Romance K-dramas and C-dramas for love triangle haters

ML and FL:

For the first half of the show, FL has a crush on the 2ML (the heart surgeon). He has no interest in her and sees her only as his patient.  During this time, ML and FL are at odds, as she believes that the ML is a murderer. And during the first half, ML and FL have no romantic interest in each other.

For the first half of the show, ML has a girlfriend. He even proposes to her. Their relationship falls apart when she publicly betrays him. And there is absolutely no chance of reviving it. When she later sees the ML and FL together, she tries to win him back, but the ML clearly tells her that there is no chance of that happening. There are only 2 or 3 scenes where she tries to win him back, and it has no effect on the ML and FL's relationship.

The romance here is very sweet, and I would have liked more of it. Too bad that it starts only in the second half. The rest of the storylines are good as well.

No secondary romance

Breakup: No breakup. The ML and FL's relationship starts only in the second half. There is one episode where the ML kind of pushes the FL away due to worries about his condition, but they quickly make up. 

ML and FL:

FL's childhood friend and 2ML's disciple is interested in the FL, but she couldn't care less. Even though they were friends during childhood, and their families are friends, they are not close.  FL is aware of his interest in her and tries to keep her distance from him. Once the ML and FL get together, the ML warns him to stop pursuing the FL. He has very few scenes in the show, and even fewer with the FL.

One of the female players from ML's old club has been relentlessly pursuing him for years. He is aware of it but has no interest in her. She also has very few scenes in the show.

The romance is very sweet and affectionate. The sports drama is also quite good. 

2ML and 2FL:

2ML is the FL's older cousin, and 2FL is one of ML's buddies from his old club. This storyline was not developed, as it went nowhere.

Breakup: There is no breakup. They do have one fight when the FL's mother acts coldly towards the ML (the FL's mother disapproves of the ML due to his past behavior. It gets resolved quite easily). But both of them remain miserable the entire night and reconcile the very next day. 

ML and FL:

No love triangle. 

The 2ML (who is the human on whom the android is based) once pretends to be the ML (android) to mess with the FL. But he has no romantic interest in her. It's just one scene.

2FL tries chasing after the ML, believing him to be the 2ML. But she gives up when she learns that he is the android and not the 2ML. She has no romantic interest in the ML.

The romance here is surprisingly sweet and heartfelt. Also, note that the protagonist is not just a robot but a sentient android.

2ML and 2FL:

See above.

Breakup: There is no breakup once the leads get together. But the ML sacrifices himself to save the 2ML in the last episode. He is rebuilt after a year and reunites with the FL. It's about fifteen minutes of drama time.

ML and FL:

At the beginning of the show, FL has a crush on a guy. He tries to sexually assault her. Later ML beats him up. 

One of the FL's coworkers openly pursues her, as he knows that the ML and FL are in a fake marriage. FL has no interest in him whatsoever. The whole thing only lasts for three episodes. He gives up completely when he realises that the ML and FL have genuine feelings for each other.  After these three episodes he appears only in three or four scenes in total, usually giving relationship advice to the FL.

ML's ex reappears during the second half of the show.  She still seems to have some feelings for the ML but doesn't try anything. She has very few scenes with the ML, and she is also very good friends with the FL.

The romance is very good, and the writing is excellent. 

 2ML and 2FL: 

ML's boss and one of FL's best friends. No love triangle. 

3ML and 3FL: 

3FL goes on a few dates with another guy after the 3ML breaks up with her. The guy even proposes to her, but she rejects him. 3ML and 3FL later reconcile.

Breakup: There is kind of a breakup, but not really. By the end of the show, FL is quite ashamed of her fake marriage. She asks the ML for a divorce. ML agrees. FL just wants to spend some time apart and later restart their relationship without the hindrance of their fake marriage.  She fails to communicate this properly, and the ML believes that she wants to leave him and go live in Mongolia. After spending a couple of months vacationing in a neighbouring city, FL comes back to the ML. Misunderstanding is cleared, and they restart their relationship.

ML and FL:

FL is engaged at the beginning of the show. But she has no romantic interest in the guy she is engaged to. She just goes along with it, as it is something that has been decided for her by her family. The engagement is cancelled pretty quickly by the guy's family. He wants to get together with the FL, but she rejects him.  He pretty much disappears from the show after that. He has very few scenes in the show.

Romance is an important storyline in the show, and it's very good. The rest of the storylines are amazing as well, that is, until episode 32. The last eight episodes have terrible writing. Even though the ending is very satisfactory, the way we got there is not.

2ML and 2FL:

2ML is the brother of the FL's ex-fiancée. The 2FL is the ML's sister.  2ML's family disapproves of the 2FL, as they don't know that she is a princess and believe that she is an orphan. 2ML is later engaged,  but breaks it off in spectacular fashion. This romance is very sweet, and I liked it just as much as the primary romance.

In addition to the main and the secondary romance, there are a lot of other minor romances throughout the show. 

Breakup: The FL breaks up with ML when she realises that the emperor is using her to control the ML's actions and also that her family might be in grave danger because of her relationship. It lasts for about three episodes. They get back together when the FL believes that the ML has died and regrets breaking up with him.  I get why the breakup happened, but it is also a symptom of the terrible writing towards the end of the show.

ML and FL:

During the first couple of episodes, the FL has a one-sided crush on a side character. He already has a girlfriend. When the ML and FL later start getting closer, the side character starts to feel jealous. But the FL had completely moved on by then and has no interest in him. He is a minor character with very few scenes and doesn't have any impact on the leads' relationship.

The first date was set up between the ML and 2FL, who sent the FL in her stead. ML initially believes her to be the 2FL until he figures out the truth. ML and 2FL at no point have a romantic interest in each other.

