Korean anime beautifully captures unrequited feelings, complexities and tugs at our heartstrings. They are not only realistically portrayed but split open the feelings of every character to the audience, which helps them to connect on deeper levels. So, if you are ready to experience the rollercoaster of emotions and dive into some good Korean animations and mangas, below are the top 10 Korean anime series about unrequited love.
1. The Moon That Rises In The Day
"The Moon that Rises in the Day" is a South Korean romantic drama. The series stars Kim Young-dae, Jung Woong-in, Pyo Ye-jin, On Joo-wan, and Lee Geung-young. It is based on a webtoon with the same Korean title. The show has one season consisting of 14 episodes and was released in 2023. The story is about a man who is stuck in time after being killed by his lover. Meanwhile, a woman with no memories of her past life experiences time continuously.
2. My Beautiful Girl, Mari
My Beautiful Girl, Mari is a South Korean animated film. It was released in 2002. This is a story about a young boy who faces numerous struggles in his life. He often feels abandoned as the people around him keep leaving him. His best friend is going away to study in Seoul, and his widowed mother is paying more attention to her new boyfriend, making him feel neglected. To escape reality, he goes to a dream world where he meets a girl named Mari. Will he be able to overcome his insecurities and start a new life? To find out, watch anime.
3. Lookism
Lookism is a South Korean webtoon written and illustrated by Taejun Pak. The manga was released in 2014. It has 20 volumes. The series was released in 2022. It has eight episodes. This is a story about a high school student who is constantly bullied due to his obesity and unattractive appearance. As a result, he decides to transfer to a new school. After his transfer, he finds himself transformed into a tall and handsome individual. Consequently, he realizes that many people around him now want to be his friends or go on a date with him.
4. Seasons Of Blossom
Seasons of Blossom is a South Korean manhwa released as a webtoon, written by Hongduck and illustrated by Nemone. The anime was released in 2020. It tells the story of various teenagers and young adults who experience the tumultuous age of youthhood—dealing with matters such as young romance, friendship, the cost of tiger parenting, bullying, and mental health.
5. Tower Of God
Written and illustrated by S.I.U., Tower of God is a South Korean manhwa that was first published as a webtoon. 2010 saw the publication of the manga. There are thirteen volumes. 2020 saw the release of the anime. There are thirteen episodes in all. It tells the tale of a boy. He's been imprisoned in a mystery tower for the most of his existence. The only other person he knows is a girl by the name of Rachel, who ultimately makes the decision to climb the tower. When he promises to follow her no matter what, a miraculous thing happens.
6. Adeline's Darkest Night
Adeline's Darkest Night is a Korean comic series. It has 71 episodes. It tells a story about a woman. She is murdered by her husband whom she loves heartily. But instead of dying she is transported back in time.
7. Opposites Attract
Opposites Attract is a Korean manga series. It has 49 episodes. It is a story about a boy who always dates small, petite, and beautiful girls. But he finds himself falling in love with a strong, handsome, big, and tall man. But the man doesn’t seem to care about anything and finds it worthless. Will this careless affair evolve into a real relationship?
8. False Confession
False Confession is a Korean romance comic. It has 20 episodes. It is a story about a healer. Amid a war with a neighboring country, she must balance her duties with her feelings for two knights during a war.
9. Today Living With You
Korean manga series Living with You is available now. There are 71 episodes in all. It tells the tale of a girl. She starts to have feelings for her childhood buddy. But she's made the decision to go on a date in an effort to put him behind her. Where will she end up with this plan? Can love blossom between the two of them? View the finale of the series.
10. Your Eternal Lies
Your Eternal Lies is a Korean novel series by Hoochi Jeon. It has 81 episodes. It is a story about a 17-year-old girl. She is sentenced to prison for killing her husband. She escapes jail twice but is caught again a year later and given a life sentence. Her guard? None other than Ian Connor, the beloved war hero of the empire himself. Now he must uncover the truth: is she a murderer? Or is there more to the story?