Coffee Prince (2007 TV series)

Coffee Prince is a South Korean television series that aired on MBC from July 2 to August 28, 2007. The series is based on the novel of the same name written by Lee Sun-mi. It was directed by Lee Yoon-jung, who is known for her work on other popular series such as Cheese in the Trap. The show stars Yoon Eun-hye, Gong Yoo, Lee Sun-kyun, and Chae Jung-an.

Plot

The series revolves around the life of Go Eun-chan (Yoon Eun-hye), a tomboyish girl who is often mistaken for a boy due to her appearance and mannerisms. Struggling with financial difficulties, Eun-chan takes up a job at a coffee shop run by Choi Han-gyul (Gong Yoo), a wealthy but irresponsible heir to a food conglomerate. Han-gyul hires Eun-chan under the mistaken belief that she is a male, and as they work together, he starts developing feelings for her, leading to confusion and conflict due to his unawareness of her true gender. The show explores themes of love, friendship, and the challenges of breaking societal norms.

Cast and Characters

• Yoon Eun-hye as Go Eun-chan
• Gong Yoo as Choi Han-gyul
• Lee Sun-kyun as Choi Han-sung
• Chae Jung-an as Han Yoo-joo
• Kim Chang-wan as Hong Gae-shik
• Kim Dong-wook as Jin Ha-rim
• Kim Jae-wook as No Sun-ki
• Lee Eon as Hwang Min-yeop

Production

The series was filmed primarily in Seoul, South Korea. Notably, the coffee shop where much of the series takes place, named "Coffee Prince", became a popular tourist attraction and is an example of a set location influencing real-world businesses. The soundtrack, which features a mix of Korean and international music, played a significant role in setting the tone of the series and contributed to its popularity.

Reception

Coffee Prince was both a critical and commercial success in South Korea, achieving high viewership ratings during its run. It has been praised for its refreshing take on gender roles and the chemistry between the leads. The series also gained a significant international following, contributing to the Korean Wave. It has been broadcast in multiple countries and has been remade in several others, including the Philippines and Thailand.

Legacy

Coffee Prince is considered a classic in Korean drama history and is credited with helping to popularize Korean dramas globally. Its handling of themes such as gender identity and the breaking of traditional gender roles has been noted for its progressive approach. The series remains a beloved staple among fans of Korean dramas and continues to attract new viewers with its charming story and relatable characters.