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Narrow scope. The FL is extremely smart and / or one of the very best in her field of work or academia (a competitive discipline that is respected…
Historical dramas where the ML is not / does not become Emperor and is not a prince fighting for the throne. Also not a sect leader or equivalent…
Both leads are smart, skilled and able to predict / calculate moves several steps ahead. When they work together to take on their enemies, they…
Dramas where the FL ends up with a character who has characteristics that make him seem like he might be the SML rather than the ML. For example,…
A main character uses the identity of another person, creates an alter ego / false identity (more than just hiding their identity), or is mistaken…
I loved them. My heart broke for them. I rewatch their dramas for their arcs. The SMLs that gave me serious SLS.
One (or both) of the lead characters is a strategic thinker. They have strong foresight and can predict how others will act, they can calculate…
The FL faces the pain with courage.
At least one secondary character has feelings for one of the leads, but the lead is never torn / the leads' feelings for each other never waiver.…
At least two guys fall for / pursue the FL.1 - The FL either has feelings for the SML first, or is torn between the ML and SML (and genuinely…
1 - ML falls for (or at least clearly has strong romantic interest in) the FL when he first meets or sees her. 2 - ML falls for (or at least…
Kind, caring, gentle, and warm MLs. These boys are not rigid, cold, robotic, distant, violent, or destructive. They are not fighters.
MLs who initiate clingy hugs / cuddles in an enjoyable way that radiates affection / isn't annoying (IMO).
Two or more of the leads are connected to a tragic accident or crime that happened in the past and deeply affected them or caused both of them…
Romance dramas with FLs who behave in an irreverent manner (e.g., she is brash and loud, or bold and unusually forward with the opposite sex)…
10 years or more. Usually older male, younger female. Sometimes the older character is not human. Always feel a bit iffy about these.
The FL is a strong fighter or assassin, a powerful sorceress or mage, or otherwise physically strong
A god or god-like figure cannot fall in love (he's forbidden from it or isn't supposed to have the capacity for it), but ends up falling for…
The leads first meet abroad or somewhere far away from the place where the majority of the drama's events take place.
The FL cross-dresses as a man. At the time that the ML falls in love with the FL, he believes she is man. When he discovers that she is a woman,…
A man from the ancient past time travels to the present, reincarnates into the present, survives to the present or otherwise ends up in the…
When the leads begin their contract or otherwise fake relationship, one of the leads already has one-sided interest in or feelings for the other.1…
A main character is a lawyer, prosecutor, legal professional in training, legal assistant, or otherwise involved in a legal trial.
Cliches like:Chaebol CEO ML / employee FL (or other not-rich girl)Fake / Contract relationshipHidden identityHidden crush
