From When the Weather Is Fine to Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha: Healing romance K-dramas to start your New Year

Kick off the new year 2026 with romance, self-discovery, and stories that heal the heart. From quiet seaside towns to bustling cities, these K-dramas capture the magic of new beginnings, second chances, and the warmth of love.

Cast: Shin Min Ah, Kim Seon Ho, Lee Sang Yi

Where to watch: Netflix, TVING



A city dentist swaps skyscrapers for waves and sunsets in a small seaside village. Surrounded by quirky locals and the slow rhythm of coastal life, she crosses paths with the charming handyman who becomes her unexpected guide to love, laughter, and belonging. This story is a heart-soothing journey of community, romance, and discovering happiness where you least expect it.

Cast: Kim Tae Ri, Nam Joo Hyuk, Bo Na, Choi Hyun Wook, Lee Joo Myung

Where to watch: Netflix, TVING



Set during a turbulent era of dreams and shifting fortunes, this drama dives deep into the thrill and fragility of youth. Friendships are tested, hearts are broken and mended, and first loves leave a lasting imprint. It's a nostalgic, emotional ride that celebrates hope, resilience, and the enduring power of love.

Cast: Lee Sung Kyung, Nam Joo Hyuk, Lee Jae Yoon, Gyeong Su Jin

Where to watch: Apple TV, Netflix, WeTV, Prime Video, HBO Max



Kim Bok-joo's college life is a vibrant whirlwind of ambitions, playful rivalries, and the intoxicating excitement of young love. As she balances her athletic dreams with the pangs of first romance, the series delivers joy, laughter, and heart-tugging moments, perfectly capturing the raw energy of coming-of-age love stories.

Cast: Ji Chang Wook, Shin Hae Sun

Where to watch: Netflix



Returning to her hometown, the protagonist discovers that healing doesn't happen in solitude but within the embrace of familiar faces and old memories. As she reconnects with her roots, she also finds unexpected love, renewed purpose, and the courage to start life anew, making this a tender story of emotional rebirth.

Cast: Kim Seol Hyun, Yim Si Wan, Shin Eun Soo, a.mond

Where to watch: Apple TV, Viki, Netflix



Burnout leads a woman to abandon city life and retreat to a quiet seaside town. In the simplicity of doing nothing, she finds herself swept up in gentle romance, whimsical friendships, and quiet joys. A soft, restorative story that shows how slowing down can sometimes lead to the most profound transformations.

Cast: Park Hyung Sik, Park Shin Hye, Yoon Park, Gong Sung Ha

Where to watch: TVING, Netflix



Two doctors stuck in personal and professional ruts are forced together by fate. In moments of chaos and vulnerability, humor, tenderness, and unexpected love blossom. The series explores how connection and romance can reignite ambition, hope, and the courage to embrace a second chance at life.

Cast: Lee Na Young, Lee Jong Suk, Jung Eugene, Wi Ha Joon

Where to watch: Netflix



A talented former copywriter reenters the professional world at a publishing company, only to rediscover love and purpose in unexpected ways. Through humor, office rivalries, and heartfelt encounters, the drama reveals how career, ambition, and romance can intertwine to give life a second spark.

Cast: Park Min Young, Seo Kang Jun

Where to watch: Apple TV, Disney+ Hotstar, WeTV, Viki, iQIYI, Hulu, iflix, Netflix



Returning to a sleepy hometown, a woman reconnects with an old flame while rediscovering the rhythm of small-town life. Through quiet moments, gentle conversations, and subtle gestures, this drama is a celebration of love, healing, and the restorative power of familiar spaces.

Cast: Shin Hae Sun, Yang Se Jong, Ahn Hyo Seop, Ye Ji Won

Where to watch: Apple TV, Netflix, WeTV, Viki, SBS World, Tubi, Kocowa



Awakening after 13 years in a coma, a young woman must navigate a world that has moved on without her. Old friends, first love, and forgotten dreams all resurface, creating a poignant, uplifting tale of starting over and discovering joy in unexpected places.

Cast: Lee Jun Ho, Jang Hyuk, Jung Ryeo Won

Where to watch: Apple TV, Netflix, Viki, SBS World, Prime Video, Roku



A skilled chef trades the comfort of a luxury hotel for a struggling Chinese restaurant. Amid sizzling woks and aromatic dishes, he finds romance, friendship, and a renewed passion for life, proving that the path to love and growth is often full of surprises.