I first heard about “Queen In-hyun’s Man” (tvN / 2012) soon after it had ended, when Ji Hyun-woo (Kim Boong-do) admitted in front of everybody, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE, that he had fallen in love with his co-star, Yoo In-na (Choi Hee-jin). I mean !!!! but then they started dating, he went off to military service, and they broke up sometime after. Still, my interest was piqued! If a real relationship was the endgame, the must in-show chemistry have been bonkers, nah mean?
This was a show that had the intrigue of Joseon machinations, comedy, fantasy, and romance — I just wasn’t expecting a romance where the leads were totally and 100% smitten with one another. Obviously they should be, this is a romance, but there are so many dramas where the main characters are in complete denial about their feelings and spent twenty billion episodes shooing away their love interest or being indecisive. NOT. THIS. SHOW. It was so smart. It had an emotional impact. And most importantly, it was so freaking cute (when it wasn’t tearing up my heart with tragedy, that is).
Seriously, how adorable was it when Hee-jin was the one to teach him about “modern romance” (e.g. cars aren’t just for driving, they’re for kissing in)? And even better was that Boong-do (Swoony McSwoonerswoon) was fully aware that she was making this stuff up, but he just played along anyway. AND I SWOONED! I swear, it’s so much cuter when you’re watching them be cute and fall in love. And when they felt pain, I felt that pain. Sometimes all they’d do is talk or look at each other and my laptop screen would just start sizzling. Gone are the days of the cold chaebol! Kim Boong-do was the DUDE. Whereas Hee-jin wore her heart on her sleeve, Boong-do was quietly devoted to her??????? And the way he wanted to take responsibility was just………. I just……….. ugh
If I had it my way, QIHM would be my pick for best romance and best kiss, but for the sake of diversity things will be settled this way (haha). I love their relationship! I can’t recommend this show enough.
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(More) Reasons to Watch: It’s a different flavor of romance than Secret Love Affair, which was very mature and brooding. Also, Queen Yoo In-na! She’s fantastic.
Honorable Mention: “PRIDE”, again. You might have noticed that PRIDE has been the runner up for (now) three posts running. I usually try and write about the dramas that are in my heart at the moment, but this drama was a top contender for all these lovey categories. It is the quintessential Japanese romance drama and I highly, highly recommend it, especially if you want to see Kimutaku doing what he does best. He also had an increeeeedible leading lady, and I was not aware that I could like Takeuchi Yuko more than I already did, hah.