South Korea · Drama · 2011
Bachelor’s Vegetable Store
Binge Brief
- Premiered December 21, 2011 and ran 24 episodes through March 8, 2012 on Channel A.
- Aired twice weekly, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with each episode running about 60 minutes.
- Directed by Lee Joon Hyeong; written by Yoon Sung Hee and Shin Eun Kyung.
- Produced by Touch Sky Production.
- Rated 15+ (Teens 15 or older) for South Korean broadcast.
Synopsis
Han Tae Yang runs a small vegetable stall in Seoul with one goal: turning it into a real store. He recruits a handful of directionless young men, including Nam Yoo Bong and Lee Chan Sol, and the group slowly builds the business together while chasing their own second chances at ordinary things like a steady job, a place to belong, and a first real success.
Tae Yang falls for Mok Ga On, who acts like a spoiled young heiress but is actually Jin Jin Shim, his childhood best friend. The real Mok Ga On died years earlier, and Jin Shim was pressured by her adoptive mother into taking her identity to settle an inheritance dispute. She recognizes Tae Yang but cannot tell him who she really is without exposing the fraud and losing everything her adoptive family built around the lie.
Lee Seul Woo, a wealthy heir with his own strained family history, is drawn to Ga On as well, and the two men's rivalry pulls at the group's friendship even as they keep working side by side at the store. Jung Dan Bi and Choi Kang Sun round out the cast of people whose own romances and disappointments run alongside the main couple's.
Directed by Lee Joon Hyeong and written by Yoon Sung Hee and Shin Eun Kyung, the 24-episode drama aired on Channel A from December 21, 2011 to March 8, 2012, airing twice weekly on Wednesdays and Thursdays. It follows the store's growth in step with Tae Yang and Ga On's relationship, as her hidden identity edges closer to coming out.
Bachelor’s Vegetable Store cast
Billing not confirmed for these names.
Best scenes
- Han Tae Yang's First Sale: Ji Chang Wook's heartfelt determination as Han Tae Yang selling his first vegetables is inspiring and emotional.
- Mok Ga On’s True Identity Reveal: The intense moment when Wang Ji Hye’s character, Jin Jin Shim, discloses her real name and backstory.
- Nam Yoo Bong's Comic Relief: Lee Kwang Soo’s comedic timing brings laughter during the group’s struggles.
- Lee Seul Woo's Confrontation with Tae Yang: Kim Young Kwang delivers a gripping performance as tension erupts between him and Tae Yang.
- The Team's Grand Opening: A celebratory scene where the group sees their dream of a successful store come to life.
Filming locations
- Seoul’s Dongdaemun Market: A busy backdrop for the vegetable-selling scenes, chosen for its market authenticity.
- Han River Park: Used for reflective moments, symbolizing growth and change.
- Traditional Korean Streets: Featured in nostalgic flashback sequences, adding cultural depth.
- Suburban Greenhouses: Highlighting the origins of the fresh produce and Tae Yang’s connection to nature.
- Modern Seoul Cafes: Contrasting the characters' urban struggles and aspirations.
Visual design and costumes
- Casual Everyday Wear: Reflecting the down-to-earth nature of the characters and their humble beginnings.
- Bright Color Palette: Warm, saturated tones in costumes and sets to suggest hope and forward motion.
- Vegetable Displays: Artistic arrangements that visually enhance the story’s connection to fresh produce.
- Modern Business Attire: Representing the corporate challenges faced by Lee Seul Woo.
- Rustic Store Design: A cozy and inviting aesthetic that reflects Tae Yang’s dream of community bonding.
Themes and messages
- Perseverance and Hard Work: Showcasing the rewards of determination and resilience in overcoming life’s challenges.
- Dreams vs. Reality: Highlighting the struggles of achieving success while staying true to oneself.
- The Power of Friendship: Demonstrating how teamwork and camaraderie can help overcome adversity.
- Romance and Sacrifice: Exploring the complexities of love in the face of ambition.
- Family and Community: Emphasizing the importance of supportive relationships in personal growth.
Interesting facts
- Inspired by a True Story: The drama is based on the real-life story of Lee Young Suk, who built a vegetable store chain.
- Ji Chang Wook's Breakthrough Role: His portrayal of Han Tae Yang gained him widespread recognition.
- Cameo Appearances: Features guest appearances by notable actors adding depth to the storyline.
- Cultural Impact: Highlighted the importance of sustainable food practices and community-driven businesses.
- Behind-the-Scenes Chemistry: The cast shared close bonds, which translated into the heartfelt group dynamics on screen.
Real-life loves on set
There are no confirmed reports or public acknowledgments of a real-life romance among the cast members of Bachelor's Vegetable Store. While the on-screen chemistry between Ji Chang Wook (Han Tae Yang) and Wang Ji Hye (Mok Ga On) captivated audiences, their relationship remained professional off-screen. Fans often speculated about their connection due to the heartfelt performances, but no real-life romantic involvement was reported during or after the production of the drama.
Episodes
| Ep | Title | Air date | Status | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2011-12-21 | Aired | ||
| 2 | 2011-12-22 | Aired | ||
| 3 | 2011-12-28 | Aired | ||
| 4 | 2011-12-29 | Aired | ||
| 5 | 2012-01-04 | Aired | ||
| 6 | 2012-01-05 | Aired | ||
| 7 | 2012-01-11 | Aired | ||
| 8 | 2012-01-12 | Aired | ||
| 9 | 2012-01-18 | Aired | ||
| 10 | 2012-01-19 | Aired | ||
| 11 | 2012-01-25 | Aired | ||
| 12 | 2012-01-26 | Aired | ||
| 13 | 2012-02-01 | Aired | ||
| 14 | 2012-02-02 | Aired | ||
| 15 | 2012-02-08 | Aired | ||
| 16 | 2012-02-09 | Aired | ||
| 17 | 2012-02-15 | Aired | ||
| 18 | 2012-02-16 | Aired | ||
| 19 | 2012-02-22 | Aired | ||
| 20 | 2012-02-23 | Aired | ||
| 21 | 2012-02-29 | Aired | ||
| 22 | 2012-03-01 | Aired | ||
| 23 | 2012-03-07 | Aired | ||
| 24 | 2012-03-08 | Aired |
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