Man in the Kitchen

Man in the Kitchen is a touching family romance K-drama that follows the life of Lee Roo Ri (Choi Soo Young), a young woman struggling to find success in her career and love life. Despite her determination, she continuously faces obstacles that leave her feeling stuck. In an unexpected turn of events, she crosses paths with Jung Tae Yang (Ohn Joo Wan), a free-spirited man who lives for the moment, embracing an unconventional lifestyle that challenges societal norms. As their opposite personalities collide, Roo Ri begins to question her own aspirations, while Tae Yang slowly discovers the deeper meanings of responsibility and commitment. Meanwhile, Lee So Won (Park Jin Woo) and Ha Yeon Joo (Seo Hyo Rim) navigate their own complex relationships, adding layers of family drama, romance, and self-discovery to the story. The drama beautifully portrays the struggles of modern relationships and the pursuit of true happiness. Beyond romance, Man in the Kitchen explores the importance of family bonds and personal growth. With Go Jung Do (Shim Hyung Tak), a passionate chef who finds solace in cooking, the series highlights how food can bring people together and heal emotional wounds. The warmth of family interactions, generational conflicts, and heartfelt reconciliations make this drama a relatable and emotional journey for viewers. For fans of slice-of-life K-dramas with a mix of humor, romance, and inspiring life lessons, Man in the Kitchen offers a comforting and realistic narrative. As love, food, and family intertwine, this series asks the ultimate question—can following your passion lead to true happiness?

Details

🙂 Native Title: 밥상을 차리는 남자
🌎 Also Known As: Man Who Sets the Table
🎭 Genres: Romance, Melodrama, Drama
🏷 Tags: Family Drama, Slice of Life, Search for Happiness, Father-Daughter Relationship, Healing
✍ Screenwriter: Park Hyun-joo
🎬 Director: Joo Sung-woo
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 50
🗓️ Aired: September 2, 2017 – March 18, 2018
📅 Airing Days: Saturday & Sunday at 20:45 (KST); from November 12, 2017, two episodes back-to-back every Sunday
📺 Original Network: MBC
⏰ Duration: Approximately 75 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: Not specified

Best Scenes

Family Reunions: Emotional gatherings where misunderstandings are resolved, highlighting the importance of family bonds.
Culinary Showdowns: Intense cooking competitions showcasing traditional Korean dishes, emphasizing passion and skill in the kitchen.
Romantic Confessions: Heartfelt moments where characters express their true feelings, often set in picturesque locations.
Personal Growth Milestones: Scenes depicting characters overcoming personal challenges, symbolizing resilience and determination.
Celebratory Feasts: Joyous occasions where families come together to celebrate achievements, reinforcing cultural traditions.

Filming Locations

Traditional Korean Homes (Hanok): Authentic settings that provide a glimpse into Korea’s architectural heritage.
Local Markets: Vibrant markets bustling with activity, reflecting the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
Scenic Parks: Lush green spaces offering serene backdrops for reflective moments and casual interactions.
Urban Cafés: Modern coffee shops serving as trendy meeting spots for characters.
Culinary Schools: Institutions where characters hone their cooking skills, highlighting the educational journey in gastronomy.

Visual Design and Costumes

Traditional Hanbok Attire: Characters donning colorful hanboks during festivals or family events, showcasing Korean culture.
Chef Uniforms: Professional kitchen attire emphasizing the culinary profession’s discipline.
Casual Modern Wear: Everyday clothing reflecting contemporary Korean fashion trends.
Elegant Formal Wear: Stylish outfits worn during significant events, highlighting character status and personality.
Detailed Set Designs: Authentic interiors of homes and restaurants, creating an immersive viewing experience.

Themes and Messages

Family Unity: The significance of maintaining strong family ties amidst challenges.
Pursuit of Passion: Encouragement to follow one’s dreams, especially in the culinary arts.
Resilience: Overcoming obstacles through determination and hard work.
Cultural Preservation: Emphasizing the importance of keeping traditions alive in modern times.
Love and Relationships: Exploring romantic dynamics and personal connections.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Influence: Such dramas often boost interest in traditional Korean cuisine among viewers.
Tourism Impact: Filming locations can become popular tourist destinations post-broadcast.
Cultural Education: Viewers gain insights into Korean customs and traditions.
Fashion Trends: Costumes and outfits can influence contemporary fashion.
Actor Popularity: Lead actors often see a surge in popularity, leading to increased media appearances.

Awards

“Man in the Kitchen” received recognition at the 2017 MBC Drama Awards, with the following nominations:

Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Weekend Drama: Kim Kap-soo was nominated for his role in “Man in the Kitchen”.
Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Weekend Drama: Choi Soo-young received a nomination for her performance in the series.
Excellence Award, Actor in a Weekend Drama: On Joo-wan was nominated for his role in the drama.
Excellence Award, Actress in a Weekend Drama: Seo Hyo-rim earned a nomination for her performance.

While the series received these nominations, it did not secure any wins at the 2017 MBC Drama Awards.

Real-Life Loves on Set

There is no information indicating that the actors from “Man in the Kitchen” (also known as “Man Who Sets the Table”) were involved in real-life romantic relationships during or after the production of the series. It appears that their interactions remained professional, focusing on their roles within the drama.