This is your standard boss-employee romance. But it does everything very well and is a nice light-hearted watch.

2ML and 2FL:

2FL's cousin develops a crush on the 2ML at one point. But she quickly gives when he learns that the 2FL and 2ML are in a relationship. It's meant to be comedic.

Breakup: No breakup. The ML has to spend a year overseas for his grandfather's medical treatment. But the main leads' relationship remains strong during that period. He comes after a year and proposes to the FL, and she accepts.

ML and FL:

No love triangle.

The main villain of the show has a weird obsession with the ML. It's unclear if it's sexual or just plain old craziness. 

The romance is mature and warm. The relationship between the FL and her daughter (2FL) is also very sweet.

2FL, 2ML(1) and 2ML(2):

A full-blown love triangle. I did not find it very annoying, as the second leads are all high school students, and it's a pretty low-stakes romance. All three of them are friends, and even after the choice is made, it doesn't really change their friendship.

Breakup: There is no breakup once the leads get together. But there is initial hesitation in starting the relationship, as the FL has lied to everyone about being married. Once this is cleared up, ML and FL start dating. The villain tries to break them up a couple of times but always fails miserably, and the leads quickly catch on to his meddling. 

ML and FL:

ML and 2FL are engaged, but he has no romantic feelings for her.  2FL does want to get married to the ML, but It is unclear if the 2FL has any feelings for the ML or if she just wants to get married in order to maintain her family's reputation.  2FL has very few scenes with the ML.

2ML wanted to get married to the FL (this is before the drama starts), but he had no romantic interest in her. He just wanted to use this opportunity to get revenge on the FL's family.  FL never had any romantic interest in the 2ML either. 2ML and FL have very few scenes together. They don't have any shared scenes except in two episodes. 

This is another famous show, and many people love the romance here. And it is every bit as good as people say it is. This is a fated romance.

2ML and 2FL:

See above. This storyline ends in tragedy. 

Breakup: The leads never stop loving each other and only separate due to circumstances. The first separation is when the FL has to return to South Korea. ML finds her a few months later when he follows the villain to South Korea. The second separation is when the ML has to return to North Korea. This lasts for nearly four years (one episode), until the leads finally reunite in Switzerland.

ML and FL:

FL's boss wants to start a relationship with her. He invites her to dinner and later takes her to a hotel room. She is pretty disgusted and leaves. Then he sends her to work overseas as revenge. Once she returns, he sends flowers for her every day, which she promptly rejects. He is barely in the show. Has only a few scenes.

2FL's father wants her to marry the ML. But neither of them has any interest in the other.  Both the 2FL and ML tease each other and the 2ML about their supposed "love triangle". It's all playful but slightly annoys the FL. 

This doesn't need any comments from me; everyone knows that Descendants of the Sun is a great romance. Go watch it.

2ML and 2FL:

 See above.

2ML took the 2FL to his ex's wedding before they were in a relationship and asked her to pretend to be his girlfriend.  2FL does her part, believing that the 2ML wants to make his ex jealous. But she later learns that his ex has residual feelings for him, so he wanted to make sure that she completely gets over him before her marriage. The ex is only in one episode for a couple of minutes.

3ML and 3FL:

The doctor and nurse couple. No love triangle.

4ML and 4ML:

The mechanic/doctor and his Korean-Russian wife. No love triangle.

Breakup: No breakup. Although FL rejects ML multiple times before getting together. Not because she doesn't like him, but because she is afraid of what his job might mean to their relationship.  There is a gap of one year when the FL believes that the ML has died on a mission. She still loves him and finds it difficult to let him go. They reunite later, after one episode.

ML and FL:

The 2ML (ML's younger cousin) has a crush on the FL (it's just a celebrity crush). This "love triangle" is meant to be comedic and angst free. The ML knows about it, the FL knows about it, and they both sometimes mess with the 2ML because of it.

The 2FL has had a crush on the ML since their school days. ML knows about it, but he tries to set up the 2ML and 2FL, as it's pretty obvious from early on that the 2ML and 2FL like each other but haven't realized it yet. 

The love triangles, while they do exist, don't have any effect on the leads, even though both of them know about both love triangles. This is one of the few romance stories where even a full-blown love triangle might do no damage. The very thought of this ML or FL being someone other than each other is so laughable and unnatural that any love triangle would be pointless. 

This show has many issues, but the main romance is not one of them. The romance is one of the best I have ever seen. It will make you cry many times. But, it has a happy ending against all odds.

2ML and 2FL:

See above. 

Breakup: There is no breakup. ML does leave the FL near the end of the show, as he believes that he is about to die and does not want the FL to see him in the horrible state he would be in his final days. FL understands why he left, but she still searches for him. When she is unable to find him, she waits for him in the firm belief that he is going to return. They meet again after a year, and their reunion is very sweet and touching. The separation only lasts for one episode.

ML and FL:

2FL(1) (The Lawyer) is also interested in the ML and mistakenly believes that he likes her too. But he only has eyes for the FL. She quickly realizes that the ML and FL like each other and encourages the FL to confess. 

Romance is the secondary storyline, but it is still very good. The legal drama is the primary storyline, and the cases are very well done.

2ML and 2FL:

There is a love triangle. 2FL(2) (FL's best friend) likes the 2ML, but the 2ML has no interest in her. There is not much to this romance, as the second leads got together pretty late. This story is probably enhanced by the love triangle, as 2FL(2) is a great character. 

Breakup: FL breaks up with the ML, as she believes that due to her condition she is not able to fully return the ML's love and is unable to make him happy. They reconcile two and a half episodes later. 

