Are you a fan of K-dramas? If so, then you must add “The Second Husband” to your watchlist. This South Korean television series has captured the hearts of many viewers with its intriguing storyline and talented cast. In this article, we will give you ten reasons why you should not miss out on this drama. From the intense plot twists to the captivating performances, “The Second Husband” is a must-watch for any K-drama enthusiast. So, grab some popcorn and get ready to be hooked!
Table of Contents
#1 Gripping storyline:
The Second Husband boasts a unique and captivating storyline that keeps you hooked from the first episode.
The series follows Bong Seon Hwa, a woman who is seeking revenge against her ex-husband and his family. Along the way, she meets Jae Min, her ex-husband’s brother-in-law, who falls in love with her. The chemistry between the two characters is palpable from the start, and viewers can’t help but root for them to end up together.
#2 Amazing cast
The drama features an impressive cast, including Uhm Hyun Kyung, Cha Seo Won, and Oh Seung Ah, who bring their A-game to the table.
#3 Strong female lead
The protagonist is a strong and independent woman who knows what she wants in life and isn’t afraid to go after it. She does have her moments but is more badass than most other female characters we have encountered in dramas.
#4 Intriguing love triangle
The romantic aspect of the show is complex yet intriguing, with a love triangle that keeps you guessing until the very end. It’s the kind of story that keeps you wondering whether there is any way for the FMC to find her happiness once and for all.
#5 Beautiful cinematography
Not only does “The Second Husband” have a captivating storyline, but it also boasts stunning visuals and breathtaking shots that make for a visually pleasing viewing experience. From the picturesque scenery to the beautifully designed sets, every shot in the drama is carefully crafted and visually stunning.
One of the most impressive aspects of the show’s visuals is its use of color. The vibrant colors used in the costumes and set designs create a vivid and immersive world for viewers to get lost in. Each scene is meticulously crafted to match the mood and tone of the story, which adds an extra layer of depth to the viewing experience.
#6 Thought-provoking themes
One of the standout aspects of “The Second Husband” is its ability to tackle complex themes in a thought-provoking manner. The drama delves into societal expectations, family dynamics, and personal growth with a nuanced approach that encourages viewers to think deeper about these issues.
#7 Perfect blend of genres
“The Second Husband” is a drama that seamlessly blends elements of romance, melodrama, and comedy to create an engaging viewing experience. The show’s ability to balance these different genres is one of its biggest strengths, making it a must-watch for fans of all types of dramas..
“The Second Husband” isn’t just a romance – it’s also a thriller. As Bong Seon Hwa seeks revenge against her ex-husband and his family, she uncovers dark secrets that threaten to tear apart everything she holds dear. The tension builds as the story progresses, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
The drama also incorporates elements of melodrama through its exploration of themes like guilt, betrayal, and redemption. As each character’s motivations are revealed and secrets come to light, the tension builds towards a satisfying climax that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. However, “The Second Husband” offers plenty of comedic moments that provide much-needed levity amidst the heavier themes.
“The Second Husband” is a masterclass in genre-blending. Its ability to seamlessly incorporate elements of romance, melodrama, and comedy creates an engaging viewing experience that will appeal to fans across different genres. Whether you’re in the mood for heart-pounding romance or laugh-out-loud humour, this drama has something for everyone.
#8 Well-written characters
Each character in the drama has their own unique personality traits that add depth to the story and make it an even more engaging viewing experience. This is not only in relation to the main characters, but also the supporting characters have their own unique personalities and roles in the plot.
#9 Surprising plot twists
One of the most exciting things about “The Second Husband” is its ability to keep viewers on the edge of their seat with unexpected plot twists. Just when you think you have everything figured out, the show throws a curveball that leaves you reeling.
Throughout the series, there are several moments where the plot takes an unexpected turn and yes, at times the dream does showcase some classic Latin American soap opera scenes, but this K-Drama takes the idea and runs with it in directions those previously mentioned dramas never did. I give it bonus points for this!
And speaking about bonus points.
#10 The Second Husband is HOT
But let’s be real here – one of the main reasons why “The Second Husband” is so popular is because of the character Jae Min. Played by actor Cha Seo Won, Jae Min is the literal second husband that viewers can’t get enough of. And it’s not just because he’s easy on the eyes (although that certainly doesn’t hurt).
