10 Underrated College Romance Kdramas

There’s something special about watching a story unfold in the backdrop of a college campus. The late-night conversations, the awkward crushes, the quiet heartbreaks, and the joy of finding real friendship — these moments define youth. Yet many beautiful college romance Korean dramas underrated by mainstream audiences capture this magic better than the popular hits.

These dramas don’t rely on glamour or high production budgets. Instead, they tell soft, emotional stories that linger long after the final episode. Below, we’ll take a long, slow walk through some of the most heartfelt titles — the ones that flew under the radar but built loyal fans through honest writing and gentle emotion.

Why College Romance K-Dramas Hit Differently

College life marks the in-between — not quite adult, not quite teenager. You’re learning to love, to fail, to start over. This phase of life offers countless stories, and Korean dramas set in universities often capture that quiet chaos beautifully.

Many college romance Korean dramas underrated have something that big-budget productions often miss: emotional honesty. There’s no rush to impress; instead, you watch small details that feel real — a shared coffee, a confession at sunset, the silence after an argument. These shows remind us that love during those years is fragile, clumsy, but deeply human.

1. Dear. M (2022)

Cast: Park Hye-soo, NCT’s Jaehyun, Roh Jeong-eui

A post appears on a university online forum about an anonymous person known only as “M.” What starts as a casual rumor quickly spreads, setting off waves of curiosity across campus. Dear. M weaves this mystery with youthful romance, showing how friendships and crushes intertwine with gossip, misunderstanding, and genuine affection.

The drama feels light and breezy but carries an undertone of sincerity. Each student has their own version of love — shy, complicated, or one-sided — and that’s what makes it real. Despite its warm tone and strong cast, it went largely unnoticed due to release delays and behind-the-scenes issues. Still, it remains a sweet entry among college romance Korean dramas underrated, capturing what campus life truly feels like — messy, public, and unforgettable.

2. Moment at Eighteen (2019)

Cast: Ong Seong-wu, Kim Hyang-gi, Shin Seung-ho

Technically set during high school, Moment at Eighteen feels like a direct prelude to college life. The characters face loneliness, misunderstanding, and self-doubt — emotions that follow many into university. The drama’s slow rhythm gives room for emotions to breathe.

There’s no flashy romance or exaggerated conflict here. Instead, it’s about quiet change — a young boy learning to speak up for himself, a girl finding courage to love without fear. It’s one of those college romance Korean dramas underrated because it doesn’t chase drama for attention; it focuses on growing up. The scenes are tender and lingering, full of realism and vulnerability.

3. Do You Like Brahms? (2020)

Cast: Park Eun-bin, Kim Min-jae

Set in a classical music department, Do You Like Brahms? explores love and ambition within the pressure-cooker world of young musicians. The drama unfolds slowly, with long pauses and quiet conversations that mirror the rhythm of a sad piano piece.

The chemistry between the leads is delicate — two people who understand each other’s struggles without needing grand gestures. If you’re tired of typical love triangles and prefer stories that feel emotionally honest, this one will resonate deeply. Among college romance Korean dramas underrated, it stands out for portraying not just romance but the heavy expectations young adults carry when chasing their dreams.

4. Because It’s My First Time (2015)

Cast: Choi Minho (SHINee), Park So-dam

Few shows capture the heart of early adulthood like Because It’s My First Time. The story follows a group of friends sharing a rooftop space, figuring out life, love, and everything in between. Each episode feels like an intimate diary — full of laughter, frustration, and small realizations.

The friendship between the characters is the soul of the drama. It’s about that confusing age where you’re old enough to make decisions but still unsure of what you really want. With its short episodes and heartfelt tone, it never got the promotion it deserved. Yet, it’s one of the purest college romance Korean dramas underrated because it portrays friendship and love without sugarcoating reality.

5. Love Playlist (2017–2019)

Cast: Kim Hyung-suk, Jung Shin-hye, Lee Yoo-jin

Love Playlist began as a small web drama but became a quiet phenomenon. Across its four seasons, it follows a group of students navigating love, breakups, friendship, and the bittersweet experience of growing up.

Each episode is short, but the storytelling feels incredibly genuine. It doesn’t dramatize emotions — it lets them flow naturally. That’s why so many people connected with it. You can binge the entire series in a few hours, but the emotions will stay much longer. If you’ve ever wanted to relive your own college days — late-night talks, awkward texts, and all — this series is one of the truest portrayals among college romance Korean dramas underrated.

6. Twenty-Twenty (2020)

Cast: Han Sung-min, Kim Woo-seok

Twenty-Twenty captures the moment you leave your teenage years behind and step into early adulthood. It follows a young woman seeking independence and a boy with emotional scars. Their connection grows slowly as they both learn to trust and love again.