ML and FL:

One of the FL's coworkers has a thing for her. She is aware of this and rejects all of his advances. The guy doesn't take a hint and continues to pursue her even after he knows that she is married. Thankfully he is a very minor character and doesn't have many scenes in the show.

2ML (ML's best friend) has a crush on the FL. I thought this was quite bizarre, as he sees the FL in a crowd once but for some reason develops a crush on her. He only meets the FL halfway through the show and realizes that she is the ML's wife. He doesn't try to do anything, and he has, like, only three scenes with the FL in total.  I think the moral of this storyline is something like not to waste your time on someone who is never going to be yours (FL) while ignoring someone who is right in front of you (2FL). The 2ML only realizes that he loves the 2FL when it's too late. 

ML was initially engaged to his brother's (the villain) fiancee.  ML never had any romantic interest in her, and it was arranged by their families. The engagement is broken off before the show even begins. She is still in love with the ML, though, but he couldn't care less. She has very few scenes with the ML.

This show has issues, especially in regard to the ML's family storyline. But the romance here is one of the best. If the show was only about the romance between ML and FL, this would be one of the best romance dramas ever. The romance has a timeless feel to it, which is enhanced by the beautifully melancholic soundtrack. The leads take very little screen time to get together. They are pretty much together by episode 3. 

2ML and 2FL:

See above. 

3ML and 3FL:

No love triangle. FL's best friend and her cop neighbour.

Breakup: No breakup. FL goes into a coma when she protects the ML from the villain's attack. It lasts for about one episode, nearly two years of drama time.

ML and FL:

FL has an ex (Solo). He wants to get back with her, but she has absolutely no interest in doing so.  They work for the same company, so the scenes they share are almost all work related, and there are usually many other people present. There are very few scenes where he tries something but always fails miserably and later gives up. Even though this love triangle is not prominent (and a no contest), I actually found it quite annoying due to the third wheel being Solo.  Solo was a great character in Go Go Squid 1; here he seems like a pathetic fool still hung up on a ten year old relationship when everybody else has moved on with their lives.

The romance here is very sweet. The sports drama is not as good as Go Go Squid 1. This also gives a satisfying ending to the Go Go Squid 1 love story. 

2ML and 2FL:

2ML's ex, who cheated on him, wants to get back together with him; he wants nothing to do with her. This causes friction between 2ML and 2FL. 2ML later threatens his ex with fake pill bottles. She doesn't bother him again. 

Breakup: No break up. ML and FL actually met three years ago. But lost contact due to a medical emergency. Once they start dating, they don't break up. They do have one fight, which makes both of them miserable. They run to each other the next day and reconcile. 

ML and FL:

There is a senior from FL's department who has a crush on the FL. I am pretty sure the FL lead is aware of it, as she brutally rejects his every attempt at getting closer to her. He is just a minor character and pops up once every five episodes for about five minutes to annoy the viewers. By the end of the show, he goes crazy and almost attacks the FL.  Doesn't have many scenes. 

There is a reporter who has a pretty obsessive crush on the ML, much to his annoyance.  She is just present for two episodes.

Romance here is great, but so is the sports drama aspect of the show. The FL might seem childish at first, but she is a lot more mature than she appears.  The ML is a deliciously flawed character.

2ML and 2FL:

No love triangle.

3ML and 3FL:

Wu Bai (ML's cousin) and Appledog. The ML and FL of Go Go Squid 2. 

Breakup: They break up their "fake relationship" before properly starting a relationship. They break up again when the FL's mother tells the ML that he is not good enough for her daughter (the disapproving parents storyline does make sense here). Both breakups last for about two episodes each. 

ML and FL:

FL initially has a crush on 2ML(2). But he is in love with 2FL (the FL's sister). She tries to confess in public, but thankfully the ML saves her from the embarrassment of a public rejection. The whole thing lasts for about three episodes. The FL is pretty quickly over it.

There is an annoying side character who wants to steal the ML from the FL.  She openly declares her intentions, but the FL is not bothered by it, as she is pretty secure about her relationship with the ML. The ML does get really annoyed. At one point I thought he was even going to punch this character.  Thankfully, she is only present for three episodes. 

Don't watch this show for anything else other than the main romance. Some of the other aspects of the show are tolerable, but many are not. The main romance, though, is amazing and one of the best. Despite the rough start, it is one of the sweetest romances I have seen. The way both the ML and FL inspire each other to be better is amazing to watch. 

2ML's and 2FL:

 This is a full blown love triangle between the 2FL and 2ML(1) and 2ML(2). Many people find this annoying, but I wasn't really bothered by it. Mostly because the love triangle moments are mostly played for comedic effect, and the 2FL doesn't really like either of them until the very end. 

3ML and 3FL:

The 3FL has a crush on a Korean GO master. He is not interested in her, as he already has a girlfriend back in Korea. I wasn't really interested in this romance. It's pretty boring and stupid.

There is another romance, but it ends in rejection.

Breakup: No breakup. The main leads do have a big fight when the FL learns that the ML can see only her in color and is angry at him for not telling her. They reconcile pretty soon. The whole thing only lasts one episode.

ML and FL:

No love triangle.

There is a guy who lives in the penthouse at the top of the building who might (a very tentative might) have a crush on the FL. It's not really clear.  He is just a minor character and doesn't have many scenes. 

Even though zombie-related things take up most of the screen time, and they are all great, the romance is really the selling point of this show and what really separates this from the rest of the pack. The romance here is wonderful. Unlike other shows, it is not conveyed through dialogue, grand gestures or kisses, but through body language and acting by the main leads. 