He’s a bad boy with a heart of gold: Jae Min may seem like a tough guy on the outside, but he has a soft spot for Bong Seon Hwa and her son. He’s willing to do whatever it takes to protect them and make them happy.
He’s loyal: Despite his complicated family situation (his brother in law is Bong Seon Hwa’s ex-husband), Jae Min remains fiercely loyal to Bong Seon Hwa. He never wavers in his love for her, even when things get tough.
He’s romantic: From surprise dates to heartfelt confessions, Jae Min knows how to sweep Bong Seon Hwa off her feet. He may not have been her first husband, but he certainly knows how to treat her right.
Simply put, Jae Min is one of those characters that you just can’t help but fall in love with. From his bad boy exterior to his soft heart for Bong Seon Hwa and her son, he’s everything you could want in a romantic lead.
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Overall, “The Second Husband” is a must-watch K-drama for anyone who loves romance and suspense. With its gripping storyline and swoon-worthy characters like Jae Min, it’s sure to keep you hooked from beginning to end. So what are you waiting for? Add this show to your watchlist today!
*This article is not sponsored. This article contains affiliate links which means that Cafebiblioart might receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make any purchases by clicking the links included in this article. Thank you for your support. It is you that keep us going.
**Featured photo belongs to the K-Drama Entertainment/Production Company.
Are you not tired of watching k-dramas that have the traditional 16 episodes?
Don’t you feel like when you finally get into the story and characters, it’s time to say goodbye?
Luckily, there are plenty of K-dramas with 50+ episodes that have captivated audiences around the world. These long-running K-dramas create an immersive and unforgettable experience in which you can become deeply attached to the characters and their story arcs. From lighthearted romances to family dramas, these series offer something for everyone – so check out some of the best K-dramas with 50+ episodes for hours of entertainment below!
#1 Once Again
Song Young-Dal and Jang Ok-Boon have been happily married for many years and are the proud parents of four children: Joon-Sun, Ga-Hee, Na-Hee and Da-Hee. Na-Hee is a doctor working alongside her husband at the same hospital, but their marriage life is in trouble. Joon-Sun and Ga-Hee are both divorcees living with their parents, while the youngest child Da-Hee is struggling as an intern at a company.
The drama follows the story of this family while focusing on each child and on how they manage to make to build or rebuild a life for themselves despite the many setbacks.
Available on: Viki & Netflix
#2 It’s Beautiful Now
Lee Yoon-Jae (Oh Min-Suk), Lee Hyun-Jae (Yoon Si-Yoon) and Lee Soo-Jae (Seo Bum-June) are three brothers who have no interest in pursuing romance or marriage, leaving their parents and grandfather concerned.
To entice the brothers to tie the knot, Lee Kyung-Cheol (Park In-Hwan), Lee Min-Ho (Park Sang-Won) and Han Kyung-Ae (Kim Hye-Ok) offer them an apartment. Each brother takes on the challenge of finding a partner for marriage.
Available on: Viki
#3 Beautiful Life, Wonderful Love
Beautiful Love Wonderful Life is a K-drama that follows four people in their search for love and happiness.
Kim Seol-A (Jo Yoon-Hee) is an ambitious former announcer who wishes to become rich and escape her life so she marries CEO Do Jin-Woo (Oh Min-Suk) while forsaking her family. Too bad that things never go accordingly to plan, no?
At least, Kim Seol-A’s sister’s love life seems a bit more clear, but is it really? When there are so many secrets and hidden pain in the middle, can one truly be happy?
The drama “Beautiful Love Wonderful Life” is a story that underlines the reality that while mistakes can have lasting consequences, love and happiness are still possible. It illustrates how, despite past failures and difficulties, it is never too late to find joy and cherish the beauty of life.
Available on: Viki
#4 My Father is Strange
Ahn Joong-Hee (Lee Joon), a former idol group member, appears one day in front of Byun Han-Soo, Na Young-Sil, and their four children Hye-Young and Mi-Young (Jung So-Min) looking for the father who once abandoned him. However, things are not as clear-cut as they seem initially. The Buyn family has many secrets, many of which have the potential to turn one’s life upside down.
