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Korea’s Infamous “Temptation of Wife” Just Dropped on Netflix!

  The legendary Korean “makjang” drama returns — this time, on Netflix. Remember Temptation of Wife ? Yes, that drama — the over-the-top, twist-filled rollercoaster that basically defined the “makjang” genre in Korea — is now making its grand comeback on Netflix, and fans are buzzing. Whether you loved it back in the day or found yourself yelling at the screen in disbelief, there’s no denying this drama left a serious mark. Seeing it resurface now brings back a wave of nostalgia, mixed with a little “I can’t believe this is happening again” kind of excitement. The Plot & Appeal of Temptation of Wife Originally aired in 2008 on SBS, Temptation of Wife tells the dramatic story of Goo Eun-jae (played by Jang Seo-hee), a woman betrayed by her husband Jung Gyo-bin (Byun Woo-min) and his mistress Shin Ae-ri (Kim Seo-hyung). After losing everything, Eun-jae throws herself into the sea—but miraculously survives. She returns under a new identity, “Min So-hee,” and begins a careful...
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Want to Experience a Korean Summer? 'Coffee Prince, 2007'

🌞Want to Experience a Korean Summer?


Watching this drama feels like being right in the middle of a Korean summer. The scorching sun, refreshing iced coffee, and the youthful, innocent love are all packed into it. It’s the perfect drama to watch with the window open on a summer night. With many scenes set in the streets of Hongdae, it’s a great way to experience the essence of Korea, especially if you’re looking for that unique Korean vibe.

Honestly, Gong Yoo was already cool as the "Suit Man" in Squid Game, but here, he brings a whole different kind of charm—soft yet charismatic. He perfectly embodies the role of Choi Han-kyul, showing a realistic and relatable struggle as he falls for Eun-chan, whom he believes is a man. His acting is full of emotion and excitement, making it easy to connect with his character.

Yoon Eun-hye’s portrayal of Eun-chan was also incredibly charming. She doesn’t just disguise herself as a man; she shows strength, relatability, and subtle emotional depth as she navigates love. Despite her boyish style, she maintains a charm that’s impossible to ignore, making her character so lovable.

The OST of Coffee Prince was also fantastic. Especially the song "Lalala, It’s Love", every time it played, my heart fluttered. The sweet melody fits so perfectly with the atmosphere of the drama, and I found myself listening to it on repeat even after finishing the show. It’s an OST that captures the unique emotional feel of Korean dramas. Also, the song "Bada Yeohaeng" sung by Lee Sun-kyun became a huge hit that year.


I was really impressed with Lee Sun-kyun after watching him in Parasite as Mr. Park, so I had to check out his other work. In Coffee Prince, he brings a completely different vibe—his soothing voice and gentle presence create a healing atmosphere. Now I totally get why this drama has remained so popular!

There’s a saying that if you want to experience a Korean summer, you should watch this drama, and it’s absolutely true. With its fresh, romantic vibe, and the emotional struggles and growth of youth, this drama is not just a love story, but a healing experience. If you want to feel the heat of summer—both in the air and in your heart—I highly recommend watching it!


✔ Coffee Prince (커피 프린스 1호점, 2007)


📌 Logline

A romantic and heart-fluttering comedy about a woman disguised as a man who gets a job at a coffee shop that only hires men and unexpectedly falls in love with the owner.


🎬 Drama Information

✔ Title: Coffee Prince

✔ Director: Lee Yoon-jung

✔ Writer: Lee Jeong-ah, Jang Hyun-joo

✔ Cast: Gong Yoo, Yoon Eun-hye, Lee Sun-kyun, Chae Jung-an

✔ Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama

✔ Episodes: 17 episodes

✔ Aired: July 2, 2007 – August 27, 2007 ✔ Streaming on: Viki, Netflix, Apple TV (availability may vary by region)



📖 Plot Summary (Spoilers Included)

A Woman Living as a Man

Go Eun-chan (Yoon Eun-hye) is a hardworking young woman who takes care of her mother and younger sister. With her short hair and boyish style, she is often mistaken for a man. Meanwhile, Choi Han-kyul (Gong Yoo), a wealthy heir determined to avoid taking over the family business, is forced by his grandmother to manage a struggling coffee shop—Coffee Prince.


A Connection Begins at the Café

Han-kyul insists on hiring only men for the café staff, so Eun-chan, desperate for money, disguises herself as a man and gets the job. At first, Han-kyul sees her as a cheeky and endearing junior, but as they grow closer, he finds himself developing unexplainable feelings for her.


Love Amidst Confusion

As Han-kyul grapples with his growing attraction to Eun-chan—whom he believes to be a man—he becomes increasingly conflicted. Unable to suppress his emotions any longer, he finally confesses his love. Eun-chan, who has also fallen for Han-kyul, struggles with the secret of her true identity. When she finally reveals that she is a woman, Han-kyul is left torn between feelings of betrayal and love.



Finale - Love Without Boundaries

In the end, Han-kyul realizes that his love for Eun-chan is real, regardless of gender, and chooses to be with her. Wanting to grow as a barista, Eun-chan leaves to study abroad, but after a few years, she returns. The two reunite, reaffirming their deep love for each other, and embrace their happy ending.



