“That’s life. Full of ups and downs.” – Nam Haeng Seon (Crash Course In Romance)
When it comes to blending comedy, romance, and heartfelt moments, the 2023 South Korean drama ‘Crash Course In Romance’ truly nails the formula. Directed by Yoo Jae Won and starring Jeon Do Yeon and Jung Kyung Ho, this series perfectly balances light humor with touching emotions that make viewers laugh, cry, and fall in love all at once. The story centers around Nam Haeng Seon (played by Jeon Do Yeon), who owns a banchan (small side dishes) shop, and Choi Chi Yeol (played by Jung Kyung Ho), a celebrity math instructor. As they navigate everyday challenges, they develop a deep romantic connection.
Series : Crash Course In Romance
Where to watch: Netflix
Cast: Jeon Do Yeon , Jung Kyung Ho
Writer: Yang Hee Seung
Director: Yoo Jae Won
Network: tvN
The Plot
Nam Haeng Seon is a former national handball player who now runs a banchan shop. After her mother’s demise, she takes care of her disabled younger brother and adopted daughter, Nam Hae-e (played by Roh Yoon Seo), who was abandoned by Haeng Seon’s elder sister. She has a cheerful and positive personality and super stamina. Unexpectedly, she meets Choi Chi Yeol, a math instructor who is popular in the field of private education. Despite being wealthy and having a strong reputation, Chi Yeol is indifferent toward people and suffers from an eating disorder. His manager, Dong Hui (played by Shin Jae Ha), is aware of his condition and buys him food from Haeng Sun’s banchan shop.
Initially, Haeng Seon and Chi Yeol start off on the wrong foot, but when he falls in love with her cooking—which also reminds him of his past—they begin developing a connection, eventually falling in love. The plot then continues with the rivalry between Dong Hui and Chi Yeol, alongside the growing romance between Chi Yeol and Haeng Seon, as they face and overcome tough situations together.
The Characters
Nam Haeng Seon (played by Jeon Do Yeon)
She is a former national handball player who now runs a banchan shop. After her mother’s death, she looks after her disabled younger brother and her niece, who becomes her adopted daughter.
Choi Chi Yeol (played by Jung Kyung Ho)
A celebrity math instructor at Pride Academy, renowned in the field of private education, he suffers from an eating disorder but loves the banchan from Haeng Seon’s shop. Despite his strict and serious exterior, he has a gentle side that emerges around Haeng Seon, showing a rare warmth and vulnerability that surprises those who know him only professionally.
Nam Hae-e (played by Roh Yoon Seo)
Haeng Seon’s adopted daughter and niece, who was abandoned by her mother as a child. She is intelligent, diligent in her studies, and often thoughtful beyond her years, showing maturity and kindness in her interactions with those around her
Sun Jae (played by Lee Chae Min)
Nam Hae-e’s best friend and a fellow student in Class 2-1, he supports her with study materials and secretly has a crush on her.
Dong Hui/ Jeong Seong Hyeon (played by Shin Jae Ha)
Chi Yeol’s manager, who turns out to be the younger brother of one of her former deceased students, Jeong Su Hyeon. He appears devoted and reliable, but beneath his calm facade, he is deeply obsessive, turning his loyalty into something dangerous.
What made the show popular ?
- Relatable and Mature Leads: The romance between Nam Haeng Seon and Choi Chi Yeol feels genuine and refreshing, making the series stand out from many other rom-com K-dramas. Their chemistry and the way their relationship unfolds resonate strongly with the audience.
- Insight into the Education System: The drama offers insight and a thoughtful critique of South Korea’s fiercely competitive private education sector, highlighting the immense pressure on students and the high expectations placed on them by their parents.
- Powerful Performances and Chemistry: Jeon Do Yeon and Jung Kyung Ho deliver standout performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their characters. Their compelling chemistry adds significant emotional weight to the story.
- Heartfelt Narrative: Beyond the romantic plot, the series weaves a touching tale about family bonds, emotional support, and the concept of chosen families, giving the story a meaningful emotional foundation.
- Genre Fusion: ‘Crash Course In Romance’ skillfully blends romance, comedy, drama, and elements of suspense, keeping the storyline dynamic and engaging without ever feeling repetitive.
- A Refreshing Approach to Romance: The show offers a light, charming, and straightforward romance that breaks away from conventional K-drama clichés, making it appealing to a wide audience.
- Intriguing Mystery Element: A subplot involving a mysterious individual who shoots metal balls at students adds an exciting layer of suspense, keeping viewers intrigued and on the edge of their seats throughout the series.
The drama ‘Crash Course In Romance’ may have started with small side dishes and equations, but it ends with joy and happiness, proving that even in romance, the best lessons come outside the classroom, adding flavor to life—just like the banchan. If only all math tutors came with this much heart and romance, this drama would surely be added to your watchlist.
Written by : MANSHA CHAUHAN
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