Available on: Netflix
#5 Never Twice
Never Twice tells the story of the people living long-term at the Paradise Inn located in the centre of Seoul. The story begins as a new group of people moves in into the Inn, all strangers to one another and yet all connected by fate and an unfortunate event.
Never Twice is a lovely story about hope, family and not least love that deserves your attention.
Available on: Viki
#6 My only one
Kim Do-Ran (Uee) is a woman of great positivity and resilience, despite her financial struggles. She is studying for an exam to become a public official but her home life or lack thereof forces her to join a company in order to make ends meet. Think evil stepmother – Cinderella style.
While this change of plans turns out to be not as bad as it seemed initially, the appearance of her biological father, Kang Soo-Il (Choi Soo-Jong), after 28 years of estrangement throws Kim Do-Ran’s life into unexpected turmoil and putting Do-Ran’s newfound happiness in danger.
Available on: Netflix
#7 Homemade Love Story
The drama series follows the lives of those who inhabit Samgwang Villa while focusing on two residents in particular.
Woo Jae-Hee (Lee Jang-Woo) is an architect, with a long-standing feud between himself and his father, Woo Jung-Hoo (Jung Bo-Suk), the head of a large company. Despite not receiving support from his father, he graduated from university and went on to have success as an architect. It is at a house remodelling site that he meets Lee Bit Chae Woon (Jin Ki-Joo).
Lee Bit Chae Woon works as an interior designer but wishes to become a textile designer but her “responsibilities” as the self-declared head of her family as well as her research for her biological parents hold her back.
Available on: Viki
#8 Young Lady and the Gentlemen
Lee Young-Kook (Ji Hyun-Woo) is a widower with three children, still reeling from his wife’s death. To help them, he finds the live-in tutor Park Dan-Dan (Lee Se-Hee). A flame of attraction develops between the two, yet their path to a happy ending is filled with challenges.
Available on: Viki & Netflix
#9 Mary Me Now
Park Yoo-Ha (Han Ji-Hye) sacrificed her life and personal interests to become a mother and wife. Now that her life is turned upside down, she decides to go back home and regain her career. Jung Eun-Tae is a well-established and respected doctor that does not believe in marriage due to his strained relationship with his own father. The two connect in an unexpected matter, however, the ties that bind them are way more complex than they initially think.
While the two represent a main aspect of the drama, the name or title of the series is actually derived from Park Yoon-Ha’s father’s relationship with a woman he was forced to leave in his youth and now gets the chance to love again. The appearance of his old flame completely changes his life and that of his four children around but also adds a layer of complexity to all of their relationships.
Available on: Viki
#10 Glorious Day
Han Song-Jung (Kim Mi-Sook) is a novelist and a single mother of three daughters – Da-Ae (Hwang Woo Seul Hye), Da-Jung (Park Se-Young) and Da-In (Ko Woo-Ri).
Her dream is for her daughters to be able to find good men to marry and live better life than she had.
Glorious Day follows the story of Han Song-Jung and that of her three daughters as they experience life, love and heartbreak.
Available on: Viki
There you have it, the best K-dramas that have more than 50 episodes.
As you watch these drams of varying lengths, you will notice many similarities in their format–even if they have different directors/producers and even actors. However, at the end of the day the plot lines and stories are different and they do not feel repetitive. Many of them cover themes such as family, love, self growth but they are all enduring and enjoyable to watch in my opinion at least.
Another mention I would like to make is that the availability of these dramas as mentioned above is based on my experience. You might find some of them on both Viki and Netflix, some just on Viki or just on Netflix and some on neither depending on your region.
I hope you too will find the same entertainment, joy, and pleasure that I experienced while watching these 50+ episode K-Dramas. It was a delight to get to witness the characters grow and develop in an unhurried manner throughout the series.
Which 50+ episode K-Dramas have you watched?
*This article is not sponsored. This article contains affiliate links which means that Cafebiblioart might receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make any purchases by clicking the links included in this article. Thank you for your support. It is you that keep us going.
