K-Dramas with Forced Roommates is a popular subgenre that explores the dynamics between characters thrust into unexpected living situations. K-dramas have a way of turning the most awkward situations into heartwarming and hilarious moments. When two people are forced to live under the same roof, it leads to unexpected friendships, romance, and personal growth.
K-Dramas with forced roommates have gained a dedicated following due to their ability to blend humor, romance, and heartwarming relationships. These dramas explore the chaos, fun, and emotions that come with cohabitation. Here are some of the best K-dramas where characters find themselves as unlikely roommates.
1. Full House
The Classic That Started It All
“Full House” remains one of the most iconic K-dramas. It introduced the classic forced roommate setup that many dramas followed later. Han Ji-Eun, a cheerful yet struggling writer, gets tricked by her friends into losing her home. She discovers that her house has been sold to Lee Young-Jae, a famous but temperamental actor. With no other option, she agrees to stay as his housekeeper while pretending to be his wife.
Their relationship starts rocky. Young Jae is arrogant and childish, while Ji-eun is stubborn and independent. Their daily fights, misunderstandings, and gradual bonds make this drama unforgettable. Over time, they learn more about each other’s struggles and insecurities. Ji-Eun, despite her naive nature, grows stronger and gains confidence. Young Jae, on the other hand, softens and realizes what truly matters. Their journey is a mix of laughter, bickering, and deep emotional moments.
“Full House” set the standard for many romantic comedies that followed. It remains a must-watch for anyone who loves classic K-drama romance.
2. Personal Taste
“Personal Taste” brings an interesting twist to the forced-roommate trope. Park Gae-in, a quirky furniture designer, needs a tenant to help with her financial struggles. She ends up living with Jeon Jin-ho, an architect with a serious personality. Due to a misunderstanding, Gae-in believes Jin-ho is gay and lets him move in without hesitation.
Their differences make living together a challenge. Gae-in is messy and careless, while Jin-ho is neat and precise. Their daily interactions lead to amusing conflicts, but also moments of understanding. Gae-in, who has been hurt in past relationships, starts to regain confidence through Jin-ho’s support. Jin-ho, initially reserved and focused on his career, learns to open up emotionally.
As they spend more time together, their dynamic shifts. The truth about Jin-ho’s identity creates tension but also forces both characters to confront their feelings. Their journey is filled with self-discovery, growth, and unexpected love. “Personal Taste” balances humor with heartfelt moments, making it a memorable watch.
3. My Roommate Is a Gumiho
This drama takes the forced roommate setup to a whole new level. Shin Woo-yeo, a 999-year-old gumiho (a mystical fox), has been collecting human energy to become human himself. Everything changes when Lee Dam, a college student, accidentally swallows his magical marble. Since the marble is dangerous for humans, she has to stay with Woo-yeo until they figure out a solution.
Unlike typical romance dramas, their situation is more than just an inconvenience. Woo-yeo tries to keep his emotions in check, knowing that getting too close could complicate things. Lee Dam, though initially wary, gradually becomes comfortable around him. She isn’t afraid to speak her mind, making their interactions entertaining.
Their time together helps them both grow. Woo-yeo, who has lived for centuries, starts to experience human emotions in a way he never did before. Lee Dam, independent and strong-willed, learns to trust and rely on someone. Their relationship develops naturally, blending humor, fantasy, and heartfelt moments.
“My Roommate Is a Gumiho” offers a fresh take on the forced roommate theme, combining fantasy with romance and comedy. The mix of supernatural elements and relatable emotions makes it a standout drama.
4. The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
Kim Moo-young lives an unpredictable life. He works at a small brewery but never seems attached to anything. His past is a mystery, and his emotions are hard to read. Yoo Jin-kang, a warm-hearted designer, crosses paths with him. She sees glimpses of kindness behind his distant nature.
Their connection grows, but her older brother, Yoo Jin-gook, senses something is wrong. As a detective, he has seen too much darkness. He believes Moo-young is dangerous. The tension increases when circumstances force Moo-young and Jin-kang to live under the same roof. They struggle with unspoken feelings, trust, and fear.
