“Until I come to the end of my very last step, I’ll remember you”. – Jang Man Wol (Hotel Del Luna)
Who says romance and ghosts don’t mix? In the ever-evolving world of Korean dramas, the supernatural horror rom-com has carved out a quirky, spine-tingling niche that’s equal parts heart-fluttering and hair-raising. Blending eerie hauntings with hilarious hijinks and unexpected love stories, these dramas take viewers on a rollercoaster ride through the afterlife, with a lot of laughs and a few jump scares along the way. Whether it’s a ghost with a grudge who can’t help but fall in love or a grim reaper discovering human emotions, the genre proves that even in the darkest of settings, romance finds a way. If you’re in the mood for a drama that blends eerie thrills with unexpected romance, ‘Hotel del Luna’ is an absolute must-watch
Set in a hidden hotel that caters exclusively to ghosts with unfinished business, the series mixes haunting mysteries with heartfelt moments. At the center is Jang Man-wol, a centuries-old owner bound to the hotel by a curse, and Gu Chan-sung, a level-headed human dragged into the supernatural world by fate. With its stunning visuals, emotional depth, and witty humor, ‘Hotel del Luna’ proves that even in a place for the dead, love and laughter still linger.
Series: Hotel del Luna
Where to watch: Netflix
Cast: Lee Ji-eun / IU, Yeo Jin-goo, Lee Do-hyun
Written by: Hong Jung-eun, Hong Mi-ran (Hong sisters)
Directed by: Oh Chung-hwan
The Plot
‘Hotel del Luna’, a 2019 supernatural romantic comedy, portrays the story of a hotel and its staff, hidden from human eyes and visible only under rare circumstances. The hotel and its staff exclusively serve ghosts with unresolved grudges. Located in Myeong-dong, Seoul, the hotel is run by supernatural staff bound to it for centuries, unable to move on to the afterlife. Its mysterious owner, Jang Man-wol (played by Lee Ji-eun / IU), has been cursed to manage the hotel for over a thousand years due to a grave sin from her past.
After making a deal with a man to spare his life, Man-wol claims his son, Gu Chan-sung (played by Yeo Jin-goo), to work for her 20 years later. Raised abroad, Chan-sung grew up to be a rational and warm-hearted hotelier. When he returns to Korea, fate leads him to fulfill the old promise and become the human general manager of Hotel del Luna—unraveling its secrets and helping both the living and the dead find closure.
The Characters
Jang Man-wol (played by Lee Ji-eun / IU)
The enigmatic owner of Hotel del Luna, Jang Man-wol, has been bound to the hotel for over 1,300 years as punishment for a grave sin from her past. With a temperamental and distant demeanor, she often keeps others at arm’s length. Despite her brooding presence, she has a flair for the extravagant—indulging in designer fashion, flashy cars, and the finest champagne.
Gu Chan-sung (played by Yeo Jin-goo)
Gu Chan-sung, the newly appointed general manager of Hotel del Luna, is a Harvard-educated perfectionist who initially lands a prestigious role at one of Korea’s top hotel chains. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he’s compelled to honor a decades-old deal his father made with Jang Man-wol. Practical, calm, and principled, Chan-sung’s logical mindset often clashes with Man-wol’s impulsive nature, especially when he tries to rein in her lavish spending and morally questionable antics.
Go Chung-myung (played by Lee Do-hyun)
A royal guard captain who becomes a friend of Man-wol and Yeon-woo and eventually falls in love with her in one of her previous lives. He is also a wandering spirit alongside Man-wol that she is unaware of.
Noh Joon-suk (played by Jung Dong-hwan)
The long-serving general manager of Hotel del Luna for over 30 years before Chan-sung. He shares a deep bond with Man-wol, seeing her as a mix of sister, daughter, and friend.
Kim Seon-bi (played by Shin Jung-geun)
The hotel’s veteran bartender at the Sky Bar, Seon-bi, is its oldest employee, having once been a respected Joseon-era scholar.
Choi Seo-hee (played by Bae Hae-sun)
Lively and outspoken, she handles housekeeping and room service. In her past life, she was a nobleman’s wife during the Joseon Dynasty.
Ji Hyun-joong (played by Pyo Ji-hoon)
A courteous but unenthusiastic receptionist, Hyun-joong died as a student during the Korean War and has worked at the hotel ever since.
Jung Soo-jung / Kim Yoo-na (played by Kang Mi-na)
A wealthy, arrogant student whose body is overtaken by the spirit of Jung Soo-jung, a classmate she once bullied. After Yoo-na’s spirit is destroyed, Soo-jung remains in her body and takes on her identity.
Why Hotel del Luna Stands Out
- Unique premise: A hotel for the dead serving spirits with unfinished business that is invisible to the living—this imaginative concept offers a refreshing spin on the supernatural genre. This concept gives the show an emotional depth, as each ghost has their unresolved pasts, regrets, and stories that unfold throughout the series.
- Stunning visuals and atmosphere: The series is visually breathtaking, with rich, cinematic scenes that create a magical and immersive world. Every scene is carefully crafted to immerse viewers in its ethereal world. This stunning visual composition, paired with the drama’s exceptional background score, results in an elegant blend of visuals and sound to create an unforgettable viewing experience.
- Compelling characters and story: Exploring deep themes like forgiveness, redemption, and the afterlife, the show draws viewers into emotionally layered character arcs, especially Jang Man-wol’s.
- Strong performances: At the heart of ‘Hotel del Luna’ lies its exceptional cast, whose performances breathe life into the show’s intricate characters. The chemistry between IU and Yeo Jin-goo is electric, with their dynamic shifting between tension, humor, and tender moments of connection.
- Cultural influence: One of the standout features of ‘Hotel del Luna’ is its deep connection to East Asian cultural and mythological elements, which enrich the storytelling and add layers of mystique to the show. The series draws inspiration from various traditional beliefs about the afterlife, spirits, and reincarnation, weaving them into the narrative in a way that feels authentic and captivating.
- Memorable music and star-studded soundtrack: ‘Hotel del Luna’ features a captivating soundtrack with contributions from a lineup of top K-pop artists like Punch, Heize, Red Velvet, Chungha, 10CM, Gummy, Paul Kim, and many more, each adding their unique touch to the show’s atmosphere. The blend of hauntingly beautiful melodies and powerful vocals perfectly complements the supernatural and emotional tone of the drama, making the music just as memorable as the story itself.
‘Hotel del Luna’ is more than just a supernatural K-drama: it’s an emotional journey with a bittersweet ending that explores love, loss, and redemption in a beautifully crafted, otherworldly setting. With its unique premise, stunning visuals, unforgettable performances, and an unforgettable soundtrack, the show blends genres seamlessly, offering lighthearted moments as well as heart-wrenching drama. At its core, it reminds us that even in a world beyond life, the search for closure and connection is universal. Hotel del Luna may be a hotel for the dead, but its impact is very much alive, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who steps through its doors.
Written by Mansha
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