
Witch's Romance
Witch’s Romance is a heartwarming and bold Korean noona romance drama that explores love, healing, and second chances. The story follows Ban Ji Yeon (played by Uhm Jung Hwa), a fiercely independent investigative reporter in her late 30s who is known for her tough attitude and unshakable focus on her career. Nicknamed “the witch” by her colleagues, she’s been emotionally closed off since being left at the altar by her fiancé years ago. Enter Yoon Dong Ha (played by Park Seo Joon), a charming and free-spirited young man in his 20s who runs a small errand service with his best friend. Beneath his playful exterior lies a painful past of his own, including the tragic loss of a loved one. When Ji Yeon and Dong Ha’s worlds collide, their age gap becomes both a hurdle and a humorous catalyst for change as they navigate an unexpected connection. As the story unfolds, the two begin to help each other heal from emotional scars while defying the judgment of society and the doubts within themselves. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their evolving relationship is a refreshing take on older woman-younger man romance, blending comedy, vulnerability, and mutual respect. With every stolen glance and awkward mishap, their bond becomes stronger and more sincere. Featuring standout performances from Uhm Jung Hwa and Park Seo Joon, Witch’s Romance offers a perfect blend of wit, romance, and emotional depth. For fans of age-gap Korean dramas, office romance, and stories about personal growth through love, this series is an empowering and feel-good journey worth watching.
Details
🙂 Native Title: 마녀의 연애
🌎 Also Known As: Manyeoui Yeonae, A Witch’s Love
🎭 Genres: Comedy, Romance, Drama
🏷 Tags: Noona Romance, Office Romance, Healing, Age Gap Relationship, Strong Female Lead
✍ Screenwriters: Ban Kiri, Lee Sun Jung
🎬 Directors: Lee Jung Hyo
🇰🇷 Country: South Korea
🎬 Episodes: 16
🗓️ Aired: April 14, 2014 – June 10, 2014
📅 Airing Days: Mondays & Tuesdays
📺 Original Network: tvN
⏰ Duration: 60 minutes per episode
🔞 Content Rating: 15+ – Teens 15 or older
Best Scenes
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Ji Yeon and Dong Ha’s accidental kiss at the hospital sets off their unexpected chemistry with laughter and surprise.
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The bike date scene, where Dong Ha encourages Ji Yeon to let go of her fears, is both romantic and symbolic of personal growth.
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Ji Yeon’s emotional confrontation with her ex-fiancé, revealing deep-seated heartbreak and allowing space for closure.
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Dong Ha’s rooftop confession, when he finally opens up about his past, adds emotional depth and vulnerability.
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The birthday surprise planned by Dong Ha, full of warmth and sincerity, becomes one of the drama’s sweetest turning points.
Filming Locations
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Yeouido Hangang Park – featured in date scenes and reflective moments, offering beautiful riverside views.
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Downtown Seoul cafes and restaurants – reflect Ji Yeon’s fast-paced work life and her transition into more relaxed, personal moments.
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tvN studio sets – used for The Trouble Maker magazine office, showcasing a modern workplace vibe.
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Seoul’s Hongdae neighborhood – captured for its youthful and artistic energy during Ji Yeon and Dong Ha’s outings.
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Outdoor markets and alleyways – serve as backdrops for their spontaneous and comedic encounters, adding realism to the story.
Visual Design and Costumes
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Ji Yeon’s chic power suits and pencil skirts reflect her career-focused, bold personality at the start of the drama.
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Dong Ha’s casual street-style fashion contrasts Ji Yeon’s formality, symbolizing his free spirit and youth.
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Soft lighting in emotional scenes enhances vulnerability and intimacy between the leads.
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Bright, pop-inspired palette in romantic scenes creates a feel-good, rom-com atmosphere.
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Minimalist design in Ji Yeon’s home emphasizes her solitude and the emotional distance she tries to maintain.
Themes and Messages
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Age doesn’t define love – the central message as a younger man and older woman explore an equal and respectful relationship.
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Healing from emotional wounds is explored through both leads’ past traumas and their journey toward trust.
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Letting go of societal expectations is encouraged, particularly through Ji Yeon’s transformation from fear-driven to love-driven.
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Second chances in love provide hope and redemption, especially after both characters have been hurt before.
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The importance of self-love and vulnerability shines as Ji Yeon learns to open up and live life more freely.
Interesting Facts
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“Witch’s Romance” is a Korean remake of the popular Taiwanese drama My Queen (2009).
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Park Seo Joon’s breakout performance in this series earned him widespread recognition and led to future lead roles.
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Uhm Jung Hwa returned to TV after several years, and her mature-yet-playful performance was widely praised.
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Real chemistry between the leads sparked dating rumors, though both actors confirmed they remained professional.
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The drama gained popularity for challenging noona romance stereotypes and portraying the relationship with humor and sincerity.
Awards
Awards and Nominations for “Witch’s Romance” (2014)
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2016 tvN10 Awards
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Romantic-Comedy King: Park Seo-joon – Nominated
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Global Challenge Award
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In the drama’s storyline, the character Ban Ji-yeon (portrayed by Uhm Jung-hwa) is depicted as receiving the “Global Challenge Award,” an accolade given to only two reporters each year, requiring a year-long exchange with an English newspaper.
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Real-Life Loves on Set
There are no confirmed reports or official statements indicating that a real-life romantic relationship developed between the lead actors of Witch’s Romance.
Although Park Seo Joon and Uhm Jung Hwa shared incredible on-screen chemistry that captivated fans—especially given the noona romance storyline—both actors maintained a professional relationship throughout the filming. Their believable portrayal of love, emotional vulnerability, and humor sparked dating rumors at the time, but these were quickly dismissed by both parties.
Their age-gap pairing was praised for breaking stereotypes in K-dramas and helped solidify Witch’s Romance as a standout in the genre, but the romance remained entirely fictional. Park Seo Joon later rose to stardom through other projects, while Uhm Jung Hwa continued her dual career in music and acting.
In conclusion, while the romance in Witch’s Romance felt incredibly real on screen, no real-life romance occurred between the main cast members off-screen.










