Coffee Prince

In the heartwarming tale of "Coffee Prince," Gong Yoo portrays Choi Han Gyul, a charismatic and carefree young man who finds himself entangled in unexpected love. When Han Gyul's grandmother tasks him with managing a failing coffee shop, he hatches a plan to disguise it as a place where only male employees work. Enter Yoon Eun Hye as Go Eun Chan, a spunky and hardworking girl who pretends to be a boy to secure a job at Coffee Prince. As Eun Chan and Han Gyul's paths intertwine, sparks fly and a delightful romance brews amidst the aroma of freshly brewed coffee.

As the charming facade of Coffee Prince begins to unravel, Han Gyul grapples with his growing feelings for the seemingly male Eun Chan. Meanwhile, Eun Chan struggles to maintain her ruse while navigating the complexities of love and identity. Their unconventional relationship is further complicated by the arrival of Han Gyul's ex-girlfriend, Han Yoo Joo, portrayed by Chae Jung An, and other unexpected twists and turns. Amidst brewing misunderstandings and heartfelt confessions, Coffee Prince serves up a heartwarming blend of love, laughter, and self-discovery.

Gong Yoo's portrayal of the free-spirited Han Gyul and Yoon Eun Hye's endearing performance as the spirited Eun Chan captivate audiences with their irresistible chemistry. Supported by a talented cast including Lee Sun Kyun as Han Gyul's cousin Choi Han Sung and Kim Chang Wan as the lovable café owner Hong Gae Shik, Coffee Prince delivers a captivating narrative filled with laughter, tears, and unforgettable moments. Prepare to be enchanted by the intoxicating aroma of romance in "Coffee Prince," where love knows no bounds and every cup holds a story waiting to be savored.

As viewers immerse themselves in the captivating world of Coffee Prince, they'll be drawn into a heartwarming journey of love, friendship, and self-discovery. Gong Yoo and Yoon Eun Hye's irresistible chemistry, coupled with the dynamic performances of the supporting cast, breathe life into a timeless tale of romance and resilience. With its blend of humor, drama, and poignant moments, Coffee Prince leaves a lasting impression, reminding audiences that sometimes, love brews in the most unexpected places.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 커피프린스 1호점
🌎 Also Known As: The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince
🎭 Genres: Romance, Comedy, Drama
🏷 Tags: Gender Bender, Workplace Romance, Coffee Shop, Friendship
✍ Screenwriters: Lee Jung Ah, Jang Hyun Joo
🎬 Directors: Lee Yoon Jung
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 17
🗓️ Aired: July 2, 2007 – August 28, 2007
📅 Airing Days: Monday & Tuesday
📺 Original Network: MBC
⏰ Duration: 60 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+

Best Scenes

The iconic rooftop confession scene between Gong Yoo and Yoon Eun Hye, capturing the essence of their budding romance.
The heartwarming coffee-making montage showcasing the camaraderie and teamwork among the Coffee Prince staff.
The emotionally charged confrontation between Han Gyul and Eun Chan, where secrets are revealed and hearts are laid bare.
The whimsical and laughter-filled scenes of Eun Chan’s attempts to maintain her disguise as a boy, resulting in comedic misunderstandings.
The poignant farewell scene as characters bid goodbye to the beloved Coffee Prince café, marking the end of an era and the beginning of new journeys.

Filming Locations

The quaint streets of Hongdae district in Seoul, where the iconic Coffee Prince café exterior was located, providing a vibrant backdrop for the series.
Various coffee shops and cozy corners in Seoul, adding authenticity to the coffee culture portrayed in the drama.
Beautifully landscaped parks and gardens in Seoul, serving as romantic settings for outdoor scenes and heartfelt moments.
Traditional Korean hanok villages, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of South Korea and enhancing the drama’s nostalgic ambiance.
Scenic coastal areas and seaside promenades, providing picturesque backdrops for leisurely strolls and contemplative scenes.

Visual Design and Costumes

The rustic and inviting interior design of the Coffee Prince café, featuring warm tones, exposed brick walls, and eclectic décor.
Character costumes reflecting their personalities and roles, with Eun Chan’s tomboyish attire contrasting with Han Gyul’s sophisticated fashion sense.
Creative use of props such as vintage coffee grinders, chalkboard menus, and quirky mugs, adding charm to the café setting.
Attention to detail in set decoration, from steaming espresso machines to artisanal coffee beans, immersing viewers in the world of specialty coffee.
The seamless integration of visual elements with the narrative, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal and storytelling of “Coffee Prince.”

Themes and Messages

Breaking gender stereotypes and societal norms, as Eun Chan challenges expectations by working in a traditionally male-dominated environment.
The transformative power of love and acceptance, as Han Gyul and Eun Chan learn to embrace each other’s flaws and differences.
Pursuit of passion and purpose, as characters navigate their personal and professional aspirations amidst the backdrop of a bustling coffee shop.
Friendship and loyalty, depicted through the close-knit relationships formed among the Coffee Prince staff and customers.
Self-discovery and identity, as characters embark on journeys of introspection and growth, discovering who they truly are and what they want out of life.

Interesting Facts

“Coffee Prince” was adapted from a bestselling novel of the same name by Lee Sun Mi, which resonated with audiences for its heartwarming storyline.
Yoon Eun Hye’s portrayal of Eun Chan earned her widespread acclaim and established her as a prominent actress in the Korean entertainment industry.
Gong Yoo’s portrayal of Han Gyul solidified his status as a leading actor, earning him a devoted fan base both domestically and internationally.
The drama sparked a trend in “gender-bender” dramas, inspiring similar storylines and character dynamics in subsequent Korean series.
“Coffee Prince” remains a beloved classic in Korean drama history, celebrated for its relatable characters, captivating romance, and timeless themes.

Awards

Baeksang Arts Awards: Yoon Eun Hye won the Best Actress in a TV Drama award for her role as Go Eun Chan.
MBC Drama Awards: Gong Yoo received the Top Excellence Award for his portrayal of Choi Han Gyul.
Seoul International Drama Awards: “Coffee Prince” was nominated for Best Drama Series.
Korean Broadcasting Awards: Lee Yoon Jung won the Best Director award for her work on “Coffee Prince.”
Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union Prizes: “Coffee Prince” received recognition for its cultural significance and popularity.

Real-Life Loves on Set

While “Coffee Prince” captivated audiences with its on-screen romance, there were no confirmed reports of real-life loves developing among the cast members on set. However, the chemistry between Gong Yoo and Yoon Eun Hye was palpable, leading to widespread speculation among fans about a potential off-screen relationship. Despite the rumors, both actors maintained a professional demeanor and focused on bringing their characters to life. While the drama sparked numerous fan theories and discussions about the actors’ relationship off-screen, any real-life romances remained purely speculative. Nonetheless, the palpable chemistry between Gong Yoo and Yoon Eun Hye undoubtedly contributed to the magic of “Coffee Prince” and left an indelible mark on viewers’ hearts.