If you’re a fan of Korean dramas, then you’re in for a treat. We’ve compiled a list of the best K-dramas released in 2022 so far. These are some truly amazing productions, and we can’t recommend them enough. Whether you’re into romantic comedies or dark thrillers, there’s something for everyone here. So what are you waiting for? Start watching!
After more than a decade of service to the powerful Soonyang Conglomerate, Yoon Hyeon-Woo (Song Joong-Ki) is falsely accused of embezzlement and shot while on an overseas business trip. Miraculously, he wakes up in the body of the Soonyang chaebol family’s youngest grandson, Jin Do-Jun (Song Joong-Ki). Bent on revenge, Yoon Hyeon-Woo embarks on a mission to takeover the company.
#2 Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Extraordinary Attorney Woo is a unique story about an impressive intellect paired with autism spectrum disorder lawyer. Woo Young-Woo (Park Eun-Bin) is highly capable yet socially challenged. As a trainee lawyer in a large law firm, she is met with skepticism and bias but she overcomes these obstacles through her unconventional approach to problem solving and matures as a professional.
#3 Big Mouth
Park Chang-Ho (Lee Jong-Suk) is a lawyer with a merely 10% success rate. In an attempt to become better off financially, he ends up tangled up in a murder and believed to be the master swindler knowns as’Big Mouse’. This experience, thrusts him into a life-threatening situation. His wife Go Mi-Ho (Lim Yoon-A) is a courageous nurse that helped Chang-Ho over the year in becoming the lawyer he is today. When she hears of her husband’s dubious accusation, Go Mi-Ho takes action to clear his name.
#4 Again My Life
When Kim Hee-Woo (played by Lee Joon-Gi) was in high school, his grades were at the bottom of the class. Despite this, he never gave up and went on to university to become a lawyer. Now working as a passionate prosecutor, Kim See Woo finds himself in the center of an investigation into possible corruption related to politician Jo Tae-Seob (Lee Kyoung-Young). In the midst of it all, he is killed. Miraculously, Kim See Woo wakes up alive once more – although just how remains a mystery.
#5 Remarriage and Desires
Rex is a matchmaking company catering to the most affluent and elite customers. From Lee Hyung-Ju (Lee Hyun-Wook) looking for love to Seo Hye-Seung (Kim Hee-Seon) seeking revenge, clients from all walks of life rely on Rex to help them reach the pinnacle of society.
#6 Our Blues
Our Blues is a K-Drama that covers the story of multiple characters from Lee Dong-Seok to Lee Yeong-Ok and everyone in between. The dram has a unique structure and the epodes alternate between characters.
#7 It’s Beautiful Now
Lee Yoon-Jae (Oh Min-Suk), Lee Hyun-Jae (Yoon Si-Yoon) and Lee Soo-Jae (Seo Bum-June) are three brothers who have no interest in pursuing romance or marriage, leaving their parents and grandfather concerned.
To entice the brothers to tie the knot, Lee Kyung-Cheol (Park In-Hwan), Lee Min-Ho (Park Sang-Won) and Han Kyung-Ae (Kim Hye-Ok) offer them an apartment. Each brother takes on the challenge of finding a partner for marriage.
#8 Business Proposal
Shin Ha-Ri (Kim Se-Jeong) has a crush on her male friend. When she discovers he already has a girlfriend, she agrees to go on a blind date on behalf of her chaebol friend Jin Young-Seo. Unbeknownst to Shin Ha-Ri, the man she meets is Kang Tae-Moo (Ahn Hyo-Seop), CEO of the company where she works.
Annoyed at being interrupted from his work by his family that insists on him getting married, Kang Tae-Moo decides to marry the next woman he meets on the blind date, which turns out to be Shin Ha-Ri in disguise. The drama covers the ups and downs of this unexpected and unusual arrangement.
#9 Ghost Doctor
Cha Young-Min (Rain) is an arrogantly selfish genius doctor, but due to an accident he ends up in a coma and his spirit is now able to inhabit another doctor’s body. The differences between him and the new host are stark, from their personalities to their medical expertise.
#10 Bad and Crazy
Soo-Yeol (Lee Dong-Wook) is a determined police officer who works at the Mooui Police Department and has achieved success through questionable ethical practices. His life takes an unexpected turn when he meets K (Wi Ha-Joon), a righteous but crazy person determined to be a hero by any means necessary.
