[Ishani's Picks] Top 10 Fantasy Romance K-Dramas Where One Of The Main Leads Isn't Human

Fantasy has always been one of the most popular genres in film and television, especially when it comes to K-Dramas. With how well-made, imaginative and rich they are, it is no wonder that fantasy K-Dramas are growing in popularity all over the world. If you're looking for fantasy romance dramas where one of the leading characters isn't quite human, here are my top 10 picks that you might enjoy!

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"My Girlfriend is a Gumiho"

A gateway K-Drama at its finest, "My Girlfriend is a Gumiho" tells the story of a naive and innocent man who falls in love with a rather foxy woman, quite literally. His girlfriend is an actual gumiho or nine-tailed fox! Starring Lee Seung-gi and Shin Min-a, this drama will make you fall in love with K-Dramas all over again.

"Doom at Your Service"

What could be more spunky and gothic than falling in love with Destruction incarnate? Perhaps, the fact that he'd be willing to obliterate the world just to be with you. That is exactly what happens in "Doom at Your Service" where Tak Dong-kyeong (played by Park Bo-young), a terminally ill patient, summons Myul Mang (Seo In-guk) and falls in love with him. In addition, this drama has the best second lead couple so you're going to love it even more.

"My Love from the Star"

No list about fantasy romance dramas where a human falls in love with a not-so-human being would be complete without "My Love from the Star". A popular celebrity, Cheon Song-i (played by Jun Ji-hyun), and an alien from light years away, Do Min-joon (Kim Soo-hyun) are star-crossed lovers, and their tale transcends time and space. With virtually every beloved trope ever, this drama is a classic that you do not want to miss.

"Angel's Last Mission: Love"

You saw Doom falling in love with a human, now it's time for an angel to do the same. "Angel's Last Mission: Love" is exactly as the name suggests. An angel is assigned one final mission before he can ascend to the heavens: finding love for a seemingly cold-hearted woman. In the process, they fall in love themselves and persevere to be together. This drama is wholesome, melodramatic, and every bit worth the watch.

"Guardian: The Lonely and Great God"

Another fantasy masterpiece that will be written in the history of K-Dramas with golden letters is "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God". Starring Gong Yoo as the Goblin and Kim Go-eun as the Goblin's bride Ji Eun-tak, this drama tells the story of a warrior who is cursed to immortality until his fated bride pulls out the sword lodged in his chest. At the same time, it also portrays the love story between a Grim Reaper and a human, who was his wronged wife in his past life. This double trouble romance is the best there is.

"Hotel Del Luna"

We've had gumihos, goblins, aliens, and more, so how about a ghost (well, almost but not quite)? Lee Ji-eun plays Jang Man-wol, the centuries-old moody owner of the titular Hotel Del Luna, who recruits the meek and timid Goo Chan-seong, played by Yeo Jin-goo, to serve as its manager. Man-wol is cursed for eternity to run Hotel Del Luna, a hotel for ghosts to rest before passing on to the afterlife. Her cold exterior melts when she meets Goo Chan-seong and they fall in love.

"Tale of the Nine Tailed"

The second gumiho drama on this list, "Tale of the Nine Tailed" brings us the stunningly handsome Lee Dong-wook as the mighty Lee Yeon alongside Kim Beom, who plays his brother Lee Rang and Jo Bo-ah as Nam Ji-ah /Ah-eum, Lee Yeon's love interest. It is an epic urban saga that is set for a sequel too! So, now is the best time for you to catch up!

"My Roommate Is a Gumiho"

Clearly, South Korea has a penchant for gumiho stories because "My Roommate Is a Gumiho" is the third drama on this list to feature one. Shin Woo-yeo, played by Jang Ki-yong is a 999-year-old gumiho, and Lee Dam (played by Lee Hyeri) is a 22-year-old college girl. When they end up living together after an accident, hilarity ensues. If you're looking for a recent romantic comedy with equal parts of both genres, "My Roommate Is a Gumiho" will be right up your alley.

"A Korean Odyssey"

Lee Seung-gi has a knack for choosing the best fantasy dramas because "A Korean Odyssey" is absolutely a must-watch. A modern retelling of the classic Chinese novel "Journey to the West", this drama is wonderfully well-written, has excellent cinematography and a star-studded cast that delivers top-notch acting. This time, our protagonist Jin Seon-mi (Oh Yeon-seo) falls in love with Son Oh-gong (Lee Seung-gi), the Monkey King.

"The Legend of the Blue Sea"

Finally, I could not possibly conclude this list without the loveliest one of them all, "The Legend of the Blue Sea". Starring Lee Min-ho and Jun Ji-hyun as Heo Joon-jae and Sim Cheong respectively, "The Legend of the Blue Sea" follows a con-man and a mermaid falling in love over and over again, despite adversities, even in parallel universes. Needless to say, this drama is a 10/10 and highly recommended.

By Ishani Sarkar.