Why it defines the keyword:
Written and directed by the acclaimed PD Ahn Pan-seok (Something in the Rain, One Spring Night), Secret Love Affair tells the story of Oh Hye-won (Kim Hee-ae), a wealthy, sophisticated arts foundation director who is trapped in a loveless marriage of convenience. Her life changes when she meets Lee Sun-jae (Yoo Ah-in), a poor, genius piano prodigy in his 20s.
What begins as a professional mentorship spirals into a raw, sensual, and deeply intellectual love affair. The drama does not glorify cheating; instead, it dissects the emptiness of a life built on status versus the chaotic authenticity of true passion.
That’s a famous drama starring Kim Hee-ae and Yoo Ah-in. It is not free legally on most platforms, but you can find it on Netflix (subscription) or rent/buy on Amazon/Apple TV. Some regions may have it on Viki with ads.
Tubi and Pluto TV (free, ad-supported services) have been aggressively adding classic K-dramas to their libraries. While they often host older SBS or MBC shows, Secret Love Affair has appeared on Tubi in the past.
First, clarity is key. The drama you are looking for is officially titled "Secret Love Affair" (밀회). It aired on JTBC from March 17 to May 13, 2014. Many international fans shorten the title to simply Love Affair when searching for it online.
The Synopsis: The drama centers on two very different people trapped in a web of social status and talent.
When Hye-won discovers Sun-jae’s talent, she initially sees him as a product to advance her career. However, a late-night piano session leads to an explosive, destructive, and passionate affair. The drama asks a brutal question: Can true love survive when it destroys everything else around it?
