7.6 / 10 (based on 1356 reviews)
Lee Kang is a neurosurgeon, who once dreamed of becoming a chef. As a child, Moon Cha Young once met Lee Kang at a small restaurant in the seaside town. There, Lee Kang cooked and gave her a meal, which in part inspired her to become a world-famous chef. Many years later, the two meet again at a hospice ward and together they heal their own emotional scars by preparing meals for the patients there.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Ha Ji-Won, Yoon Kyesang, Seung-jo Jang, Jin-Woong Min
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1 season, 16 episodes, 70-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Chocolate (2019)
Bombam (2019)
7.9 / 10 (based on 3059 reviews)
A couple in their 30s has dated for many years. When they begin to discuss marriage, they begin to look upon their relationship in a different light.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Jung Hae-In, Han Ji-min, Jun-han Kim, Yi-An Ha
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1 season, 32 episodes, 35.0-minute runtime
Dongbaekkkot Pil Muryeop (2019)
7.9 / 10 (based on 2738 reviews)
A love story of the single-parent Dongbaek, the owner of Camellia Bar among a small neighborhood, who is also being the next murder target of a serial killer case.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Thriller
Main Cast: Kong Hyo-Jin, Ji-seok Kim, Kang Ha-Neul, Oh Jeong-Se
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1 season, 40 episodes, 30.0-minute runtime
Bap Jal Sajuneun Yeppeun Nuna (2018)
8.1 / 10 (based on 7107 reviews)
Yoon Jin Ah is a woman in her mid-30s who doesn’t know yet what it’s like to date a man. She’s been dumped by a man many times because of her clumsy, reckless and foolish behavior. And again, a man she wanted to marry dumps her for the worst reason ever: that she’s like bland, tasteless devil’s-tongue jelly, which means she’s not attractive at all as a woman. Just then, Joon Hee appears before her with a broad smile on his face. He’s as refreshing as a soft drink. Joon Hee is Jin Ah’s childhood best friend’s younger brother, who used to live next door. Jin Ah has always remembered him as a little kid, but one day, he comes back as a really masculine man. When she is surprised by his change, her gut feeling tells her that she would truly fall in love this time.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Son Ye-jin, Jung Hae-In, Joo Min-Kyung, Kim Chang-wan
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1 season, 16 episodes, 75.0-minute runtime
Romaenseuneun Byulchaekboorok (2019)
8 / 10 (based on 6271 reviews)
Cha Eun Ho is a successful and handsome writer who is also the youngest chief editor at a publishing company. He has a calm demeanor and remains reasonable at work. He then becomes involved in the life of his childhood friend, Kang Dan Yi who was once a popular copywriter. She is now divorced, a single mother, unemployed and struggling in life though still attempts to find a job, but even with her once good career, she cannot. However, in a desperate attempt to find a job, she lies about her background and begins to work as a temporary worker in the same building under none other than Cha Eun Ho. As they become involved in each other’s life more than often, a love story begins to unfold.
Genre: Romance
Main Cast: Lee Na-Young, Lee Jong-Suk, Jeong Eu-Gene, Wi Ha-Joon
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1 season, 16 episodes, 62.0-minute runtime
Ibeon Saengeun Cheoeumira (2017)
8.1 / 10 (based on 5749 reviews)
Ji Ho is a single woman. She’s a writing assistant of dramas. She’s a strong and determined woman. Unfortunately, she has to leave her house and seeks other place to live. Her friends help her to find a roommate. That roommate is Se Hee.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Jung So-Min, Lee Min-ki, Esom, Byeong-eun Park
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1 season, 16 episodes, 70.0-minute runtime
Was It Love (2020)
7.1 / 10 (based on 981 reviews)
“Was it love?” is a romantic drama about a single mother of 14 years who is stuck between an attractive man who is bad, an attractive man who is young and a sexy man who is scary.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Song Ji-Hyo, Ho Joon Son, Jong-ho Song, Ja-Sung Koo
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1 season, 16 episodes, 70.0-minute runtime
Alhambeura Goongjeonui Chooeok (2018)
7.8 / 10 (based on 6171 reviews)
After suffering a setback following a friend’s betrayal Yoo Jin Woo travels to Spain on a business. There, he stays at an old hostel owned by a former classical guitarist Jung Hee Joo. The two get entangled in a mysterious incident.
Genre: Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Main Cast: Park Shin-Hye, Hyun Bin, Jin-Woong Min, Park Hoon
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1 season, 16 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Nalssiga joeumyeon chajagagesseoyo (2020)
7.8 / 10 (based on 1492 reviews)
A story about forgiveness, healing and love taking place around a small book store in the countryside.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Park Min-Young, Seo Kang-Joon, Jung-hee Moon, Jae-Wook Lee
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1 season, 16 episodes, 60.0-minute runtime
Byeong-won-seon (2017)
6.9 / 10 (based on 395 reviews)
Hospital ship is a romantic drama series with twists and turns at every episode . It’s the story about doctors who work in the hospital ship that provides free health facilities to the various remote islands in Korea. The story revolves around Doctor Kwak Hyun who is currently working in the hospital ship and Surgeon Song Eun Jae that is well known for performing various complicated surgeries. The story have love-triangle, complicated surgeries show, family issue and the last few episodes are awesome.
