But those who enjoyed the chemistry between the protagonists will certainly want to explore other titles. Below, you can find a more in-depth analysis of each K-drama with IU and Byeon Woo Seok available on streaming.
Read more:
If I Had Legs I'd Kick You: where to watch the drama nominated for the 2026 Oscars
K-dramas with IU to watch on streaming
Hotel Del Luna
The story revolves around Jang Man-wol, a mysterious woman trapped for centuries managing a hotel that exclusively serves spirits. Everything changes when a young human, Goo Chan-sung, is forced to work there.
This drama is a landmark in IU's career. Her character is complex: simultaneously arrogant, elegant and deeply wounded by the past. Throughout the plot, viewers discover the traumas that keep her trapped in the hotel, creating an emotionally engaging narrative.
The production also stands out for its visual aesthetics, with luxurious sets and iconic costumes that reinforce the fantastical tone. Additionally, each episode features independent stories of spirits, creating a dynamic similar to anthologies within a larger arc.
Themes:
Life after death • Guilt and redemption • Love that transcends time • Consequences of choices
Where to watch: Available on Netflix and Rakuten Viki.
My Mister
The plot follows Lee Ji-an, a young woman in debt and emotionally exhausted, who ends up getting involved with Park Dong-hoon, an engineer in personal and professional crisis.
Considered one of the best K-dramas of the decade, My Mister completely escapes romantic clichés. Here, the focus is on the human bond — not necessarily romantic — between two people broken by life.
IU delivers a raw and intense performance, portraying a character living at the emotional edge. The pace is slower, but this allows for rare psychological depth in television productions.
Themes:
Urban solitude • Social and professional pressure • Empathy and human connections • Emotional survival
Where to watch: Available on Netflix and Rakuten Viki.
If You Give Me Tangerines...
Set on Jeju Island, the drama follows decades of two protagonists' lives, showing how their choices and social context shape their destinies.
This is a more contemplative and emotional production, focused on the passage of time. Unlike traditional K-dramas, the narrative doesn't rely solely on immediate conflicts, but on building a life story.
IU's presence brings sensitivity to the main character, who evolves as she faces family, social and romantic challenges.
Themes:
Love across generations • Tradition vs. modernity • Family and belonging • Personal growth
Where to watch: Available on Netflix.
K-dramas with Byeon Woo Seok to binge
Lovely Runner
Im Sol, devastated by the death of her idol, travels back in time to prevent the tragedy. Upon reuniting with young Ryu Sun-jae, she tries to change fate — but discovers that tampering with time has unpredictable consequences.
This drama won over audiences by balancing romance, suspense and fantasy. Byeon Woo Seok plays a charismatic and emotionally complex character that goes far beyond the stereotype of the "perfect idol".
The narrative works well with the idea of the butterfly effect: small changes in the past generate major impacts on the future, creating constant tension.
Themes:
Time travel • Fate vs. free will • Fandom and idolatry • Love and sacrifice