No secondary romance

Breakup: No breakup. FL witnesses the ML getting shot in the penultimate episode, before she is dragged away by the military. Even though she saw him getting shot, she refuses to believe that he is dead and goes back to the apartment, where they reunite. 

ML and FL:

There is a famous TV anchor who tries to sexually assault the FL and later harasses her. ML saves her in time. He is only there for three or four episodes, after which they find a way to get him out of their lives and the show. By the end of the show he gets his just desserts.

ML is very jealous of the 2ML for some reason. 2ML has no romantic interest in the FL, and the FL lead has no romantic interest in him, but they do become good friends. The jealousy is pretty sweet and funny here, as he doesn't really get jealous at anyone else. FL has male colleagues, and she is even friends with the ML's male team members. For some reason it's just directed at the 2ML.

2FL has no romantic interest in the ML, but she respects his ability and wants him to be her shooting partner. Once or twice she jokingly messes with the ML and FL, saying that she might want to date the ML. FL and 2FL are very good friends.

Despite the seemingly heavy premise of the show and some dark moments, the show is overwhelmingly sweet. Even the darker moments are quickly resolved to focus more on the ML and FL's relationship. 

2ML and 2FL:

No love triangle.

2ML is jealous of 2FL's professional admiration for ML, as he thinks that she might be romantically interested in the ML, which is not the case.

3ML and 3FL:

FL's boss and ML's psychiatrist. There is a love triangle. 3ML and 3FL are separated, although not divorced. Another man is courting the 3FL. She is aware of it, but she is not interested. 3ML and 3FL properly divorce by the end of the show. The show ends with the 3ML promising to pursue her again, and the 3FL seemingly being open to the idea.

Breakup: No breakup. ML is filled with guilt and runs away when he learns that he abandoned the FL on the day of his accident. FL quickly finds him and convinces him that he did not abandon her.

ML and FL:

No love triangle.

FL has an ex who works in the same department as her.  Initially people (including the ML) think that FL confessed to him but was rejected, and she still has feelings for him.  He does act a little weird in the beginning of the show. Later we learn that he is actually her ex, they mutually broke up, and the FL has absolutely no interest in him.  He is just a minor character, with very few scenes in total. And he has a girlfriend. 

ML has an ex. She comes to the hospital to work on a documentary. Neither the ML nor the ex have any feelings for each other or any intentions of getting back with each other. But they are still good friends. FL believes that they do want to get back together, and ML asks his ex's help to make the FL jealous. 

The romance is good. There is a lot of dialogue between the leads, and it's all great. 

2FL and 2ML:

No love triangle. 

Breakup: No breakup.

ML and FL : 

FL's classmate in high school is interested in her and confesses but gets brutally rejected in one of the earlier episodes. The whole thing is meant to be comedic. 

A guy from FL's college (from a different department) is interested in her. Tries to pursue her, but she rejects pretty much all of his advances. Tries to confess and gets rejected. He doesn't have many scenes with the FL. 

ML has a stalker. She tries to cause problems for the leads, but the FL puts her in her place, and the ML gets a restraining order. 

The romance is really sweet.  The moment when the FL finally tells the ML her secret and shows him the little stars is well worth the wait and is everything you hoped it would be.

2ML and 2FL: 

Not sure if they even qualify as the 2ML and 2FL, as they have so little screen time. The guy I call the 2ML is the guy who tried to confess to the FL. One of the FL's friends later confesses to him. The result is unknown. 

Breakup: The leads don't break up once they get together. But there is a period of two years when the FL stops contacting the ML, as she mistakenly believes that he has a girlfriend. It doesn't last long in terms of watch time. 

ML and FL:

FL has a boyfriend at the beginning of the show. He doesn't care for her and spends all of his time with his friends. FL gets frustrated and breaks up with him. He doesn't believe that the FL wants to break up and starts bothering her until the ML threatens him. He is a minor character and disappears after the first few episodes.

There is a rich girl who wants to marry the ML. He is not interested and tells her as much. Later, there are marriage talks between her family and the ML's family. ML rejects the idea. She is a minor character, only present for two episodes.

An Arab prince arrives at the hotel and wants to marry the FL. FL treats him as she does every guest but rejects his proposal. He is only present for one and a half episodes. The whole thing is meant to be comedic. 

The romance here is very sweet and heartfelt. The ML might come across as a jerk in the first episode, but, unlike many other CEO characters in K-dramas, he is surprisingly caring and thoughtful. He is also a great boss who genuinely cares about his employees. 

2ML and 2FL:

There is a pilot harassing the 2FL. In the past he had even registered marriage with the 2FL without her knowledge. 2ML and 2FL put him in his place later during the show. 

Breakup: No breakup. There are two times when the show teases the viewers with a break up. In fact, even the ML thinks that the FL is going to break up with him. But it is a red herring, as the FL is talking about something completely different and has no intentions of breaking up with the ML.

ML and FL:

No love triangle.

There is a 2ML, but it has nothing to do with the FL.  There is no 2FL.

At one point, the FL's sister arranges a political marriage for her with a king from another kingdom. ML and the FL escape before the FL is handed over.

Romance is good, but don't watch this show for the romance. This is a revenge story, and it's great.

Breakup: No breakup. ML does imprison the FL at one point, when he believes that the FL's mother is his third enemy and wants to draw her out. He doesn't mistreat the FL in any way. And the FL does understand why he is doing this and doesn't hold a grudge. But she does try to stop the ML and her mother from killing each other.  Later, it is revealed to be a misunderstanding. 

P.S: This is a revenge story first and foremost. Romance is the secondary storyline. 

ML and FL: 

No love triangle.

A female coworker from the ML's hospital has a crush on him. She meets him at the FL's store when the ML is eating there. ML shows absolutely no interest in her, and she leaves. She is only in one scene, for about 5 minutes. 

