Raksha Bandhan Special: Top 7 K-drama sibling duos in Reply 1988, True Beauty, Cheese in the Trap, and more
With Raksha Bandhan being here, let’s celebrate the festival Korean style by exploring the sweet brother-sister relationship in K-dramas Reply 1988, Kill Me Heal Me, Cheese in the Trap, and more.
The bond between a brother and sister is truly special and can be hard to describe. While sibling relationships are celebrated around the world, India particularly honors this connection through the festival of Raksha Bandhan, which highlights the love and protection between brothers and sisters. In the spirit of celebrating this beautiful relationship through Raksha Bandhan today, let’s explore some of the rich and heartfelt sibling dynamics depicted in K-dramas.
1. Reply 1988
In Reply 1988, the central story revolves around the close friendship between Sung Deok Sun (Hyeri) and Choi Taek (Park Bo Gum), who have been best friends since childhood. Their deep comfort and bond make it almost inevitable that Choi Taek develops romantic feelings for Deok Sun. However, the situation becomes complicated because their mutual friend, Jung Hwan (Ryu Jun Yeol), also harbors feelings for Deok Sun.
Could there be a cuter sibling dynamic? In the drama, Go Kyung Pyo portrays Sun Woo, the much older brother of Jin Joo (Kim Seol). With his deep affection for his younger sister, Sun Woo is always eager to do whatever it takes to make her smile. Their genuine sibling relationship was so heartwarming that Kim Seol visited Go Kyung Pyo on a variety show after the series concluded! Having an older brother like Sun Woo, who is always there for you, would certainly make life feel incredibly complete.
2. True Beauty
In True Beauty, Moon Ga Young plays Lim Ju Gyeong, a girl who feels insecure about her appearance and becomes a makeup expert to boost her confidence. When she starts at a new high school, she meets Lee Su Ho (Cha Eun Woo), and the two develop a romantic connection. The story also introduces Hwang In Yeop as Han Seo Jun, who falls in love with Ju Gyeong as well, creating a captivating and emotionally charged love triangle.
As if Han Seo Jun wasn’t already charming enough, his role as the protective older brother to Han Go Woon (Yeo Joo Ha) highlights just how truly exceptional he is. Seo Jun’s tender care for his younger sister and their heartwarming relationship are a joy to watch. His constant concern for her well-being and his efforts to ensure she isn't struggling at school add depth to his character. Having a brother like Seo Jun—cool yet unafraid to show his love and support for his family—would be an absolute gift!
Also, Ju Gyeong and Lim Hee Kyung (played by Im Se Mi) have an adorable younger brother, Lim Ju Young, portrayed by Kim Min Gi. Although he can be a bit of a troublemaker, his kindness and charm shine through, especially as he’s raised by two strong, independent sisters. When he develops feelings for Go Woon, he goes out of his way to make her feel special, particularly when she might be feeling insecure. Given Go Woon’s similarity to Ju Gyeong, it’s no surprise that Ju Young’s tender and caring nature is a reflection of his loving family environment.
3. Cheese in the Trap
Cheese in the Trap is adapted from the popular webtoon by Soonkki. The story unfolds when Yoo Jung (played by Park Hae Jin) confesses his feelings to Hong Seol (Kim Go Eun). Despite her initial lack of deep consideration, Seol agrees, and they begin a relationship. However, Seol's growing friendship with In Ho (Seo Kang Joon), Yoo Jung’s rival, creates tension and puts Seol in a difficult position, causing significant stress in her life.
In Ho, when he’s not preoccupied with following Hong Seol around, is an exemplary brother. He may appear indifferent on the surface, but he is fiercely protective and unwaveringly loyal. Despite his tough exterior and a lingering chip on his shoulder, he would stand by you through any challenge. In Ho and his sister, Baek In Ha (played by Lee Sung Kyung), are each other's closest family after their parents, though their relationship is strained.
He harbors deep regret for leaving her alone and running away and has a strong sense of responsibility toward her. His devotion often overrides his own logical judgment, as seen in Cheese in the Trap, where, despite being manipulated by In Ha, he still goes to great lengths to support her. He’s undeniably a caring and devoted brother.
4. Kill Me, Heal Me
Kill Me, Heal Me follows Cha Do Hyun (Ji Sung), a wealthy man with multiple personality disorder caused by a traumatic childhood event. He has seven distinct personalities, one of whom falls in love with the female lead, Oh Ri Jin (Hwang Jung Eum). Kill Me, Heal Me not only offers a gripping storyline but also delves into the captivating sibling dynamic between Oh Ri On and Oh Ri Jin, portrayed by Park Seo Joon and Hwang Jung Eum.
As Ri Jin's supportive brother, Ri On navigates his own challenges while maintaining a deep and loving connection with his sister. The situation becomes even more complicated when one of Do Hyun’s personalities falls in love with Ri Jin. Ri On stands out for his unwavering dedication to his sister, offering both playful banter and steadfast support. Their bond exemplifies the profound and enduring nature of sibling relationships.
5. Melting Me Softly
In the K-drama Melting Me Softly, the bond between Mi Ran (Won Jin Ah) and Nam Tae (Park Min Soo) highlights the strength and depth of sibling relationships. Nam Tae, who has developmental disabilities, relies on Mi Ran as his protector. She often rescues him from bullies and is a constant source of support. One touching scene shows Mi Ran saving Nam Tae from trouble, then giving him red bean bread and carrying him on her back, underscoring her unwavering care and devotion.
Fans discover that Mi Ran joined the cryo freeze project with the hope that it would eventually lead to a cure for people like her brother. It’s heart-wrenching when she fails to return, leaving Nam Tae with the whistle she gave him as a way for her to find him. Two decades later, when Mi Ran awakens, the whistle becomes a poignant symbol of their bond, leading to their emotional reunion. Witnessing their connection across such a long separation adds a deeply touching dimension to their story.
6. Penthouse
In Penthouse, Lee Ji Ah, Kim So Yeon, and Eugene play three wealthy women living in a luxurious high-rise complex designed for the city's elite. Their children attend an exclusive arts school, and the mothers are determined to maintain their families' prestigious image at any cost—even if it means resorting to murder. As these high-society families become entangled in dangerous situations beyond their control, they find themselves caught in a web of deceit, lying to one another to protect their own interests.
Joo Seok Hoon (Kim Young Dae) and his twin sister Joo Seok Kyung (Han Ji Hyun) endured a challenging upbringing under the harsh control of their unstable father. Despite the difficulties, Seok Hoon consistently provided emotional support to his sister, even going so far as to offer himself as a substitute for her when their father became violent. His deep love and concern for Seok Kyung were so profound that he was willing to do anything to protect her.
7.My Father Is Strange
The relationship between the Byeon siblings in My Father is Strange is both comical and endearing, providing a realistic portrayal of family dynamics. The show centers on a middle-class family living on the outskirts of Seoul whose peaceful and routine life is upended when a Korean celebrity arrives, claiming to be a long-lost member of the family. Despite this surprising development, Joon Young (Min Jin Woong), Hye Young (Lee Yoo Ri), Mi Young (Jung So Min), and Ra Young (Ryu Hwa Young) embody the familiar traits of a typical sibling group, blending humor and genuine affection in their interactions.
The Byeon siblings in My Father is Strange share a deep devotion and love for one another, though this doesn't prevent them from engaging in frequent bickering. Their arguments feel relatable and authentic, reflecting the real-life dynamics of sibling relationships. Despite the noise and conflict, their love for each other remains clear. While each sibling manages their own personal challenges, they consistently come together to offer support and solidarity.