Moo-young’s past slowly comes to light. Secrets surface and each revelation changes how Jin-kang sees him. She wants to believe in him, but doubt lingers. Moo-young, who has always been alone, finds himself longing for stability. His unpredictable nature clashes with Jin-kang’s cautious personality.
The fragile bond between them is tested by their painful history. Living together becomes a daily struggle between emotions and reality. Every moment brings them closer to the truth. Some truths are heartbreaking, and not all stories have a happy ending.
5. High Kick Through the Roof
Shin Se-Kyung and her sister, Shin Shin-ae, live in a quiet countryside village. Their life is simple but full of hardships. One day, their father disappears, leaving them with nothing. Forced to move, they end up in Seoul at the home of the Lee family.
The Lee household is anything but peaceful. Grandfather Lee Soon-Jae is strict and traditional. His wife, Nahae, has her own set of quirks. The rest of the family members have their struggles. Se-Kyung and Shin-ae step into this unfamiliar world, trying to adjust to their new reality.
Se-Kyung works as a maid in the household, but she never complains. She remains quiet, enduring the challenges with patience. Life in the Lee household is overwhelming. The cultural differences, the hierarchy, and the constant misunderstandings create endless difficulties.
Despite everything, Se-kyung forms unexpected bonds. Jung Eum, the lively and carefree daughter, becomes a friend. Ji-hoon, the reserved doctor, notices Se-kyung’s quiet strength. Their interactions are subtle, and filled with unspoken emotions.
Life in the Lee household is full of ups and downs. Some moments bring laughter, while others carry heartache. Se-kyung’s journey is one of resilience. She enters the house as an outsider, but slowly, she carves out a place for herself.
6. Cinderella and the Four Knights
Eun Ha-won has always been independent. She dreams of becoming a teacher, but life has never been kind to her. After her mother’s passing, she is left to fend for herself. Her stepmother and stepsister show her no kindness.
One day, fate leads her to Kang Ji-woon, Kang Hyun-min, and Kang Seo-woo. They are the grandsons of a wealthy chairman. Their personalities could not be more different. Ji-Woon is rebellious, Hyun-min is a flirt, and Seo-woo is a gentle musician. Their grandfather makes a bold decision—Ha-won will move in with them to bring order to their chaotic lives.
Living under one roof with three rich, stubborn men is anything but easy. They challenge her at every turn. Ji-Woon is distant and cold, never letting anyone in. Hyun-min enjoys teasing her, treating everything like a game. Seo-woo, though kind, keeps his emotions guarded.
Ha-won refuses to back down. She stands her ground, proving that she belongs. Over time, the walls between them begin to crumble. Ji-woon’s cold exterior hides deep wounds. Hyun-min’s playful nature masks his loneliness. Seo-woo struggles with his fears.
Ha-won becomes the glue that holds them together. She is not just a guest in their home—she is someone who changes their lives. Her journey is not about romance alone; it is about finding her path.
7. Because This Is My First Life (2017)
Nam Se-hee is a reserved, logical man who values structure and independence. He owns an apartment but struggles financially due to his mortgage. Yoon Ji-ho is a struggling screenwriter who faces constant pressure from society and her family. When circumstances leave her homeless, they enter a contract marriage so she can have a place to stay while he benefits from her rent.
At first, their relationship is purely transactional. They set strict house rules and maintain emotional distance. However, as they share their daily lives, subtle changes begin. Ji-ho starts to see the loneliness hidden behind Se-hee’s composed exterior. Meanwhile, Se-hee, who has long avoided emotional connections, starts to let his walls down. Their conversations shift from formal agreements to deep personal discussions.
Despite their differences, they develop a quiet understanding. Ji-ho challenges Se-hee’s rigid mindset, while Se-hee provides her with the stability she has never had. Over time, their fake marriage transforms into something real, though neither of them fully realizes it at first. Their journey is about breaking past emotional barriers, learning to trust, and redefining what love means in a practical world.
8. Goong (Princess Hours) (2006)
Shin Chae-kyeong is an ordinary high school girl whose life takes an unexpected turn when she learns she must marry Crown Prince Lee Shin due to an old royal family agreement. She has no choice but to move into the palace, where she faces strict traditions, unfamiliar rules, and a cold, indifferent husband.
