Choco Bank
Choco Bank is a short and impactful Korean web drama that blends finance, ambition, and romance, capturing the hearts of K-drama fans around the world. Starring EXO’s Kai as Kim Eun Haeng, a young man ironically named after the Korean word for "bank," the drama dives into the challenges faced by job seekers and young entrepreneurs in today’s economy. With his polished knowledge of finance but no real-world experience, Eun Haeng is desperate to launch his career. Fate steps in when he meets Ha Cho Co, played by the talented Park Eun Bin, a spirited young woman trying to turn her chocolate business into a success. Cho Co’s creativity and Eun Haeng’s financial savvy make them an unlikely but compelling team. As they navigate the ups and downs of building a small business, sparks begin to fly—both professionally and romantically. Set in a fast-paced startup environment, Choco Bank captures real-life issues faced by Millennials and Gen Z in South Korea. The storyline subtly educates viewers about financial literacy, business strategy, and emotional resilience—all while keeping the drama light and heartwarming. It's not just a love story; it’s a tale about empowerment and chasing dreams against the odds. With its bite-sized episodes and charismatic leads, Choco Bank became a viral hit, especially among fans of Kai and Park Eun Bin. Perfect for those seeking a quick yet meaningful K-drama binge, this series proves that even the shortest stories can deliver lasting impact. Ideal keywords like K-drama romance, EXO Kai drama, and startup love story make this show a top pick for viewers searching for heart, humor, and inspiration.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 초코뱅크
🌎 Also Known As: Chokobaengkeu
🎭 Genres: Business, Comedy, Romance
🏷 Tags: Web Series, Café Setting, Financial Advice, Youth Entrepreneurship, Short-Length Series
✍ Screenwriters: Woo Soo Jin
🎬 Directors: Kim Yun-ji
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 6
🗓️ Aired: February 15, 2016 – February 19, 2016
📅 Airing Days: Monday to Friday
📺 Original Network: Naver TV Cast
⏰ Duration: Approximately 14 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 13+ – Teens 13 or older
Best Scenes
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Eun Haeng’s job interview chaos – A hilarious start that sets the tone for his financial woes and unexpected meeting with Cho Co.
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Cho Co’s chocolate shop pitch – A touching moment showcasing her determination and entrepreneurial spirit.
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The accidental hug – A classic K-drama moment where an awkward situation leads to subtle romantic chemistry.
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Eun Haeng giving business advice – Blending romance and career development, this scene empowers aspiring entrepreneurs.
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The bittersweet goodbye – A short but emotional closing, leaving viewers hopeful for the couple’s future.
Filming Locations
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Garosu-gil, Sinsa-dong – A trendy Seoul district featured in many romantic scenes.
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Small café sets – Representing Cho Co’s chocolate business, visually warm and cozy.
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Outdoor job fair locations – Adds realism to Eun Haeng’s struggle as a young job-seeker.
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Naver TV studios – Professional indoor scenes were shot here for quality consistency.
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Urban Seoul backdrops – Lively street views bring authenticity to the financial startup theme.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Warm pastel tones – The color palette enhances the romantic and sweet ambiance.
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Kai’s business-casual looks – Reflects his character’s financial background with a K-pop star touch.
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Cho Co’s chocolate-themed apron – A memorable costume highlighting her unique brand identity.
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Minimalist café interiors – Stylish yet inviting spaces that support the startup narrative.
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Branding visuals – Custom logos, chocolate designs, and packaging build a believable startup world.
Themes and Messages
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Youth unemployment – Highlights the real struggles of finding a job post-graduation in South Korea.
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Entrepreneurship – Encourages starting a business as a viable path for young adults.
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Financial literacy – Teaches basic money management and startup planning in an entertaining format.
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Romantic growth – Shows how love can blossom through collaboration and shared goals.
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Dreams vs. Reality – Balances ambition with practical challenges in the modern economy.
Interesting Facts
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EXO’s Kai’s first acting role – Marked his official debut as a lead actor in a drama.
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Short format web drama – Each episode runs around 14 minutes, ideal for mobile viewing.
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Government-supported project – Sponsored by South Korea’s Financial Services Commission to promote economic education.
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Highly streamed on Naver TV – Surpassed 2 million views within days of release.
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Real chocolate branding – Some of the chocolate packaging featured were inspired by actual local chocolatiers.
Awards
The South Korean web drama Choco Bank (2016), featuring EXO’s Kai (Kim Jong-in) and Park Eun-bin, garnered significant attention upon its release. While it did not secure major awards, it achieved notable recognition:
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2017 – 12th Soompi Awards: Nominated for Best Web Series.
Additionally, Park Eun-bin received a nomination for Best Korean Actress at the 2017 Seoul Webfest for her role in Choco Bank.
Despite not winning these awards, Choco Bank was a commercial success, amassing over 2.5 million views in its first week, making it one of the most-watched web dramas on Naver TV at the time.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There were no confirmed real-life romantic relationships between EXO’s Kai and Park Eun-bin during or after the filming of the 2016 web drama Choco Bank. Although their on-screen chemistry captivated audiences, leading to speculation and rumors, both actors remained professional colleagues. Neither SM Entertainment (Kai’s agency) nor Namoo Actors (Park Eun-bin’s agency) confirmed any romantic involvement between the two.
Park Eun-bin has consistently maintained a private personal life, focusing on her acting career. As of now, she is reportedly single and has not publicly acknowledged any romantic relationships.
In summary, while Choco Bank featured a compelling on-screen romance, it did not translate into a real-life relationship between the lead actors.
Trailer
Music / OST
Gallery
