
Scent of a Woman
Scent of a Woman is a moving romantic Korean drama that explores what it truly means to live when faced with death. The story centers on Lee Yeon Jae (played by the brilliant Kim Sun Ah), a timid and overworked travel agent who receives a heartbreaking terminal cancer diagnosis. With only a few months left to live, Yeon Jae decides to break free from her monotonous routine and finally experience the joy and freedom she's always denied herself. As she sets out on a bucket-list journey filled with first-time experiences and emotional growth, Yeon Jae unexpectedly crosses paths with Kang Ji Wook (portrayed by the charismatic Lee Dong Wook), a wealthy and emotionally distant chaebol heir. What begins as a simple encounter evolves into a touching and transformative romance that defies expectations and societal norms. Ji Wook, drawn to Yeon Jae’s courage and zest for life, begins to reevaluate his own priorities and emotional walls. Adding further depth is Uhm Ki Joon as Chae Eun Suk, Yeon Jae’s long-time friend and physician, who secretly struggles with his feelings for her. Seo Hyo Rim plays Im Se Kyung, a woman from Ji Wook’s past whose presence complicates the delicate bond between the leads. With a talented supporting cast and layered emotional arcs, the drama offers a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the beauty of fleeting moments. Scent of a Woman is more than a love story—it's an inspiring tale of personal awakening, emotional healing, and living without regrets. With stunning performances, poetic cinematography, and a tear-jerking soundtrack, this K-drama has earned its place among the most cherished romantic melodramas. Whether you're a fan of poignant storytelling or simply looking for a meaningful Korean drama, Scent of a Woman delivers a deeply rewarding experience.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 여인의 향기
🌎 Also Known As: Yeoinui Hyanggi, The Scent of a Woman
🎭 Genres: Romance, Drama, Melodrama
🏷 Tags: Terminal Illness 💔, Bucket List ✈️, Personal Growth 🌱, Office Romance 🏢❤️, Strong Female Lead 💪
✍ Screenwriters: Noh Ji Sul
🎬 Directors: Park Hyung Ki
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: July 23, 2011 – September 11, 2011
📅 Airing Days: Saturday & Sunday
📺 Original Network: SBS
⏰ Duration: 1 hr. 5 min.
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
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Yeon Jae’s Tango Performance
A breathtaking moment where Lee Yeon Jae (Kim Sun Ah) stuns everyone—including Ji Wook—with her passionate tango, symbolizing her personal transformation. -
Cancer Diagnosis Revelation
An emotional scene that sets the story in motion, where Yeon Jae receives her terminal cancer diagnosis and begins her journey to truly live. -
Beach Date with Kang Ji Wook
A heartwarming and romantic scene where Ji Wook and Yeon Jae share laughter, vulnerability, and hope by the sea. -
Bucket List Montage
A moving sequence showing Yeon Jae ticking off her bucket list: traveling, skydiving, dancing, and savoring life before it’s too late. -
Confession at the Hospital
Ji Wook’s emotional confession to Yeon Jae while she lies in a hospital bed highlights the depth of their love and fear of loss.
Filming Locations
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Jeju Island
Several romantic scenes, including their getaway trip, were filmed in the picturesque landscapes of Jeju—symbolizing peace and freedom. -
SBS Tanhyeon Open Set
Used to film the workplace scenes at the travel agency where Yeon Jae works, capturing the daily grind she escapes from. -
Busan Beachfronts
The beach scenes were shot in Busan, adding a soothing, dream-like backdrop to the couple’s blossoming relationship. -
Han River Park, Seoul
Frequented for reflective solo walks and quiet couple moments, reinforcing the drama’s themes of inner peace and change. -
Skydiving Location in South Korea
The skydiving sequence was filmed at a real training site, showcasing Yeon Jae’s fearless leap into life.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Yeon Jae’s Makeover
As Yeon Jae reclaims her life, her wardrobe shifts from dull office wear to vibrant, flowy dresses that reflect her newfound spirit. -
Classic Tango Dress
Her red tango dress stands out as a symbol of empowerment, passion, and transformation—one of the drama’s most iconic visuals. -
Kang Ji Wook’s Business Elegance
Lee Dong Wook’s tailored suits convey Ji Wook’s high-status background and aloof personality, which softens over time. -
Subtle Color Themes
The show uses warm tones and soft lighting in romantic scenes, while clinical blues dominate hospital scenes—visually separating life and illness. -
Minimalist Makeup Look
Kim Sun Ah’s natural makeup enhances the emotional authenticity of her performance and reflects the rawness of her character’s journey.
Themes and Messages
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Live Fully Before It’s Too Late
At the core is a powerful message about living with intention and embracing joy, even in the face of death. -
The Beauty of Small Moments
The drama reminds viewers that happiness often lies in everyday experiences—sunsets, laughter, and quiet companionship. -
Love Without Conditions
Ji Wook’s love for Yeon Jae grows as he accepts her illness, showing that true love goes beyond physical well-being. -
Facing Mortality with Courage
Yeon Jae becomes an inspiration by living courageously and refusing to let her diagnosis define her final days. -
Breaking Free from Expectations
The show critiques rigid societal norms and emphasizes personal freedom, especially for women stuck in corporate monotony.
Interesting Facts
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Kim Sun Ah Trained in Tango for the Role
She underwent intensive training to deliver a realistic and powerful tango performance that became iconic in the drama. -
Lee Dong Wook’s Comeback Role
Scent of a Woman marked Lee Dong Wook’s return to television after completing his mandatory military service. -
High Ratings and Emotional Impact
The drama consistently ranked high in viewership, especially praised for its emotional depth and life-affirming message. -
XIA Junsu’s Special Cameo
JYJ’s XIA (Kim Junsu) made a guest appearance and performed “You Are So Beautiful”, which became one of the standout OST tracks. -
Inspired Bucket List Trends
Following the drama’s popularity, many viewers shared their own bucket lists, inspired by Yeon Jae’s courage and journey.
Awards
Here is a comprehensive list of awards and nominations received by the Korean drama “Scent of a Woman”:
2011 SBS Drama Awards:
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🏆 Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Weekend Drama: Lee Dong-wook as Kang Ji-wook.
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🏆 Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Weekend Drama: Kim Sun-a as Lee Yeon-jae.
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🏆 Excellence Award, Actor in a Weekend Drama: Um Ki-joon as Chae Eun-suk.
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🏆 Special Acting Award, Actress in a Weekend Drama: Kim Hye-ok as Kim Soon-jung.
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🏆 Top 10 Stars Award: Lee Dong-wook and Kim Sun-a.
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🏆 New Star Award: Seo Hyo-rim as Im Se-kyung.
2011 CETV Awards:
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🏆 Top Ten Hottest Asia Award: Kim Sun-a.
2012 48th Baeksang Arts Awards:
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🎖 Best Actress (TV): Kim Sun-a – Nominated.
2012 7th Seoul International Drama Awards:
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🎖 Outstanding Korean Drama: Scent of a Woman – Nominated.
These accolades highlight the drama’s exceptional performances and its impact on audiences and critics alike.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There was no confirmed real-life romance between the cast members of Scent of a Woman.
Although Kim Sun Ah and Lee Dong Wook delivered powerful on-screen chemistry as Lee Yeon Jae and Kang Ji Wook, their relationship remained strictly professional. Fans praised their emotional performances and believable connection, which led to some speculation, but neither actor was romantically linked to the other off-screen.
No dating rumors or behind-the-scenes reports ever suggested a real-life relationship developed during or after filming. Their strong partnership was a result of mutual respect and professional collaboration.