💡 Cast & Characters

✔️ Gong Yoo (as Choi Han-kyul) 

Known globally for his role as the 'Suit Man' in Netflix’s Squid Game, Gong Yoo skyrocketed to fame with 'Coffee Prince'. The drama cemented his status as Korea’s ultimate romance lead, later starring in hits like 'Goblin' and 'The Age of Shadows'. In recent years, he has taken on more diverse roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor.


✔️ Yoon Eun-hye (as Go Eun-chan) 

A former K-pop idol, Yoon Eun-hye gained fame through her iconic roles in 'Princess Hours' and 'Coffee Prince'. She perfectly embodied a strong, independent female lead, earning widespread admiration, especially from female audiences. Currently, she runs a YouTube channel and recently made headlines after reuniting with her former idol group, 'Baby V.O.X'.


✔️ Lee Sun-kyun (as Choi Han-sung) 

Best known internationally for playing 'Mr. Park' in the Oscar-winning film 'Parasite', Lee Sun-kyun captivated audiences with his soothing voice and nuanced performances throughout his career. He continued to shine in dramas like 'Pasta' and 'My Mister', showcasing remarkable emotional depth. Tragically, he passed away in 2023, leaving behind an enduring legacy in the Korean entertainment industry.


✔️ Chae Jung-an (as Han Yoo-joo) 

With her sophisticated aura and timeless charm, Chae Jung-an became a beloved actress, even sparking the 'Han Yoo-joo Syndrome' at the time, making her a fashion and lifestyle icon. Since 'Coffee Prince', she has appeared in various dramas and variety shows, where her real-life personality contrasts with her chic and aloof character in the drama.



🎥 Key Features of the Drama

✔ A Groundbreaking “Girl Disguised as a Boy” Romance – When Coffee Prince first aired, the female lead disguising herself as a man was a fresh and unique concept, making the drama an instant hit in Korea. Even years later, it’s still considered one of the most iconic summer dramas.


✔ Gong Yoo’s Career-Defining Role – While Gong Yoo had already built a solid acting career, Coffee Prince catapulted him to stardom as Korea’s ultimate romance lead. His portrayal of Choi Han-kyul remains one of his most beloved performances.


✔ Filmed in a Real Café – The café featured in the drama was located near Hongdae in Seoul, drawing tons of visitors after the show aired. Although it has since closed, the house that served as Han-sung’s (Lee Sun-kyun) home is actually Sanmotoonge Café in Buam-dong, which is still open today. If you're ever in Korea, it’s a must-visit spot!


✔ A Beloved OST – The drama’s heartfelt soundtrack became an instant classic, with "Lalala, It’s Love" standing out as the most recognizable track. Lee Sun-kyun’s version of "Sea Travel" became even more popular than the original, capturing the hearts of viewers at the time.


✔ Viewership Ratings – Coffee Prince started with a 12.9% viewership rating and steadily gained popularity, reaching its peak at 27.8% in the final episode. The drama was especially well-received by female viewers in their 20s and 30s, making it one of the most successful romantic comedies of its time.


✔ Reuniting After 13 Years – In 2020, 13 years after the drama aired, the main cast and director reunited at the original café where Coffee Prince was filmed. This special project brought together Gong Yoo, Yoon Eun-hye, Chae Jung-an, and Lee Sun-kyun, as they reminisced about their experiences and shared behind-the-scenes stories. You can watch the reunion in the YouTube link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6sX4kF5Dqk



🍿 Recommended Similar Dramas

✔ You're Beautiful (미남이시네요, 2009)

👉 A romantic comedy about a woman disguising herself as a man to join a K-pop idol band. Filled with hilarious moments and multiple love triangles, this drama offers a fun and entertaining ride.

✔ What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (김비서가 왜 그럴까, 2018)

👉 A romantic comedy about a perfectionist yet cold-hearted CEO and his capable secretary who unexpectedly develop feelings for each other. A must-watch for fans of sweet romance, plus it showcases Park Seo-joon's undeniable charisma and charm.

✔ Goblin (도깨비, 2016)

👉 A fantasy romance masterpiece starring Gong Yoo. One of his most iconic roles after Coffee Prince, this drama blends a heart-wrenching love story with mythical elements. It is also written by Kim Eun-sook, one of Korea’s most renowned screenwriters.

✔ City Hall (시티홀, 2009)

👉 A political romance drama featuring a brilliant male lead and a strong, independent female protagonist. The perfect mix of humor and heartfelt moments makes this drama both fun and emotionally engaging.

✔ Heartstrings (넌 내게 반했어, 2011)

👉 A coming-of-age love story about two young musicians who grow together through music and romance. With refreshing campus vibes similar to Coffee Prince, this drama also features Jung Yong-hwa, the lead vocalist of a real-life K-pop band.


Coffee Prince Korean drama, Coffee Prince review, Coffee Prince cast, Coffee Prince synopsis, Gong Yoo Coffee Prince, Yoon Eun-hye Coffee Prince, Best Korean dramas, Classic K-dramas, Korean drama recommendations, Where to watch Coffee Prince


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