Now, We Are Breaking Up

Now, We Are Breaking Up is a captivating Korean romance drama set in the glamorous yet emotionally challenging world of fashion. Song Hye Kyo stars as Ha Young Eun, a talented and independent fashion designer who leads the design team at a top fashion company called "The One." She's career-focused, practical about love, and carries emotional scars from past relationships. Her world is shaken when she meets Yoon Jae Guk, portrayed by Jang Ki Yong, a charming freelance fashion photographer known for his striking visuals and confident personality. As their paths intertwine, passion flares—challenging Young Eun’s guarded heart and Jae Guk’s persistence in pursuing true love. Their chemistry is undeniable, but so are the secrets and emotional baggage that threaten to break them apart. With a strong supporting cast including Choi Hee Seo as Ha Young Eun's best friend Hwang Chi Sook, and Kim Joo Heon as charismatic PR CEO Seok Do Hoon, the drama explores the bittersweet reality of adult relationships, heartbreak, and personal growth. The show blends workplace drama, intense romantic tension, and emotional realism, making it a top pick for fans of mature Korean love stories. Directed with style and emotional depth, Now, We Are Breaking Up is more than a love story—it's a reflection of how people love, let go, and evolve. For fans of Song Hye Kyo, high-fashion aesthetics, and K-dramas with raw emotions and modern themes, this series delivers unforgettable moments and resonant life lessons.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 지금, 헤어지는 중입니다
🌎 Also Known As: I’m Breaking Up Now, Jigeum, Heeojineun Jungibnida
🎭 Genres: Romance, Drama, Melodrama
🏷 Tags: Fashion Industry, Strong Female Lead, Photographer Male Lead, Workplace Romance, Emotional Healing
✍ Screenwriters: Je In
🎬 Directors: Lee Gil Bok
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: November 12, 2021 – January 8, 2022
📅 Airing Days: Friday & Saturday
📺 Original Network: SBS, ViuTV, Viki
⏰ Duration: 60 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older

Best Scenes

Young Eun and Jae Guk’s first kiss in the rain delivers a raw emotional punch and became one of the most talked-about moments of the series.
The fashion show scene where Ha Young Eun showcases her final designs symbolizes both professional success and personal growth.
Jae Guk’s confession at the airport, layered with tension and longing, marks a turning point in their complicated relationship.
Young Eun’s emotional confrontation with her mother unveils her vulnerability and explores generational expectations on women.
The moment Ha Young Eun walks away from a toxic contract reflects her strength as a female lead prioritizing self-respect over success.

Filming Locations

Many scenes were shot in Seoul’s Gangnam District, especially in real design studios and trendy cafés.
The iconic Han River serves as a recurring backdrop for quiet, reflective moments between characters.
Fashion shoots and travel scenes were filmed in Busan, adding visual variety and depth to the setting.
Modern office buildings in Seoul were used to depict the headquarters of “The One” and “Vision PR.”
Real luxury hotels and rooftop lounges gave an authentic high-fashion aesthetic throughout the drama.

Visual Design and Costumes

Song Hye Kyo’s character wears minimalist, elegant outfits designed to reflect her calm, professional persona.
The drama features real-life fashion pieces from Korean and global luxury brands, making it a visual treat for style lovers.
Color palettes are carefully chosen—neutrals dominate Ha Young Eun’s wardrobe, while other characters express bolder tones.
Each office and showroom space is curated with modern interior aesthetics, echoing the world of real fashion houses.
Lighting and camera angles are used to enhance textures in fabrics, especially during runway and photoshoot scenes.

Themes and Messages

Love vs. career is a central conflict, showing how modern women navigate romance and ambition.
The series explores grief and emotional healing, particularly through Jae Guk’s family backstory.
Aging and beauty standards are tackled through characters facing industry and societal pressure.
Mother-daughter dynamics highlight cultural expectations placed on women in Korea.
It celebrates female empowerment, with Young Eun portrayed as independent, capable, and emotionally intelligent.

Interesting Facts

This was Jang Ki Yong’s last project before enlisting in the military, which generated high anticipation and media buzz.
Song Hye Kyo returned to television after a hiatus post-divorce, making this drama a major comeback.
The fashion in the series was supervised by real industry consultants, enhancing authenticity.
The drama was pre-sold to several countries including Japan, Singapore, and the U.S., proving its global appeal.
Despite mixed ratings in Korea, the series gained a strong international fanbase, especially on streaming platforms like Viki.

Awards

🏆 2021 SBS Drama Awards

🥇 Awards Won:

Excellence Award, Actor in a Mini-Series (Romance/Comedy): Kim Joo-heon
Best Supporting Actress in a Mini-Series (Romance/Comedy): Park Hyo-joo

🏅 Nominations:

Grand Prize (Daesang): Song Hye-kyo
Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Mini-Series (Romance/Comedy): Jang Ki-yong
Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Mini-Series (Romance/Comedy): Song Hye-kyo
Excellence Award, Actress in a Mini-Series (Romance/Comedy): Choi Hee-seo
Best Supporting Actor in a Mini-Series (Romance/Comedy): Jang Hyuk-jin
Best Character Award, Actress: Choi Hee-seo
Best Couple Award: Song Hye-kyo & Jang Ki-yong

Real-Life Loves on Set

There is no confirmed real-life romance that developed between the main cast members of Now, We Are Breaking Up. Despite the intense on-screen chemistry between Song Hye Kyo (Ha Young Eun) and Jang Ki Yong (Yoon Jae Guk), both actors have stated in interviews that their relationship remained strictly professional.

The rumors of a possible off-screen relationship were fueled by their emotional performances and promotional appearances, but no official statements or reliable sources have confirmed any real-life dating. Jang Ki Yong even enlisted in the military shortly after filming concluded, further distancing the possibility of a real-life romance developing during or after the drama.

In short, the powerful connection seen in the series was a testament to their strong acting skills rather than a reflection of personal relationships.