fans loved its relatable take on adulthood and love.
4. Prime Minister and I (2013–2014)
Cast: Lee Beom-soo, Im Yoon-ah | Episodes: 17 | Network: KBS2
Story: When a scandal links rookie reporter Nam Da-jung with the nation’s widowed Prime Minister, they fake a marriage to protect his reputation. What begins as a political strategy turns into a heartwarming family story as Da-jung bonds with his kids.
Contract Basis: Political cover-up.
Why Watch: Wholesome, lighthearted, and touching — perfect for family audiences.
Fans’ Reaction: “Yoona’s charm carried the whole show.”
5. Business Proposal (2022)
Cast: Ahn Hyo-seop, Kim Se-jeong | Episodes: 12 | Network: SBS / Netflix
Story: Shin Ha-ri goes on a blind date pretending to be her friend — only to discover her date is her boss, CEO Kang Tae-moo! To avoid further matchmaking, Tae-moo convinces Ha-ri to fake-date and later fake-engage him. Office chaos and romance follow.
Contract Basis: A fake engagement for corporate reasons.
Why Watch: Fast-paced, hilarious, and filled with crackling chemistry.
Fans’ Reaction: “A perfect mix of meme energy and heart.” It dominated social media trends in 2022.
6. Love in Contract (2022)
Cast: Park Min-young, Go Kyung-pyo | Episodes: 16 | Network: tvN
Story: Professional “contract wife” Choi Sang-eun offers fake spouse services to clients for appearances. Her well-managed life gets messy when she starts developing real feelings for one of them.
Contract Basis: A professional marriage service agreement.
Why Watch: Elegant visuals, emotional growth, and Park Min-young’s trademark charm.
Fans’ Reaction: “No one does fake love better than her.”
7. Go Back Couple (2017)
Cast: Jang Na-ra, Son Ho-jun | Episodes: 12 | Network: KBS2
Story: A divorced couple who regret their breakup suddenly wake up as their 20-year-old selves. It’s not a legal contract, but an emotional one — a second chance to rediscover love before life pulled them apart.
Contract Basis: A deal with fate, not papers.
Why Watch: Poignant, funny, and deeply human.
Fans’ Reaction: “Every couple should watch this.” Viewers praised its healing message.
8. No Gain No Love (2024)
Cast: Shin Min-a, Kim Young-dae | Episodes: 12 | Network: tvN / TVING
Story: Two co-workers fake a relationship to save face after a scandal. When rumors spiral, they legally marry for PR — only to fall for each other for real.
Contract Basis: Career protection and media strategy.
Why Watch: Smart, mature rom-com energy with flirty banter.
Fans’ Reaction: “The chemistry was electric!” A 2024 fan favorite for realistic romance.
9. Crazy Love (2022)
Cast: Kim Jae-wook, Krystal Jung | Episodes: 16 | Network: KBS2 / Disney+
Story: Arrogant math genius Noh Go-jin fakes amnesia after a threat, and his secretary Lee Shin-ah pretends to be his fiancée to get revenge. The fake engagement spirals into hilarious chaos — and genuine affection.
Contract Basis: Mutual deception turned love story.
Why Watch: Bold, funny, and completely unpredictable.
Fans’ Reaction: “Krystal was born for rom-coms.” It became a surprise hit on Disney+.
10. Sweet Home Wedding (2025 – Upcoming)
Cast: Rumored ensemble | Network: Netflix (Expected)
Story: A dating-reality K-drama twist — contestants fake marriages for a TV show but start developing real relationships amid eerie secrets in a secluded mansion. The mix of romance, mystery, and reality TV has fans buzzing even before release.
Contract Basis: A televised fake marriage show.
Why Watch: A genre-bending experiment combining thriller and rom-com.
Fans’ Reaction: “Sounds like Business Proposal meets Single’s Inferno.” Anticipation is sky-high.
Why Viewers Love the Contract-Marriage Trope
Audiences adore this genre because it’s the perfect setup for emotional tension — two people forced to act like lovers while trying not to fall in love. These tales demonstrate slow-burn attraction, joint development, and the concept of irony through intense pretend that it becomes real.
Each drama echoes increasingly realistic Korean views on marriage – moving from early 2000’s fantasies like Full House to modern complexities like Because This Is My First Life and No Gain No Love.
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Conclusion
Beginning with the classic Full House in 2004, and culminating in Sweet Home Wedding in 2025, contract marriage K-dramas are constantly evolving while staying true to their origins. All it takes is a contract for every fake couple to eventually discover the same core truth: love isn’t a contract; love is a choice.
Which one’s your favorite contract marriage story? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to check back for our list of the best Chinese contract-marriage dramas next!