There are many rumours about a female singer and the ML. It is later revealed that she works at the same hospital as the ML and seems to have some sort of affection for him.  She even contacts the FL and asks to collaborate with her. Because of all the rumours, FL is at first apprehensive but ultimately agrees to the collaboration.  Don't worry though, this is not a love triangle, not even in the slightest. The apparent "love triangle" is easily resolved when the FL meets the singer, leaving a big smile on the faces of both the FL and the viewers. 

This is probably the sweetest romance I have ever watched. There are no conflicts, absolutely none. But somehow the storyline remains fresh and interesting. All the music in the show is pretty great as well.

2ML and 2FL:

No love triangle. 

2ML has an ex, but she is not part of the show. Only mentioned. 

3ML and 3FL;

This storyline picks up only in the final few episodes.  Not sure if there is a love triangle or not. There is a third person (Mumu) involved. But, since he is an expressionless character, it is not very clear if he is interested in the 3FL or just messing with the 3ML and 3FL. 

Break up: No break up.

ML and FL:

2ML spreads unsubstantiated rumours about the FL. Then he falls in love with her when she demonstrates what an idiot he is. Confesses. Obviously, he gets rejected outright.  That's pretty much the end of his scenes with the FL. Then he tries to pursue the FL in the game but mistakenly gets connected to the 2FL, and in his own delusional mind starts believing that the FL is cheating on him with the ML. Then tries to get revenge on her in the game but actually ends up breaking the 2FL's heart. Thankfully, he has very few scenes with the FL.

FL has a husband in game (it's just for completing quests in game). He breaks up with her in game (which the FL is happy to do).  Later gets jealous when the ML and FL marry in game and become a pretty strong team.  He does not meet the FL in the real world until pretty late in the show.  Breaks up with his real life girlfriend and starts pursuing the FL. She immediately sees what a dirtbag he is and messes with him. When he realises he stands no chance with the FL, he tries to get revenge on the ML. Soundly gets defeated and stops bothering the leads. He barely has any scenes with the FL.

There is a girl who is in love with the ML. As far as he is concerned, she might as well not exist. By listening to her friends, she starts believing that ML also likes her. When things obviously don't go her way, she tries to cause problems for the FL, which the ML pretty easily takes care of. Finally realises that her friends were a nest of vipers and leaves the country for higher education after apologising to the FL. She has very few scenes with the ML.

The main romance is what really holds up the show. The way the main leads trust each other and never let anything or anyone get in between them is very sweet to watch. ML's three friends are great as well.

2ML and 2FL:

See above. I hated this relationship.  Both the 2ML and 2FL were extremely annoying.

Breakup: No break up. 

ML and FL:

2ML is interested in the FL. She is aware of his interest but tells him not to pursue her. She has no romantic interest in him at all. He has very few scenes with the FL.

2FL is interested in the ML. They are quite good friends, but ML has no romantic interest in her. I don't think he even knows about her interest. She has very few scenes with the ML.

ML is divorced. He has no feelings for his ex-wife and has lost contact with her. She is only mentioned and is not part of the show.

Neither the 2ML nor the 2FL tries to cause problems for or get in between the main leads.  I think the love triangles here were unnecessary, as it meant the second leads took longer to get together. I would have liked to see more of the second leads together, as their romance is pretty sweet and cute. 

The romance is great, but so is the business aspect of the show. Interactions between the FL and ML's daughter are very sweet.

2ML and 2FL:

See above. 

Breakup: No breakup.

ML and FL:

FL has an abusive ex. He is only present in two episodes, where he tries to kidnap the FL. ML beats him up. He is later thrown in prison.

A convenience store girl has a minor crush on the ML. She gives up when she sees that the ML and FL like each other. She is a minor character and has very few scenes.

ML's ex comes to visit him and messes with the FL by referring to him affectionately. She is only present for one scene.

This romance between a cop with anger issues and a paranoid woman is sweet and funny. It does get dark when the FL's abusive ex returns. But it has a happy ending and is worth the watch.

There is no secondary romance. There are hints of something between a transgender woman and the convenience store girl, but it's not developed into anything.

Breakup: They kind of break up when the ML goes crazy and beats up the FL's abusive ex. FL still loves the ML but thinks that she is a bad influence on him. They quickly make up after the ex tries to kidnap her and the ML gets injured while saving her. The breakup does not last long either in terms of watch time or drama time.

ML and FL:

No love triangle.

While they are shooting a movie, one of the actors in the movie tries to hit on her. But he only has 2 scenes in the show. It's just a guest appearance for Nam Koongmin.

The romance is sweet and cute. The spy/action aspect of the show is also great.

2ML and 2FL:

Massive love triangle between the 2ML (superstar), 2FL (villain's wife) and the main villain of the show. A couple of years ago, when the 2ML and 2FL were dating, the 2FL suddenly married the villain. The 2ML still resents her. He gets over her by the end of the show. I really disliked this. Because, rather than divorcing the villain at the end, the 2FL decides to stay with him. Even if 2ML and 2FL were not going to end up together, she should have atleast divorced the villain.

Breakup: There is kind of a breakup when the FL discovers that the ML is a spy. She does not break up with him; he simply disappears from her life, leaving her heartbroken. She finds him after one episode (a couple of days in drama time), and they get back together. The show makes it seem like they are breaking up in the end, but they are not. ML is just going on a mission and will be back once the mission is complete.

ML and FL:

The 2ML and FL break up during the beginning of the show after a very long relationship. The 2ML still seems to have some residual feelings for her, but he gets over it after episode 6. 2ML has very few scenes with the FL.

