Pinocchio
Pinocchio tells the gripping story of Choi Dal Po / Ki Ha Myung (played by Lee Jong Suk), a brilliant young man with a painful past. After his family is destroyed by false media reports, Ha Myung assumes a new identity as Choi Dal Po. Fueled by his quest for justice, he becomes a broadcast reporter, determined to expose corruption and uncover the truth that once ruined his life. Working alongside him is Choi In Ha (played by Park Shin Hye), a passionate rookie reporter who suffers from "Pinocchio Syndrome" — a fictional condition that causes her to hiccup whenever she lies. Despite her inability to lie, In Ha dreams of becoming a truthful journalist and strives to prove her integrity in the cutthroat world of news broadcasting. As Dal Po and In Ha navigate their blossoming romance, they face intense rivalries and ethical dilemmas, including confrontations with Seo Beom Jo (played by Kim Young Kwang) and Yoon Yoo Rae (played by Lee Yoo Bi). Their investigation into media manipulation and corporate greed leads them directly into the heart of a long-buried conspiracy, raising questions about truth, responsibility, and justice. Pinocchio blends romance, mystery, journalism drama, and family redemption, making it one of the most popular Korean dramas internationally. With a powerful storyline, strong performances, and emotional depth, Pinocchio captivates viewers seeking both romance and a thought-provoking critique of modern media.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 피노키오
🌎 Also Known As: Pinokio, Cặp Đôi Trái Ngược, Пиноккио
🎭 Genres: Romance, Drama, Comedy, Mystery
🏷 Tags: Journalism, Hidden Identity, Pinocchio Syndrome, Revenge, Family Secrets
✍ Screenwriters: Park Hye-ryun
🎬 Directors: Jo Soo-won
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 20
🗓️ Aired: November 12, 2014 – January 15, 2015
📅 Airing Days: Wednesdays & Thursdays
📺 Original Network: SBS
⏰ Duration: Approximately 58 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
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Traffic Cone Kiss: A memorable romantic moment where Choi Dal Po (Lee Jong Suk) and Choi In Ha (Park Shin Hye) share a kiss under a traffic cone, symbolizing their unique relationship.
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Rainy Island Scene: An emotionally charged scene where Dal Po and In Ha share a heartfelt conversation in the rain on Jamjindo Island, highlighting their deep bond.
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First Broadcast Challenge: Dal Po’s debut as a reporter, where he confronts the challenges of live broadcasting, showcasing his growth and determination.
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In Ha’s Truth Revelation: In Ha publicly reveals a significant truth during a press conference, emphasizing the show’s theme of honesty and integrity.
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Final Episode Closure: The series concludes with Dal Po and In Ha finding closure and happiness, providing a satisfying end to their journey.
Filming Locations
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Cheongsando Island (Wando County): Served as the fictional Hyangrido Island, depicting the serene childhood setting of the main characters.
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Jamjindo Island (Incheon): Featured in pivotal scenes, including the iconic rainy encounter between Dal Po and In Ha.
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SBS Prism Tower (Seoul): Used as the exterior for the MSC broadcasting station, central to the show’s journalism theme.
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Nowon Police Station (Seoul): Appeared in various scenes, adding authenticity to the urban backdrop of the series.
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Cheong San Do (Jeollanam-do): Represented the rural hometown of the protagonists, offering picturesque landscapes.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Professional Attire: Characters are often seen in formal wear, reflecting their roles as journalists and emphasizing the show’s professional setting.
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Casual Wardrobe: Off-duty scenes feature relaxed clothing, highlighting character personalities and everyday life.
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Color Symbolism: The use of specific colors in costumes underscores character development and emotional states.
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Minimalist Set Design: Newsroom and office settings are designed with simplicity, focusing attention on character interactions.
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Urban Aesthetics: Cityscapes and modern interiors provide a contemporary backdrop, aligning with the show’s themes.
Themes and Messages
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Truth vs. Deception: Explores the moral complexities of honesty, especially through In Ha’s inability to lie due to “Pinocchio Syndrome.”
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Media Responsibility: Highlights the power and ethical obligations of journalism in shaping public perception.
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Family and Identity: Delves into familial relationships and the search for personal identity amidst societal pressures.
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Justice and Redemption: Characters seek justice for past wrongs, emphasizing themes of redemption and moral integrity.
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Personal Growth: Showcases the evolution of characters as they confront challenges and mature through experiences.
Interesting Facts
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Record-Breaking Sales: The drama’s broadcasting rights were sold to China at a record price per episode, reflecting its international appeal.
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Award-Winning Performances: Both lead actors received accolades for their roles, including Best Couple at the SBS Drama Awards.
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Cameo Appearances: Features guest appearances from notable actors, adding depth and surprise elements to the storyline.
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Realistic Portrayal of Journalism: Praised for its accurate depiction of the challenges faced by reporters in the media industry.
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Cultural Impact: Contributed to discussions on media ethics and the importance of truth in society, resonating with audiences globally.
Awards
🏆 Awards & Nominations for Pinocchio (2014–2015)
🎬 2014 SBS Drama Awards
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Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Drama Special: Park Shin-hye – Winner
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Top 10 Stars: Lee Jong-suk, Park Shin-hye – Winners
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Special Award: Lee Jong-suk – Winner
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Best Couple Award: Lee Jong-suk & Park Shin-hye – Winners
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New Star Award: Kim Young-kwang, Lee Yoo-bi – Winners
🏅 2015 51st Baeksang Arts Awards
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Most Popular Actor (TV): Lee Jong-suk – Winner
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Best Actress (TV): Park Shin-hye – Nominee
🌟 2015 10th Seoul International Drama Awards
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Outstanding Korean Drama: Pinocchio – Winner
🎖️ 2015 8th Korea Drama Awards
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Top Excellence Award, Actor: Lee Jong-suk – Winner
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Top Excellence Award, Actress: Park Shin-hye – Nominee
🏆 2015 4th APAN Star Awards
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Best Production Director: Jo Soo-won – Winner
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Best Original Soundtrack: “Pinocchio” by Roy Kim – Winner
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Best Young Actor: Nam Da-reum – Winner
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Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries: Park Shin-hye – Nominee
🎥 2014 27th Grimae Awards
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Best Actor: Lee Jong-suk – Winner
Real-Life Loves on Set
While the on-screen chemistry between Lee Jong Suk and Park Shin Hye in the Korean drama Pinocchio sparked dating rumors, both actors have consistently denied being in a romantic relationship.
In July 2015, the Korean media outlet Dispatch released a report claiming that the two stars were dating, accompanied by photographs allegedly showing them together in various locations both in South Korea and abroad. The report suggested that they had been meeting privately and even going on trips together.
However, representatives from both actors’ agencies swiftly denied these claims. Park Shin Hye’s agency, S.A.L.T Entertainment, stated that the two were “close friends who have met in private” but were not romantically involved. Similarly, Lee Jong Suk’s agency emphasized their friendship and denied any romantic relationship.
Despite the denials, the rumors persisted among fans and media, partly due to their palpable on-screen rapport and joint appearances in advertisements. Nevertheless, there has been no official confirmation of a real-life romance between the two actors.
As of now, Lee Jong Suk and Park Shin Hye maintain that they are good friends and colleagues, and any reports of a romantic relationship remain unsubstantiated.
Trailer
Music / OST
Gallery