Lee Shin appears arrogant and emotionally distant. He is used to the rigid structure of palace life and sees their marriage as nothing more than duty. Chae-kyeong, on the other hand, is bright, cheerful, and unfiltered. She struggles to adapt to the royal lifestyle, often clashing with Shin and the people around her.
Despite their rocky start, their dynamic shifts as they get to know each other. Chae-kyeong’s warmth gradually breaks through Shin’s tough exterior. He starts to see her not as an unwanted partner but as someone who brings life and color into his world. Meanwhile, Chae-kyeong learns that behind Shin’s coldness lies a person who carries deep responsibilities and burdens.
Their relationship is tested by misunderstandings, outside influences, and personal insecurities. But as they navigate palace politics and their growing feelings, they slowly build a bond that neither of them expected. Their journey is not just about love but also about growing into their roles and understanding each other beyond their arranged marriage.
9. Love in Contract (2022)
Choi Sang-eun is a woman who offers a unique service—pretending to be someone’s wife. Her job allows clients to maintain a respectable social image without committing to a real relationship. She is confident, professional, and skilled at adapting to different personalities.
Jung Ji-ho is one of her longtime clients. He books her services three days a week, but he remains a mystery. He speaks little, maintains strict boundaries, and never shares personal details. For years, their relationship has been purely transactional.
Everything changes when Kang Hae-jin, a famous actor, becomes her new client. Unlike Ji-ho, Hae-jin is expressive, affectionate, and openly interested in Sang-eun. His arrival disrupts the balance, forcing Ji-ho to confront emotions he has long suppressed.
As Sang-eun juggles both men, she starts to question her feelings. She realizes that behind Ji-ho’s reserved nature is a man with a painful past and deep emotions. Meanwhile, Ji-ho, who has avoided relationships due to personal trauma, begins to step out of his comfort zone. Hae-jin, who appears confident and carefree, also carries his struggles.
Sang-eun’s journey is about more than just choosing between two men. It’s about redefining her life, understanding her worth beyond her job, and allowing herself to be truly loved. While her profession once gave her control over relationships, she now faces a situation where her heart is making the decisions for her.
10. Go Ho’s Starry Night
In Go Ho’s Starry Night, Go Ho is a young woman who is struggling to balance her career and personal life. She works as a secretary at a big company, but things start to spiral when her life takes an unexpected turn. One of the major twists involves her being forced to live with her childhood friend, who is also her boss. The awkwardness between them is palpable, especially since they have a complicated history.
Go Ho and her boss, who once shared a close bond, now find themselves at odds with each other. The forced living situation brings back old memories, but it also forces them to confront unresolved feelings. As they spend more time together, Go Ho learns more about her boss’s past, and they both start to understand each other better. The show combines humor and heartwarming moments, with the two main characters learning to navigate their feelings while sharing a space.
The series touches on themes of love, forgiveness, and self-discovery. Despite the tension and awkwardness, Go Ho’s Starry Night shows how living with someone can break down barriers, and sometimes, that’s exactly what’s needed to start something new.
11. Hi! School – Love On
Hi! School – Love On is a coming-of-age drama about high school students, but it’s not just about friendships and crushes. The central characters are forced into a living arrangement that changes everything for them. The story revolves around a high school girl, who discovers she has magical powers and a boy who is forced to move in with her due to his family situation.
The living arrangement creates numerous challenges for both characters. The girl, initially reluctant to share her space, struggles to control her emotions and powers. The boy, on the other hand, has his own set of problems. Their growing connection is inevitable, but it’s not without tension. Living together forces them to deal with their struggles and helps them grow as individuals.
Throughout the series, they go through ups and downs, not just as classmates, but as roommates. They must learn to communicate better and respect each other’s space. This show highlights the importance of personal growth and the unexpected lessons that come from living with someone who has completely different challenges.
