
Café Minamdang
Café Minamdang follows the intriguing life of Nam Han Joon (played by Seo In Guk), a former criminal profiler who now runs a fraudulent fortune-telling café. Disguised as a charismatic shaman, he uses his sharp profiling skills to swindle his clients, often mixing humor with deception. However, his scams inadvertently lead him to solve crimes, earning him a mix of admiration and suspicion. Enter Han Jae Hee (played by Oh Yeon Seo), a determined detective with a strong sense of justice. Jae Hee is suspicious of Han Joon’s practices and sets out to uncover the truth behind his shady operations. As their paths cross, sparks fly—not just from their opposing views, but also from their undeniable chemistry. Together, they navigate a series of cases that blur the lines between right and wrong. Adding to the chaos is Nam Hye Joon (played by Kang Mi Na), Han Joon’s tech-savvy sister who assists in his schemes, and Gong Soo Chul (Kwak Shi Yang), a loyal but quirky accomplice. The café becomes the epicenter of bizarre yet hilarious events, where clients’ mysteries intertwine with Han Joon’s secret investigations. This unique blend of mystery, comedy, and romance keeps viewers hooked, as they delve into the hidden truths behind the façade of Café Minamdang. With its dynamic cast, gripping storylines, and unexpected twists, the drama offers a fresh take on crime-solving narratives, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating each episode.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 미남당
🌎 Also Known As: Minamdang Case Note, Minamdang: Case Note
🎭 Genres: Comedy, Mystery, Crime, Romance
🏷 Tags: Former Profiler Male Lead, Shaman Male Lead, Female Detective, Sibling Relationship, Hacker Supporting Character, Con Artist, Justice, Police Investigation
✍ Screenwriters: Park Hye Jin
🎬 Directors: Go Jae Hyun
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 18
🗓️ Aired: June 27, 2022 – August 23, 2022
📅 Airing Days: Monday, Tuesday
📺 Original Network: KBS2
⏰ Duration: 1 hr. 10 min. per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
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Nam Han Joon’s Shamanic Rituals: Seo In Guk’s portrayal of the fake shaman performing elaborate rituals is both humorous and captivating.
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Undercover Operations: The team’s disguises and antics during their investigations add a comedic touch to the suspenseful plot.
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Sibling Dynamics: The interactions between Nam Han Joon and his sister Nam Hye Joon, played by Kang Mi Na, provide heartwarming moments.
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Confrontations with Han Jae Hee: The love-hate relationship between Nam Han Joon and detective Han Jae Hee, portrayed by Oh Yeon Seo, adds tension and chemistry.
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Cafe Minamdang’s Client Consultations: Scenes where clients visit the cafe for fortune-telling sessions are filled with humor and intrigue.
Filming Locations
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Minamdang & Bebeco Cafe: Located in Hongdae, Seoul, this vibrant cafe served as the primary filming location for the series.
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Hongdae Streets: The bustling streets of Hongdae provided a lively backdrop for various outdoor scenes.
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Mapo-gu District: Several scenes were shot in this district, showcasing its urban landscape.
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Sangsu Station Area: The vicinity around Sangsu Station featured in multiple episodes, adding authenticity to the setting.
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Residential Neighborhoods: Various residential areas in Seoul were used to depict the characters’ homes and add depth to the storyline.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Vibrant Color Palette: The series utilizes bright and contrasting colors, especially in the cafe’s design, to create a lively atmosphere.
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Eclectic Wardrobe: Characters wear a mix of traditional and modern outfits, reflecting their diverse personalities.
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Shamanic Attire: Nam Han Joon’s elaborate shaman costumes are both eye-catching and symbolic.
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Modern Urban Fashion: The contemporary clothing styles mirror Seoul’s urban culture.
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Detailed Set Designs: Intricate set pieces, especially within the cafe, enhance the visual storytelling.
Themes and Messages
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Deception vs. Reality: The series explores the blurred lines between truth and deceit.
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Justice and Redemption: Characters seek to right past wrongs and find personal redemption.
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Family Bonds: The importance of familial relationships is a recurring theme.
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Love and Trust: Romantic relationships highlight the need for trust and understanding.
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Cultural Traditions: The show delves into Korean shamanistic practices and their place in modern society.
Interesting Facts
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Based on a Web Novel: The series is adapted from a popular web novel that won a grand prize on KakaoPage.
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Real Cafe Location: The cafe featured in the series is an actual establishment in Seoul, attracting fans and tourists.
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Cast’s Chemistry: The main cast, including Seo In Guk and Oh Yeon Seo, received praise for their on-screen dynamics.
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Genre Blend: The show uniquely combines mystery, comedy, and romance, appealing to a wide audience.
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Cultural Insights: Viewers gain insights into Korean shamanism and its portrayal in contemporary media.
Awards
“Café Minamdang” received recognition at the 2022 KBS Drama Awards:
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Best Couple Award: Seo In-guk and Oh Yeon-seo.
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Best New Actress Award: Kang Mi-na.
Additionally, Seo In-guk was nominated for Best Actor.
Real-Life Loves on Set
As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of real-life romantic relationships among the cast members of “Café Minamdang.” While actors Seo In Guk and Kang Mi Na sparked dating rumors after sharing close photos together, these speculations have not been substantiated.
Similarly, Kwak Si Yang was previously rumored to be dating co-star Im Ji Yeon during their time on “Welcome 2 Life,” but these rumors were never confirmed.