Hee-Gyeom (Han Ji-Eun) is a police lieutenant on the drug squad at the Mooui Police Department, who is just as righteous and passionate about her job as Soo-Yeol. She was once dating Soo-Yeol prior to his meeting K.
#11 Love in Contract
Choi Sang-Eun (Park Min-Young) is a talented and charming woman who works as a contract marriage master. Her task is to help her clients secure the perfect single life. To do this, she must become different people for each of them. For Jung Ji-Ho (Ko Gyung-Pyo), her client for five years who she sees on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, she must take on a mysterious persona. Her other client is Kang Hae-Jin (Kim Jae-Young), a popular actor whom she meets on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Due to developing closer relationships with both of these men, Choi Sang-Eun finds herself into an unexpected love triangle.
#12 The Law Cafe
Kim Jung-Ho (Lee Seung-Gi) is an intelligent and unemployed man who lives off the rent from a building he owns. He has had a crush on Kim Yoo-Ri (Lee Se-Young), a beautiful and driven woman, since high school. Kim Yoo-Ri leaves her job as a lawyer at a big firm and opens up Law Cafe in the same building owned by Kim Jung-Ho. The cafe offers both coffee and legal advice to anyone who stops by.
#13 Thirty Nine
Cha Mi-Jo (Son Ye-Jin) is a 39-year-old woman with a privileged upbringing. She runs her own dermatology clinic in Gangnam, Seoul. This is her story and that of her two good friends – a shopping assistant and an acting coach. The drama covers their journey as to how they tackle this stage of their lives and how they find the courage to move ahead despite their fears and doubts as well as obstacles that life throws as them.
#14 Cafe Minamdang
Nam Han-Jun (Seo In-Guk) is a former criminal profiler turned fraudster. He runs a fortune teller shop called Minamdang and lures customers in with his attractive physical appearance and smooth talking skills. To help him scam customers, he partners with Su-Cheol, who owns a private detective agency, and Nam Hye-Jun, an elite hacker. Han Jae-Hui (Oh Yeon-Seo) is a passionate detective who somehow gets wrapped up in Nam Han-Jun’s dealings.
#15 Let Me Be Your Knight
Yoon Tae-In (Lee Jun-Young) is the leader of the popular K-pop group Luna. He suffers from sleep walking, and to help him with his ailment a mysterious fake doctor moves in with him. Concurrently, In Yoon-Joo (Jung In-Sun), a tour guide who dreams of owning her own house, gets dragged into an incident that causes her to move in as the fake doctor along with Tae-In and other four members of Luna.
#16 The Sound of Magic
Yoon A-Yi (Choi Sung-Eun) is a hardworking high school student who balances her studies and part-time jobs to support herself and her younger sister. Despite the absence of her parents due to debt collectors, Yoon A-Yi excels both academically and physically. Meanwhile, her classmate Na Il-Deung (Hwang In-Yeop) develops feelings for her. During a visit to an abandoned amusement park, Yoon A-Yi meets Magician Ri-Eul (Ji Chang-Wook), who encourages Yoon A-Yi’s belief in magic with his magical performances and comforting words.
#17 Forecasting Love and Weather
The k-drama follows the love and work lives of two employees at the Korea Meteorological Administration—Jin Ha-Kyung and Lee Shi-Woo—as they navigate their professional duties as well as their personal relationships with each other.
Safe to say, 2022 was definitely a good year for Korean drama series and this list does not even begin to cover all the dramas that were released. With so many different genres, stories and characters to explore, there truly is something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a romantic comedy or an intense thriller, these dramas are sure to keep you captivated until the very end! So grab some snacks and get ready for a marathon of your favorite K-dramas!
For those looking for specific genres and troupes, here are my top recommendations for various genres:
Best revenge drama: Reborn Rich.
Best romantic comedy: Business Proposal.
Best fantasy drama: The Sound of Magic.
Best idol drama: Let Me Be Your Knight
Best lawyer drama: Again My Life
Best police drama: Cafe Minamdang
Hope you enjoyed this list of K-dramas for 2022! There are still plenty more dramas to explore and I wish you all a happy drama marathon! Happy watching and enjoy!
