5 / 10 (based on 5 reviews)
A teen romantic comedy that tells the story of a chef named Sung Jun who is the best at his craft and has no flaws in the eyes of others, but he is simply hopeless when it comes to love. But when he meets a girl who eats everything deliciously, he falls in love at first sight.
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Main Cast: Moon Ga-young, Chanshik Gong, Hee-Jeong Kim
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 6 episodes, 16-minute runtime
Shows Most Like Masitneun Yeonae (2015)
Find Me in Your Memory (2020)
7.4 / 10 (based on 948 reviews)
A love story between a man who remembers every second of his life and a woman who forgot her painful past.
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Romance
Main Cast: Dong-wook Kim, Moon Ga-young, Seung-Joon Lee, Lee Jin Hyuk
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 32 episodes, 35.0-minute runtime
Shinibsagwan Goohaeryung (2019)
8.1 / 10 (based on 2442 reviews)
Set in the early 19th century. Goo Hae Ryung works as a historian. Female historians like Goo Hae Ryung are generally looked down upon because of their gender. Yet, Goo Hae Ryung fulfills her duty as a historian. She gets involved with Prince Lee Rim.
Genre: Drama, History, Romance
Main Cast: Shin Se-Kyung, Cha Eun-Woo, Ji-Hoon Lee, Gi-woong Park
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 40 episodes, 35.0-minute runtime
Sangsogjadeul (2013)
7.5 / 10 (based on 11689 reviews)
After a chance encounter in LA, two teens from different social backgrounds reunite at an exclusive high school attended by Korea’s über rich.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Lee Min-Ho, Park Shin-Hye, Woo-bin Kim, Kim Ji-Won
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 20 episodes, 55.0-minute runtime
Naemsaereul Boneun Sonyeo (2015)
7.2 / 10 (based on 1281 reviews)
Detective Tae Ho lost his younger sister to a barcode-murder case and lost his ability to taste, smell, and feel pain. He then meets Oh Cho Rim, the only witness to the murder case who possesses a special sense: she can see smells.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Romance
Main Cast: Yu Chun Park, Shin Se-Kyung, Jin-Seo Yoon, Min Namkoong
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 60.0-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
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 62.0-minute runtime
Chungchungirok (2020)
7.2 / 10 (based on 2793 reviews)
Two actors and a makeup artist fight to make their own way in a world that weighs the backgrounds they were born into more than their dreams.
Genre: Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Park Bo-Gum, So-dam Park, Woo-Seok Byeon, Shin Dong-mi
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 70.0-minute runtime
Yeoshingangrim (2020)
8 / 10 (based on 9133 reviews)
After being bullied and discriminated because of her ugly looks, a high school girl transforms herself into a gorgeous “goddess” and quickly rises to fame after mastering the art of makeup via online tutorial videos.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Moon Ga-young, Cha Eun-Woo, Hwang In-Yeop, Yoo-na Park
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 70.0-minute runtime
Seutateueob (2020)
8 / 10 (based on 11662 reviews)
Young entrepreneurs aspiring to launch virtual dreams into reality compete for success and love in the cutthroat world of Korea’s high-tech industry.
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Main Cast: Bae Suzy, Nam Joo-Hyuk, Kim Seon-Ho, Kang Han-na
Creators:
Directors:
Writers:
1 season, 16 episodes, 80.0-minute runtime
In the vast ocean of Korean dramas, where romance and melodrama often reign supreme, there’s a show that, while it might not have broken international viewership records, has certainly left a mark on those who’ve stumbled upon it. “Masitneun Yeonae,” also known as “Tasty Love” in English, is a 2015 South Korean series that delicately blends the elements of romance, drama, and the culinary arts. This show offers a refreshing take on the genre, steering clear of the overused tropes that often plague similar narratives.
The Premise
At its core, “Masitneun Yeonae” is a story about love, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness. The narrative revolves around the lives of two main characters, each with their own dreams and struggles. The male lead, a talented chef, is passionate about cooking and aspires to make a name for himself in the culinary world. His counterpart, a driven marketing professional, is equally ambitious but in a completely different field. Their paths cross in a serendipitous encounter that eventually leads to a complex relationship, flavored with the ups and downs of life, much like the dishes they both come to share and enjoy.
The Characters
One of the show’s strengths lies in its well-developed characters. They are not just archetypes or caricatures; they are people with depth, flaws, and growth arcs that make them relatable.
The Chef
The male lead is not your typical brooding hero with a mysterious past. He’s approachable, passionate about his craft, and has a genuine desire to bring joy to people through his food. His journey is not just about achieving professional success but also about understanding the value of personal connections and the role they play in one’s happiness and fulfillment.
The Marketer
The female lead, on the other hand, represents the modern career woman. She’s ambitious, competent, and fiercely independent. However, her journey throughout the series reveals the complexities of balancing professional aspirations with personal relationships. Her character challenges the stereotype of the career-oriented woman often portrayed in media, showing that one’s professional drive does not negate the capacity for love and vulnerability.
The Romance
What sets “Masitneun Yeonae” apart from other romance dramas is the way it handles the relationship between the leads. The show avoids the common pitfall of instant love; instead, it opts for a slow burn, allowing the characters to naturally develop feelings for each other. Their relationship is built on mutual respect, shared passions, and the understanding that love is not just about grand gestures but also about the small moments that bring people closer.
The Culinary Aspect
Food plays a pivotal role in “Masitneun Yeonae,” not just as a backdrop for the characters’ interactions but as a character in its own right. The dishes prepared and shared throughout the series are more than just visual treats; they symbolize the characters’ emotions, dreams, and the evolution of their relationship. The show does an excellent job of integrating the culinary theme into the narrative, making it an essential element of the story rather than a mere gimmick.
Why It Stands Out
In a genre that often relies on predictable plots and over-the-top drama, “Masitneun Yeonae” is a breath of fresh air. It offers a more grounded take on romance, focusing on realistic characters and their personal growth. The show’s emphasis on the importance of dreams, the value of hard work, and the beauty of simple, everyday moments resonate with viewers looking for a more relatable and heartfelt story.
The Cultural Impact
While “Masitneun Yeonae” may not have achieved the same level of fame as some of its contemporaries, it has certainly made an impact on its viewers. The show has sparked discussions about the representation of career-oriented women in media, the importance of following one’s passion, and the role of food in bringing people together. It has also inspired viewers to explore Korean cuisine, with many attempting to recreate the dishes featured in the series.
Conclusion
“Masitneun Yeonae” is a gem in the Korean drama landscape. It’s a show that proves you don’t need extravagant plots or dramatic twists to tell a compelling story. Sometimes, all it takes is well-written characters, a relatable narrative, and a dash of culinary magic to create something truly special. Whether you’re a fan of romance dramas or just looking for a series that offers something different, “Masitneun Yeonae” is definitely worth checking out. It’s a testament to the fact that the simplest stories are often the most memorable.