Thirty but Seventeen
Thirty but Seventeen is a heartwarming Korean drama that tells the story of Woo Seo Ri, played by Shin Hye Sun, a violin prodigy who falls into a coma at the age of 17 and wakes up 13 years later, at the age of 30. Despite her age, Seo Ri still has the mind and emotions of a 17-year-old, leaving her to navigate the challenges of adulthood while dealing with the trauma of lost time.
Gong Woo Jin, portrayed by Yang Se Jong, is a set designer who has isolated himself from the world due to a tragic accident from his past. His life takes a surprising turn when he encounters Seo Ri, and despite his reluctance to get involved, he finds himself helping her adjust to her new reality. Their developing relationship is both touching and transformative, as they both learn to heal from their past wounds.
The drama beautifully balances moments of light-hearted humor with deeper emotional themes, exploring the idea of second chances and the importance of human connection. Ahn Hyo Seop plays Yoo Chan, Woo Jin’s energetic nephew who brings warmth and laughter to the story, creating a strong bond with Seo Ri that highlights the theme of found family.
Thirty but Seventeen is not just about romance, but also about personal growth and overcoming the obstacles that life throws at us. The show’s engaging plot, combined with strong performances from Shin Hye Sun and Yang Se Jong, makes it a must-watch for fans of heartfelt dramas. The series is praised for its unique storyline, emotional depth, and the chemistry between its lead actors, making it a standout in the K-drama world.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 서른이지만 열일곱입니다 (Seoreunijiman Yeolilgobibnida)
🌎 Also Known As: Still 17, 30 But 17
🎭 Genres: Romance, Comedy, Drama
🏷 Tags: Coma, Second Chance, Healing, Found Family, Age Difference
✍ Screenwriters: Jo Sung Hee
🎬 Directors: Jo Soo Won
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 32 (with each episode approximately 30 minutes long)
🗓️ Aired: July 23, 2018 – September 18, 2018
📅 Airing Days: Monday, Tuesday
📺 Original Network: SBS
⏰ Duration: 30 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 13+ (Teens 13 or older)
Best Scenes
- The emotional reunion scene where Woo Seo Ri (Shin Hye Sun) meets her former violin teacher, showcasing the impact of lost time.
- Gong Woo Jin (Yang Se Jong) finally opening up about his past to Woo Seo Ri, marking a turning point in their relationship.
- The heartwarming moment when Yoo Chan (Ahn Hyo Seop) encourages Seo Ri to play the violin again, reigniting her passion.
- The playful and comedic interactions between Seo Ri and the housekeeper Jennifer, adding light-heartedness to the drama.
- The final scene where Seo Ri and Woo Jin walk together, symbolizing their new beginning and the healing they’ve undergone.
Filming Locations
- Many scenes were filmed at beautiful outdoor locations in Seoul, highlighting the city’s serene parks and streets.
- The house where Woo Seo Ri and Gong Woo Jin live is a key setting, with its cozy and artistic design reflecting Woo Jin’s character as a set designer.
- The rowing club where Yoo Chan practices is located by a scenic river, offering a peaceful and inspiring backdrop for many uplifting scenes.
- Flashback scenes featuring Woo Seo Ri’s school days were filmed at a real high school in South Korea, adding authenticity to her past life.
- Various scenes showcasing Seoul’s vibrant urban life contrast the peaceful home environment, illustrating the characters’ journey from isolation to connection.
Visual Design and Costumes
- The visual design of the drama incorporates bright, warm colors to reflect the themes of healing and new beginnings.
- Woo Seo Ri’s wardrobe evolves throughout the series, starting with simple, youthful outfits and gradually transitioning to more mature styles as she adjusts to her new life.
- Gong Woo Jin’s minimalistic and structured clothing mirrors his emotionally guarded personality, which softens as the story progresses.
- The house interiors, filled with creative set pieces and personal touches, reflect Woo Jin’s artistic background and his growth throughout the series.
- Jennifer’s character is often dressed in a unique, old-fashioned style, adding to her mysterious and quirky personality.
Themes and Messages
- Thirty but Seventeen explores the theme of second chances, emphasizing that it’s never too late to start over and find happiness.
- The drama delves into the healing power of love and friendship, showing how connections with others can help overcome past traumas.
- The series highlights the idea of found family, where characters who start as strangers come together to create a supportive and loving environment.
- The show also touches on the theme of self-discovery, as Woo Seo Ri navigates adulthood while holding onto her youthful spirit.
- Through its characters, the drama conveys the message that embracing vulnerability and opening up to others is key to personal growth and healing.
Interesting Facts
- Shin Hye Sun’s portrayal of Woo Seo Ri was widely praised, cementing her status as a leading actress in the Korean drama industry.
- Yang Se Jong and Ahn Hyo Seop gained significant popularity due to their roles, leading to further successful projects in their careers.
- The drama’s unique premise of a 30-year-old woman with the mind of a 17-year-old attracted viewers for its fresh take on romance and personal growth.
- The title Thirty but Seventeen reflects the main character’s unique predicament, sparking curiosity and interest even before the show aired.
- The series received high ratings and positive reviews for its heartwarming story and strong performances, making it a standout K-drama of 2018.
Awards
2018 SBS Drama Awards
- Top Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries: Shin Hye Sun
- Best Character Award, Actress: Ye Ji Won
- Best New Actor: Ahn Hyo Seop
- Best Couple Award: Shin Hye Sun & Yang Se Jong
- Best Supporting Actor: Yoon Sun Woo
These awards highlight the drama’s success, particularly for its strong performances and engaging characters.
Real-Life Loves on Set
Trailer
Music / OST
Gallery
