Both dramas deal with the topic of relationships, love and sex in a more realistic and mature manner. They both feature couples that deviate from what is considered "traditional" in Korean culture, and explore how the characters love each other despite each others flaws.

Unlike "It's Okay, That's Love" however, "The Lover" is more comedy than it is drama (sex jokes everywhere). While it does hit some serious notes, it splits it's attention between 4 couples and it's emotional tone overall is not as deep as IOTL.