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One Warm Word (2013) K-Drama posterOW

South Korea · Drama · 2013

One Warm Word

따뜻한 말 한마디 Also known as Ttatteushan Mal Hanmadi, A Word From Warm Heart

SBS · 20 episodes · 60 min · Mondays & Tuesdays · 15+ – Teens 15 or older Completed

Drama Family Melodrama Romance
2 Dec 2013
Premiere
24 Feb 2014
Finale
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Synopsis

Na Eun-jin and Yoo Jae-hak are both married to other people when their paths cross and an attraction neither of them expected starts to build. What begins as something neither takes seriously grows into feelings strong enough to put both of their marriages, and the families built around them, at risk.

As the affair comes to light, the fallout spreads well beyond the two of them, touching their spouses, children, and the wider circle of people who trusted them. The series follows the strain that decision puts on everyone involved, weighing the cost of a connection built on betrayal against the ordinary, harder-won stability of the marriages it threatens to break.

"One Warm Word" aired on SBS from December 2, 2013 to February 24, 2014, across 20 episodes, starring Han Hye-jin as Eun-jin, Ji Jin-hee as Jae-hak, Kim Ji-soo as Song Mi-kyung, and Lee Sang-woo as Kim Sung-soo.

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One Warm Word cast

Guest appearances
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Best scenes

  • Eun Jin and Jae Hak’s first meeting at the restaurant subtly introduces the emotional affair that sets the entire plot in motion.

  • Song Mi Kyung’s confrontation with Eun Jin is a tense, raw moment that showcases powerful acting and deep emotional stakes.

  • Kim Sung Soo discovering the affair delivers an explosive turning point, filled with hurt, betrayal, and internal conflict.

  • Mi Kyung breaking down in front of her children, reflecting the toll a strained marriage takes on family life.

  • The final rooftop scene, where Eun Jin and Jae Hak part ways, offers emotional closure with maturity and grace.

Filming locations

  • SBS Ilsan Production Center was used for most indoor and office scenes, especially Jae Hak’s company and editorial office.

  • Seoul’s upscale Hannam-dong neighborhood serves as the setting for the homes of both couples, reflecting their status and lifestyle.

  • Cheonggyecheon Stream appears in key outdoor scenes, symbolizing calm amidst personal chaos.

  • Neighborhood cafés and parks in Gangnam and Seocho offer cozy, intimate settings for emotional conversations.

  • Seoul Family Counseling Center-style location is used during therapy sessions, highlighting the show's realistic depiction of marriage recovery.

Visual design and costumes

  • Eun Jin’s soft, neutral-toned outfits mirror her inner conflict and subdued personality.

  • Mi Kyung’s polished, structured wardrobe reflects her pride, emotional restraint, and desire for control.

  • Dimly lit indoor scenes reinforce the emotional heaviness and secrecy surrounding the characters.

  • Contrasting home interiors—Eun Jin’s warm and earthy vs. Mi Kyung’s modern and pristine—symbolize the emotional tone of each marriage.

  • Minimalist yet elegant costume design focuses viewer attention on facial expressions and dialogue rather than glamour.

Themes and messages

  • Emotional infidelity vs. physical betrayal is explored with nuance, questioning what truly constitutes a broken relationship.

  • Forgiveness and redemption are central to each character’s journey, especially in long-term relationships.

  • Marriage is not always what it seems—the series emphasizes the quiet struggles that happen behind closed doors.

  • Family impact of adult conflicts shows how children and parents alike are affected by unresolved tension.

  • One warm word can change everything, suggesting the power of empathy, communication, and emotional honesty.

Interesting facts

  • The drama was written by Ha Myung Hee, also known for writing Temperature of Love and Doctors, both emotional relationship dramas.

  • Han Hye Jin filmed this series shortly after her marriage, bringing a deeper personal understanding to her role as a conflicted wife.

  • Park Seo Joon appears in a supporting role as Song Min Soo, long before rising to leading-man fame.

  • Realistic portrayal of infidelity led to discussions in Korea about modern marriage and emotional affairs.

  • The series had strong critical praise for its mature script and standout performances from all four main leads.

Real-life loves on set

There are no confirmed reports or official statements indicating that a real-life romantic relationship developed among the cast members of One Warm Word.

Despite the intense on-screen chemistry between Han Hye Jin and Ji Jin Hee, as well as between supporting actors like Park Seo Joon and Han Groo, all relationships during and after the drama remained strictly professional. The emotional tension and realism in the romantic storylines led to viewer speculation, but no dating rumors or behind-the-scenes romances were confirmed by the actors or production team.

It's worth noting that Han Hye Jin was already married to footballer Ki Sung Yueng at the time of filming, and there were no known controversies involving personal relationships during the airing of the drama. Likewise, Park Seo Joon and Han Groo, who were praised for their supporting love line, did not report any real-life involvement.

Episodes

Ep Title Air date Status Rating
1 Episode 1 2013-12-02 Aired
2 Episode 2 2013-12-03 Aired
3 Episode 3 2013-12-09 Aired
4 Episode 4 2013-12-10 Aired
5 Episode 5 2013-12-16 Aired
6 Episode 6 2013-12-17 Aired
7 Episode 7 2013-12-23 Aired
8 Episode 8 2013-12-24 Aired
9 Episode 9 2014-01-06 Aired
10 Episode 10 2014-01-07 Aired
11 Episode 11 2014-01-13 Aired
12 Episode 12 2014-01-14 Aired
13 Episode 13 2014-01-20 Aired
14 Episode 14 2014-01-21 Aired
15 Episode 15 2014-01-27 Aired
16 Episode 16 2014-01-28 Aired
17 Episode 17 2014-02-03 Aired
18 Episode 18 2014-02-04 Aired
19 Episode 19 2014-02-17 Aired
20 Episode 20 2014-02-24 Aired

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