What other k-drama from 2022 do you think should have made the list? Which was your favourite 2022 k-drama?
*This article is not sponsored. This article contains affiliate links which means that Cafebiblioart might receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make any purchases by clicking the links included in this article. Thank you for your support. It is you that keep us going.
Itaewon Class is a 2020 South Korean television series starring Park Seo-Joon, Kim Da-mi, and Kown Nara. The series is based on the webtoon of the same name written by Kwang Jin. Itaewon Classis a a story about young people in their 20s overcoming prejudice and discrimination against them, and finding success on their own terms.
Summary of the plot
The series follows the life of Park Saeoriy whose life is turned upside down due to the members of a chaebol family. Following his father’s death, Park Saeoriy ends up imprisoned, a time during which he works to better himself and starts coming up with a plan on how to avenge his father. The k-drama follows his journey from the bottom to the top as he opens up his own restaurant in Itaewon, which quickly becomes a hot spot for the young.
As he begins to find success, he also starts to attract the attention of some of the most powerful people in South Korea. However, Park Saeoriy is not content with just being a successful businessman; he also wants to take down those who have wronged him in the past.
The Itaewon Classk-drama is a story of revenge, friendship, and love. Park Saeoriy’s journey is one that will resonate with many young people who have felt like they are up against the world.
The Characters
Park Saeroiy (played by Park Seo-Joon) – is the main protagonist of the story. He is a high school student who is expelled from his school after punching a bully. This event changes the course of his life and leads him on a path of revenge. However, through his interactions with the people in Itaewon, he slowly starts to heal and build a new life for himself.
Jo Yi Seo (played by Kim Da-mi) – is one of the main female leads. She is a high school student who befriends Park Saeroiy. She is a bright and optimistic person who believes in second chances.
Oh Soo-ah (played by Kown Nara) – is another one of the main female leads. She is an orphan girl that grew up at an orphanage where Saeroiy’s father volunteered his time. She starts to befriend Saeroiy and even begins developing feelings for him, however, her need and desire to find herself a place in this world leads her down a path that Saeroiy cannot follow
Jang Geun-won (played by Ahn Bo-hyun) – is the main antagonist of the story. He is from a wealthy family and is used to getting whatever he wants. When he meets Park Saeroiy, he sees him as an obstacle in his path and does everything in his power to bring him down.
Comments on Itaewon Class
This show does a really great job of depicting real-life issues such as classism, ablism, homophobia, and racism in Korea. The characters are all well-developed and likable. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between the two lead characters, played by Park Seo-Joon and Kim Da-mi. They have great chemistry together and their scenes were very sweet and heartwarming.
Itaewon Class is a show that perfectly captures the zeitgeist of our times. The main character, Park Saeroyi, is an unlikely hero who doesn’t fit into any one box. He’s a high school dropout, an ex-convict, and an orphan. But he’s also incredibly driven, passionate, and resourceful. These qualities are what help him succeed in opening up his own bar, in the Itaewon neighborhood of Seoul.
The show does an excellent job of depicting the struggles and challenges that young entrepreneurs face in today’s society. Park Sae-ro-yi has to deal with obstacles such as ruthless competition, hostile takeover attempts, and malicious rumors. However, he continues to persevere against all odds and fight for what he believes in.
The show also features a diverse cast of characters, which helps to create a more realistic and relatable experience for viewers. In addition to Park Sae-ro-yi, we have Jo Yi Seo (played by Kim Da-mi), Ma Hyeon Yi (played by Lee Joo Young), Kim Toni (played by Chris Lyon) and many more. Each character brings their own unique perspective and background to the table, which helps to create a well-rounded and nuanced view of the world that the show takes place in.
Another thing I would like to mention is that this is Park Seo Joon’s best performance to date. He is not a bad actor, really is not, but his performance in Itaewon Class is on another level. He completely disappears into his role and becomes Park Saeroyi. You forget that he is an actor playing a character and start to believe that he is the character. It is truly amazing to watch.
Overall, I would highly recommend Itaewon Class to anyone looking for a touching, funny, and realistic portrayal of young adults in Korea today. The series tackles important issues in a way that is both entertaining and educational, and it is definitely worth watching!
Have you watched Itaewon Class? What did you think of this drama?
