'Gimbap and Onigiri' wrapped up its final episode on March 16, leaving viewers captivated until the very end. Starring former I*ZONE member Kang Hye Won alongside popular Japanese actor Akaso Eiji, the drama tells the story of Park Rin, a Korean animation student navigating the challenges of living in Japan. She’s struggling with studies, language barriers, and even finding a place to live. In the midst of it all, she meets Taiga, a quiet part-time worker whose simple meals become her source of comfort, and what begins as a small shared moment gradually blossoms into something much deeper.
However, Korean stars have been making waves in Japanese dramas for years. Here’s a list of 10 Japanese dramas starring Korean actors, perfect for fans of both drama industries.
Romantics Anonymous
This Japanese remake of the French classic stars South Korean actress Han Hyo Joo as Hana Lee, a shy chocolatier struggling with scopophobia. Her chemistry with her boss, Sosuke Fujiwara, played by Shun Oguri, captivated the viewers and brought a unique cross-cultural charm to the series.
Eye Love You
‘Eye Love You’ blends fantasy with tender romance. Chae Jong Hyeop stars as Yoon Tae Oh, a charming Korean student, while Fumi Nikaido plays the introverted Japanese woman who captures his heart. Their chemistry melted viewers across Asia, proving that love truly has no language barriers.
Love is For the Dogs
Na In Woo takes center stage in the Japanese romantic drama ‘Love Is for the Dogs’ as Woo So Ha, a mysterious third-generation Korean chaebol heir who has come to Japan with a mission. His life becomes intertwined with a Japanese divorce attorney (Kaya Kiyohara) and a gentle veterinarian (Ryo Narita).
Friends
‘Friends’ tells a touching cross-cultural love story between Tomoko, a Japanese saleswoman, and Ji Hoon, a young Korean man played by beloved K-drama star Won Bin. After a chance encounter in Hong Kong leads to a misunderstanding and an unexpected connection, the two spend a magical few days together before returning to their separate lives. Despite language barriers and the distance between them, their bond deepens through heartfelt emails.
Haru Ga Kita
‘Spring Has Come,’ also known as ‘Haru Ga Kita’ in Japanese, is a drama that stars EXO’s Kai as a Korean photographer whose encounter with a Japanese woman leads to revelations about love, family, and identity. The slow-paced storytelling and Kai’s delicate performance make it a quiet yet powerful drama worth watching.
Final Life
A gripping crime thriller, ‘Final Life’ stars SHINee’s Taemin as Song Shi On, a man who loses his memory after a secret experiment. Alongside Japanese actor Matsuda Shota, the two navigate mysteries, revenge, and friendship. A must-watch for those who prefer darker, more suspenseful narratives.
Boku to Star no 99 Nichi
This charming romantic comedy follows the beloved Korean star Kim Tae Hee as Han Yoo Na, a top Korean actress who comes to Japan for filming and ends up falling for her bodyguard. It also stars 2PM's Taecyeon in a support role. The drama’s light-hearted humour and cross-cultural moments made it a fan favourite at the time, and it still holds up beautifully today.
Orphan Black: Nanatsu no Idenshi
A remake of the hit Canadian series ‘Orphan Black,’ this sci-fi thriller stars Kang Ji Young as a single mother who witnesses the shocking suicide of a woman who looks just like her. She decides to steal the woman’s identity and discovers she’s her clone, and she’s not the only one. Her impressive performance marks it as one of the most ambitious Korea–Japan drama projects.
Jiu
INFINITE’s L presence adds depth to the Japanese action drama ‘Jiu.’ He plays the mysterious antagonist Jiu, the ringleader responsible for a series of brutal crimes. Motoko and Misaki, members of the Metropolitan Police Department's S.I.T. (special investigation team), work together to track down criminal Jiu.
Sunao ni Narenakute
A slice-of-life drama about five young adults who meet through Twitter, ‘Sunao ni Narenakute’ captures the loneliness and connection of the social media generation. Jaejoong’s emotional performance as Park Seon Su, a Korean medical equipment salesman, earned him praise from critics and fans alike.
From tender love stories to gripping thrillers, each series highlights the talent of South Korean stars in Japanese productions while exploring universal themes of love, connection, and personal growth.
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