Romance Is a Bonus Book

Romance Is a Bonus Book is a charming K-drama that tells the story of love, friendship, and second chances set in the world of publishing. Lee Na Young stars as Kang Dan Yi, a former copywriter whose life falls apart after a divorce. Struggling to restart her career, she hides her qualifications to get a job at Gyeoroo Publishing, where she meets her childhood friend Cha Eun Ho (Lee Jong Suk), a successful editor and bestselling author. As Kang Dan Yi navigates her new role, she reconnects with Cha Eun Ho, who has secretly harbored feelings for her for years. Their deep friendship begins to blossom into something more as they work together in the bustling world of books and stories. The drama beautifully portrays their evolving relationship, with Cha Eun Ho stepping in as her support system during her vulnerable moments. Meanwhile, Song Hae Rin (Jung Eugene), a fellow editor at Gyeoroo, also harbors feelings for Cha Eun Ho, creating a subtle love triangle. Wi Ha Joon plays Ji Seo Joon, a talented book designer who becomes intrigued by Kang Dan Yi, adding more complexity to the relationships within the publishing house. Through its relatable characters and heartwarming plot, Romance Is a Bonus Book explores themes of career challenges, rediscovery, and love later in life. With strong performances from Lee Na Young and Lee Jong Suk, this K-drama is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys a feel-good romantic story.

Details

🙂 Native Title: 로맨스는 별책부록 (Romaenseuneun Byeolchaekburok)
🌎 Also Known As: How To Publish Love, Romance Supplement
🎭 Genres: Romance, Comedy, Drama
🏷 Tags: Workplace Romance, Older Woman Younger Man, Love Triangle, Childhood Friends, Publishing Industry
✍ Screenwriters: Jung Hyun Jung
🎬 Directors: Lee Jeong Hyo
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: January 26, 2019 – March 17, 2019
📅 Airing Days: Saturday, Sunday
📺 Original Network: tvN, Netflix
⏰ Duration: 1 hour 2 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ (Teens 15 or older)

Best Scenes

The heartwarming scene where Cha Eun Ho confesses his love to Kang Dan Yi, marking a turning point in their relationship.
Kang Dan Yi’s emotional job interview, where she bravely admits to lying about her resume, resonating with viewers facing career challenges.
The beautiful scene in the library where Eun Ho reads aloud to Dan Yi, symbolizing their deep connection through books.
The reunion between Dan Yi and Cha Eun Ho after years apart, sparking nostalgia and setting the stage for their romance.
The rooftop dinner scene, where the characters bond over food and laughter, highlighting the show’s blend of romance and friendship.

Filming Locations

Gyeoroo Publishing was filmed at a real book publishing company in Seoul, providing a realistic backdrop for the series.
Many outdoor scenes, including parks and cafes, were shot in Incheon, adding to the warm and inviting atmosphere of the show.
Cha Eun Ho’s house was filmed in a beautiful residential neighborhood, which became a popular filming location for other K-dramas.
Seoul Book Bogo, a famous secondhand bookstore, was featured in key scenes where Dan Yi reconnects with her love for books.
The university campus scenes were filmed at Yonsei University, a well-known filming location for Korean dramas.

Visual Design and Costumes

Kang Dan Yi’s wardrobe reflects her transition from a struggling single mother to a confident working woman, with more polished outfits as the series progresses.
Cha Eun Ho‘s sleek, modern outfits align with his role as a young, successful editor, reinforcing his character’s professional persona.
The bright and airy set design of the publishing house gives the drama a fresh and inspiring feel, perfect for the backdrop of a romantic workplace.
The use of soft, warm lighting in key scenes emphasizes the show’s comforting and heartwarming tone, particularly in intimate moments between characters.
The minimalist, book-themed design of Cha Eun Ho’s home perfectly matches his intellectual and composed character, adding depth to the visual storytelling.

Themes and Messages

Second Chances: The drama beautifully portrays how life offers second chances, both in love and career, as seen through Kang Dan Yi’s journey.
Female Empowerment: Kang Dan Yi‘s struggle to re-enter the workforce after a long break highlights the challenges women face but also their resilience and strength.
Friendship to Romance: The deep bond between Dan Yi and Eun Ho evolves naturally from friendship into love, sending a message about the power of enduring connections.
Literary Passion: The love for books and storytelling is a core theme, showing how literature can inspire and bring people together.
Workplace Dynamics: The drama delves into the complexities of office politics and career growth, especially for older women returning to the workforce.

Interesting Facts

Romance Is a Bonus Book marks Lee Jong Suk’s final drama before his mandatory military enlistment, making it a special project for his fans.
Lee Na Young, who plays Kang Dan Yi, returned to the small screen after a nine-year hiatus, adding significant anticipation to the show’s release.
The drama is written by Jung Hyun Jung, who is known for her other successful works like I Need Romance, adding credibility to its engaging storytelling.
Romance Is a Bonus Book became one of the top-rated dramas on Netflix globally, particularly popular for its heartwarming story and strong cast performances.
The show’s title, “Romance Is a Bonus Book,” reflects its central metaphor — just like a bonus book, love can unexpectedly enrich your life when you least expect it.

Awards

Here is a list of awards and nominations received by the K-drama Romance Is a Bonus Book:

1. 55th Baeksang Arts Awards (2019):

Best New Actor (TV) – Wi Ha Joon (Nominated)

2. 21st Mnet Asian Music Awards:

Romance Is a Bonus Book Original Soundtrack (OST) was highlighted but did not secure a win.

Although the drama didn’t win a large number of major awards, it garnered significant recognition, particularly for its strong performances by Wi Ha Joon and its popular OST. The show’s heartfelt story and relatable characters have made it a fan favorite on streaming platforms like Netflix.

Real-Life Loves on Set

As of now, no real-life romance has been confirmed between the actors in Romance Is a Bonus Book. Despite the strong on-screen chemistry between Lee Jong Suk (Cha Eun Ho) and Lee Na Young (Kang Dan Yi), there have been no reports or announcements indicating a romantic relationship off-screen.

Lee Jong Suk and Lee Na Young portrayed their characters with such emotional depth that it sparked curiosity among fans about a potential real-life connection. However, both actors have maintained a professional relationship, and no romantic involvement has been reported during or after the show’s production