Today I wanted to talk to you about the first ever k-drama I watched. This k-drama introduced me into an entirely new universe that I had no idea existed and it completely captivated me. I’m talking about the k-drama Romance is a Bonus Book.
I was always fascinated with foreign culture, including Korean culture, but k-dramas just never called to me. The fact that JJ does not really enjoy watching them did not help and my family never watched any either while I was growing up so our household never really had any Korean dramas playing in the background.
One day, I stumbled upon Romance is a Bonus Book completely by accident and decided to give it a try. Let’s just say that my life changed forever and any free time I had left basically vanished.
Summary of the plot
Romance is a Bonus Book centers around Cha Eun Ho (Lee Jong Suk), a successful editor at a publishing company, and Kang Dan-i (Lee Na Young), a former copywriter who has been out of the workforce for years. After Dan-i’s husband leaves her for another woman, she finds herself struggling to make ends meet. She eventually takes a job at Eun Ho’s publishing house, but things are far from smooth sailing from there. The fact that the two have a very interesting history together only complicates matters further.
The Characters
Cha Eun Ho (played by Lee Jong Suk) is the chief editor at a publishing company. He’s a bit of a perfectionist, and he’s always striving to be the best at his job.
Kang Dan-i (played by Lee Na Young) is a former copywriter who has been out of the workforce for years. After her husband leaves her for another woman, she finds herself struggling to make ends meet so she is forced to go back to work so that she can take care of her daughter
Comments on Romance is a Bonus Book
I’ve never really been one to follow Korean drama series as I mentioned in the intro, but when I saw the trailer for Romance is a Bonus Book, I was hooked so I decided to give Korean dramas a try.
Romance is a Bonus Book takes place in a modern, contemporary setting and the plot lines are super relatable. The best part though is that the series is centered around books. Besides what promised to be a cute love story, one of the themes of the series are books so that obviously caught my attention straight away. You should know just how much I love books!
There haven’t been many series over the years that focused on books and none quite like this one, as far as I recall. The Korean drama Romance is a Bonus Book even takes place at a publishing company! Unfortunately, this also exposed me to aspects of the publishing industry I wish I had not seen, but also bits and pieces that I was not familiar with. It was interesting to find out something new.
Let’s talk a bit about the plot. I will do my best to keep the spoilers to a minimum.
The protagonist of the story is a divorced, ex-copywriter who dedicated her life to her daughter and husband. After her husband has had enough and was tired of struggling to put food on the table after his business dealings failed, he leaves his wife and family for another woman. As such, Dan-i is forced to return to work in order to take care of herself and keep her daughter in school. However, nothing is ever easy, and going back to work after a long gap is even less so.
We live in a world where ageism is a thing and it seems that this aspect is even more emphasized in Asian culture. When there is so much fresh blood why hire someone who has a family, who has responsibilities, and is considered to not have the same ability to work long hours as someone who just finished school?
Basically, think of The Second Act without J. Lo and in Korea, but unlike J. Lo, Dan-i is forced to accept menial jobs and in the end takes up a position below her level of education.
Mind you, drama is not even the right word to describe the trauma that Dan-i has to endure. It is truly heartbreaking what Dan-i has gone through in order to get her life back on track, however, it is also endearing and empowering.
Something I really enjoy was that the events are presented in a relatable manner rather than making them seem too dramatic.
Despite being willing to do whatever it takes to survive and to ensure that her daughter is able to benefit from a good education, Dan-i ultimate help comes from her childhood best friend who works as an editor-in-chief at a publishing house. Not only does Dan-i learn about an opening within his company, but even before that, she pretended to be the person she hired for him to help around the house while he was at work. Wow, that sounded weird, but here is where the first elements of comedy come in as he did not realize that it was Dan-i who acted as his housekeeper.
I won’t tell you more about the plot as I wouldn’t want to spoil the show for you. What I will leave you with is a few thoughts on some aspects that I found particularly interesting or relatable.
The series itself acts as a reminder that there are books that make us laugh, that bring us joy, but also books that will make us cry, and feel sorrow however all of them regardless of genre take us on an adventure and can also open our eyes and minds to issues that we otherwise would have never been exposed too.
