2021 K-drama confession scenes that made our hearts skip a beat

You might be wondering why the author chose this topic out of nowhere, just when we’re about to hit the first day of -Ber, just when our days and nights are getting colder, and as we warm ourselves by those of metaphorical hugs called coffee and a cozy blanket while watching our OTPs wear their hearts on their sleeves and exchange love words—Yup. These are actually the reasons.

Half-kidding aside, it’s safe to say that a lot of us find comfort and joy in seeing our favorite pair enveloped in each other’s loving arms and closing the proximity of each other’s lips, notwithstanding the trials and errors and laughs and cries they experienced together throughout the 16-episode drama. By this time, you’re probably thinking of the crowd-favorites: 

Kang Mo Yeon’s (Song Hye Kyo) hilarious phone-recorded confession to Captain Yoo Si Jin (Song Joong Ki) in “Descendants of the Sun” that was heard all over Urk (and yes, this scene still gives us butterflies in the tummy); or when Jung Hwan (Ryu Jun Yeol) went out of his character to finally confess his prolonged, well-kept feelings for his childhood friend Duk Seok (Girl’s Day’s Hyeri) in “Reply 1988” (we all know how this ended, but at least they got each other in real life).

This time, I compiled the unforgettable love confessions from several 2021 K-dramas—from Vincenzo Cassano’s (Song Joong Ki) unique admission to his partner in crime Hong Cha Young (Jeon Yeo Bin), to Kim Ga On (GOT7’s Jinyoung) putting an end to best friend-zoning Yoo Soo Hyun (Park Gyu Young). See the list!

Run On: Ki Seon Gyeom and Oh Mi Joo labeling their relationship

“Run On,” which ran from December 2020 to February 2021, is probably one of the few Korean dramas with a throng of green flags in terms of relationships. It’s the typical boy-meets-girl and classic friends-to-lovers as Ki Seon Gyeom (Im Siwan) and Oh Mi Joo’s (Shin Se Kyung) dynamics began with being confidants who support each other through and through. The characters also showed the importance of communication that gave no room for guessing games. 

In his confession, Seon Gyeom said he had to chew over his feelings first and admitted his fear of complicating their relationship if he professed his love. At this point, he wanted to know if they are on an equal footing.

Youth of May: When star-crossed lovers Hwang Hee Tae and Kim Myung Hee try to defy their fate

Amid the brewing turbulence and while her best friend is engaged to the doctor-in-the-making, Kim Myung Hee (Go Min Si) couldn’t hold off any longer her romantic feelings for Hwang Hee Tae (Lee Do Hyun). As he reciprocated her confession with a kiss, the happy couple ran away with smiles on their faces, ecstatic about their future together.

Vincenzo: CenCha’s scene that made us scream, “Finally!”

“Vincenzo” is a personal favorite. The actors—from main leads to supporting cast—did amazing. The cinematography is chef’s kiss. The storyline is unusual and unmatched. But there’s another thing that I loved about this dark comedy masterpiece: the slow-burn romance.

Packed in the 20-episode tvN series are the bloody scuffles, comic reliefs, deaths, and revelations, but the romance between Vincenzo (Song Joong Ki) and Hong Cha Young (Jeon Yeo Bin) sprouted out of nowhere and blossomed soooo slow, but still soooo good. And when they finally shared a kiss, there were neither tears of happiness nor I love yous, just Mr. Cassano being a dashing mafia boss and a sweetie to his darling.

Bonus: I know you can’t forget this one, too!

My Roommate is a Gumiho: When Lee Dam’s feelings overwhelm Shin Woo Yeo’s spell

Handsome gumiho Shin Woo Yeo (Jang Ki Yong) knew from the onset how to take out the marble stuck in Lee Dam (Girl’s Day’s Hyeri). He didn’t do it ‘cause he wanted to keep her by his side for a longer time. However, to protect her from the supernatural threats associated with his world as a 999-year-old nine-tailed fox, he was left without options but to take the red marble, cut his ties with her, and erase her memories.

But she didn’t forget an ounce, making her endure the pain of being apart from the guy she loves and wear a mirthful facade for months. When she couldn’t take it anymore, she confessed her love for her former roommate, who obviously feels the same.

The Devil Judge: Kim Ga On and Yoo Soo Hyun getting out of the friend zone

Yoon Soo Hyun (Park Gyu Young) became a detective to protect Kim Ga On (GOT7’s Jinyoung), while she is his world. However, the two never crossed the line, until Ga On could not hold back his feelings for his best friend anymore, who’s stood by his side through thick and thin. Yoon Soo Hyun (Park Gyu Young), after she’s been rejected four times in the past, was nonplussed by Ga On’s sudden kiss. But this time, she was the one who received the love confession.

No intensity needed. No car chase. No hand-grabbing. Just pure wholesomeness to bask in.

Which 2021 K-drama love confession is your favorite?