If you are looking for an older Korean drama to watch that hits all the feels, the 2023 tvN series Crash Course in Romance is one of the best, as it blends a mystery thriller with romance, comedy, and a touch of slice-of-life warmth.
All alongside a cast of unique characters you will quickly grow to love.
Crash Course in Romance is all about unexpected connections, the mystery of coincidence, personal growth, and the chaos of life—all served with a big dose of heart — and all while people around the protagonists are being murdered.
Yep, this one is not only a wonderful romantic comedy, but also a gripping thriller.
Let’s dive into the plot then, while meeting the quirky main characters played by an absolutely superb cast, and then you can see yourself why it’s a K-drama we recommend as a absolute “Must Watch”.
The Crash Course in Romance plot — Love, laughter, and life lessons
The main story revolves around Nam Haeng Seon, single mother and a former national athlete turned side dish shop owner, and Choi Chi Yeol, a star math instructor with a difficult personality.
Their paths cross when Haeng Seon decides to enroll her daughter, Nam Hae Yi, in Chi Yeol’s elite academy in order to help her get into a top university.
But, what starts as a professional relationship quickly spirals into a series of hilarious and heartwarming encounters.
Especially as Haeng Seon’s down-to-earth, warm-hearted nature quickly clashes with Chi Yeol’s cold, perfectionist demeanor.
But as the pair spend more time together, and as they grow closer, they begin to bring out the best in each other.
Along the way, they navigate the pressures of academia, the struggles of being a single mother with no father in the picture, family dynamics, and their own personal struggles.
All while dealing with a crazed murderer on the loose.
Crash Course in Romance‘s main characters
Nam Haeng Seon (masterfully played by Jeon Do Yeon)
A former handball athlete who now runs a small side dish shop, while taking care of her daughter and disabled brother, Haeng Seon is cheerful, hardworking, and fiercely protective of her family.
But her life, and that of her little family, takes a turn when she gets involved with Chi Yeol’s academy and the chaotic world that soon surrounds him.
Why we love her: She’s relatable, kind, is a wonderful mother and sister, and has a knack for turning even the messiest situations into something positive.
Choi Chi Yeol (wonderfully played by Jung Kyung Ho)
A genius math instructor who’s famous for his tough-love teaching style.
Despite his immense success, Chi Yeol is lonely and struggles with the pressures of his career. So much, some days he struggles to eat, and often becomes ill because of it.
After meeting Haeng Seon, her warmth and authenticity (and her delicious food) slowly break down his walls.
Why we love him: He’s incredibly grumpy and hard to get along with, but secretly very moral and incredibly soft-hearted, which is why his growth as the series goes on is incredibly satisfying.
Nam Hae Yi (played by Roh Yoon Seo)
Haeng Seon’s daughter and a bright, hardworking student.
Hae Yi is determined to get into a top university, but she has to navigate the challenges of being a teenager, while also realizing the top math tutoring schools other students get admitted to may be out of the price range of her hard-working but still struggling mother.
Why we love her: She’s smart, resilient, a great friend and a loyal daughter, and adds a youthful energy to the story.
Nam Jae Uh (played by Oh Eui Shik)
Haeng Seon’s little brother, Jae Uh has Asperger Syndrome, but still manages to have a fulfilling life working in his sister’s side dishes shop.
Why we love him: Even though he may not always understand how the real world works, and sometimes gets into trouble because of that, he is still a breath of fresh air when it comes to keeping his sister grounded.
Kim Young Joo (played by Lee Bong Ryun)
Haeng Seon’s best friend, and the assistant in her side dishes shop. Young Joo is Haeng Seon’s confidante, especially when it comes to potential love problems. Even though Young Joo herself hasn’t yet met the person she is supposed to marry. Or so she believes.
Why we love her: She’s funny, kind, and will do anything for her best friend and her family. Even though she’s obsessed with finding Haeng Seon a suitable partner.
Lee Seon Jae (played by Lee Chae Min)
A student at Chi Yeol’s academy and Hae Yi’s classmate and close friend, Seon Jae is kind, supportive, and develops a sweet connection with Hae Yi.
Even while he is dealing with the intense pressure from his obsessive mother, as she tries to get him into the best university possible.
Why we love him: He’s the kind of friend (and maybe more?) everyone wishes they had in high school.
Ji Dong Hee (played by Shin Jae Ha)
Chi Yeol’s male secretary and someone who, while on the surface he appears to be efficient and hard-working, has deep secrets he doesn’t wish to spill.
Why we love him: (Well, I’d say “love” is a loaded word). He adds depth to the story and keeps things interesting as we try to guess who he really is and what he wants.
RELATED: Does Dong Hee hate or love Chi Yeol in Crash Course in Romance? Is he his savior or his destroyer?
Why Crash Course in Romance is a must watch
Crash Course in Romance is a feel-good drama that balances humor, romance, and heartfelt moments perfectly.
It’s not just about love—it’s about finding joy in the little things, overcoming challenges, and realizing many of those “coincidences” that have happened over the last few decades all had a purpose.
The chemistry between the two leads is electric, the supporting characters are endearing, and the story is packed with relatable moments that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer.
The murder mystery, while still a big part of the story, still often takes a backseat to the human moments this wonderful story is made up of.
If you’re in the mood for a Korean drama that’s equal parts funny, touching, and incredibly uplifting, Crash Course in Romance could not be a better choice.
After all, there are reasons why the drama is the 12th highest-rated cable TV drama ever released in South Korea.
You can watch Crash Course in Romance on Netflix.