Cheese in the Trap
Hong Seol (Kim Go Eun) is a hardworking university student who wants nothing more than to complete her studies peacefully. But her life takes an unexpected turn when she catches the attention of Yoo Jung (Park Hae Jin), a seemingly perfect senior with wealth, charm, and top grades. However, beneath his polite exterior lies a darker, more manipulative side that keeps everyone guessing. As Hong Seol finds herself drawn into his world, she begins to question his true intentions. Baek In Ho (Seo Kang Joon), a rebellious yet talented pianist, enters the picture with a past deeply intertwined with Yoo Jung. Unlike Jung, In Ho wears his emotions openly, creating an unexpected bond with Hong Seol. Meanwhile, Baek In Ha (Lee Sung Kyung), In Ho’s extravagant and unpredictable sister, adds to the drama with her fiery personality and obsession with Yoo Jung. As tensions rise, love triangles form, and hidden truths surface, Hong Seol struggles to navigate her complex relationships. Friendships, betrayals, and secrets shape the story as Hong Seol unravels the mystery behind Yoo Jung’s behavior. Is he truly a kindhearted senior, or is there more to his seemingly perfect façade? With her heart torn between two completely different men—one enigmatic and calculating, the other passionate and unpredictable—Seol must decide who to trust and where her heart truly lies. "Cheese in the Trap" is a thrilling romance K-drama that delves deep into the psychology of relationships, power struggles, and emotional manipulation. With stellar performances by Kim Go Eun, Park Hae Jin, Seo Kang Joon, and Lee Sung Kyung, this drama masterfully blends romance, suspense, and realism, making it a must-watch for K-drama lovers!
Details
🙂 Native Title: 치즈인더트랩
🌎 Also Known As: Cheese in the Trap
🎭 Genres: Romance, Drama
🏷 Tags: College Life, Love Triangle, Psychological
✍ Screenwriters: Kim Nam-hee, Go Sun-hee
🎬 Directors: Lee Yoon-jung
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: January 4, 2016 – March 1, 2016
📅 Airing Days: Monday, Tuesday
📺 Original Network: tvN
⏰ Duration: 60 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
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Library Confrontation: Hong Seol and Yoo Jung’s intense conversation in the library reveals underlying tensions and sets the tone for their complex relationship.
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Piano Duet: Baek In Ho’s impromptu piano performance showcases his raw talent and hints at his troubled past, adding depth to his character.
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Rainy Day Confession: Yoo Jung’s unexpected confession to Hong Seol under the rain highlights the unpredictable nature of their relationship.
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Classroom Debate: A heated discussion among students about ethics and ambition mirrors the personal conflicts each character faces.
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Sibling Showdown: The confrontation between Baek In Ho and Baek In Ha exposes family secrets and deep-seated resentments, adding layers to the narrative.
Filming Locations
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Hongik University: Many campus scenes were filmed here, capturing the authentic atmosphere of student life.
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Ewha Womans University: The picturesque campus served as a backdrop for several key moments between the main characters.
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Sinchon District: This bustling area in Seoul provided the setting for various outdoor scenes, reflecting the vibrant student culture.
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Bukchon Hanok Village: Traditional Korean houses in this village were featured, adding cultural depth to the series.
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Cheonggyecheon Stream: This iconic Seoul landmark appeared in several romantic scenes, enhancing the show’s visual appeal.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Modern Casual Wear: Characters sported contemporary outfits that resonated with young adults, enhancing relatability.
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Subtle Color Palette: The use of muted tones in costumes reflected the show’s realistic and grounded narrative style.
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Character-Specific Styles: Each character’s wardrobe was tailored to reflect their personality, from Hong Seol’s practical attire to Baek In Ha’s flamboyant fashion.
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Naturalistic Makeup: Minimalistic makeup emphasized the authenticity of the characters, aligning with the show’s realistic portrayal of university life.
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Authentic Set Designs: Detailed recreations of student apartments and cafes added to the immersive experience of the series.
Themes and Messages
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Duality of Human Nature: The series explores the complexities of personalities, highlighting that people can possess both good and bad traits.
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Consequences of Ambition: It delves into how unchecked ambition can lead to ethical dilemmas and strained relationships.
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Power Dynamics in Relationships: The show examines how power imbalances affect personal and professional interactions.
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Search for Identity: Characters grapple with understanding themselves and their place in the world during their formative years.
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Impact of Past Trauma: The narrative addresses how past experiences shape present behavior and relationships.
Interesting Facts
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Webtoon Origin: The drama is based on a popular webtoon, which garnered a massive following prior to the show’s release.
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Casting Choices: Park Hae Jin reprised his role as Yoo Jung in both the drama and the subsequent film adaptation, showcasing his strong association with the character.
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Cultural Impact: The series sparked discussions about university life pressures and relationship dynamics in South Korea.
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Soundtrack Success: The OST gained popularity, with tracks topping music charts and contributing to the show’s ambiance.
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International Recognition: “Cheese in the Trap” was well-received overseas, leading to increased global interest in Korean webtoons and dramas.
Awards
“Cheese in the Trap” has received several awards and nominations:
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2016 Korean Cable TV Awards:
- Best Actor: Park Hae-jin (Won)
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52nd Baeksang Arts Awards (2016):
- Best New Actress (Television): Kim Go-eun (Won)
- Most Popular Actor (Television): Park Hae-jin (Nominated)
- Most Popular Actor (Television): Seo Kang-joon (Nominated)
- Most Popular Actress (Television): Kim Go-eun (Nominated)
- Most Popular Actress (Television): Lee Sung-kyung (Nominated)
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APAN Star Awards (2016):
- Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries: Park Hae-jin (Nominated)
- Best New Actress: Kim Go-eun (Nominated)
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9th Korea Drama Awards (2016):
- Excellence Award, Actor: Park Hae-jin (Nominated)
- Best New Actress: Kim Go-eun (Nominated)
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tvN10 Awards (2016):
- Made in tvN, Actor in Drama: Seo Kang-joon (Nominated)
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Asia Artist Awards (2016):
- Best Artist Award, Actor: Park Hae-jin (Won)
- Best Entertainer Award, Actor: Seo Kang-joon (Won)
These accolades highlight the drama’s critical acclaim and the cast’s outstanding performances.
Real-Life Loves on Set
During the production of the Korean drama “Cheese in the Trap,” real-life romantic relationships blossomed among the cast members:
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Lee Sung-kyung and Nam Joo-hyuk: Both actors, who played Baek In-ha and Kwon Eun-taek respectively, confirmed their relationship in April 2017. Their chemistry extended beyond the screen, leading to a romantic involvement that delighted fans.
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Park Min-ji: Portraying Jang Bo-ra in the series, Park Min-ji was reported to be in a relationship with Yoon Sung-hyun, the vocalist of the indie band Thornapple, during the airing of the drama. Their relationship was made public in March 2016.
These off-screen relationships added an extra layer of interest for fans of “Cheese in the Trap,” intertwining real-life romance with the drama’s intricate storylines.
Trailer
Music / OST
Gallery
