2024 was filled with romance on television, with heartfelt love stories across genres capturing viewers’ hearts. Leading the list of beloved on-screen couples in the JoyNews24 poll of 200 entertainment insiders were Byeon Woo Seok and Kim Hye Yoon from Lovely Runner, who dominated the “Best Drama Couple” category with a staggering 92 votes, cementing their place as a fan favorite.
Lovely Runner, which aired in May, became a sleeper hit. The drama follows passionate fan Lim Sol (Kim Hye Yoon), who travels back to 2008 to prevent her idol Ryu Seon Jae (Byeon Woo Seok), from an untimely death. From the sweet romance of teenage first love to a more poignant adult love, Byeon and Kim embodied “SolSeonJae” so fully that their chemistry became synonymous with the drama’s success. Byeon brought undeniable charm and classic first-love appeal, while Kim charmed audiences with her portrayal of a quirky fan-turned-love-interest, keeping the Lovely Runner fervor alive even months after its finale.
Coming in second were Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won, who garnered 76 votes for their roles in Queen of Tears. Despite mixed reviews for the show’s melodramatic elements and reliance on familiar tropes—terminal illness and amnesia, their romance as the “BaekHong couple” was unforgettable. Their playful banter brought humor, while their emotional scenes epitomized melodrama, captivating audiences globally.
Rounding out the top three with 13 votes were Jung Hae In and Jung So Min from tvN’s Love Next Door. As childhood friends navigating their evolving feelings as adults, their chemistry was so natural it sparked rumors of a real-life romance. Playing the roles of Choi Seung Hyo and Bae Seok Ryu, their charming love story and palpable chemistry warmed viewers’ hearts.
Other couples also received nods, including Shin Mina and Kim Young Dae from No Gain No Love with 7 votes, and Park Seo Joon and Han So Hee from Gyeongseong Creature, each with 4 votes. Additionally, Um Tae Goo and Han Sun Hwa from My Sweet Mobster scored 4 votes, while Good Partner’s Jang Na Ra and Nam Ji Hyun and Your Honor’s Son Hyun Joo and Kim Myung Min each earned 3 votes, proving their on-screen bonds were just as captivating.
Other notable mentions included Ahn Jae Hong and Esom from LTNS, Park Shin Hye and Park Hyung Sik from Doctor Slump, Ahn Bo Hyun and Park Ji Hyun from Flex X Cop, Jang Ki Yong and Chun Woo Hee from The Atypical Family, and Lee Se Young and Kentaro Sakaguchi from What Comes After Love.
>> PICK: Actors Who Rock Both Acting and Singing
Source (1)
