The Third Charm
On Joon Yeong (Seo Kang Joon) is a meticulous and disciplined university student who believes in planning every aspect of life. Meanwhile, Lee Yeong Jae (Esom) is a free-spirited and spontaneous woman who lives by her own rules. Their paths cross during a fateful blind date in their early 20s, leading to an unexpected romance. Though they seem like complete opposites, an undeniable attraction sparks between them. As time passes, their relationship is tested by different dreams and ambitions. They break up, only to meet again in their late 20s, now shaped by life's experiences. Joon Yeong, once rigid and calculated, has changed, while Yeong Jae is no longer the carefree girl she used to be. Despite the years apart, their feelings remain unresolved. Can love truly be rekindled after so much time? Through heartbreaks, laughter, and personal growth, The Third Charm explores the journey of love across 12 years. It beautifully captures how people evolve over time and whether first love can survive life's inevitable changes. Their story is one of fate, coincidence, and the bittersweet reality of relationships. Starring Seo Kang Joon, Esom, Min Woo Hyuk, and Kim Yoon Hye, this emotional romantic drama takes viewers on a journey of self-discovery and second chances. If you enjoy realistic love stories, deep character development, and heartfelt emotions, The Third Charm is a must-watch!
Details
🙂 Native Title: 제3의 매력
🌎 Also Known As: The 3rd Charm
🎭 Genres: Romance, Comedy, Drama
🏷 Tags: Opposites Attract, First Love, Slice of Life, Time Skip, Relationships
✍ Screenwriters: Park Hee-Kwon, Park Eun-Young
🎬 Director: Pyo Min-Soo
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: September 28, 2018 – November 17, 2018
📅 Airing Days: Friday, Saturday
📺 Original Network: JTBC
⏰ Duration: Approximately 70 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ (suitable for teenagers 15 and older)
Best Scenes
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First Blind Date: Joon-Young and Young-Jae’s awkward yet endearing initial meeting sets the tone for their evolving relationship.
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Rainy Bus Stop Reunion: A heartfelt encounter under the rain highlights the lingering emotions between the protagonists.
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Surprise Birthday Celebration: Joon-Young’s meticulously planned surprise for Young-Jae showcases his deep affection and attention to detail.
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Emotional Breakup: The poignant scene where differing life goals lead to their separation, capturing the complexities of love and ambition.
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Final Montage: A reflective sequence that encapsulates their 12-year journey, emphasizing growth and the enduring nature of true love.
Filming Locations
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Seoul’s Hongdae District: The vibrant neighborhood serves as a backdrop for several youthful and lively scenes.
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Namsan Seoul Tower: A romantic setting where pivotal moments in Joon-Young and Young-Jae’s relationship unfold.
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Han River Park: The serene riverside park is featured during intimate conversations and personal reflections.
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Busan’s Haeundae Beach: The coastal locale provides a picturesque setting for the couple’s getaway, symbolizing new beginnings.
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Portuguese Streets: International scenes set in Portugal add a unique flavor to the narrative, highlighting the characters’ growth.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Evolving Fashion: Costumes reflect the characters’ growth, transitioning from youthful styles to mature wardrobes over 12 years.
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Color Symbolism: The use of color palettes mirrors the emotional states and evolution of Joon-Young and Young-Jae.
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Authentic Set Designs: Realistic settings, from cozy apartments to bustling salons, enhance the storytelling’s relatability.
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Natural Lighting: The series employs naturalistic lighting to create an intimate and genuine atmosphere.
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Subtle Makeup: Minimalistic makeup emphasizes the raw and authentic portrayal of characters, aligning with the drama’s realistic theme.
Themes and Messages
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Growth and Change: The narrative explores how individuals evolve over time and how these changes impact relationships.
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Timing in Love: The series delves into the significance of timing and how it influences romantic connections.
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Opposites Attract: Highlighting the dynamics between contrasting personalities and the balance they bring to each other.
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Resilience: Showcasing the strength to overcome personal and relational challenges throughout different life stages.
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Self-Discovery: Emphasizing the importance of understanding oneself to foster healthier relationships.
Interesting Facts
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Realistic Portrayal: The drama is praised for its authentic depiction of relationships, resonating with viewers’ personal experiences.
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Esom’s Versatility: Actress Esom received acclaim for her dynamic portrayal of Young-Jae, showcasing her acting range.
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Seo Kang-Joon’s Transformation: Seo Kang-Joon underwent physical transformations to authentically depict Joon-Young’s growth over 12 years.
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Director’s Vision: Pyo Min-Soo, known for his work on romantic dramas, brings depth and nuance to the storytelling.
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Cultural Impact: The series sparked discussions on the realism of long-term relationships, influencing contemporary Korean drama narratives.
Awards
There are no records or public information indicating that the Korean drama “The Third Charm” has received any awards. The series, which aired in 2018, is noted for its realistic portrayal of relationships and the performances of its lead actors, Seo Kang-joon and Esom.
Real-Life Loves on Set
There is no public information or credible reports indicating that any romantic relationships developed between the cast members of the Korean drama “The Third Charm” during or after its production. The actors have maintained professional relationships, and no personal romances have been reported in the media. For instance, Min Woo-hyuk, who played a main role in the series, has been married to actress Lee Se-mi since 2012, and they have two children together. Additionally, Esom has discussed her dating past in interviews but has not been linked romantically to her co-stars.
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