Lovestruck in the City

Lovestruck in the City is a 2020 romantic K-drama that explores modern relationships and the complexities of love through the perspectives of city dwellers. The story primarily revolves around Park Jae Won (played by Ji Chang Wook), an honest and passionate architect who is still hung up on a mysterious woman he met during a beach vacation. That woman, Lee Eun Oh (played by Kim Ji Won), also known as Yoon Sun Ah, is living a double life. While she presents herself as carefree and spontaneous to Jae Won, she hides a more complicated reality back in the city. The drama follows these two main characters as they navigate their feelings in the bustling city, while flashbacks reveal how they met and fell in love during a summer getaway. As Jae Won searches for Eun Oh in the city, viewers are drawn into the emotional rollercoaster of their romance, filled with misunderstandings, heartbreak, and a yearning for second chances. Supporting characters add to the emotional depth of the story, such as Choi Kyung Joon (played by Kim Min Seok) and Seo Rin Yi (played by So Ju Yeon), who offer their own perspectives on relationships and love. Kang Gun (played by Ryu Kyung Soo) and Oh Sun Young (played by Han Ji Eun) also contribute to the exploration of how love can differ based on personal experiences and life goals. Through interviews and confessions, Lovestruck in the City takes a documentary-style approach, offering a realistic portrayal of romance, commitment, and the challenges faced by modern-day couples. With stellar performances from Ji Chang Wook and Kim Ji Won, this drama is a heartfelt journey through the highs and lows of love in a fast-paced urban environment.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 도시남녀의 사랑법 (Doshinamnyeoui Sarangbeop)
🌎 Also Known As: City Couple’s Way of Love, Love Struck in the City
🎭 Genres: Romance, Drama
🏷 Tags: Modern Relationships, Breakup, Reunion, Love at First Sight, City Life, Documentary-Style
✍ Screenwriters: Jung Hyun Jung
🎬 Directors: Park Shin Woo
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 17
🗓️ Aired: December 22, 2020 – February 16, 2021
📅 Airing Days: Tuesday, Friday
📺 Original Network: KakaoTV, Netflix
⏰ Duration: 30 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ (suitable for teens 15 and older)

Best Scenes

Jae Won’s rooftop confession: A heart-stopping scene where Park Jae Won (Ji Chang Wook) confesses his feelings to Eun Oh (Kim Ji Won) under the city lights, full of emotion and longing.
The beach kiss: Their passionate kiss during a beach getaway remains a fan favorite, symbolizing the beginning of their whirlwind romance.
Eun Oh’s tearful goodbye: The heart-wrenching moment when Eun Oh leaves Jae Won without explanation, creating emotional tension that carries through the series.
Group interviews: The characters’ documentary-style interviews provide raw, personal insights into their love lives, adding depth to the storytelling.
The reunion: After a series of misunderstandings, Jae Won and Eun Oh finally meet again in the city, setting up the emotional climax of the show.

Filming Locations

Yangyang Beach: Many of the flashback scenes of Jae Won and Eun Oh’s romance were filmed on the scenic beaches of Yangyang, offering a tranquil contrast to the bustling city life.
Seoul’s Urban Streets: The fast-paced, vibrant streets of Seoul serve as the backdrop for the characters’ complex love lives, reflecting the show’s modern, urban feel.
Rooftop scenes: Several intimate moments were shot on rooftops, a staple in K-dramas, symbolizing both personal reflection and romantic encounters.
Hangang Park: The serene setting of Hangang River Park adds to the series’ cityscape, providing a calm oasis in the midst of the characters’ emotional turmoil.
Cafes and restaurants in Itaewon: The trendy area of Itaewon, known for its stylish cafes and restaurants, is frequently featured, giving the show a contemporary vibe.

Visual Design and Costumes

Modern, casual fashion: Both Ji Chang Wook and Kim Ji Won wear chic, everyday outfits that reflect their urban lifestyles, making the characters relatable and stylish.
Beach attire: In the flashback scenes, Eun Oh’s carefree beach outfits contrast with her more structured city looks, representing her dual identity.
Documentary style visuals: The show’s unique use of interviews and handheld camera shots gives it a documentary feel, making the viewers feel like they’re peeking into the characters’ personal lives.
Color symbolism: The use of warm, earthy tones during the beach scenes contrasts with cooler, more neutral colors in the city, emphasizing the difference between their past and present lives.
Architectural settings: Jae Won’s career as an architect is reflected in the sleek, modern design of his apartment and workspaces, which mirrors his character’s structured personality.

Themes and Messages

Love and heartbreak: Lovestruck in the City explores the complexity of modern relationships, delving into the joys and sorrows of love in an urban environment.
Self-discovery: Both Jae Won and Eun Oh go on personal journeys of self-discovery throughout the series, showing how love can change and shape us.
The importance of communication: A recurring theme is the misunderstandings that arise from lack of communication, highlighting the importance of openness in relationships.
The past vs. the present: The show juxtaposes the characters’ carefree past with the realities of city life, questioning how much people can change over time.
Urban loneliness: Despite living in a bustling city, the characters often experience loneliness, which is a recurring theme that adds emotional depth to the story.

Interesting Facts

Documentary format: The show’s interview-style format was a unique approach for a K-drama, setting it apart from other romantic series and making it feel more intimate and personal.
Ji Chang Wook’s musical talent: Ji Chang Wook, who plays Park Jae Won, showcased his musical skills by singing an OST for the drama, adding another layer of emotional depth.
Real-life locations: Many of the city locations, like the streets of Itaewon and cafes in Seoul, are real places that fans can visit, making the drama’s setting feel authentic.
Global appeal: Released on Netflix, Lovestruck in the City quickly gained an international following, appealing to viewers worldwide with its relatable storylines and modern take on love.
Short episode format: Each episode runs about 30 minutes, shorter than the typical K-drama format, making it a quick and engaging watch for modern viewers.

Awards

As of now, Lovestruck in the City (2020) has not won any major awards. However, it gained significant attention for its unique format, documentary-style storytelling, and the compelling performances of its cast, particularly Ji Chang Wook and Kim Ji Won. The drama was well-received internationally, especially on Netflix, where it attracted a global audience with its relatable portrayal of love in a modern urban setting.

The show also sparked discussions for its fresh approach to romance and its honest portrayal of relationships, earning praise from viewers despite not securing traditional awards

Real-Life Loves on Set

There were no confirmed reports of a real-life romance between the cast members of Lovestruck in the City. Despite the incredible on-screen chemistry between Ji Chang Wook and Kim Ji Won, which led to speculation and fan curiosity, both actors maintained a professional relationship throughout filming. The intense romantic scenes and emotional dynamics portrayed in the drama stayed within the fictional world of the show.

Both Ji Chang Wook and Kim Ji Won have not publicly mentioned any off-screen romantic involvement, and any rumors about a real-life romance have remained unsubstantiated. Fans, however, continue to appreciate the strong chemistry they displayed on screen, contributing to the drama’s popularity