The romance here is very good. ML's friends are great as well.

2ML and 2FL:

See above.

3ML and 3FL:

No love triangle.

Breakup: No breakup. They have one fight when the FL learns that the ML is a chaebol heir. They quickly reconcile when he goes to meet her in her hometown. After an accident, the ML refuses to let the FL see him. They don't break up, but they meet after one year, during which time ML has been undergoing physical therapy. It lasts for about one episode.  FL crying outside the door when the ML refuses to even let her see him was pretty disturbing to watch. This show definitely loses some points from me for that.

ML and FL:

FL is married in the initial timeline. But her husband only has eyes for the FL's sister and married the FL so that he could be close to the sister.  In the new timeline, FL is initially engaged to the same guy but breaks off her engagement.  It is unclear if he has any feelings for the FL, but he tries to plead with her to not break off the engagement and even gets jealous when he sees the ML and FL together.  The FL has absolutely no time for him and tells him to not bother her. He is also still in love with the FL's sister. Overall, he is a pretty pathetic character and gets his just desserts in what is probably one of the most satisfying endings in the show.

The secondary romance is a love triangle between the villains: the FL's sister, the ML's brother, and the FL's ex-fiancée. 

Both the romance and the revenge are amazing.  Both storylines have very satisfying endings. 

Breakup: No breakup. ML and FL do have a fight when the FL realises that the ML knows about the altered timeline. They stay in different houses for a few days as the FL takes time figuring out if the ML just pities her or genuinely loves her.  They reconcile within half an episode.

P.S: The timeline changes only once. After the first episode, we never go back to the initial timeline. 

ML and FL:

2ML is in an undefined relationship with the FL at the beginning of the show. He wants her to be his girlfriend, but just not yet. He also constantly avoids spending time with her. FL gets sick of this and breaks up with him in episode 2.  Suddenly he wants her back, but she wants nothing to do with him. After episode 2, 2ML and FL have very few scenes together, but every time he was on screen made me want to tear my hair out. Finally, and thankfully, he gives up.

ML's senior in the lab has a crush on him. But he has no interest in her. She is a minor character who has very few scenes with the ML.

A guy the FL's company works with seems to have an interest in the FL, since he mistakenly believes that the FL is a fan of his.  As far as the FL is concerned, he is just a client, and she has nothing to do with him once their business is concluded. He is a minor character and has very few scenes with the FL.

ML's professor's daughter in Germany wants to be in a relationship with him, even though he repeatedly tells her that he has a girlfriend. FL puts a stop to it when she tells this character that she is pregnant with the ML's baby. She is only there for one episode.

Romance is sweet and uncomplicated. 

2ML and 2FL:

See above. I hated both the 2ML and the 2FL and their stupid romance. The way 2FL was overly accommodating to 2ML was pretty pathetic. 

Breakup: No breakup.  There is a separation of six months when the ML has to go to Germany to study, but their relationship remains strong during that period.

ML and FL:

No love triangle.

You might suspect that there FL's mentor might be part of a love triangle. But fear not. His relationship with the FL is completely platonic and one of master and student. And he is still hung up on his dead wife. 

At one point in the show, bride selection for the ML is held. But it is cancelled pretty quickly, before it gets anywhere.

The romance is sweet. But there is equal focus on the historian storyline, and it is just as good as the romance.

2ML and 2FL:

2ML (ML's brother and crown prince) is married. But his marriage is loveless and unconsummated. It is unclear if his wife has any feelings for him, but she is against him being with the 2FL. She does agree to get divorced at the end of the show.

Breakup: The leads do break up when the ML's bride selection is announced. It lasts for one episode; they get back together pretty quickly.

ML and FL:

No love triangle.

ML's and 2FL's parents want them to marry for political reasons, but they don't have any interest in each other.

The romance is very sweet and endearing. The central premise here is the romance between two characters who are complete opposites in every conceivable way and how they grow to appreciate and love each other. 

2FL and 2ML:

2ML's best friend (who is a guy) has a crush on the 2ML. Obviously, it's not going to go anywhere, since the 2ML has no interest in men. He is a minor character with very few scenes. 

I was interested in this romance at the beginning, but I disliked it the more I watched. But the 2ML and 2FL are both great characters. 

Breakup: No breakup. The main leads do discuss breaking up when the ML's father causes a scene in front of the FL's house, upsetting the FL. But they spend some time apart and reconcile within a few days. Lasts for one episode.  Second leads break up and only reconcile at the end.

ML and FL:

2ML (the lawyer) asks the FL out on a date.  She does attend. 2ML confesses and tells the FL to give him a reply after thinking about it. Later ML confesses, and FL accepts. She rejects the 2ML. The whole thing only lasts for about three episodes, after which 2ML completely gives up.

There were false past rumours about ML dating an actress (who is not present in the show). FL believed them and stopped liking the ML.  The misunderstanding is later resolved.

There are false rumours of an affair between the ML and an older actress.  Doesn't affect the main relationship, as FL knows the truth.

One of the ML's costars seems to have some interest in him. But don't worry. She is just a superfan of the ML and has no romantic interest in him. 

The romance is sweet and cute.

2ML and 2FL:

See above. 

3ML and 3FL:

The two managers. There is an up and coming actor who likes the 3FL, but she only has eyes for the 3ML. He gives up when he realizes that the FL's interest in him is purely professional.

4ML and 4FL:

The two young actors. No love triangle.

There is even a fifth romance between ML's assistant and FL's team member.

Breakup: No breakup.

ML and FL:

The villain of the show has some bizarre interest in the FL and wants to make her his bride, since he wants everything the ML has. But the FL is more likely to date a plank of wood than him. Thankfully he has very few scenes with the FL, most of which are him either threatening her, her parents or the ML.

