7 K-Dramas That Start Off Romantic But Turn Dark Very Fast – Twists You Didn’t See Coming!

Korean dramas are masters of mixing genres—especially those that begin with the warmth of romance but suddenly descend into betrayal, mystery, or even psychological horror. For fans who love a sweet beginning followed by a shocking turn, this list is for you. Here are 7 K-dramas that start romantic but go dark fast, each offering emotional rollercoasters and unforgettable plot twists.

1. Flower of Evil (2020)

Starring: Lee Joon Gi, Moon Chae Won
Where it starts: A perfect marriage between a loving husband and wife.
Where it goes: The husband’s dark past surfaces, revealing secrets that threaten everything.
Why watch: It masterfully blends family drama, suspense, and serial killer mystery.

2. My Mister (2018)

Starring: IU, Lee Sun Kyun
Where it starts: A weary man and a struggling young woman form a tender emotional connection.
Where it goes: Themes of depression, betrayal, poverty, and corruption take over.
Why watch: An emotionally raw and profound portrayal of life’s struggles with a haunting atmosphere.

3. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes (2018)

Starring: Seo In Guk, Jung So Min
Where it starts: A mysterious yet charming man falls for a kind-hearted woman.
Where it goes: Dark secrets, murder, and emotional trauma unravel shockingly fast.
Why watch: A deep, twisted love story that will break your heart by the end.

4. It's Okay to Not Be Okay (2020)

Starring: Kim Soo Hyun, Seo Ye Ji
Where it starts: A quirky, healing romance between a caregiver and a children’s book author.
Where it goes: Deep mental health trauma, childhood abuse, and murder mystery.
Why watch: Visually stunning and emotionally intense—romance laced with dark truths.

5. Save Me (2017)

Starring: Seo Ye Ji, Ok Taecyeon
Where it starts: A seemingly peaceful town where a girl seeks help from old friends.
Where it goes: The town is ruled by a twisted religious cult.
Why watch: It’s one of the darkest K-dramas that starts with hope but spirals into helpless horror.

6. Sweet Home (2020)

Starring: Song Kang, Lee Do Hyun
Where it starts: Residents of an apartment building grow close while surviving together.
Where it goes: The building turns into a monster-infested nightmare.
Why watch: A metaphorical look at grief, fear, and human survival instincts.

7. Youth of May (2021)

Starring: Lee Do Hyun, Go Min Si
Where it starts: A charming and nostalgic 1980s romance blossoms.
Where it goes: Set against the real-life backdrop of the Gwangju Uprising, tragedy strikes.
Why watch: A beautiful yet devastating story that blends romance with historic sorrow.

🎬 Final Thoughts:

Korean dramas excel at surprising viewers, and these 7 titles prove how even the most romantic beginnings can lead into heartbreaking or terrifying stories. If you're a fan of emotional depth, unexpected twists, and genre-blending storytelling, these dramas will leave a lasting impression.