My Lovely Sam Soon
Kim Sam Soon (Kim Sun Ah) is a talented pastry chef with a fiery personality and a sharp tongue. After an embarrassing breakup on Christmas Eve, she finds herself jobless and heartbroken. Just when she thinks life couldn’t get worse, she crosses paths with Hyun Jin Heon (Hyun Bin), a charming yet arrogant restaurant owner. Desperate for a pastry chef, Jin Heon hires Sam Soon, leading to a hilarious yet heartwarming clash of personalities. Their professional relationship soon takes an unexpected turn when Jin Heon proposes a fake dating contract to avoid pressure from his mother, Na Hyeon Suk (Na Moon Hee). Reluctantly, Sam Soon agrees, but their constant bickering slowly blossoms into an undeniable attraction. Just as feelings start to develop, Jin Heon’s ex-girlfriend, Yoo Hui Jin (Jung Ryeo Won), returns from the U.S., determined to win him back. Torn between his past and present, Jin Heon faces a dilemma that could change his life forever. Adding to the tension is the charming Dr. Henry Kim (Daniel Henney), who has long harbored feelings for Hui Jin. As love triangles unfold, Sam Soon must navigate her own insecurities, societal expectations, and the pursuit of true happiness. She dreams of opening her own bakery, proving to the world—and herself—that love and career can go hand in hand. My Lovely Sam Soon is a timeless K-drama filled with humor, romance, and self-discovery. With Kim Sun Ah's iconic performance, Hyun Bin's undeniable charm, and an unforgettable OST, this classic remains one of Korea’s most beloved rom-coms. Fans of strong female leads, fake dating tropes, and emotional love stories will adore this must-watch drama!
Details
🙂 Native Title: 내 이름은 김삼순 (Nae I-reum-eun Kim Sam-soon)
🌎 Also Known As: My Name is Kim Sam Soon, My Lovely Kim Sam Soon
🎭 Genres: Romantic Comedy, Drama
🏷 Tags: Pastry Chef, Fake Relationship, Love Triangle, Strong Female Lead, Workplace Romance
✍ Screenwriter: Kim Do-woo
🎬 Director: Kim Yoon-cheol
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: June 1, 2005 – July 21, 2005
📅 Airing Days: Wednesday & Thursday
📺 Original Network: MBC
⏰ Duration: Approximately 60 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
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Sam Soon’s Bathroom Breakdown: After a devastating breakup, Sam Soon locks herself in a men’s restroom stall, leading to an unexpected and humorous encounter with Jin Heon.
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Fake Dating Contract: The moment Sam Soon and Jin Heon draft a contract to pretend they’re dating showcases their comedic chemistry and sets the stage for ensuing romantic tension.
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Mountain Top Confession: In a heartfelt scene atop Hallasan Mountain, Jin Heon confesses his true feelings to Sam Soon, blending romance with the drama’s recurring theme of personal growth.
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Sam Soon’s Dance of Defiance: At a company event, Sam Soon’s impromptu dance becomes a symbol of her embracing her identity, defying societal expectations and personal insecurities.
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Jin Heon’s Jealousy at the Blind Date: Witnessing Sam Soon on a blind date, Jin Heon’s unexpected jealousy adds layers to their evolving relationship, blending humor with genuine emotion.
Filming Locations
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Bon Appetit Restaurant: The primary setting where Sam Soon works as a pastry chef, highlighting the dynamics of their professional and personal interactions.
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Jeju Island: The picturesque backdrop for several episodes, including the memorable mountain scenes, emphasizing the characters’ emotional journeys.
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Seoul’s Namsan Tower: Featured during romantic moments, symbolizing the highs and lows of Sam Soon and Jin Heon’s relationship.
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Sam Soon’s Family Bakery: A cozy setting that showcases her passion for baking and her family’s influence on her dreams.
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Han River: A serene location for introspective scenes, reflecting the characters’ contemplations and decisions.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Sam Soon’s Wardrobe: Reflecting her down-to-earth personality, her attire combines practicality with subtle femininity, aligning with her character’s authenticity.
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Jin Heon’s Suits: His sleek and tailored outfits mirror his affluent background and initial aloof demeanor, contrasting with his evolving warmth.
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Culinary Displays: The artfully presented pastries and dishes not only tantalize viewers but also symbolize Sam Soon’s dedication to her craft.
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Traditional Korean Elements: Incorporation of hanboks during family gatherings emphasizes cultural roots and familial ties.
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Color Palette: The use of warm tones in domestic settings contrasts with cooler hues in professional environments, highlighting the characters’ emotional states.
Themes and Messages
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Self-Acceptance: Sam Soon’s journey underscores the importance of embracing one’s true self amidst societal pressures.
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Love Beyond Appearances: The narrative challenges conventional beauty standards, emphasizing genuine connection over superficial traits.
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Healing from Past Traumas: Characters confront and overcome past wounds, illustrating resilience and personal growth.
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Empowerment Through Independence: Sam Soon’s ambition to establish her own bakery highlights themes of female empowerment and entrepreneurial spirit.
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Family Dynamics: The series delves into familial expectations and support systems, showcasing their impact on individual choices.
Interesting Facts
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Record-Breaking Ratings: The finale achieved a peak rating of 49.1%, making it one of the highest-rated Korean dramas of all time.
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Kim Sun Ah’s Transformation: To authentically portray Sam Soon, actress Kim Sun Ah gained 15 pounds, demonstrating her dedication to the role.
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Cultural Impact: The drama’s success led to increased interest in baking careers among viewers, reflecting its societal influence.
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OST Popularity: The soundtrack, especially Clazziquai’s “She Is,” became immensely popular, contributing to the show’s ambiance.
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International Remakes: The series inspired adaptations in countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, attesting to its universal appeal.
Awards
The Korean drama “My Lovely Sam Soon” garnered several prestigious awards during its run. Here’s a list of its notable accolades:
2005 MBC Drama Awards:
- Grand Prize (Daesang): Kim Sun-a for her role as Kim Sam Soon.
- Top Excellence Award, Actor: Hyun Bin for his portrayal of Hyun Jin Heon.
- Top Excellence Award, Actress: Kim Sun-a for her role as Kim Sam Soon.
- Excellence Award, Actress: Jung Ryeo-won for her performance as Yoo Hee-jin.
- Best New Actor: Daniel Henney for his role as Dr. Henry Kim.
- Popularity Award, Actor: Hyun Bin.
- Popularity Award, Actress: Kim Sun-a.
- Best Couple Award: Hyun Bin and Kim Sun-a.
2006 Baeksang Arts Awards:
- Grand Prize (Daesang) for Television: “My Lovely Sam Soon.”
- Best Screenplay (TV): Kim Do-woo for “My Lovely Sam Soon.”
2006 Seoul International Drama Awards:
- Best Miniseries: “My Lovely Sam Soon.”
These accolades underscore the drama’s exceptional storytelling, stellar performances, and its significant impact on Korean television.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There is no public information indicating that the lead actors of “My Lovely Sam Soon,” such as Kim Sun-ah and Hyun Bin, were involved in a romantic relationship during or after the production of the drama. Hyun Bin later confirmed a relationship with actress Son Ye-jin in 2021, leading to their marriage in 2022.
Similarly, Daniel Henney, who played Dr. Henry Kim in the series, married Japanese-American actress Ru Kumagai in October 2023.
Therefore, while “My Lovely Sam Soon” featured compelling on-screen romances, these did not translate into real-life relationships among the main cast members.
Trailer
Music / OST
Gallery
