Bubblegum
Bubblegum is a heartwarming Korean drama that beautifully weaves romance, friendship, and healing. Set in the bustling city of Seoul, the story centers on Park Ri Hwan (played by the charismatic Lee Dong Wook) and Kim Haeng Ah (portrayed by the talented Jung Ryeo Won), two childhood friends whose deep bond is tested as they confront their past, unresolved feelings, and the complexities of adulthood. Ri Hwan, a kind and devoted doctor who runs an oriental medicine clinic, has always silently protected and cared for Haeng Ah, a passionate radio producer hiding emotional scars beneath her cheerful personality. Their long-standing friendship begins to blur as suppressed emotions surface, leading to an intimate journey of self-discovery and love. The chemistry between Lee Dong Wook and Jung Ryeo Won adds a deeply emotional layer to this touching narrative. Adding further depth are powerful performances by Lee Jong Hyuk as Kang Seok Joon, Haeng Ah’s ex-boyfriend and successful CEO, and Park Hee Bon as Hong Yi Seul, a sweet woman with her own silent battles. The drama’s ensemble cast—including Bae Jong Ok, Kim Jung Nan, and Park Won Sang—brings richness and realism to every episode, portraying heartfelt struggles, generational tension, and the healing power of human connection. With its emotionally resonant storytelling, strong character development, and poetic cinematography, Bubblegum is a must-watch K-Drama for fans of slow-burn romance and slice-of-life narratives. If you’re searching for a healing love story filled with nostalgia, deep friendship, and beautiful OSTs, Bubblegum will capture your heart.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 풍선껌
🌎 Also Known As: Poongseonkkum, Pungseonkkeom, Pungseonkkum, Bubble Gum
🎭 Genres: Romance, Drama, Melodrama
🏷 Tags: Friends To Lovers 💕, Childhood Friends 👧🧒, Radio 📻, Oriental Medicine 🧪, Slow Burn Romance 🔥, Healing 💫, Love Triangle 💔
✍ Screenwriters: Lee Mi Na
🎬 Directors: Kim Byung Soo
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: Oct 26, 2015 – Dec 15, 2015
📅 Airing Days: Monday & Tuesday
📺 Original Network: tvN
⏰ Duration: 60 min
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
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Ri Hwan’s Confession in the Clinic – A raw, emotional moment where Lee Dong Wook’s character finally admits his feelings, showcasing vulnerability and sincerity.
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Childhood Flashback at the Playground – The nostalgia-filled scenes where young Ri Hwan and Haeng Ah bond over simple joys evoke deep emotions and set the tone of their enduring connection.
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Rainy Rooftop Scene – A dramatic turning point where love, pain, and healing collide under the rain—visually poetic and symbolically rich.
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Hospital Goodbye Scene – A heartfelt moment between Ri Hwan and his mother (played by Bae Jong Ok), illustrating the sacrifices and heartbreak within family relationships.
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Final Episode Hug Scene – A quiet, slow embrace between the leads that signals peace and a hopeful future—one of the most memorable and healing endings in K-dramas.
Filming Locations
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Bukchon Hanok Village, Seoul – Featured in multiple introspective walking scenes, it reflects the characters’ inner conflict through a traditional, peaceful backdrop.
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Yeouido Hangang Park – A recurring location where Ri Hwan and Haeng Ah have heart-to-heart conversations, symbolizing healing and emotional release.
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Broadcasting Studio Set – The radio station where Haeng Ah works is designed to mimic a real Korean FM station, grounding the drama in realism.
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Gangnam Oriental Medicine Clinic – Ri Hwan’s clinic scenes were shot in an actual traditional medicine clinic in Seoul, adding authenticity.
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Seoul Forest Park – A serene filming spot for dates and solo reflections, perfect for Bubblegum’s tone of inner healing and peace.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Earthy, Soft Tones in Wardrobe – Haeng Ah’s beige and soft pastels convey emotional gentleness, while Ri Hwan’s muted blues reflect his calm personality.
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Minimalist Interior Design – The drama’s set designs use light woods and neutral shades, enhancing the themes of peace, simplicity, and emotional clarity.
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Symbolic Accessories – Haeng Ah often wears a bracelet gifted by Ri Hwan, subtly reinforcing the connection they share throughout the series.
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Ri Hwan’s Medical Gown and Casual Wear – Balances professional dedication with a down-to-earth personality, showing he’s both healer and friend.
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Yi Seul’s Elegant Outfits – Park Hee Bon’s stylish and composed wardrobe contrasts with Haeng Ah’s more casual look, subtly portraying their different life paths.
Themes and Messages
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Healing Through Love and Friendship – The drama emphasizes how emotional wounds can be healed not just through romance, but deep-rooted friendship.
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Unspoken Emotions – Characters wrestle with feelings they can’t express aloud, exploring how silence speaks volumes in human relationships.
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Family Sacrifice and Guilt – Through Ri Hwan’s relationship with his mother, the show dives into the weight of filial expectations and emotional duty.
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The Power of Letting Go – Many characters face the need to release past trauma, showing growth through acceptance rather than resistance.
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Romantic Realism Over Fantasy – Bubblegum rejects dramatic tropes for soft, realistic emotional arcs that reflect everyday life struggles and healing.
Interesting Facts
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Real-Life Chemistry – Lee Dong Wook and Jung Ryeo Won’s strong off-screen friendship contributed to their natural on-screen rapport.
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OST Success – The soundtrack, especially “You” by Jo Hyun Ah of Urban Zakapa, became a fan favorite and added emotional depth to key scenes.
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Director’s Signature Style – Kim Byung Soo’s signature slow pacing and ambient cinematography are used to emphasize introspection and mood.
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Emotional Improvisation – Several emotional scenes were partly improvised, especially by Jung Ryeo Won, making moments more authentic and raw.
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Bubblegum as a Symbol – The title itself symbolizes childhood nostalgia and fleeting sweetness, perfectly echoing the show’s core tone and message.
Awards
There are no records indicating that the Korean drama “Bubblegum” received any awards. The series, which aired in 2015, did not secure nominations or wins at major award ceremonies during that period. It’s worth noting that while “Bubblegum” featured a talented cast and explored heartfelt themes, it may not have achieved significant recognition in the form of awards.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There is no public evidence or confirmed reports that a real-life romance developed between the cast members of Bubblegum.
While Lee Dong Wook and Jung Ryeo Won shared strong on-screen chemistry and were praised for their natural connection, they have not been romantically linked in real life. Both actors have maintained a professional relationship and have not confirmed any personal involvement beyond their roles in the drama.
Rumors occasionally surface in the K-drama community due to convincing performances, but in this case, no real-life romance has been officially reported or substantiated.
Trailer
Music / OST
Gallery
