10 K-drama friendships that define ultimate loyalty and unbreakable bonds
'Hospital Playlist'
Above Friendship goals (Photo: tvN)
The story revolves around the tight-knit friendship of the 99s—five doctors who entered medical school together in 1999. Practically inseparable since day one, Lee Ik-jun (Jo Jung-suk), Chae Song-hwa (Jeon Mi-do), Kim Jun-wan (Jung Kyung-ho), Ahn Jeong-won (Yoo Yeon-seok) and Yang Seok-hyeong (Kim Dae-myung) spend their days working together at Yulje Medical Centre and their nights jamming as a band in Ahn Jeong-won's basement. Their friendship is defined by the kind of familiarity that comes from decades of shared history, struggles, triumphs, love and loss…everything but Jun-wan's snacks.
Don't miss: 8 slice-of-life K-dramas with no villains—just love, growth and healing 'Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo'
Above They've got 'swag.' (Photo: MBC)
Lee Sun-ok (Lee Joo-young), Kim Bok-joo (Lee Sung-kyung) and Jung Nan-hee's (Cho Hye-jung) endearing friendship transcends their shared love for weightlifting. Through laughter, tears and literal sweat, they've proven that they are more than just teammates, they're also each other's biggest cheerleaders. And whether they're cheering each other on in a competition, encouraging one another to finish a bowl of naengmyeon or navigating love, their friendship goes beyond lifting weights—it's about lifting each other up. 'Study Group'
Above School buddies (Photo: IMDb)
When Yoon Ga-min (Minhyun) set out to start a study group, his goal was simple: improve his academic standing to secure a spot in his dream university. What he didn't expect, however, was to find a group of fiercely loyal friends who would change his life far beyond the classroom.
Each member of their study group started as a loner, quietly navigating the challenges of high school life on their own. But what their friendship teaches them is that burdens are much lighter when shared, and school bullies are easier to face when you've got someone in your corner.
Don't miss: 6 cliffhangers that make K-drama viewers impatient for the second season of 'Study Group' 'Lovely Runner'
Above The very definition of bromance (Photo: tvN)
More than just someone who's around to provide comic relief, Bae In-hyeok (Lee Seung-hyub) is a constant in Ryu Sun-jae's (Byeon Woo-seok) life, no matter the timeline. Whether he's mercilessly teasing him, serving as Sun-jae's hypeman, accidentally ruining a romantic moment or even butting heads with him as a fellow Eclipse bandmate, they share a bromance tested by time—and time travel.
See also: 9 of the most memorable K-drama weddings 'Itaweon Class'
Above The DanBam Squad (Photo: JTBC)
Itaewon Class ' DanBam Squad is a group of oddballs and misfits who find strength in their differences and come together to chase a shared dream. At the heart of their unconventional crew is Park Sae-ro-yi (Park Seo-joon), who's less of a boss and more like the head of their found family.
Their workplace friendship goes beyond sales and profits. More than just coworkers, they become the kind of family you fight for—and the kind that fights for you. Together, they weather hardship, personal growth and the uphill battle of building something meaningful in a cutthroat world. 'King the Land'
Above Friends and roomies (Photo: JTBC)
Beyond the swoon-worthy love story, another standout element of the drama is the friendship between roomies Cheon Sa-rang (Im Yoon-ah), Oh Pyeong-hwa (Go Won-hee) and Kang Da-eul (Kim Ga-eun). The trio faces career struggles and relationship drama with humour and heart. From living room karaoke sessions to public bathhouse visits and trampoline park misadventures, their camaraderie is instantly familiar to anyone who's ever been part of a close-knit group of girlfriends. 'Thirty-Nine'
Above Celebrating female friendships (Photo: JTBC)
The K-drama celebrates the decades-long friendship of three women on the cusp of turning 40. Cha Mi-jo (Son Ye-jin), Jung Chan-young (Jeon Mi-do) and Jang Joo-hee's (Kim Ji-hyun) deep love for each other illustrates how vital it is to have female friends you can grow old with—someone you can walk into the next chapter of your life with and who shares the same struggles and fears. Their relationship is tested in the many ways old friendships usually are, but they get through with honesty, a lot of heart and not a small amount of humour. 'Reply 1988'
Above Childhood friends (Photo: IMDb)
Set in the small neighborhood of Ssangmun-dong in the late '80s, the K-drama revolves around the friendship of Sung Duk-sun (Lee Hye-ri), Kim Jung-hwan (Ryu Jun-yeol), Sung Sun-woo (Go Kyung-pyo), Ryu Dong-ryong (Lee Dong-hwi) and Choi Taek (Park Bo-gum), examining the deep bonds these childhood friends have formed as they try to navigate adolescence and early adulthood.
It takes viewers on a nostalgic trip back to simpler days when afternoons were spent with friends. It's a tribute to the lifelong bonds formed in youth that stay with you into adulthood, even when life pulls you in different directions.
