Kim Hye-yoon, left, and Byeon Woo-seok in a still from 'Lovely Runner.' Photo: @tvn_drama/InstagramMANILA — What would you do if you were given the chance to journey back in time? The idea of rewinding the clock to reshape one’s destiny has been a recurring theme in countless K-dramas.

From a devoted fangirl yearning to rescue her beloved idol in the past to a married couple unexpectedly rejuvenated as their younger selves, K-dramas have ingeniously weaved time travel into their compelling narratives.

Below are our K-drama recommendations for those captivated by the notion of time travel.

Lovely Runner (2024)

Starring: Byeon Woo-seok, Kim Hye-yoon, Song Geon-hee, Lee Seung-hyub

“Lovely Runner” follows Im Sol (Kim Hye-yoon), a devoted fan who grapples with despair following the death of her favorite singer, Ryu Sun-jae (Byeon Woo-seok). Unexpectedly, Sol finds herself transported 15 years into the past, presenting her with the chance to alter Sun-jae's future and save him.

READ: Love Byeon Woo-seok? Check out these K-dramas, movies

Marry My Husband (2024)

Starring: Park Min-young, Na In-woo, Lee Yi-kyung, Song Ha-yoon

Adapted from a webtoon with the same name, “Marry My Husband” revolves around Kang Ji-won (played by Park Min-young), a woman battling cancer. Tragically, she meets her demise at the hands of her incompetent husband (Lee Yi-kyung) and best friend (Song Ha-yoon) upon learning of their affair.  Ji-won is unexpectedly thrust back in time by a decade, where she resolves to change her fate.

READ: ‘Marry My Husband’ cast on what makes series stand out, time travel

Twinkling Watermelon (2023)

Starring: Ryeoun, Choi Hyun-wook, Seol In-ah, Shin Eun-soo

The fantasy coming-of-age series “Twinkling Watermelon” follows Ha Eun-gyeol (Ryeoun), a CODA (child of deaf adult) student who travels back to 1995, where he meets younger versions of his parents and joins a band called Watermelon Sugar.

Perfect Marriage Revenge (2023)

Starring: Sung Hoon, Jung Yoo-min

“Perfect Marriage Revenge” centers on Han Yi-joo (Jung Yoo-min), who endures the cold treatment of the wealthy family that adopted her. Following a car accident, Yi-joo finds herself back in time, resolved to enact vengeance upon her family. Along the way, she enlists the help of conglomerate heir Seo Do-guk (Sung Hoon).

A Time Called You (2023)

Starring: Ahn Hyo-seop, Jeon Yeo-been, Kang Hoon

Based on the Taiwanese series “Someday Or One Day,” “A Time Called You” delves into the journey of Jun-hee (Jeon Yeo-been), who grapples with the loss of her boyfriend (Ahn Hyo-seop). Through a twist of fate, she is transported back to 1998, inhabiting the body of another individual and meeting Si-heon, who bears an uncanny resemblance to her deceased love.

READ: Ahn Hyo-seop on acting, his roles, love from fans

Mr. Queen (2020)

Starring: Shin Hye-sun, Kim Jung-hyun, Choi Jin-hyuk

In the historical drama “Mr. Queen,” a womanizing chef (Choi Jin-hyuk) finds himself thrust into an extraordinary predicament when he awakens in the body of a queen (Shin Hye-sun) during the Joseon period. He must learn to navigate the royal court and find a way back to his own life in the present day.

Go Back Couple (2017)

Starring: Son Ho-jun, Jang Na-ra

“Go Back Couple” is about Choi Ban-do (Son Ho-jun) and Ma Jin-joo (Jang Na-ra), a discontented married couple in their late 30s. Their lives take a surreal turn when they are transported back to their university years and are presented with the opportunity to rewrite their shared history.

Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo (2016)

Starring: IU, Lee Joon-gi, Kang Ha-neul

“Moon Lovers” follows Go Ha-jin (IU), a 21st-century woman who is unexpectedly transported back to South Korea’s Goryeo dynasty. There, she becomes involved in a power struggle among various contenders for the throne.

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