Love Triangle Drama: When K-Romance Meets Star Power

In the crowded landscape of Korean romantic comedies, JTBC'sThe Practical Guide to Love is banking on a formula as old as drama itself: one woman, two men, infinite complications. Han Ji-min plays Lee Eui-young, a successful career woman caught between Park Sung-hoon (fresh from his Squid Game 3 fame) and Lee Ki-taek (Namib). But in an era where audiences are increasingly sophisticated about romantic tropes, can a classic love triangle still capture hearts?

The Star-Studded Triangle

The casting choices reveal strategic thinking beyond simple romance. Park Sung-hoon's inclusion capitalizes on his global recognition from Squid Game's phenomenon, potentially drawing international viewers who discovered him as the manipulative Seong Gi-hun's rival. Meanwhile, Lee Ki-taek brings a different energy from his recent work in Namib, appealing to viewers who prefer more grounded, slice-of-life narratives.

Han Ji-min, positioned at the triangle's center, represents the modern Korean woman navigating career success and personal relationships. Her character Lee Eui-young isn't just choosing between two men—she's embodying the contemporary struggle of having it all while maintaining agency in her romantic choices.

The drama's title, The Practical Guide to Love, suggests a more analytical approach to romance than typical K-dramas offer. Rather than relying purely on fate or destiny, it promises viewers a more methodical examination of what makes relationships work.

Beyond the Love Triangle Formula

What sets this apart from countless other romantic comedies isn't the premise—it's the timing. Korean dramas are increasingly being scrutinized for their portrayal of women's choices and agency. Recent hits like Business Proposal and Hometown's Embrace have succeeded by giving female leads genuine decision-making power rather than making them passive recipients of male attention.

The competition between Park Sung-hoon and Lee Ki-taek also reflects broader industry trends. One actor brings international star power, the other domestic credibility. This mirrors how K-drama production itself now balances global appeal with local authenticity, creating content that works for both Netflix international audiences and traditional Korean broadcast viewers.

JTBC's involvement adds another layer of significance. The network has built a reputation for more mature, realistic portrayals of relationships compared to the fairy-tale romances often found on other networks. Their approach suggests The Practical Guide to Love might offer more nuanced relationship dynamics than its simple premise implies.

The Global Romance Question

For international audiences discovering Korean content through streaming platforms, love triangles serve as familiar entry points into Korean storytelling conventions. Yet global viewers are also bringing different expectations about female agency and relationship equality to their viewing experience.

The success of this drama will likely depend on whether it can satisfy both traditional K-drama fans who enjoy the emotional tension of love triangles and newer international audiences who expect more progressive relationship dynamics. Han Ji-min's character becomes a litmus test for how Korean romantic comedies are evolving to meet changing viewer expectations.