See also: 7 memorable roles played by Park Bo-gum in dramas and films 'Business Proposal'
Above The ultimate besties (Photo: SBS)
True friendship is agreeing to your friend's harebrained ideas even though you know they'll probably get you in trouble. And that's exactly what Shin Ha-ri (Kim Se-jeong) does for her bestfriend Jin Young-seo (Seol In-ah). That alone tells you the kind of friendship they have is built on deep trust and unconditional support. Their connection is effortless and genuine, free from jealousy and judgment.
NOW READ
12 inspiring K-drama monologues that capture life perfectly
8 K-drama villains that fans have finally forgiven
Meet the future of K-drama: 5 breakout actors you need to know
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tatler Asia
6 days ago
- Tatler Asia
Happy birthday, Park Bo-gum: inside his unwritten rules of style
His appearance alongside Blackpink's Lisa and BTS's V at Celine's Paris Fashion Week Men's show in June 2022 was proof to his ability to internalise a brand's aesthetic without losing his own identity. The lesson? Authenticity makes any outfit, no matter how high-fashion, feel inherently you . Versatility is key: from red carpet to casual fashion Park Bo-gum's wardrobe is a masterclass in versatility. On the red carpet, he's often seen in classic, impeccably fitted suits, demonstrating how subtle details—a unique lapel, a patterned tie, or unexpected shoe choices—can elevate a traditional look. He exudes an elegant yet contemporary appeal that always lands him on best-dressed lists. Above Park Bo-gum at 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' press conference (Photo: Netflix) Yet, his off-duty style is just as compelling. Often spotted at airports or public appearances, he effortlessly blends comfort with undeniable cool. Think oversized hoodies paired with perfectly distressed denim and stylish sneakers. He consistently turns airport terminals into fashion runways. The lesson here is clear: true style allows you to adapt seamlessly to any occasion, mastering both the formal and the effortlessly relaxed. Related: 6 reasons why Park Bo-gum's 'Good Boy' is your next must-watch K-drama Ownership: making every look your own Beyond the labels and the trends, Park Bo-gum has an uncanny ability to own every look. It's about the way he carries himself, the quiet confidence that permeates his choices. Even in more experimental moments, he never looks out of place. He commits to the aesthetic, making it feel like a natural extension of his artistic expression. His personal Instagram further illustrates this point. Glimpses into his everyday style—from relaxed vacation wear to cozy, layered ensembles—show that style is about comfort and self-expression, not rigid rules. He transforms simple pieces into cohesive, fashionable statements that feel genuine and approachable.
Tatler Asia
13-06-2025
- Tatler Asia
6 most inspiring K-drama fathers
2. Nam Do-san's Dad in 'Start-Up' (2020) Above 'Start-Up' (Photo: IMDB) Nam Seong-hwan (Kim Won-hae), the father of boy genius Nam Do-san (Nam Joo-hyuk), is equal parts geeky and devoted. He's the type who would silently mortgage the family home if it meant giving his son a second chance. His support is steadfast and unconditional, and his occasional goofiness makes him even more lovable. Bonus points for that adorable robot scene. 3. Hong Dae-young in '18 Again' (2020) Technically also a fantasy storyline, 18 Again gives us a two-for-one: Yoon Sang-hyun as the 37-year-old version of Hong Dae-young and Lee Do-hyun as his teenage self. A dad who gets to re-experience high school through the eyes of his children, Hong Dae-young's emotional journey is both hilarious and deeply touching. It's a heartfelt meditation on fatherhood, regret and redemption. 4. Park Sung-yeol in 'Itaewon Class' (2020) Park Sae-ro-yi's father, Park Sung-yeol (Son Hyun-joo)—one of the most impactful K-drama dads—doesn't always get a lot of airtime. His influence, however, is immense and lasts throughout the series. A paragon of moral integrity, Sung-yeol instils in his son the unshakeable values that become the drama's north star. His death is a catalyst for the story, and his presence echoes in every decision Park Sae-ro-yi makes. Gentle, hardworking and unwavering in his belief in doing the right thing, he's the father we all wish we had. 5. Yang Gwan-sik in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' (2025) Yang Gwan-sik (Park Bo-gum/Park Hae-joon) made husbands and fathers everywhere feel bad about themselves. Even other K-drama dads seem inadequate. Where else will you find a devoted person who would steal his parents' fish wares for his childhood crush? Where else will you find a man who would swim the ocean to get to his one true love? Where else will you find a father who would turn his back on traditions to give peas to his daughter? He works 12 hours a day, waking up at the crack of dawn to provide for his family. He's always there to save the day—whether to save his wife from his domineering grandma or to buy his struggling son's rice cakes in secret. See more: 5 life lessons from 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' 6. Ha Yi-chan in 'Twinkling Watermelon' (2023) Above 'Twinkling Watermelon' (Photo: IMDB) As both a teen (Ryeoun) and later a deaf father (Choi Won-young), Ha Yi-chan is an extraordinary depiction of fatherhood across time. The show handles his disability with dignity and strength, showing how love can transcend spoken words. His connection with his son Eun-gyeol is musically magical—and emotionally resonant. Future K-drama dads better look at this depiction for lessons.
