South Korea · Drama · 2018
Thirty but Seventeen
서른이지만 열일곱입니다
Also known as Still 17, 30 But 17, Seoreunijiman Yeolilgobibnida
Synopsis
Woo Seo-ri fell into a coma at 17 and wakes up thirteen years later, physically thirty but emotionally still a teenager who never got to finish growing up. Determined to make up for lost time, she sets out to track down her scattered family while adjusting to a world that moved on without her.
She ends up living above a small studio belonging to Gong Woo-jin, a reclusive set designer carrying private guilt over a bus accident in his past, unaware at first that his history and Seo-ri's are connected. Their mismatched living situation turns into a friendship, then something more, while Woo-jin's nephew Yoo Chan and the household's mysterious housekeeper Jennifer add their own complications to the mix.
Thirty But Seventeen (also released internationally as Still 17) stars Shin Hye-sun and Yang Se-jong and aired on SBS across 32 episodes from July 23 to September 18, 2018.
Thirty but Seventeen cast
Main cast
Supporting cast
Guest appearances
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.
Real-life loves on set
In Thirty but Seventeen, there were no confirmed real-life romantic relationships that developed between the cast members. While the on-screen chemistry between Shin Hye Sun and Yang Se Jong was highly praised, both actors maintained a professional relationship off-screen. They have kept their personal lives private, and there were no reports of any off-screen romances stemming from the drama. The love story in the drama remained within the fictional world, captivating audiences without spilling over into real life.
Episodes
| Ep | Title | Air date | Status | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Episode 1 | 2018-07-23 | Aired | |
| 2 | Episode 2 | 2018-07-23 | Aired | |
| 3 | Episode 3 | 2018-07-24 | Aired | |
| 4 | Episode 4 | 2018-07-24 | Aired | |
| 5 | Episode 5 | 2018-07-30 | Aired | |
| 6 | Episode 6 | 2018-07-30 | Aired | |
| 7 | Episode 7 | 2018-07-31 | Aired | |
| 8 | Episode 8 | 2018-07-31 | Aired | |
| 9 | Episode 9 | 2018-08-06 | Aired | |
| 10 | Episode 10 | 2018-08-06 | Aired | |
| 11 | Episode 11 | 2018-08-07 | Aired | |
| 12 | Episode 12 | 2018-08-07 | Aired | |
| 13 | Episode 13 | 2018-08-13 | Aired | |
| 14 | Episode 14 | 2018-08-13 | Aired | |
| 15 | Episode 15 | 2018-08-14 | Aired | |
| 16 | Episode 16 | 2018-08-14 | Aired | |
| 17 | Episode 17 | 2018-08-21 | Aired | |
| 18 | Episode 18 | 2018-08-21 | Aired | |
| 19 | Episode 19 | 2018-08-28 | Aired | |
| 20 | Episode 20 | 2018-08-28 | Aired | |
| 21 | Episode 21 | 2018-09-03 | Aired | |
| 22 | Episode 22 | 2018-09-03 | Aired | |
| 23 | Episode 23 | 2018-09-04 | Aired | |
| 24 | Episode 24 | 2018-09-04 | Aired | |
| 25 | Episode 25 | 2018-09-10 | Aired | |
| 26 | Episode 26 | 2018-09-10 | Aired | |
| 27 | Episode 27 | 2018-09-11 | Aired | |
| 28 | Episode 28 | 2018-09-11 | Aired | |
| 29 | Episode 29 | 2018-09-17 | Aired | |
| 30 | Episode 30 | 2018-09-17 | Aired | |
| 31 | Episode 31 | 2018-09-18 | Aired | |
| 32 | Episode 32 | 2018-09-18 | Aired |
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