Genre: Romance
Main Cast: Ha Ji-Won, Kang Min Hyuk, Park Joon-geum, Han-wi Lee
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1 season, 40 episodes, 35.0-minute runtime
In the realm of television, every now and then, a show comes along that not only captures the audience’s attention but also leaves a lasting impression long after the credits roll. “Chocolate” (2019), a South Korean drama, is one such series. It’s a story that intertwines the complexities of life, love, and the healing power of food. Here, we’ll explore the elements that make “Chocolate” a must-watch, without resorting to the usual fluff.
The Essence of “Chocolate”
At its core, “Chocolate” is a narrative that explores the lives of Lee Kang and Moon Cha-young, two individuals whose paths cross in the most unexpected ways. Lee Kang, played by Yoon Kye-sang, grows up with a dream of becoming a chef but finds himself on the path to becoming a neurosurgeon. Moon Cha-young, portrayed by Ha Ji-won, becomes a chef inspired by a meal she once had as a child, cooked by none other than Lee Kang. Their story unfolds over the backdrop of a hospice, where they come together to provide comfort to those in their final days through food.
Unpacking the Characters
Lee Kang
Lee Kang’s journey is a testament to the show’s exploration of life’s unpredictability and the choices we make. His transition from aspiring chef to neurosurgeon isn’t just a career change; it’s a pivot that affects his entire being. Yet, his love for cooking remains, simmering beneath the surface, a reminder of the road not taken.
Moon Cha-young
Moon Cha-young is the embodiment of passion and resilience. Her pursuit of becoming a chef, driven by a childhood memory, shows how impactful a single moment can be in shaping our lives. Her character is a beacon of hope and determination, illustrating that pursuing one’s passion, against all odds, is a journey worth taking.
The Healing Power of Food
One of the most compelling aspects of “Chocolate” is its portrayal of food as more than just sustenance. The series beautifully illustrates how meals can evoke memories, comfort the soul, and even bring people together. The hospice setting amplifies this message, as Lee Kang and Moon Cha-young use their culinary skills to bring moments of joy to those facing their final days. It’s a poignant reminder of how food can touch our lives in profound ways.
The Portrayal of Life and Death
“Chocolate” doesn’t shy away from the realities of life and death. The hospice setting serves as a constant reminder of the fragility of life. Yet, the show manages to find beauty in the inevitable, showcasing how end-of-life care can be filled with love, dignity, and compassion. It’s a delicate balance, but “Chocolate” handles it with grace, offering viewers a perspective on death that is both sobering and uplifting.
The Power of Memories
Memories play a pivotal role in “Chocolate.” They are the threads that connect the past with the present, influencing the characters’ decisions and shaping their futures. The series masterfully uses flashbacks to reveal the depth of Lee Kang and Moon Cha-young’s connection, rooted in a shared past that neither can escape. This exploration of memories underscores the show’s message about the impact of our experiences and the indelible marks they leave on us.
The Scenic Backdrop
Set against the picturesque landscapes of South Korea and Greece, “Chocolate” is a feast for the eyes. The stunning visuals not only add to the aesthetic appeal of the series but also enhance the storytelling. The locations are chosen with purpose, reflecting the characters’ journeys and the emotional landscapes they traverse. From the serene countryside of South Korea to the breathtaking shores of Greece, the settings play a crucial role in the narrative, adding layers of meaning to the story.
The Soundtrack
No discussion of “Chocolate” would be complete without mentioning its soundtrack. The music is a character in its own right, perfectly capturing the mood of each scene and amplifying the emotional impact. The tracks range from soothing instrumentals to heart-wrenching ballads, each carefully selected to complement the story’s highs and lows. The soundtrack is not just background music; it’s an integral part of the experience, enhancing the viewer’s connection to the story.
Why “Chocolate” Stands Out
In a landscape filled with cookie-cutter dramas, “Chocolate” stands out for its depth, authenticity, and heart. It’s a series that doesn’t rely on over-the-top plot twists or melodrama to keep viewers engaged. Instead, it finds strength in its simplicity, focusing on the human experience, the complexities of life and love, and the healing power of food. “Chocolate” is a reminder that sometimes, the most profound stories are the ones that reflect our own realities, with all its beauty and pain.
In conclusion, “Chocolate” is more than just a TV show. It’s a journey through the complexities of life, love, and the inevitable end that awaits us all. Through its nuanced characters, poignant storytelling, and the universal language of food, “Chocolate” offers a unique viewing experience that resonates on a deeply personal level. Whether you’re a fan of Korean dramas or simply looking for a series that offers something more than the usual fare, “Chocolate” is a show that deserves your attention. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling and its ability to connect us, heal us, and remind us of the beauty that can be found in the most unexpected places.