
Night Light
Night Light is a thrilling Korean drama that dives deep into the ruthless world of ambition, power, and betrayal. Lee Yo Won stars as Seo Yi Kyung, a fiercely intelligent and ambitious businesswoman who believes wealth is the ultimate freedom. Her relentless pursuit of success leads her into the darkest corners of high society, where every move is a calculated risk. Jin Goo portrays Park Gun Woo, the heir of a powerful conglomerate, who once loved Yi Kyung but now finds himself caught between loyalty, love, and ambition. As Gun Woo’s life intertwines again with Yi Kyung’s, he faces hard truths about the cost of power. Meanwhile, Uee shines as Lee Se Jin, a young woman from a modest background who is drawn into Yi Kyung’s world, chasing dreams that could either elevate or destroy her. The drama paints a vivid portrait of the clash between those who have everything and those who fight to claim their place. Seo Yi Kyung’s strategic brilliance and emotional isolation make her a captivating anti-heroine, while Park Gun Woo and Lee Se Jin add emotional complexity and humanity to a high-stakes power struggle. Betrayals, hidden alliances, and ruthless ambition drive the plot forward, keeping viewers hooked at every turn. Perfect for fans of intense Korean business dramas, Night Light blends power politics, psychological battles, and emotional intrigue. With stellar performances by Lee Yo Won, Jin Goo, and Uee, this drama explores the lengths people will go to achieve their dreams. Night Light isn't just about chasing wealth—it's a story of survival, transformation, and the true cost of ambition in a glittering but unforgiving world.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 불야성
🌎 Also Known As: Buyaseong, White Nights
🎭 Genres: Drama, Romance, Business
🏷 Tags: Ambition, Power Struggle, Revenge, Love Triangle, Strong Female Lead
✍ Screenwriters: Han Ji Hoon
🎬 Directors: Lee Jae Dong
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 20
🗓️ Aired: November 21, 2016 – January 24, 2017
📅 Airing Days: Monday, Tuesday
📺 Original Network: MBC
⏰ Duration: 60 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
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Seo Yi Kyung’s powerful boardroom speech about ambition highlights her character’s fearless nature.
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The emotional breakup between Park Gun Woo and Seo Yi Kyung exposes the deep pain behind their ambitions.
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Lee Se Jin’s first confrontation with Yi Kyung shows her transition from innocence to determination.
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Yi Kyung’s calculated betrayal of her allies cements her role as a complex and riveting anti-heroine.
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The climactic final showdown where ambition, loyalty, and personal dreams collide leaves viewers breathless.
Filming Locations
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Major business scenes were filmed in Seoul’s prestigious Gangnam and Yeouido financial districts.
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High-end hotel and penthouse scenes were shot in luxury locations like the Grand Hyatt Seoul.
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Rooftop and city skyline shots highlight Seoul’s glittering nightscape, symbolizing ambition and dreams.
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Lee Se Jin’s modest home was filmed in an older residential area to contrast with Yi Kyung’s glamorous lifestyle.
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Many elegant restaurants and galleries in Cheongdam-dong were used to depict the elite social circles.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Seo Yi Kyung’s wardrobe is filled with sleek, monochrome power suits, emphasizing her authority and ambition.
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Park Gun Woo’s classic tailored suits reflect his chaebol heritage and composed persona.
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Lee Se Jin’s early casual outfits evolve into sophisticated looks as she rises through society.
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The visual tone uses cold blue and silver hues to portray emotional distance and the ruthless world of business.
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The luxurious interiors and minimalistic designs emphasize wealth, isolation, and the price of power.
Themes and Messages
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Unchecked ambition can lead to both personal triumph and tragic loneliness.
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True power often comes with emotional sacrifices and moral compromises.
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The drama explores class mobility, showing the harsh realities behind social climbing.
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Betrayal is portrayed as an inevitable outcome in the pursuit of wealth and influence.
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Love is seen not as a fairytale but as a complex and risky venture in a world driven by ambition.
Interesting Facts
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Night Light marked Lee Yo Won’s strong return to TV dramas, showcasing her as a powerful and independent female lead.
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Jin Goo filmed Night Light shortly after his breakout success in Descendants of the Sun.
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Uee’s portrayal of Lee Se Jin earned praise for her emotional depth and character growth throughout the series.
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The drama’s stylish cinematography captured Seoul’s dazzling nightlife, making the city itself feel like a character.
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Night Light was praised internationally for its unique focus on female empowerment and ambition within a business drama setting.
Awards
Awards Status for Night Light
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Night Light did not win any major drama awards during its original broadcast period.
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Despite not winning awards, Lee Yo Won’s performance as Seo Yi Kyung received critical praise for portraying a powerful and complex female character.
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Jin Goo was recognized for his strong acting presence, though his awards during this period were tied to his role in Descendants of the Sun, not Night Light.
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Uee’s performance was noted for showcasing her growth as an actress in more serious, mature roles.
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The drama gained a small but loyal fanbase internationally for its unique focus on ambition, power, and female leadership in a business setting.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There were no real-life romantic relationships reported between the main cast members of Night Light. Although Lee Yo Won (Seo Yi Kyung), Jin Goo (Park Gun Woo), and Uee (Lee Se Jin) displayed strong on-screen chemistry, especially within the intense power dynamics of the drama, no dating rumors or confirmed romances emerged during or after filming. The relationships among the cast remained strictly professional, focused on delivering compelling performances in a high-stakes storyline.