South Korea · Drama · 2005
My Girl
Synopsis
Joo Yoo-rin works as a tour guide on Jeju Island, where her father's gambling debts have left her skilled at bending the truth to get by. That talent catches the attention of Seol Gong-chan, heir to the L'Avenue Hotel fortune, who hires her to pose as his estranged cousin so his dying grandfather can see the family reunited before he passes.
The plan is supposed to end once the grandfather's wish is granted, but his health unexpectedly improves, and Yoo-rin and Gong-chan are stuck keeping up the act, now living under the same roof as "cousins." What starts as a business arrangement complicates itself as real feelings develop between them, feelings they can't act on without admitting the entire relationship the family believes in is a lie.
"My Girl" aired on SBS from December 14, 2005 to February 2, 2006, across 16 episodes, starring Lee Da-hae as Yoo-rin, Lee Dong-wook as Gong-chan, Lee Joon-gi as Seo Jung-woo, and Park Si-yeon as Kim Se-hyun.
My Girl cast
Best scenes
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Yoo Rin and Gong Chan’s Airport Reunion
A heartfelt and iconic scene where Gong Chan confesses his feelings amid the chaos of a public airport—an emotional turning point for the couple. -
The Cherry Blossom Kiss
This romantic, slow-motion kiss under cherry blossoms became one of the most memorable scenes in second-generation K-Dramas. -
Yoo Rin’s Emotional Breakdown in the Snow
Yoo Rin’s raw and tearful moment alone in the snow highlights her inner conflict and guilt, showcasing Lee Da Hae’s emotional acting. -
Grandfather’s Heartfelt Apology
When Gong Chan’s grandfather finally accepts Yoo Rin, it’s a deeply emotional moment that brings healing to their family dynamic. -
Jung Woo’s Gentle Rejection
A beautifully quiet scene where Jung Woo (Lee Joon Gi) confesses and gets turned down with grace—cementing him as a fan-favorite second lead.
Filming locations
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Lotte Hotel Jeju
Many of the luxurious hotel scenes were filmed at this real-life resort, symbolizing Gong Chan’s chaebol lifestyle. -
N Seoul Tower (Namsan Tower)
The iconic tower was used for several romantic scenes, including the one where Gong Chan and Yoo Rin enjoy the city view together. -
Myeongdong Shopping Streets
Yoo Rin’s energetic scenes as a tour guide and shopping excursions were shot in this bustling Seoul neighborhood. -
Seoul’s Han River Parks
Key introspective and couple scenes took place by the river, offering serene backdrops and emotional ambiance. -
Ski Resort in Gangwon Province
The snow-covered resort served as the setting for pivotal emotional scenes, particularly involving Yoo Rin's inner struggles.
Visual design and costumes
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Playful, Youthful Wardrobe for Yoo Rin
Yoo Rin’s colorful, layered outfits matched her bubbly personality and stood out against the more formal settings. -
Classic Business Style for Gong Chan
Gong Chan’s tailored suits emphasized his chaebol identity and polished demeanor, creating strong visual contrast with Yoo Rin. -
Elegant Styling for Kim Se Hyun
Park Shi Yeon’s character wore sophisticated dresses and accessories, reinforcing her image as the perfect "ex" in Gong Chan’s world. -
Soft Color Palette
The drama often used pastel tones and soft lighting, giving it a dreamy, romantic feel that resonated with fans. -
Visual Symbolism with Hair and Accessories
As characters evolved, so did their styling—Yoo Rin’s look softened as she fell in love, while Gong Chan’s grew more relaxed and open.
Themes and messages
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Love Beyond Social Status
The drama explores how love can transcend class differences, especially in a society that values family reputation. -
Truth vs. Lies
Yoo Rin’s fake identity, while initially harmless, spirals into emotional chaos—highlighting the consequences of deception. -
Family Isn’t Always Blood
The drama emphasizes chosen family and emotional bonds, not just biological connections, through Gong Chan and Yoo Rin’s evolving relationship. -
Second Chances at Love
Several characters deal with heartbreak and rediscovery, showing that love can heal and grow through adversity. -
Forgiveness and Redemption
Many characters—especially the leads—make mistakes and seek redemption, reinforcing the value of sincerity and emotional growth.
Interesting facts
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Breakthrough Role for Lee Dong Wook
My Girl propelled Lee Dong Wook into stardom and solidified his image as a leading man in romantic dramas. -
On-Screen to Off-Screen Chemistry Rumors
The chemistry between Lee Dong Wook and Lee Da Hae was so strong that dating rumors circulated during and after the drama’s airing. -
Lee Joon Gi’s Star-Making Role
Though a second lead, his charming performance won over viewers and boosted his popularity across Asia. -
Written by the Hong Sisters
This iconic writing duo is also behind hits like You’re Beautiful and Master’s Sun, known for clever dialogue and strong emotional arcs. -
Filmed in Real-Time Format
The show was produced and aired in a live-shoot system, allowing adjustments to the script based on audience feedback.
Real-life loves on set
There was no confirmed real-life romance between the cast members of My Girl.
Although Lee Dong Wook and Lee Da Hae shared incredible on-screen chemistry as Seol Gong Chan and Joo Yoo Rin, their relationship off-screen remained professional. Their natural connection and emotional performances sparked dating rumors among fans, but both actors consistently denied any romantic involvement.
Over the years, they maintained a close friendship and even reunited for other projects, which further fueled fan speculation. However, there is no verified information or official confirmation of a real-life love story developing between them during or after filming My Girl.
Episodes
| Ep | Title | Air date | Status | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 1 | 2005-12-14 | Aired | |
| 2 | Episode 2 | 2005-12-15 | Aired | |
| 3 | Episode 3 | 2005-12-21 | Aired | |
| 4 | Episode 4 | 2005-12-22 | Aired | |
| 5 | Episode 5 | 2005-12-28 | Aired | |
| 6 | Episode 6 | 2005-12-28 | Aired | |
| 7 | Episode 7 | 2006-01-04 | Aired | |
| 8 | Episode 8 | 2006-01-05 | Aired | |
| 9 | Episode 9 | 2006-01-11 | Aired | |
| 10 | Episode 10 | 2006-01-12 | Aired | |
| 11 | Episode 11 | 2006-01-18 | Aired | |
| 12 | Episode 12 | 2006-01-19 | Aired | |
| 13 | Episode 13 | 2006-01-25 | Aired | |
| 14 | Episode 14 | 2006-01-26 | Aired | |
| 15 | Episode 15 | 2006-02-01 | Aired | |
| 16 | Episode 16 | 2006-02-02 | Aired |
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