12. The Liar and His Lover
In The Liar and His Lover, the focus shifts to the music industry, but the forced living scenario still plays a big role. The main character is a talented songwriter, but he hides his identity to avoid being overwhelmed by fame. He meets a young girl with a beautiful voice, and through a series of events, they end up living together.
Their living situation creates a unique dynamic. The girl, who is unaware of the songwriter’s true identity, has a complex relationship with him. Over time, the forced proximity allows them to grow closer. They experience many conflicts, both personal and professional, but the time spent under one roof brings them to realize things about themselves and each other.
Their connection deepens as they navigate the challenges of love, trust, and the entertainment industry. The show beautifully explores how living together can help two people discover things about each other and themselves, especially in a high-stress environment like the music industry.
In The Liar and His Lover, the forced living arrangement helps both characters come to terms with their feelings and face the obstacles in their lives head-on.
13. You Are My Destiny
Jang Sae-byuk’s life changes overnight. She loses her sight in an accident but gets a second chance after a cornea transplant. Her new vision leads her to Kim Tae-poong’s family, where she becomes an unexpected part of their lives. Moving in with strangers is never easy, especially when dealing with the weight of a tragic past.
She struggles to adjust but remains determined to stand on her own. Over time, bonds form, and conflicts turn into understanding. Her journey is filled with challenges, but her resilience shines through. Living under one roof with people she barely knows, she slowly finds a new purpose. Love, family, and belonging become key themes as she discovers what it truly means to have a home.
14. Playful Kiss
Oh, Ha-ni has always admired Baek Seung-jo, the smartest and most distant student in school. After confessing her feelings and getting rejected, fate plays a trick on her. A sudden house collapse forces her and her father to move in with Seung-jo’s family. Now, she has to face him every single day.
Living in the same house does not make things easier. Seung-jo remains cold and indifferent, while Ha-ni refuses to give up on her feelings. Every interaction is a mix of embarrassment, frustration, and hope. She tries to prove herself in her way, despite being constantly reminded of their differences.
Days turn into months, and small changes begin to appear. Seung-jo, who once ignored her completely, starts noticing her efforts. The forced cohabitation brings unexpected moments that push them closer. What starts as one-sided love takes a new direction as both begin to grow in ways they never expected.
Also Read: K-Drama: The Red Flags You Can’t Ignore (Toxic Love)
15. I’m Not a Robot
Kim Min-kyu lives a lonely life due to a severe allergy that prevents him from touching people. He avoids all human contact until an AI robot is delivered to his home for testing. But what he does not know is that the so-called robot is a woman, Jo Ji-ah, pretending to be a machine.
Living under the same roof, Ji-ah has to hide her identity while following strict rules. Min-kyu, unaware of the truth, starts opening up in ways he never did before. For the first time, he experiences companionship. Ji-ah, meanwhile, struggles to keep up the act while dealing with her own emotions.
As their interactions grow deeper, reality becomes harder to ignore. Min-kyu, once isolated, starts to feel a connection that goes beyond anything he imagined. When the truth finally comes out, everything changes. His journey from fear to trust is a powerful reminder of how love can heal even the deepest wounds.
16. Suspicious Partner
Noh Ji-Wook is a skilled prosecutor, and Eun Bong-hee is a determined trainee. Their paths cross in the worst possible way when she is wrongly accused of murder. With nowhere else to go, she ends up living with Ji-wook, creating a tense but oddly entertaining dynamic. Ji-wook, known for his serious nature, struggles to adjust to Bong-hee’s energy. She, on the other hand, refuses to let his cold demeanor intimidate her.
As they work to prove Bong-hee’s innocence, their relationship shifts. Ji-wook slowly opens up, revealing the trauma from his past. Bong-hee, despite her struggles, remains resilient, bringing light into his life. Their home, once filled with awkward silence, turns into a place of quiet understanding. Each case they handle brings them closer, and soon, they realize they aren’t just forced roommates—they’re partners in every way.
17. Pinocchio
Choi Dal-po and Choi In-ha grow up together under unusual circumstances. Dal-po, once a boy from a wealthy family, loses everything in a tragic incident. Taken in by In-ha’s grandfather, he becomes part of her family. Despite this, Dal-po hides his past, pretending to be someone he’s not. In-ha, with her unique condition that makes her hiccup whenever she lies, dreams of becoming a journalist.
