Love Alarm
In a world where technology dictates emotions, Love Alarm introduces a game-changing mobile app that alerts users when someone within a 10-meter radius has romantic feelings for them. This innovative concept turns life upside down for Kim Jo Jo (Kim So Hyun), a bright but emotionally scarred high school student. Despite her difficult past, she tries to navigate love and friendship in a society where emotions are no longer private. Caught between two compelling young men, Hwang Sun Oh (Song Kang), a charismatic model from a wealthy family, and Lee Hye Yeong (Jung Ga Ram), his quiet yet kind-hearted best friend, Jo Jo finds herself entangled in a complex love triangle. As Love Alarm exposes true feelings, the three must confront their desires, fears, and insecurities. Will Jo Jo follow the undeniable chemistry with Sun Oh, or will she choose the quiet and steady love of Hye Yeong? Beyond romance, Love Alarm delves into deep themes of privacy, emotional authenticity, and the pressures of living in a world where love is dictated by technology. As the app gains widespread popularity, it raises ethical dilemmas—can real love be measured by an algorithm, or does it go beyond what a notification can reveal? With breathtaking cinematography, heartfelt performances, and intense romantic conflicts, the drama keeps audiences on edge. For fans of romantic K-dramas with sci-fi twists, Love Alarm is an unmissable series that challenges the idea of love in the digital age. As Season 1 leads to an intense cliffhanger, and Season 2 unfolds unexpected twists, viewers are left questioning—if an app could reveal true love, would you dare to ring someone’s heart?
Details
🙂 Native Title: 좋아하면 울리는
🌎 Also Known As: Joahamyeon Ullineun
🎭 Genres: Romance, Drama, Sci-Fi
🏷 Tags: Love Triangle, High School, Mobile App, Unrequited Love, Friendship
✍ Screenwriters: Lee Ah-yeon, Seo Bo-ra
🎬 Director: Lee Na-jeong
🇰🇷 Country: South Kore
🎬 Episodes: 8
🗓️ Aired: August 22, 2019
📅 Airing Days: Thursday
📺 Original Network: Netflix
⏰ Duration: 42–56 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
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Jojo and Sun-oh’s First Kiss: A pivotal moment where Sun-oh (Song Kang) kisses Jojo (Kim So-hyun) on a quiet street, marking the beginning of their complex relationship.
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Ice Skating Date: Jojo and Sun-oh share a romantic date at Lotte World Ice Rink, highlighting their growing affection amidst the festive atmosphere.
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Jeju Island Confession: During a school trip to Jeju Island, Sun-oh openly confesses his feelings to Jojo, deepening the emotional stakes.
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Love Alarm Launch Event: The public unveiling of the Love Alarm app leads to unexpected revelations, altering the dynamics between characters.
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Jojo’s Heart-Shield Activation: Jojo installs a shield on her Love Alarm, preventing others from knowing her true feelings and adding complexity to her relationships.
Filming Locations
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CU Buam Lucky Branch: This convenience store in Buam-dong, Seoul, serves as Jojo’s workplace, providing a quaint neighborhood backdrop.
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Lotte World Ice Rink: Located in Jamsil-dong, Seoul, this indoor ice-skating rink is the setting for Jojo and Sun-oh’s memorable date.Haryemangjangpo-ro, Jeju Island: The scenic coastal road where Jojo’s grandmother disperses her parents’ ashes, offering a poignant and picturesque setting.
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Seoul City Wall: Historic fortifications featured during Jojo and Sun-oh’s explorations, blending cultural heritage with modern storytelling.
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Broister Café: A cozy café in Hapjeong-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, where key character interactions unfold, adding to the series’ urban charm.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Modern Youthful Wardrobe: Characters sport contemporary fashion that reflects their personalities, from Jojo’s casual attire to Sun-oh’s trendy outfits.
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Vibrant Color Palette: The series utilizes bright and youthful colors to mirror the characters’ emotions and the app’s influence on their lives.
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Urban Aesthetics: Filming in bustling Seoul neighborhoods provides an authentic cityscape, enhancing the narrative’s realism.
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Symbolic Accessories: Items like Jojo’s backpack and Sun-oh’s headphones serve as extensions of their characters, adding depth to their portrayals.
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Technological Interface Design: The Love Alarm app’s sleek and intuitive interface design plays a crucial role in the storytelling, reflecting modern tech aesthetics.
Themes and Messages
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Impact of Technology on Relationships: Explores how apps like Love Alarm can influence personal connections, questioning the authenticity of tech-mediated emotions.
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Privacy vs. Transparency: Addresses the dilemmas of exposing one’s feelings publicly through technology, highlighting the loss of personal privacy.
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Unrequited Love: Depicts the pain and growth associated with one-sided affection, as experienced by characters like Hye-young (Jung Ga-ram).
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Self-Discovery: Characters embark on journeys to understand their true desires and identities amidst societal pressures and technological advancements.
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Socioeconomic Disparities: Highlights class differences influencing relationships, particularly between Jojo and the affluent Sun-oh.
Interesting Facts
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Based on a Webtoon: The series is adapted from the popular webtoon “Love Alarm” by Chon Kye-young, bringing the digital comic to life.
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Netflix’s First Korean Original: “Love Alarm” holds the distinction of being one of Netflix’s inaugural Korean original series, marking a significant expansion into K-dramas.
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Real-Life App Development: Inspired by the show’s concept, a real “Love Alarm” app was developed, allowing fans to experience the fictional technology.
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Cast Chemistry: Behind-the-scenes footage reveals the close bond among cast members, contributing to the on-screen authenticity of their relationships.
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Cultural Impact: The series sparked discussions on the effects of technology on love and privacy, resonating with a global audience.
Awards
“Love Alarm” has received the following award nominations:
- Seoul International Drama Awards (2021):
- Outstanding Korean Drama: “Love Alarm” (Season 2) – Nominated
- Excellence Award, Actress: Kim So-hyun – Nominated
Please note that while the series and its lead actress were acknowledged in these categories, they did not secure wins.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There is no public information or confirmed reports indicating that any of the cast members of the Korean drama “Love Alarm,” including Kim So-hyun, Song Kang, and Jung Ga-ram, have been involved in real-life romantic relationships with each other. The actors have maintained professional relationships, and any rumors about off-screen romances remain unsubstantiated.
