[ASKKPOP] K-Drama Feature: Best Bromances
BEST BROMANCES
9 Bromances that tugged at our heartstrings
The bromance is just one among the large number of tropes in K-Dramas - the bond between two or more men that really helps define their characters. Sometimes, it takes a blow because of the romance, as the third member of the inevitable triangle feels resentful. Other times, it's just a side story that's sweet for the audience to watch. Whether the bromance is endearing or edgy and angsty, no one can deny that the bromance is an essential part of K-Dramas.
TRASH & BINGGEURE
Very much big brother (Trash) and little brother (Binggeure), and complete bromance territory. They even had a kissing scene (pictured above) that, um, had an interesting off-screen story... "We got the okay on the first try," saidBaro(ofB1A4). "However,JungWoowanted to practice ten times." Who can forgetTrash'skind words whenBinggeureconfides in him about his break from school orBinggure'sinsights (brought to us in voice-over)?
GO NAM SOON & PARK HEUNG SOO
Go Nam SoonandPark Heung Sooare high school classmates who have a badly deteriorated bromance. Once as close as two kids could be, a hazing session gone seriously wrong shatters bothHeung Soo'sleg and his soccer career.Nam Soonblames himself and does what he can to repair the friendship whenHeungSoois later transferred to the same school. A stormy relationship ensues, and each episode reveals a little more about whyHeungSoohatesNam Soon. Finally, the two reconcile near the end of the series. One of the most believable bromances I've seen in a long time, and certainly dramatic.
IM TAE SON, KIM DO JIN, CHOI YOON & LEE JUNG ROK
Rather than a bromance between younger characters, the fourahjussishave been friends through thick and thin, from adolescence to adulthood. They speak easily to one another and are frank about dating and sex. Sometimes aggravating, sometimes hilarious, always buddies. Though there have been hiccups along the way, these four gentlemen retain their friendship through both good and bad.
JIN SA WOO & KIM HYUN JUN
Closer than brothers all through childhood, they continued throughout their time in the Special Forces and, after that, in the National Security Service. Initially smitten with the same woman, they still continue their friendship despite the rivalry, not letting the initial love triangle come between them. The bonds of their bromance are dashed to bits whenHyun Junis declared a rogue operative andSa Woois given the task of hunting him down.
The F4 (GU JUN PYO, YOON JI HOO, SO YI JOENG, SONG WOO BIN)
These four notorious boys are the most powerful students at Shinhwa High School, collectively known as theF4. Bullies, arrogant to a fault, sons of the rich and powerful, yet fiercely loyal and protective towards one other. They're not afraid to tell one other when someone needs to just stop.Jun Pyois constantly frustrating his fellows with his harebrained schemes, and they have to be honest with him to keep him in line. WhenWoo Binis morose,Yi Joengcheers him up and tells him to man up. These boys are like a band of brothers and I can imagine them asahjussis, maintaining the same depth of friendship that they always had.
SONG SAM DONG & JIN GUK
Sam Dong, a country boy, andJin Guk, the rich son of a politician hiding from his heritage. Though coming from wildly different backgrounds, the two become rivals, and eventually friends. Despite the fact that they fight each other tooth and nail (and their wrestling over who gets to wear underwear is hilarious), you always get the feeling they are looking out for one another even as they vie forHye Mi'saffections. And when the chips are down, they are there for each other.
YOON YOON JAE & KANG JOON HEE
It's a bromance and a romance, all rolled into one.Yoon JaeandJoon Heeare the best of friends. Joking around, talking to each other, listening to each other, they do almost everything together. They act like a married couple while they are roomies. ButJoon Hee(capably played byINFINITE'S Hoya) harbors a secret -- he is in love withYoon Jae. Though it breaks his heart to do it,Joon HeebringsYoon Jaetogether with a girl thatYoonJaehas been crushing on. Even a revelation thatJoon Heeis gay doesn't stop them from being friends. But high school ends andJoon Heedecides to move out, saying it would be better ifYoonJaehad the apartment to himself now that he's got the girl. In one of the most heartwarming moments of the series, asJoon Heeleaves the apartment for the last time,Yoon Jaecomes up behind him and grabs him in a backhug. They have been and will always be friends.
PARK DONG JOO & KANG JI WOON
Dong Jooblows into town after 12 years, looking for his first love only to find that she is already attached at the hip to skilled neurosurgeon,Ji Woon. Unaware of the relationship between his girlfriend andDong Joo,Ji Woonfinds himself drawn to the other man and the two strike up a friendship. The two shoot hoops together, eat together, and work side-by-side in the same hospital. Their bromance starts quickly asJi Woonsays that he likesDongJooinstantly. As the series is still going, it remains to be seen whether the girl will come between them.
LEE KANG TO & KIMURA SHUNJI
Possibly the most tragic bromance ever.Kang Tois a police officer who sides with Japan while mild-manneredKimura Shunjicomes to teach music in Korea despite his father's misgivings. They are best friends. They tickle each other, hug like brothers, tease each other, have sleepovers together.Shunjieven givesKang Tofood when there is little to be had of anything. But, as they become embroiled in Korea's war for independence, they end up on completely different sides.Kang Toswitches sides to fight for Korea's freedom,Shunjiis inducted into the Japanese forces, and two men once as close as brothers are now hell-bent on killing each other. We know it can't end happily.
Good times, a bit of nostalgia. Writing this makes me want to go back and watch these again. As always, I want you to fill me in on those that didn't make the list. Besides your often-entertaining comments, I get more dramas to add to my ever-expanding "Must Watch list!"