Coffee Prince (Korean: 커피프린스 1호점), a classic in the world of Kdramas, stars the ever charismatic Gong Yoo, along with Lee Sun-kyu, Kim Jae-Wook, Yoon Eun-Hye and more. It was released in 2007 under MBC productions. Did you know it was based on a book? The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince by Lee Sun-mi was the novel it took inspiration from. I’d like to read it sometime, actually.
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Drama
Rating: 4/5
The show has received spectacular praise over the years, and rightly so, in my opinion. If someone IRL (in real life; boomer check) asked me why this show is so good, the only thing that would leave my mouth is, “because… it has Gong Yoo! I don’t know…just watch it.” Writing is a different ball game altogether, so here we go: Why exactly is Coffee Prince so good?
Well, the driving force of its likeability is the charisma exuded by the characters, especially Eun-Chan and Han-Gyul, the main characters. The pure, unadulterated chemistry between them is to die for. I cannot explain the giddiness I feel when they banter like reunited kindred spirits. The connection between these fictional characters seems so real, that you might find yourself forgetting that the actors are indeed acting. I frequently found myself gaping at the “realness” of it all, how every conversation seemed like it was captured from someone’s life.
The show is driven forward by character development, and not so much a concrete storyline. It’s breezy, slow-moving and something to watch when you want to wind down. It is definitely not plot-heavy. I could feel myself getting distracted when some of the side characters interacted with each other, but it wasn’t terribly boring. Eun-Chan masquerading as a boy is an overused trope for sure, but it plays out well enough.
This type of scene is not common in newer dramas. Coffee Prince doesn’t need fancy filters or beautiful soundtracks to keep it going, and that’s saying something. Don’t get me wrong, I love and acknowledge the appeal of mesmerizing soundtracks and attractive actors, but the allure of Coffee Prince doesn’t go by unnoticed. The fact that it doesn’t need to be fancy to make a mark is its selling point. To newer viewers (no rhyme intended), the show might seem bizarre, so different from say, Business Proposal, but that’s the charm of the 2000s, baby! Take it or leave it.
Gong Yoo’s portrayal of Han Gyul, an arrogant rich heir, is so different from his role in Goblin. To no one’s surprise, he always delivers a stellar performance. Moving on to Eun-Chan, one of the most affable characters I’ve ever seen in a Korean drama. She is blunt yet affable. Yoon Eun-Hye’s got some serious acting chops! Her portrayal of Eun-Chan is extremely genuine and is part of why the show works so well. And when I first saw Jae-Wook as the mysterious Japanese guy who sells waffles, I couldn’t even recognise him! (He starred in Her Private Life)
This show is full of gems, and I certainly got attached to fictional characters for the nth time. Thank you for reading!
Fun fact that nobody asked for: Coffee Prince came out in the same year as Jab We Met, one of my favourites. How was this happening at the same time? It seems so surreal!
Hi Yati, I don’t know about Coffee Prince… but what I do know is how beautifully well you write!!! Something as simple as a review, written in your words, has the ability to touch the soul. God Bless.
Very nice vlog .
Keep writing
Wonderful review ! With each part of film making craft reviewed and rated , the review of the series gives a fair idea of what to expect and helping to make a decision whether to see it or not…..
I wish some so called ” top reviewers ” read this one to understand what makes a review 😊
As they say – pen is mightier than the sword , and the review confirms this so aptly. Yati – once again you have written a very fabulous review !!
The words make the drama come alive and reflect a magical picture in the minds of the readers.
Congratulations 🎉 🎉
All the best for future endeavors Yati !!
Keep it up !!!
Nice review, it’s clear that it’s coming from someone who appreciates the genre! Keep these coming 👌🏻
Well written Yati.
Your blog is very well written.keep it up dear.
Looks like I too want to watch this.now.
Your blog is so nicely written.keep it up dear.
Looks like I too want to watch this.now.
Yati, that was tough.
Tough to follow the names, and keep track. 🙂 but regular viewing will take care of it.
I’m already looking forward to the afternoons after i return from school – I have something interesting to watch!
Thank you! Keep writing! Maybe you script a play in the not-so-far future…
Proud of you Yati…have always loved the way you can effortlessly pen your thoughts/views. It seems as if you are talking to the person (sharing your views in easy conversation). Love snd hugs
And yes I am going to watch this one.
Quite methodical pearls of wisdom weaved impressively in words. A way to go young blogger… Congratulations!
Heard a lot about Korean drama from my friends and my children. A die hard fan of slow moving drama. Thank you Yati for the review and keep it up.
Well written!
Will surely watch this 😍
Excited! Can’t wait 😁
A lucid depiction of the subject that has successfully drawn my interest.
My compliments for the exceptional narration.
That’s a tremendous combination of heart and brain working in unison.
So well explained.
Heartiest compliments.
wow !your review is forcing me to watch this.
Beautiful weave of words! Lucid expression. Way to go, girl.
Did you get your sense of humour from your dad or 212B, Baker Street, London?
Now I am intrigued to watch this one.
I have heard a lot about this. But your review convinces me to see it now. Thx. Well written.
I have heard a lot about this. But your review convinces me to see it now. Thx. Well written. Keep it up.
Nicely written blog and i will surely watch this show.
I would love to see this show thankyou for your review.