
Do You Like Brahms?
"Do You Like Brahms?" is a tender and emotional Korean drama that beautifully blends classical music with a story of love, dreams, and self-discovery. Set in the elite world of music students and professional performers, the series follows the quiet yet passionate journey of Chae Song Ah (played by Park Eun Bin), a late-blooming violinist who enrolls in music school after graduating with a business degree. Despite her age and lack of experience, she bravely pursues her dream, determined to prove that it’s never too late to start over. At her side is Park Joon Young (portrayed by Kim Min Jae), a world-renowned pianist known for his gentle demeanor and musical genius. Behind his calm appearance, however, lies a world of emotional wounds and loneliness. As Song Ah and Joon Young’s paths intertwine, they begin to heal through music and form a quiet, yet deeply touching bond that gradually blossoms into love. The drama introduces compelling supporting characters like Lee Jung Kyung (played by Park Ji Hyun), a talented violinist caught between her own ambitions and complex relationships, and Han Hyeon Ho (portrayed by Kim Sung Cheol), a cellist and childhood friend of Joon Young who finds himself conflicted by love and friendship. Each character adds emotional depth to the story, creating a rich tapestry of intersecting dreams and heartaches within the world of classical music. Do You Like Brahms? explores themes of unrequited love, self-worth, career pressure, and the quiet strength it takes to pursue passion in a competitive world. With elegant cinematography, a soul-stirring soundtrack, and heartfelt performances from a stellar cast, this K-drama resonates deeply with anyone who has ever struggled to find their voice—whether in music, love, or life.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 브람스를 좋아하세요?
🌎 Also Known As: Beuramseureul Joahaseyo, Liking Brahms, Please Love Brahms
🎭 Genres: Romance, Music, Drama
🏷 Tags: Classical Music, Violinist, Pianist, Love Triangle, University Life, Friends to Lovers, Older Woman/Younger Man Relationship, Secret Crush
✍ Screenwriter: Ryu Bo-ri
🎬 Director: Jo Young-min
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: August 31, 2020 – October 20, 2020
📅 Airing Days: Mondays & Tuesdays
📺 Original Network: SBS
⏰ Duration: Approximately 60 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
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First Duet Performance: Chae Song Ah and Park Joon Young’s initial duet showcases their budding connection and sets the tone for their evolving relationship.
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Confession Scene: Joon Young’s heartfelt confession to Song Ah is a pivotal moment, highlighting the depth of his feelings and vulnerability.
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Final Concert: The concluding concert scene encapsulates the characters’ growth and the culmination of their emotional journeys.
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Rainy Day Conversation: A candid discussion between the leads during a rainy day offers insight into their inner struggles and aspirations.
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Emotional Breakdown: Song Ah’s emotional release after a challenging performance provides a raw look into the pressures faced by aspiring musicians.
Filming Locations
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Seoul Arts Center: A prominent venue for classical music performances, serving as a backdrop for several concert scenes.
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Yonsei University: Used to depict the university where the main characters study, adding authenticity to the academic setting.
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Deoksugung Stone Wall Walkway: A picturesque location featured during intimate walks between characters, symbolizing their growing closeness.
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Cheonggyecheon Stream: This serene stream in Seoul provides a tranquil setting for reflective moments in the series.
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Bukchon Hanok Village: Traditional Korean houses in this village offer a cultural backdrop for certain scenes, enriching the visual narrative.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Muted Color Palette: The series employs soft, pastel tones to reflect the gentle and introspective mood of the storyline.
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Classical Attire: Characters are often seen in formal wear during performances, emphasizing the elegance of classical music culture.
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Casual Academic Fashion: Everyday outfits for university scenes are thoughtfully styled to represent the youthful and scholarly environment.
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Symbolic Accessories: Items like musical instruments and sheet music are used as extensions of the characters’ identities and passions.
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Lighting Techniques: Soft lighting is utilized to enhance the emotional depth of scenes, creating an intimate atmosphere.
Themes and Messages
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Pursuit of Passion: The drama explores the challenges and rewards of following one’s passion, especially in the face of societal expectations.
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Unrequited Love: It delves into the complexities of unreciprocated feelings and the emotional turmoil they can cause.
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Self-Discovery: Characters embark on journeys of self-understanding, learning about their desires, strengths, and limitations.
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Friendship and Rivalry: The series examines how friendships can be tested by competition and personal ambitions.
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Healing Through Music: Music serves as a therapeutic medium for characters to express emotions and find solace.
Interesting Facts
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Real Musicians: Lead actors Park Eun Bin and Kim Min Jae underwent musical training to authentically portray their roles as musicians.
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Classical Soundtrack: The series features a rich selection of classical pieces, enhancing the authenticity of the musical setting.
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Title Significance: The title references Johannes Brahms, reflecting the show’s deep connection to classical music themes.
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Critical Acclaim: The drama received praise for its nuanced storytelling and strong performances, resonating with audiences worldwide.
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Cultural Impact: “Do You Like Brahms?” sparked renewed interest in classical music among younger viewers in South Korea.
Awards
🏆 2020 SBS Drama Awards
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Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries Fantasy/Romance Drama
Park Eun-bin — Won -
Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries Fantasy/Romance Drama
Kim Min-jae — Won -
Best Couple Award
Park Eun-bin & Kim Min-jae — Won -
Best New Actor
Kim Sung-cheol — Nominated -
Best New Actress
Park Ji-hyun — Nominated
🌟 7th APAN Star Awards (2020)
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Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries
Park Eun-bin — Nominated -
Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries
Kim Min-jae — Nominated
Real-Life Loves on Set
There is no publicly confirmed real-life romantic relationship between Park Eun-bin and Kim Min-jae, the lead actors of the Korean drama Do You Like Brahms? While their on-screen chemistry as Chae Song-ah and Park Joon-young captivated audiences, both actors have maintained that their relationship is strictly professional.
In interviews, Kim Min-jae expressed deep respect for Park Eun-bin, referring to her as a senior, colleague, and partner who provided significant support during filming. He mentioned relying on her experience and guidance to navigate challenging scenes, highlighting their strong professional rapport .
Similarly, Park Eun-bin shared insights into her role, focusing on the character’s development and the emotional depth required for the performance. She discussed the challenges of portraying Chae Song-ah and the dedication needed to authentically represent the character’s journey .Soompi+2Kocowa Blog+2Hello Kpop+2
While fans have speculated about a possible off-screen romance due to their compelling performances, both actors have not indicated any romantic involvement beyond their roles in the drama.