There is a whole universe or rather an infinite number of universes waiting to be discovered in books. The k-drama Romance is a Bonus Book also emphasizes an idea we rarely hear: it is okay to not love a book even though someone else loves it. Just grab another one, both metaphorically and physically.
There will be books we will cherish above all others, books that keep us company throughout the chapters of our lives, and books that gain a different meaning each time we read them. Dan-i is also reminded of this fact and as such, she opens her heart and mind and decides to revisit the book that she cherished the longest, the book that kept her company and kept her warm without hesitation and without expectations whenever she needed.
This time, however, the phrases she highlighted over the years gain a completely different meaning as she finally learns to read between the lines and uncovers all the things she missed. You will definitely make more sense of what I am saying here once you start watching the series.
I also really enjoyed the slow-burn romance between Eun Ho and Dan-i. Their relationship isn’t rushed; instead, it unfolds naturally over time as the two get to know each other better in a different light than before. There are plenty of touching moments between them that left me swooning, but my favorite scene by far is when the two first express their feelings for each other using the work of a famous Japanese writer – Natsume Soseki.
The chemistry between Lee Jong Suk and Lee Na Young is undeniable, and they definitely have great on-screen chemistry together. They play off of each other so well that it’s easy to believe that they could actually be falling in love in real life (even though we know that is not the case).
Another concept that I loved in Romance is a Bonus Book is the idea that not just our own lives are formed by various books – some sad, some happy, some empowering, etc, all of which symbolize the stages of our life, the events we go through, but that people themselves are like a book.
So fall in love with someone who is like a book, a book that brings you warmth, that brings you joy, and one that you can rely on. Fall in love with a book that you look forward to rereading time and time again and one that will continue to surprise you and gain a different meaning each time you open it.
This brings us back to the series title – Romance is a Bonus Book. Romance is not something we absolutely need to experience in our lives (depends on who you are asking…), but it is a bonus that some will be fortunate to find. If you do find it, cherish it.
I am not a writer however I do hope that I managed to give a satisfactory explanation and make the ideas come across as intended. All of the above definitely sounded way better in my head than it did on paper, but please do not let it deter you from enjoying this drama.
Romance is a Bonus Book is truly a beautiful story filled with some great reflection-worthy material.
The soundtrack is up to par as well with some songs I now have downloaded onto my phone. The artists are incredible and I look forward to exploring more of their work. Another thing I do wish to mention is that the songs fit the story incredibly well and add just a tiny bit more to the whole setting, but are not there to compensate for anything. Think of the songs like the sprinkles on top of a sundae.
The one thing I am sorry about which is by no means anyone’s fault other than my own is potentially missing some of the cultural nuances that I am unfamiliar with. However, for the most part, any such aspects are explained quite well even if not necessarily through words so any viewer regardless of background is able to grasp them. Plus at its core, the k-drama is all about love in its various forms and love is a universal language.
Beyond the beautiful story which I am sure will stay with me for a very long time, Romance is a Bonus Book is also a great way to start immersing yourself in this type of series. I may be biased here, but after watching over 100 series, there is no other k-drama I can think of that would have been a better fit for a “first”, not for me anyway. Had I not started with this one, I am not sure whether I would have watched so many afterward.
This particular story was incredibly retable, light for the most part, or at least presented in a light way if we are going to be accurate here, but also meaningful.
This was an odd discussion, wasn’t it? I haven’t found myself so affected by a series or book in a long time. It came out of nowhere and it all started from watching a cute trailer that more or less popped up in front of my eyes while browsing Netflix.
I am glad that I have spent 16 or so hours watching the Korean drama as it brought up some interesting aspects and questions that I need to consider. Also, watching the series left me with a sense of calm, of joy, as odd as it may sound. Yes, I did end up watching all the episodes and do wish there were more, but I am happy with the time I got to spend with Cha Eun Ho and Kang Dan-i, plus the rest of the characters.
I have no idea whether I managed to successfully convey my thoughts and feelings about the drama, but I hope that I have. I definitely recommend that you give the series a go, if you do not enjoy it, you can always find another one, one that brings you as much joy as Romance is a Bonus Book brought me.
Have you watched Romance is a Bonus Book? What did you think of this drama?
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