Have you ever wished you could travel through time? While we can’t do that in real life, these incredible time-travel dramas let us live out that fantasy through gripping stories, heart-fluttering romances and jaw-dropping twists.
Let’s dive into some of the most popular time-travel dramas that have stolen our hearts!
1. Lovely Runner (2024)
Starring: Byeon Wooseok, Kim Hyeyoon
Lovely Runner follows Ryu Sunjae (Byeon Wooseok), a top-tier celebrity who, despite his fame, struggles with the pressures of the entertainment industry. Im Sol (Kim Hyeyoon), his devoted fan, is heartbroken by his tragic death. However, a twist of fate transports her 15 years into the past, where she must change Sunjae’s future to save him. What begins as a mission to rewrite history turns into a destined love story, revealing surprising connections between their past and present.
With a captivating blend of time travel, romance, and comedy, Lovely Runner stands out because of the adorable chemistry between Byeon Wooseok and Kim Hyeyoon. Their performances as Sunjae and Im Sol have been praised for bringing the story to life. If you’re a fan of romantic comedies with a twist, Lovely Runner is a must-watch!
2. Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)
Starring: IU, Lee Joongi, Kang Haneul
This epic historical drama begins with a modern woman Go Hajin (IU) transported back in time to the Goryeo Dynasty, where she inhabits the body of 16-year-old Hae Soo. She finds herself caught in the fierce competition for the throne as several princes fall for her. Amid palace intrigues, she becomes entangled with the complex and scarred 4th Prince, Wang So (Lee Joongi).
This historical romance, full of intense emotions and tragic twists, shines because of the intricate acting of Lee Joongi and IU. Lee Joongi’s portrayal of the tortured Wang So reaps viewer’s hearts for his depth and complexity. Meanwhile, IU impresses as Hae Soo, transforming from a modern-day woman into a fierce Goryeo lady, who is never scared of the rigid authorities in the palace.
Scarlet Heart Ryeo captivates with its strong character development, breathtaking cinematography and a soundtrack that resonates deeply with fans. Whether you’re drawn to its heartbreaking romance or its unforgettable twists, this drama should not be missed by anyone who loves historical fantasy.
3. The King: Eternal Monarch (2020)
Starring: Lee Minho, Kim Goeun
The ambitious fantasy romantic drama presents a riveting tale of parallel worlds, where Emperor Lee Gon (Lee Minho) discovers a portal to modern-day Seoul and meets detective Jung Taeeul (Kim Goeun). Behind his regal perfection lies his childhood trauma – he witnessed his father’s murder during a coup led by his treacherous uncle Lee Rim. As their worlds collide, they embark on a mission to stop Lee Rim’s multiverse conspiracy while navigating their time-crossed romance.
The drama delivers a visual masterpiece with its luxury production design and intricate world-building. Lee Minho brings nuanced depth to his restrained monarch role, while Kim Goeun shines as the pragmatic detective. The actor Woo Dohwan also delivers a standout dual performance as both the emperor’s loyal guard and a quirky modern-day cop. The complex narrative rewards attentive viewers with puzzle-like plotting that becomes clearer upon rewatch.
4.Marry My Husband (2024)
Starring: Park Minyoung, Na Inwoo
This addictive revenge fantasy follows Kang Jiwon (Park Minyoung), a terminally ill woman murdered by her cheating husband Park Minhwan and best friend Jung Soomin. Given a second chance when she wakes up 10 years in the past, Jiwon orchestrates a brilliant revenge plan to redirect her tragic fate onto her backstabbing friend while rebuilding her life with the help of secret admirer Yoo Jihyuk (Na Inwoo).
Park Minyoung delivers a powerful performance as Jiwon, transforming from a weak victim to a determined strategist. The drama delivers the tensions the most when focusing on her revenge schemes against the spectacularly hateful villain duo, whose shameless antics will make you scream at your screen. While the time-travel mechanics aren’t perfectly explained, the satisfying payoff of watching Jiwon fight against her enemies is more than compensates. The romance with Na Inwoo’s green-flag CEO furthermore provides heartwarming balance to the plot.
5.Reset (2022)
Starring: Bai Jingting, Zhao Jinmai
Li Shiqing (Zhao Jinmai), a college student trapped in a time loop, is reliving a bus explosion that kills her over and over again. Desperate to escape her tragic fate, she accidentally drags Xiao Heyun (Bai Jingting), a fellow passenger, into the loop. Together, they strive to find a way to prevent the explosion and change their destiny.