Tatler Asia
12-06-2025
- Tatler Asia
9 K-dramas with shocking plot twists fans never saw coming
2. 'Mouse' Above Is Lee Seung-gi an innocent police officer or a serial killer? (Photo: tvN) This K-drama kept fans on their toes, trying to keep up with the countless plot twists and figure out who the real killer is. Is police officer Jeong Ba-reum (Lee Seung-gi) as innocent as he seems? Is Sung Yo-han (Kwon Hwa-woon) a serial killer like his infamous father, Han Seo-joon (Ahn Jae-wook)? An identity swap experiment and a brain transplant further complicate the story and leave audiences guessing about who the real killer is until the very end. See also: 12 K-dramas where the leading lady does all the saving 3. 'Flower of Evil' Above Lee Joon-gi has a hidden identity in 'Flower of Evil'. (Photo: tvN) The premise of the drama is tailor-made for plot twists: Cha Ji-won (Moon Chae-won) is a homicide detective married to Baek Hee-sung (Lee Joon-gi), a timid, loving and devoted husband and father. But Baek Hee-sung is living under a stolen identity and hiding a dark, violent past. Throughout the drama, viewers are left in suspense, questioning whether he's a reformed man or a cold-blooded killer. The search for the truth leads to a locked basement, where shocking revelations about his past—and the real Baek Hee-sung—change everything. 4. 'Lovely Runner' Above He fell first and fell harder. (Photo: tvN) Not all K-dramas with a shocking plot twist are thrillers. Lovely Runner , a romantic comedy time-slip drama, packs a sweet and swoon-worthy surprise. While Im Sol (Kim Hye-yoon) spends much of the series travelling back in time to try and save Ryu Sun-jae (Byeon Woo-seok) from his tragic fate, audiences learn that it's actually Sun-jae who fell in love first and fell harder, long before she ever travelled back in time. Don't miss: Romantic K-drama male leads who were created by female screenwriters 5. 'When the Phone Rings' Above You can expect plenty of plot twists when the phone rings. (Photo: MBC) There's no shortage of jaw-dropping reveals in When the Phone Rings , a mystery romance that kept audiences guessing until the very end. Early on, viewers discover that Baek Sa-eon (Yoo Yeon-seok) was the one who arranged his marriage to his wife, Hong Hee-joo (Chae Soo-bin). Later on, they learn Hee-joo's selective mutism is just a ruse her mother came up with to save her skin. And when the kidnapper is finally unmasked, it's the identity of his accomplice that truly shocks fans of the drama. 6. 'It's Okay to Not Be Okay' Above Someone has been hiding in plain sight in 'It's Okay to Not be Okay'. (Photo: tvN) Pulsing steadily beneath the surface of this healing gothic romance is a psychological thriller that ties together Ko Moon-yeong's (Seo Yea-ji) tragic family history and the Moon brothers' (Kim Soo-hyun and Oh Jung-se) traumatic past. Audiences were stunned to discover that Moon-yeong's abusive and mentally unhinged mother is not only alive and hiding in plain sight, but also the one responsible for the murder of the Moons' mother. See also: 9 fan-favourite K-drama opening credits you wouldn't want to skip 7. 'Vincenzo' Above Watch for the shocking heel reveal in 'Vincenzo'. (Photo: tvN) In this K-drama starring Song Joong-ki as Vincenzo, an Italian mafia consigliere who returns to South Korea in search of hidden gold, the big plot twist isn't so much a heel turn as it is a heel reveal. Although a key character's death early in the series delivers a gut punch, the real shocker is the revelation that a Zumba-loving attorney and a bumbling and seemingly harmless law firm intern are ruthless criminal masterminds. Later, the death of a redeemed fan-favourite character delivers yet another emotional blow fans didn't see coming. 8. 'The Light Shop' Above Prepare yourself for the most heartbreaking plot twist. (Photo: IMDb) There are plenty of plot twists in this supernatural K-drama—from the fate of couple Yoon Sun-hae (Kim Min-ha) and Park Hye-won (Kim Sun-hwa), who choose to make their home in the place in between life and death, to Lee Ji-young's (Seol Hyun) haunting pursuit of Kim Hyun-min (Um Tae-goo), the man she cannot bring herself to let go of. But perhaps the most surprising and heartbreaking of them all is the tragic backstory of Jung Won-young (Ju Ji-hoon), the mysterious light shop keeper, and his hidden connection to mother-and-daughter duo Jung Yoo-hee (Lee Jung-eun) and Joo Hyun-ju (Shin Eun-soo). See also: 10 anticipated K-drama Season 2 releases you shouldn't miss 9. 'Heavenly Ever After' Above There are plot twists even in Heaven. (Photo: JTBC) In the K-drama set in Heaven, the appearance of Som I, a young woman with unknown ties to Lee Hae-sook's (Kim Hye-ja) husband Ko Nak-joon (Son Suk-ku), throws everyone for a loop, especially when it's implied that there's a romantic connection between the two. But audiences later learn that Som I is not a separate person but the manifestation of Hae-sook's grief and guilt over the son they lost, which leads to another emotional bombshell: the kindly pastor who befriends Hae-sook turns out to have a much deeper connection to her than she ever imagined.