The romance here is good. I think the biggest problem with this show was the villain. He was just uninteresting. ML's brother was great. 

3ML and 3FL:

No love triangle.

You might think that the 3FL(ML's brother's assistant) is interested in the 2ML(ML's brother). But, that is not the case. Their relationship is not a romantic one.

Breakup: 

Not really a breakup. More of a fight. ML stops interacting with the FL when she discovers that he had killed her in her previous life. He doesn't tell her the full story, thinking that if she believes that he was simply playing with her and moved on from him, she might not suffer the same fate this time. But the FL doesn't believe him and learns the full story later.  Lasts for two episodes.  One or two days in drama time.

The ML dies in the penultimate episode. Comes back in the final episode. Only lasts half an episode.

ML and FL: 

No love triangle. 

ML's family tries to set him up with blind dates once in a while, but he easily ruins them. 

2ML is one of FL's two best friends, usually a favourite choice for drama writers to set up a love triangle. Thankfully the writers of this show avoided this pitfall. The friendship between FL and 2ML is completely platonic. This is one of the few K-dramas which understands that men and women can be friends without any romantic feelings involved.

This is one of the best and most heartfelt romances I have ever watched. All the transformations of the FL and the ML's responses to each one are both amusing and touching. 

2ML and 2FL:

No love triangle. 

As mentioned earlier, the 2ML is the FL's best friend. 2FL is the ML's sister. This is an older woman, younger man romance.  

Breakup: FL breaks up with the ML out of guilt when she realises that she was accidentally responsible for the ML's face blindness. They still love each other and get back together after a year when the ML gets cured after surgery. I thought this was pretty stupid and one of the few flaws in this great romance. Thankfully it only lasts for one episode.

ML and FL:

FL has a childhood friend who is interested in her. But she has no interest in him. On the other hand, the 2FL likes him. Things come to a head in what is probably one of the worst confessions that I have ever seen in a drama. FL rejects him. 2FL moves on as well. He has very few scenes in the show in general. After the first couple of episodes, he pretty much disappears from the show.

There is an annoying intern in the FL's office who has a crush on her. He often gets pretty inappropriate and lacks any sense of boundary. FL has absolutely no interest in him and is mostly exasperated by his presence. He is prominent for only two or three episodes. He is still present for a few more episodes but mostly as part of the background.

The main villain of the show tried to sexually assault the FL when she was in high school. He is the source of most of her issues, causing her great pain and fear. 

I was worried that this might be an overly sad story due to the heavy themes it deals with. But the romance is surprisingly very sweet and tender. The darker aspects don't take up too much screen time. Most of the focus is on the ML and FL and how their relationship evolves, and it is very, very sweet and heartfelt. I still prefer Sang Yan from Hidden Love over this one.

2ML and 2FL:

See above. This romance started out pretty good. But it kind of petered out by the end.

Breakup: The first breakup happens when the ML and FL are about to start college, and the FL leaves for a different city. It lasts for many years, and we only see flashbacks of it. The second breakup happens when the main villain comes back to the FL's life. She is scared both for herself and for the safety of the ML, so she leaves him in order to protect him. It's pretty stupid but still understandable, as the FL is in a very emotional and vulnerable state. Neither the FL nor the ML ever stops loving the other during both breakups. The second breakup lasts three episodes, six months of drama time.

ML and FL:

2ML seems to have an interest in the FL. But I was never really sure if he was genuinely interested in her or was simply messing with the ML and FL. At one point he even says that the way he likes the FL is different from how the ML likes her. So, I'm not sure what to make of it. Also, he doesn't have many scenes with the FL, and the FL has no romantic interest in him. 

The romance here is pretty sweet. The FL is great, but the ML's apprehension can be funny but frustrating at times. 

2ML and 2FL:

See above.  A supporting character asks the 2ML out, and another asks the 2FL out after the 2FL rejects the 2ML.  Even though they go on dates with them, 2ML and 2FL clearly have feelings for each other. Later they both reject their respective partners.

Breakup: No breakup. But the FL leaves for her parent's house after the ML keeps pushing her away. They reconcile within one episode. The ML goes to see her in her hometown, but she is already back at home.

ML  and FL:

No love triangle.

The 2ML might seem to have some kind of interest in the FL. You will pretty quickly learn that his interest in her is not romantic at all. 

The FL once sees the ML and 2FL (ML's boss) at a restaurant and mistakenly believes that they are together. They have absolutely no romantic interest in each other, and their relationship is purely professional. The misunderstanding is quickly cleared up when the ML meets up with the FL later that night. 

The romance is very, very sweet. The story is equal parts romance and crime drama. The crime aspect of the show is also very good.  Another amazing performance by Namkoong Min.

No secondary romance.

Breakup: The usual noble idiocy trope. FL breaks up with the ML when she realizes that she is indirectly responsible for his sister's murder.  But the ML is having none of it. It's resolved pretty quickly. 

ML and FL:

The main male villain wanted to marry FL in the initial episodes. She despises him. 

The main female villain tried to seduce the ML. He brushes her off and decides to send her packing. She tries to spread rumours about the FL. ML cuts off her nose and throws her out.

One of the minor villains tries to drug and seduce the ML. In spite of the drug, he kicks the door down and throws her out of the house. Later she tries to frame the FL. The ML discovers the truth, and before she can be executed, she is murdered by her co-conspirators.

