Known for producing the most romantic dramas in like "Crash Landing on You," 'Twenty Five, Twenty One," "A Business Proposal" and more, South Korean entertainment industry also has many series that feature toxic relationships.
Some exceed normal boundaries in relationships while some age differences are too big. Here are four of many dramas that faced criticisms for its toxicity and unhealthy love lines!
'Nevertheless'
Based on the webtoon of the same name, Han So Hee and Song Kang's romance drama "Nevertheless" became the most sensational series of 2020.
Not only does it exude chemistry but it also features the most common toxic relationship between two people: one who's a hopeless romantic and one who only wants to fool around.
As the drama progresses, Han So Hee's character realizes how toxic her relationship is with Song Kang's character, who couldn't bear to be in a committed relationship.
While a lot were annoyed with the plot, many viewers found resonance from the story as the modern dating mindset also happens in real life. However, this kind of relationship is still considered unhealthy and taxing for both parties.
'A Muse'
Kim Go Eun's breakthrough film "A Muse" cemented her name as a rising star. It also bagged many awards and nominations at film awards shows for its intricate storyline.
The film was embroiled in a huge scandal as it featured the unhealthy and borderline creepy relationships between characters.
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Kim Go Eun's character is an abused 17-year-old girl who meets 70-year-old poet Park Hae Il's character and his employee Kim Moo Yul.
Although the drama didn't focus on the love triangle, the age differences irked many viewers. The steamy scenes between Kim Go Eun and Park Hae Il, as well as with Kim Moo Yul, received mixed reactions from fans.
'The Penthouse'
The sensational black comedy series "The Penthouse" was widely known not only in South Korea but also around the world.
Thanks to its twists and unexpected stories, the drama was stretched up to three long seasons. While the drama already features the mind-boggling themes of power, money and greed, the series also contained manipulative relationships between Kim So Yeon and Uhm Ki Joon.
The two got together through their extramarital affairs. Later on, she realizes that the man she thinks she loves only wants to be with her to steal all her wealth and assets, disappointing her and breaking her heart.
Talk about unfaithfulness and betrayal! Despite it all, "The Penthouse" still remains as one of South Korea's best K-dramas ever released.
'Young Lady and Gentleman'
Although it's loved by many viewers, especially with the older demographic, Lee Se Hee and Ji Hyun Woo's "Young Lady and Gentleman" was under fire for featuring a silly relationship between an adult and a teen.
While Lee Se Hee and Ji Hyun Woo's relationship began when they were both older, a scene where the two main characters meet gained public attention.
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In the scene, the two were seen in an extremely intimate situation where Ji Hyun Woo is 27 years old while Lee Se Hee is only a 13-year-old minor.
Despite the heart-fluttering love line in the drama's present date, the flashbacks of the beginning of their relationship without a doubt creeped out many viewers.
KDramastars owns this article.
Written by Elijah Mully.