Backstreet Rookie

Backstreet Rookie (2020) is a charming romantic-comedy K-drama that brings together laughter, heartwarming moments, and unexpected romance. The story revolves around Choi Dae Hyun (played by Ji Chang Wook), the kind and sometimes clumsy owner of a convenience store. One day, he encounters Jung Saet Byul (played by Kim You Jung), a quirky, determined young woman with a mischievous spirit who leaves a strong impression on him. Three years later, Saet Byul returns to Dae Hyun’s life, now as his part-time employee, bringing both chaos and charm to his quiet store. Jung Saet Byul, though fun-loving and wild, harbors a tough past and a fierce sense of loyalty, especially toward her younger sister. As she works at the convenience store, she tries to balance her own personal challenges while also helping Dae Hyun manage his business. Meanwhile, Dae Hyun is still caught in a complicated relationship with his longtime girlfriend, Yoo Yeon Joo (played by Han Sun Hwa), adding layers of romantic tension to the plot. As Saet Byul’s energetic personality starts to change the atmosphere of the store, Dae Hyun begins to see her in a new light. Their budding friendship slowly develops into a deeper connection, and they navigate both personal growth and romantic misunderstandings. The drama is filled with comical moments, quirky side characters like Han Dal Shik (played by Eum Moon Suk), and heartfelt interactions that keep viewers entertained. Backstreet Rookie is more than just a romantic comedy; it explores themes of responsibility, personal dreams, and family loyalty. With its light-hearted humor, chemistry between Ji Chang Wook and Kim You Jung, and colorful storytelling, this drama delivers a perfect mix of romance, comedy, and emotional depth, making it a delightful watch for fans of feel-good K-dramas.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 편의점 샛별이 (Pyeonuijeom Saetbyeoli)
🌎 Also Known As: Convenience Store Saet Byul, Convenience Store Venus
🎭 Genres: Romance, Comedy, Slice of Life, Drama
🏷 Tags: Convenience Store Setting, Boss-Employee Relationship, Age Gap Romance, Quirky Female Lead, Warm-hearted Male Lead
✍ Screenwriters: Son Geun Joo
🎬 Directors: Lee Myung Woo
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: June 19, 2020 – August 8, 2020
📅 Airing Days: Friday, Saturday
📺 Original Network: SBS
⏰ Duration: 60 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ (suitable for teens 15 and older)

Best Scenes

The rooftop kiss: One of the most romantic and heart-fluttering scenes between Choi Dae Hyun (Ji Chang Wook) and Jung Saet Byul (Kim You Jung) happens on a rooftop, where their chemistry shines.
Saet Byul’s job interview: Saet Byul’s unconventional approach to getting a part-time job at the convenience store is both hilarious and memorable, highlighting her strong-willed character.
Dae Hyun and Saet Byul’s dance competition: This fun and lively scene shows the duo participating in a dance battle, adding humor and playfulness to the series.
Dal Shik’s action fantasy scene: Han Dal Shik (Eum Moon Suk), Dae Hyun’s best friend, imagines himself as an action hero in a funny and over-the-top sequence.
The convenience store fight: An action-packed scene where Saet Byul shows off her martial arts skills, defending the store and its customers, which adds a unique element to her character.

Filming Locations

Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul: The convenience store featured in the drama is located in this bustling area, serving as a central setting for much of the story.
Incheon Chinatown: Some episodes were filmed in the vibrant streets of Incheon Chinatown, adding visual diversity to the show’s backdrop.
Hangang River Parks: Romantic outdoor scenes between Saet Byul and Dae Hyun take place at various parks along the Hangang River, providing a beautiful and serene atmosphere.
Seoul Tower: The iconic Namsan Seoul Tower appears in one of the date scenes, adding a famous landmark to the show’s locations.
Gyeonggi Province: Several of the quieter, suburban scenes were filmed in Gyeonggi, showcasing picturesque spots away from the bustling city.

Visual Design and Costumes

Colorful uniforms: Saet Byul’s bright convenience store uniform is a reflection of her energetic and bold personality, standing out in the show’s visual style.
Casual chic: Dae Hyun’s relaxed, casual outfits complement his down-to-earth character, contrasting with Saet Byul’s more vibrant look.
Flashy streetwear: Saet Byul’s character is often seen in stylish streetwear when outside the convenience store, representing her youthful, rebellious side.
Modern set design: The convenience store is designed with modern interiors, bright lights, and clean lines, making it visually appealing and creating a cozy backdrop for the story.
Creative side characters: Han Dal Shik’s character is known for his quirky, eccentric outfits that emphasize his humorous, free-spirited nature.

Themes and Messages

Second chances: The theme of second chances is central to the drama, as Saet Byul starts a new life by working at the convenience store and Dae Hyun finds a new purpose through his interactions with her.
Friendship and loyalty: Strong bonds of friendship are evident, especially between Dae Hyun and his best friend Dal Shik, highlighting the importance of loyalty and support.
Overcoming hardships: Both Saet Byul and Dae Hyun face personal struggles and challenges, but they grow stronger through their experiences, showing resilience and perseverance.
Romance and self-discovery: The budding romance between Saet Byul and Dae Hyun also explores self-discovery and personal growth, making their relationship not just about love but about becoming better versions of themselves.
Family dynamics: The show touches on themes of family, with both main characters facing difficult family situations that they learn to navigate and reconcile over time.

Interesting Facts

Based on a webtoon: Backstreet Rookie is adapted from the popular webtoon Convenience Store Saet-byul, adding a unique fanbase to the drama’s audience.
Ji Chang Wook’s comedy debut: Although known for action and romance roles, this drama marked Ji Chang Wook’s first major role in a lighthearted romantic-comedy.
Controversial first episode: The drama’s premiere sparked controversy over its portrayal of certain scenes, leading to public discussions about its appropriateness.
Real convenience store: The main convenience store in the drama is a real GS25 store in Seoul, which became a tourist attraction during and after the show’s airing.
Global popularity: Despite local controversies, Backstreet Rookie gained a significant international fanbase, especially in Southeast Asia, due to its lighthearted romance and comedic elements.

Awards

2020 SBS Drama Awards – Excellent Actress in a Miniseries (Fantasy/Romance)
Kim Yoo Jung received this award for her role as Jung Saet Byul, praised for her portrayal of a lively, determined character.
2020 SBS Drama Awards – Best Couple Award
Ji Chang Wook and Kim Yoo Jung won the Best Couple Award for their fantastic on-screen chemistry, making their romantic story memorable for fans.
7th APAN Star Awards – Best Supporting Actress
Kim Sun Young, who played Gong Boon Hee (Dae Hyun’s mother), was honored with the Best Supporting Actress award for her comedic and emotional performance in the series

Real-Life Loves on Set

No real-life romance was reported between the cast members of Backstreet Rookie (2020). Despite the on-screen chemistry between Ji Chang Wook and Kim Yoo Jung, which led to many fans speculating about a possible romantic relationship, there were no confirmed reports of a real-life romance. Both actors maintained a professional relationship throughout the production, and any rumors regarding a romance were denied or left unconfirmed.

Their dynamic on-screen as Choi Dae Hyun and Jung Saet Byul was enough to spark fan interest, but it remained a fictional romance limited to the storyline of the K-drama