2ML (ML's cousin) initially pretends that he is chasing the FL. This was to break up the ML and FL, as he believes that the FL is only using the ML to further her own political ambitions. He stops when he realises that FL genuinely loves the ML. Ten episodes later, when the FL helps him out of a problem, he believes himself to be in love with her. He doesn't do anything to get close to the FL. After this point he has only two scenes with the FL. When one of the villains discovers his crush, he leaves so as not to cause problems for the ML and FL.

There is a lot of death, darkness and toxicity in the show. But the main romance is like a burning bright beacon amidst all that darkness. It is sweet, passionate, heartfelt and deep.

3ML and 3FL:

FL's cousin and the stableboy. No love triangle.

4ML and 4FL:

One of ML's subordinates and one of FL's subordinates. Ends in tragedy.  There is a very minor love triangle. 

Breakup: No breakup.  The leads bicker all the time. It's all pretty sweet and cute.  They have only one big fight, and the ML goes to war soon after. FL tries to bring him reinforcements and goes through extremely dangerous situations to make sure that the ML wins.  They reconcile soon after. The whole thing lasts for about two episodes.  Usually, separation in dramas is used to cause some angst, but here all you feel is the deep love the leads have for each other.  

ML and FL:

FL is a massive celebrity. So many people have a crush on her, including the 3ML (one of the lawyers in the office), the law firm boss, and two of the interns. But remember that it's just a celebrity crush. None of them are trying to get into a relationship with her. 

FL has a stalker. He is teased in one of the previous episodes. And the situation is quickly resolved in one episode. 

ML had a crush on the 2FL when in college but has completely gotten over it. Both 2ML and 2FL know about it, and they are good friends with the ML. FL gets a little jealous when she learns about the crush, but the ML and 2ML both explain the details to her, and she gets over it. 

This is one of the sweetest and fluffiest romances I have ever seen.  FL might seem like an overly girly and annoying celebrity at first, but there is more to her than meets the eye, as the ML discovers over the course of the show.

2ML and 2FL:

See above. 

3ML and 3FL:

The 3FL has a string of unsuccessful crushes on younger men before she begins dating the 3ML.

4ML and 4FL:

No relationship. Just an unsuccessful confession.

Breakup: There is a breakup due to noble idiocy from the ML. It lasts for about one and a half episodes and about one month in the drama world. When the FL discovers why the ML broke up with her, she immediately takes action to get back together. Even though the breakup itself is stupid, their reunion is very sweet and heartfelt.

ML and FL :  

There is a girl in the same class as the ML who is interested in him, but he wants nothing to do with her. She tries to cause problems for the FL on a few occasions but always fails miserably. Don't worry though, she doesn't have many scenes with the ML, and she has no effect on the main relationship. 

One of the FL's seniors in college is interested in her. FL quickly realizes what's going on and asks the ML to come pick her up at a college party, thus letting the guy know that she has a boyfriend. He quickly gives up. The whole thing only lasts for about an episode.

One of ML's classmates in college has an interest in him and starts getting pretty inappropriate by posting edited photos of the ML on her social media. FL confronts her; she complains to the ML, who backs up the FL. When she realises that she cannot get between the leads, she goes after a new target. Lasts for only one episode.

This is the sweetest, healthiest and strongest relationship I have ever seen in a romance drama. This is my favourite love story and one of my favourite shows (romance or non-romance) of all time.

2ML and 2FL:

2FL has a crush on a senior in high school, while the 2ML is interested in the 2FL. She tries to confess to the senior but doesn't when she realises that he has no romantic interest in her. This is a full-blown love triangle, but it is resolved midway through the show.  

Breakup; No breakup. They do have one fight, after which the FL stops speaking to the ML for about a week. They quickly make up after ML properly explains himself.  The main leads spend the last school year in different cities (due to admission technicalities), but their relationship remains as strong as ever.  

ML and FL:

ML has an ex. She meets up with him once and is pretty annoyed when she learns that ML and FL might be getting together. The ML wants nothing to do with her though. She has two or three scenes in the show in total.

FL also has an ex, who wants to get back together. She is having none of that. Pretty quickly cuts down any delusions he has about getting back together. He too only has like three scenes in the show. 

So, the love triangles here are pretty much nonexistent. 

In spite of the noble idiocy from the male lead, the romance here is amazing. How the leads maintain a loving relationship in spite of their high-profile jobs is very touching to witness. Space exploration scenes are a bonus.

No secondary romance. 

Breakup: No breakup once the leads start their relationship. But the noble idiocy from ML in episodes 15 to 20 is very, very frustrating.

ML and FL:

No love triangle.

There is a girl (ML's mentor's daughter) who once had a crush on the ML. She gets admitted to the FL's hospital, and along with her sister, tries to break up the ML and FL. It is unclear if she still has any feelings for the ML, as she doesn't really pursue him. Only tries to break them up. The main leads know what she is trying to do, but they don't throw her out since she is sick, and her father helped the ML when he was still a rookie. The main leads relationship is so strong that her meddling doesn't really affect their relationship or cause any angst. They just talk things through as usual and overcome any issues.  Later the 3FL (ML's sister) finds out what's going on and kicks both the sisters out of the hospital and the city. Lasts for about four episodes. 

You might suspect that the FL's mentor (3ML) has an interest in her. But it is not the case. They have a completely platonic teacher-student relationship. Moreover, the 3ML still has feelings for the 3FL. 

The romance is sweet and comforting. This is one of the strongest relationships in a romance drama.  The communication between the main leads is excellent.  This is one of the few shows where even the secondary romances are great. 

2ML and 2FL:

There is a love triangle, but it is not very angsty. It only happens because the 2ML is an idiot and cannot work through his own feelings for the 2FL.  The 2FL only has eyes for the 2ML and outright rejects her pursuer.

3ML and 3FL:

No love triangle.

Breakup: No breakup.