“Spicy or Awkward?” Ranking the Most Talked-About Recent K-Drama Bed Scenes!

Recently, Netflix’s reality show 'Single’s Inferno 4' sparked controversy when an intimate scene was included, something rarely seen in Korean dating programs.

This naturally led to discussions about bed scenes in K-dramas—how they compare to Western shows, how they’ve evolved, and which ones stand out for better or worse. Of course, nothing actually happened as one might imagine, but in Korea, even a scene of a man and a woman simply lying on the same bed can still become a hot topic.

While Western dramas often incorporate intimate scenes as an organic part of storytelling, K-dramas have traditionally taken a more restrained approach. However, with changing audience expectations and growing international influence, bed scenes are becoming more common in Korean productions.

But not all of them land well—some feel forced or awkward, while others contribute meaningfully to character development and narrative depth. Let’s break down three of the worst and three of the best bed scenes in recent K-dramas.

🔥 Worst 3 K-Drama Bed Scenes

1. 'The Queen Who Crowns' – When Even the Actors Struggled

📌 Scene Overview: As a historical drama that aimed for a more mature and provocative tone, 'The Queen Who Crowns' included a steamy bed scene that left audiences and even the actors visibly uncomfortable. The intensity was there, but the execution felt out of place in the broader context of the drama.

📌 Why It Didn't Work: The scene felt excessive rather than essential, making it clear that even the actors were struggling to make it work. Instead of deepening the narrative, it ended up being a distracting element.

Lee Hyun-wook, who portrayed King Taejong, Yi Bang-won, candidly admitted in an interview with News1 that filming such scenes was emotionally challenging for him. “Since I was portraying a historical figure, I was already very concerned about the bed scenes. I deeply regret the controversy, and watching the broadcast left me shocked and distressed. I believe more communication with the production team was necessary in that regard,” he shared.

While dramatic impact is important, a bed scene can hardly be considered successful if proper communication and mutual agreement are not prioritized. This lack of coordination and the resulting discomfort among the cast and audience alike is why 'The Queen Who Crowns' ranks as one of the worst K-drama bed scenes.

2. 'When The Stars Gossip' – Lacking Conviction

📌 Scene Overview: Given its sci-fi rom-com premise, 'When The Stars Gossip' wasn’t expected to have the most passionate bed scenes, but when it did, it felt like an afterthought rather than a pivotal moment. A bed scene in space with both the male and female leads completely bare was certainly a fresh concept, but with better buildup, it could have received much higher praise.

📌 Why It Didn't Work: The chemistry between the leads was never fully established, and the scene lacked emotional weight. It was meant to be a turning point, but instead, it came off as awkward and unconvincing, leaving viewers more confused than engaged.

3. 'Buried Hearts' – The Problematic Dialogue

📌 Scene Overview: In one of the more talked-about moments from 'Buried Hearts', the male lead searches for a condom, only for the female lead to say, “Let’s just do it without.” The tension was there, but the implications were questionable.

📌 Why It Didn't Work: The line sparked criticism for its potentially problematic messaging. While the drama thrived on its fast-paced, high-stakes energy, this moment felt tone-deaf, especially considering the immediate aftermath, where the male lead is betrayed soon after.

💖 Best 3 K-Drama Bed Scenes

1. 'When the Phone Rings' – A Beautiful Blend of Tension and Emotion

📌 Scene Overview: Filled with suspense and breathtaking cinematography, 'When the Phone Rings' delivered a bed scene that was both tense and intimate. Against a backdrop of stunning visuals, the emotional stakes between the leads felt raw and real.

📌 Why It Worked: The scene wasn’t just about physical intimacy—it was about vulnerability, trust, and the weight of their relationship. The pacing, dialogue, and body language all contributed to making it one of the most memorable moments in the drama.

2. 'Motel California' – Capturing Realistic Young Love

📌 Scene Overview: Unlike many K-dramas that opt for either hyper-stylized romance or overly restrained passion, 'Motel California' struck a balance, depicting a bed scene that felt both raw and refreshingly natural.

📌 Why It Worked: The leads shared a chemistry that made the moment feel authentic rather than staged. It encapsulated the excitement and awkwardness of young love, making it relatable and engaging. The way the scene realistically portrayed the act of undressing before the bed scene was a nice touch.

3. 'Love Scout' – Aesthetic and Emotional Resonance

📌 Scene Overview: 'Love Scout' kept things romantic and aesthetically pleasing, ensuring the bed scene felt natural to the characters' development rather than forced.

📌 Why It Worked: The scene was beautifully shot, capturing both the passion and the tenderness of the moment. The emotional buildup made it satisfying, and the story continued to build on that intimacy rather than treating it as a one-off spectacle.

The Future of Bed Scenes in K-Dramas

The landscape of K-dramas is shifting, and intimate scenes are becoming more common. However, the key takeaway is that not all bed scenes are created equal. When done right, they can elevate a story and add depth to character relationships. When done poorly, they risk being awkward, unconvincing, or even problematic.

Going forward, the best approach for K-dramas is to integrate these scenes naturally, ensuring they serve the story rather than existing for shock value or fan service. As global audiences continue to watch K-content, the industry will need to navigate this evolving space carefully—but if dramas like 'When the Phone Rings' and 'Love Scout' are any indication, the future looks promising.

It’s only natural that K-dramas will keep pushing boundaries with more diverse and creative bed scenes. Here’s to more swoon-worthy, well-crafted moments in the future—bring it on, K-drama romance!