Hyde, Jekyll, Me

Goo Seo Jin (Hyun Bin) is the cold and ruthless director of Wonderland, a popular amusement park. Highly intelligent but emotionally detached, he has spent years controlling his life with discipline and precision. However, a traumatic past triggers a rare case of dissociative identity disorder, giving rise to his alter ego—Robin—a kind, warm-hearted man who is the complete opposite of Seo Jin. When Jang Ha Na (Han Ji Min), the determined and passionate leader of Wonderland’s circus troupe, enters his life, she finds herself caught between two completely different personalities inhabiting the same body. Ha Na, who is fighting to keep the circus alive, is drawn to Robin’s gentle nature but struggles with Seo Jin’s harsh demeanor. As she gets closer to uncovering the truth behind Seo Jin’s condition, dark secrets from his past begin to surface. Meanwhile, psychiatrist Yoon Tae Joo (Sung Joon) takes a deep interest in Seo Jin’s disorder, but his involvement hides a personal agenda. With danger lurking in the shadows and emotions becoming entangled, Ha Na must navigate a love triangle unlike any other—where two men are, in reality, one. Directed by Jo Young-kwang, Hyde, Jekyll, Me delivers a unique blend of romance, psychological intrigue, and humor. Hyun Bin’s outstanding dual performance brings both the arrogant Seo Jin and the kind-hearted Robin to life, making viewers fall for both characters in different ways. Han Ji Min shines as Ha Na, a strong-willed woman torn between love and logic. As past traumas resurface and hidden truths unfold, will Seo Jin overcome his condition, or will Robin take over for good? Hyde, Jekyll, Me (2015) is a thrilling Korean drama that explores love, identity, and the delicate balance between darkness and light within us all.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 하이드 지킬, 나 (Haideu Jikil, Na)
🌎 Also Known As: Hyde, Jekyll and I; Hyde, Jekyll, and Me
🎭 Genres: Romance, Comedy, Drama
🏷 Tags: Dissociative Identity Disorder, Love Triangle, Amusement Park, Circus, Dual Personality
✍ Screenwriter: Kim Ji-woon
🎬 Director: Jo Young-kwang
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 20
🗓️ Aired: January 21, 2015 – March 26, 2015
📅 Airing Days: Wednesdays & Thursdays
📺 Original Network: SBS
⏰ Duration: Approximately 70 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ (suitable for ages 15 and older)

Best Scenes

Goo Seo Jin’s Transformation into Robin: Hyun Bin masterfully portrays the shift between the cold-hearted Goo Seo Jin and his warm alter ego, Robin, highlighting his exceptional acting skills.
Jang Ha Na’s High-Wire Act: Han Ji Min’s character, Ha Na, performs a daring high-wire act, symbolizing her resilience and courage in the face of adversity.
Romantic Ferris Wheel Date: A tender moment where Robin and Ha Na share a romantic evening on the Ferris wheel, capturing the blossoming of their unique relationship.
Confrontation with Yoon Tae Joo: A tense scene where Seo Jin faces psychiatrist Yoon Tae Joo, unraveling deep-seated traumas and hidden motives.
Final Integration of Personalities: The climactic moment when Seo Jin confronts his dual identities, striving for psychological harmony and personal growth.

Filming Locations

Lotte World Theme Park: Serving as the backdrop for Wonderland, the amusement park owned by Seo Jin, providing a vibrant and dynamic setting.
Namsan Seoul Tower: Features in several romantic scenes, offering panoramic views of Seoul that enhance the show’s visual appeal.
Bukchon Hanok Village: Depicts traditional Korean architecture, enriching the cultural context of the series.
Cheonggyecheon Stream: A modern urban park in Seoul, used for leisurely strolls and intimate conversations between characters.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza: Showcases contemporary Korean design and architecture, reflecting the show’s blend of tradition and modernity.

Visual Design and Costumes

Dual Wardrobe for Seo Jin/Robin: Seo Jin’s sharp, tailored suits contrast with Robin’s casual, artistic attire, visually distinguishing their personalities.
Circus Performers’ Costumes: Vibrant and eclectic outfits worn by the circus troupe reflect their lively and unconventional lifestyles.
Wonderland’s Aesthetic: The amusement park’s colorful and whimsical design enhances the show’s fantastical elements.
Modern Office Interiors: Sleek and minimalist designs in Seo Jin’s office spaces underscore his character’s control and precision.
Warm Lighting in Robin’s Studio: Soft, warm tones in Robin’s art studio create an inviting atmosphere, mirroring his gentle nature.

Themes and Messages

Duality of Human Nature: Explores the coexistence of contrasting personalities within a single individual, akin to the classic Jekyll and Hyde narrative.
Healing Through Love: Demonstrates how genuine affection and understanding can aid in emotional and psychological healing.
Identity and Self-Acceptance: Highlights the journey toward embracing all facets of oneself to achieve inner peace.
The Power of Forgiveness: Shows that forgiving oneself and others is crucial for personal growth and healthy relationships.
Resilience in Adversity: Characters display strength and perseverance when facing personal and external challenges.

Interesting Facts

Hyun Bin’s Dual Role: Hyun Bin underwent extensive preparation to portray two distinct characters, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Based on a Webtoon: The series is inspired by the webtoon “Dr. Jekyll Is Mr. Hyde” by Lee Choong-ho, blending classic literature with modern storytelling.
Lotte World’s Prominent Feature: The drama’s use of Lotte World increased the theme park’s popularity, attracting both locals and tourists.
Psychological Accuracy: The portrayal of dissociative identity disorder was crafted with input from psychological experts to ensure sensitivity and accuracy.
Soundtrack Success: The original soundtrack, featuring artists like K.Will and Yoon Hyun-sang, gained popularity, complementing the show’s emotional tone.

Awards

The Korean drama “Hyde, Jekyll, Me” received several nominations at the 2015 SBS Drama Awards:

Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Mid-length Drama: Hyun Bin for his dual role as Goo Seo Jin/Robin.
Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Mid-length Drama: Han Ji-min for her portrayal of Jang Ha-na.
Excellence Award, Actor in a Mid-length Drama: Sung Jun for his role as Yoon Tae-joo.
Excellence Award, Actress in a Mid-length Drama: Shin Eun-jung for her role as Kang Hee-ae.
Special Acting Award, Actor in a Mid-length Drama: Lee Seung-joon for his role as Kwon Young-chan.

Additionally, at the 11th Annual Soompi Awards in 2016, Hyun Bin was nominated for Actor of the Year for his performance in “Hyde, Jekyll, Me”.

While the series received multiple nominations, it did not secure any wins in these categories.

Real-Life Loves on Set

There is no evidence of a real-life romantic relationship between Hyun Bin and Han Ji Min, the lead actors of the Korean drama “Hyde, Jekyll, Me.” While they shared on-screen chemistry, both actors have stated that they were colleagues and nothing more. In fact, Hyun Bin is married to actress Son Ye Jin, with whom he starred in the drama “Crash Landing on You,” and they welcomed their first child in 2022. As of August 2024, Han Ji Min is confirmed to be in a relationship with Choi Jung Hoon, the lead vocalist of the band Jannabi.