The tone of the drama is quiet and comforting, with relatable scenes of working part-time, struggling with parents’ expectations, and finding meaning in simple companionship. Its calm approach to storytelling makes it feel genuine. Though marketed as a teen web drama, it perfectly captures the confusion of early college life — making it one of the more heartfelt college romance Korean dramas underrated in recent years.

7. Age of Youth (Hello, My Twenties!) (2016–2017)

Cast: Han Ye-ri, Park Eun-bin, Han Seung-yeon, Ryu Hwa-young

Five women share a house while attending college, each with her own struggles and personality. Age of Youth mixes humor, heartbreak, and personal growth in a way few dramas manage. It doesn’t just focus on romance — it dives into friendships, trauma, and healing too.

This drama feels incredibly relatable because every viewer can see a piece of themselves in at least one of the girls. It’s about learning to live with others, understanding pain, and finding comfort in small victories. That mix of real emotion and witty writing makes it an unforgettable entry among college romance Korean dramas underrated. It’s raw, relatable, and comforting all at once.

8. Cheese in the Trap (2016)

Cast: Kim Go-eun, Park Hae-jin, Seo Kang-joon

Cheese in the Trap might not be the typical lighthearted romance you expect, but that’s what makes it so intriguing. It tells the story of Hong Seol, a hardworking student, and Yoo Jung, a senior who seems charming but hides darker sides beneath his perfect image.

The drama stands out for its subtle psychological tension. It explores power imbalance, social pressure, and the quiet ways people manipulate each other. While some viewers debated its ending, others praised its realistic take on complicated relationships. Its willingness to embrace gray areas — instead of simple good or bad characters — makes it one of the most memorable college romance Korean dramas underrated to date.

9. My ID is Gangnam Beauty (2018)

Cast: Im Soo-hyang, Cha Eun-woo

Based on a popular webtoon, this story revolves around a young woman who undergoes plastic surgery before entering college. She hopes her new appearance will make her life easier, but soon realizes that beauty alone doesn’t solve deeper insecurities.

My ID is Gangnam Beauty is as much about self-acceptance as it is about love. It addresses harsh beauty standards in society, but the romance between Kang Mi-rae and Do Kyung-seok brings warmth and depth. Even though it gained attention during its release, it’s often overlooked in discussions of university dramas. Its message of learning to love yourself makes it a powerful inclusion among college romance Korean dramas underrated.

10. Summer Strike (2022)

Cast: Kim Seol-hyun, Im Si-wan

Summer Strike tells the story of a young woman who quits her job in the city and moves to a quiet seaside town, where she meets a librarian with secrets of his own. While not entirely set in a college, its tone fits perfectly with post-graduation reflection and emotional rest.

It’s a soft, healing drama about slowing down and rediscovering what matters. The pacing is gentle, the cinematography is beautiful, and the romance unfolds like a lazy afternoon. Summer Strike reminds viewers that sometimes, love finds you when you stop running. It’s a perfect pick among college romance Korean dramas underrated for anyone who loves calm, introspective stories.

What Makes These Dramas So Endearing

The charm of these college romance Korean dramas underrated lies in their small details:

• Conversations over cheap coffee instead of candlelight dinners.
• Moments of hesitation before saying “I like you.”
• Friendships that quietly grow into something deeper.

They don’t rush toward big climaxes or loud confessions. Instead, they let the characters breathe. This approach makes their relationships feel authentic, not scripted.

Each drama paints a different shade of youth — from the intensity of first love to the comfort of companionship. They remind us that love doesn’t always have to be loud to be memorable.

Why They Remain Underrated

These dramas often air on smaller networks or digital platforms, meaning fewer people see them. They don’t rely on star-studded cameos or massive marketing campaigns. Yet their emotional truth gives them staying power.

In an industry where flashy storylines often grab the spotlight, these shows continue to find audiences slowly, through word of mouth. Fans keep recommending them years later because their emotions age well — sincere love stories never go out of style.

Choosing Your Next Watch

If you’re craving emotional depth, Do You Like Brahms? will speak to you.
If you want female friendship and real-life struggles, Age of Youth is a must.
For relatable modern dating, start with Love Playlist.
And if you’re drawn to layered, thought-provoking characters, Cheese in the Trap fits perfectly.

Whichever one you pick, you’ll find pieces of your own youth reflected back at you — the quiet longing, the laughter, the heartbreak, and the gentle hope that things will work out eventually.

Final Thoughts

Not every show needs massive ratings to leave an impression. Some stay in your heart because they tell stories that feel real. These college romance Korean dramas underrated might not make global headlines, but they make you feel something genuine.

Each title celebrates the ordinary — studying late, walking home together, laughing under flickering dorm lights. They remind us that love in our twenties isn’t about perfection; it’s about finding someone who feels like home.

So the next time you scroll past a lesser-known campus K-drama, give it a chance. You might just find yourself revisiting your own memories — the awkward smiles, the small heartbreaks, and the beautiful beginnings that shaped who you are today.