Living under the same roof, their relationship is complex. Dal-po suppresses his feelings, knowing the truth about their past could ruin everything. In-ha, unaware of his pain, views him as nothing more than a bickering housemate or an uncle as her grandfather sees Dal-po as a son. Over time, as they pursue journalism, they uncover secrets that challenge everything they believe. Their home becomes a space where truth and emotions collide. Through shared struggles, misunderstandings, and quiet support, they redefine their connection.
18. Crash Landing on You
Yoon Se-ri, a successful businesswoman, never imagined she’d be stranded in North Korea. When a paragliding accident lands her there, she meets Ri Jeong-hyeok, a dedicated North Korean officer. He must report her, but instead, he hides her in his home, creating a situation neither of them is prepared for.
Se-ri’s presence turns Jeong-hyeok’s disciplined world upside down. She’s loud, demanding, and completely out of place. He, on the other hand, is reserved and focused. Despite their differences, he protects her, making sure she remains undetected. As days pass, their forced cohabitation turns into something more. Small gestures, stolen moments, and shared secrets change everything.
Living together, they build a bond neither expected. Jeong-hyeok, once rigid and distant, learns to care in ways he never did before. Se-ri, always independent, finds comfort in his quiet strength. The world outside threatens to pull them apart, but within their shared space, they create something real.
19. Doctor Slump
Yeo Jung-woo and Nam Ha-neul, once academic rivals, find themselves at rock bottom. Jung-woo was a top plastic surgeon, confident and admired. But a scandal ruins his reputation, leaving him unemployed and lost. Ha-neul, once a workaholic doctor, burns out from relentless stress. She quits, feeling like a failure despite her achievements.
With nowhere else to go, they end up as reluctant housemates. At first, old grudges make things tense. Small clashes over routines and habits keep them bickering. But shared struggles slowly break down walls. Jung-woo’s once-proud demeanor softens as he faces his insecurities. Ha-neul, who always puts work first, learns to slow down and take care of herself.
Living under one roof, they find unexpected comfort in each other’s presence. Late-night conversations turn into therapy sessions. Simple acts of kindness—like a meal left on the table or a light left on—start to mean more than words. Their past rivalry fades, replaced by a quiet understanding. As they rebuild their lives, they become each other’s greatest support. From enemies-to-lovers tropes to heartwarming friendships, K-Dramas with Forced Roommates offers a wide range of compelling storylines.
20. Goblin
Kim Shin, an immortal goblin, has spent centuries searching for his bride—the one who can break his curse. Ji Eun-tak, a cheerful but lonely high schooler, unknowingly holds the key. Fate brings them together, but living under one roof complicates everything.
Shin is used to solitude. His centuries of existence have been filled with loss and regret. Eun-tak, in contrast, is full of life, despite her hardships. She sees ghosts and struggles with an unfair fate, yet never loses her bright spirit. Their forced cohabitation leads to awkward but touching moments.
The house also becomes home to the Grim Reaper, who has a complicated past. His deadpan personality clashes with Shin’s sarcasm, creating endless humorous exchanges. Despite their supernatural identities, both struggle with very human emotions—guilt, longing, and the need for connection.
Through shared meals, late-night chats, and silent companionship, their lives intertwine in ways none of them expected. Shin’s immortality no longer feels like a burden. Eun-tak, once alone, finds a family she never had. Even the Grim Reaper, bound by his fate, experiences moments of warmth.
Whether it’s a shared apartment, a temporary living arrangement, or a forced marriage, K-Dramas with forced roommates often provide ample opportunities for comedic misunderstandings and heartwarming moments. If you’re looking for a lighthearted and entertaining watch, K-Dramas with forced roommates are a great option.
Kavita Mishra is a dynamic writer and passionate Korean entertainment enthusiast, combining her love for K-pop and K-drama with a flair for storytelling. With a keen eye for the latest trends, Kavita crafts articles that capture the pulse of K-pop idols, chart-topping hits, and the most buzz-worthy dramas taking over screens worldwide.