This suspenseful Cdrama got viral overseas for its innovative use of the time-loop concept, drawing comparisons to films like Groundhog Day and Source Code. The plot is tightly crafted, keeping viewers on edge with each loop, as the characters’ bond and determination to survive intensify. Bai Jingting and Zhao Jinmai deliver exceptional performances, with Bai Jingting particularly praised for his capturing of the desperation and determination against the disaster.
With solid cinematography, a gripping storyline and a strong supporting cast, Reset offers a thrilling watch, drawing audience into the unexpected twists. The series expertly balances the time-loop story-telling with character development and heart-pounding moments, making it a top-notch time travel drama in 2022.
6. Eternal Love (2017)
Starrring: Yang Mi, Mark Chao
Eternal Love tells an epic love story between Bai Qian (Yang Mi), a Nine-tailed Fox Goddess and Ye Hua (Mark Chao), the Crown Prince of the Nine Heavens. After a war forces Bai Qian to sacrifice herself, she is thrown into the mortal realm, where she loses her memories. There she meets Ye Hua, not knowing he is her fiancé from Heaven. They navigate fate and love across three different lives and worlds, facing love, tragedy and sacrifice along the way.
This drama has a stunning blend of fantasy and romance. Yang Mi delivers a pretty yet powerful presence as Bai Qian, showcasing her transformation across three identities, while Mark Chao mesmerizes as both Mo Yuan and Ye Hua, bringing depth to two roles with distinct personalities. Their chemistry is incredibly beautiful, creating a love story that melts our heart.
The world-building, costumes and cinematography in this drama are breathtaking, immersing viewers in the magical world of gods and mortals. Moreover, the OST perfectly complements the emotional depth of the story, with haunting ballads and epic themes. Eternal Love would be an unforgettable journey for anyone who is into historical fantasy dramas.
7. Someday or One Day (2019)
Starring: Greg Hsu, Alice Ko
Someday or One Day is a captivating drama that mixes time travel, parallel universes and love triangles at the same time. Huang Yuxuan, grieving the loss of her boyfriend Wang Quansheng, is unexpectedly transported back to 1998 through a mysterious cassette player. In the past, she inhabits the life of Chen Yunru (Alice Ko), a high schooler, and meets Li Ziwei(Greg Hsu), who resembles her lost love. They navigate the intricacies of time travel together and develop a fate of tragic love.
This drama is a masterpiece, with intricate storytelling that keeps audience guessing while exploring deep themes like love, loss and sacrifice. Greg Hsu, as Li Ziwei, delivering a heartfelt portrayal of love and longing. The emotional connection between Chen Yuru and Li Ziwei is so pure and adorable that it keeps the viewers hooked. Someday or One Day is a rare drama that perfectly balances supernatural elements with real, authentic human emotions, making it one of the most memorable dramas of 2019.
8. Todome no Kiss (2018)
Starring: Yamazaki Kento, Kodowaki Mugi
Todome no Kiss follows Dojima Otaro (Yamazaki Kento), a popular host who has a cynical view on love, believing that love only leads to unhappiness. His life takes a bizarre turn when a mysterious woman named Saiko (Kodowaki Mugi) kisses him, causing him to die and then wake up 7 days in the past. Each time she kisses him, Otaro is thrown back into the same cycle, giving him multiple chances to change his fate.
This quirky time-loop drama is vowed for its dark humor and mystery. Yamazaki Kento excels in the role of Otaro, portraying a selfish playboy with depth, while Kadowaki Mugi as Saiko brings complexity to her character, making her both intriguing and mysterious. The dynamic between Otaro and Saiko, coupled with the drama’s unique premise, keeps viewers stayed till the very end of the drama.
While the focus isn’t entirely on romance, the show delves into the complexities of Otaro’s growth, his selfishness and his eventual understanding of love. The ending, though bittersweet, is praised for its realism. Apart from the actors’s captivating performance, the show’s cinematography and soundtrack sets the emotional touch for this phenomenal drama, making it a refreshing and thought-provoking watch.
Have you watched any of these time-travel dramas? If you’re as captivated by these epic journeys through time as we are, here’s your chance to engage with the stars in a whole new way! Vote for “The Actor You Would Time Travel to Meet” on the Choeaedol Celeb ‘Heart Pick’. The winning actor will be rewarded a Billboard Ad at Konkuk University Station in Seoul, gaining all the well-deserved spotlight. Don’t miss out on the chance to support your favorite stars from these unforgettable time-travel masterpieces—start voting now!
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