Han Ji-min's New Romance Strategy: Will It Work?

What if finding love required a battle plan instead of butterflies? Han Ji-min is about to test that theory in JTBC's upcoming romantic comedy "The Practical Guide to Love," where she trades fairy-tale romance for strategic dating.

When Love Becomes a Project

For Lee Eui-young (Han Ji-min), love has been nothing but a series of spectacular failures. But this time, she's approaching romance like a business proposal—methodical, practical, and goal-oriented. The newly released teaser and stills show her character armed with determination rather than just hope, setting up what could be a refreshing take on the rom-com genre.

Park Sung-hoon joins as her romantic counterpart, and their chemistry in the promotional materials suggests a dynamic that's both playful and grounded. Unlike the typical "destined love" narrative that dominates K-dramas, this series seems to embrace a more contemporary approach to relationships.

The New Romance Playbook

The timing of this drama is particularly intriguing. As global dating culture shifts toward apps, algorithms, and "strategic" approaches to relationships, "The Practical Guide to Love" reflects a broader cultural moment. Young people worldwide are increasingly treating dating like a skill to be learned rather than magic to be experienced.

This shift isn't just dramatic license—it mirrors real trends. Dating apps have gamified romance, relationship coaches have professionalized love advice, and "dating strategies" have become legitimate content categories across social media platforms.

Beyond Korean Screens

Han Ji-min's international appeal makes this project significant for K-drama's global expansion. Her previous works have already found audiences worldwide, and romantic comedies tend to translate well across cultures. The "practical love" concept could resonate particularly well with international viewers who've grown up in the digital dating age.

K-content exports have grown by 25% annually, with dramas leading the charge. A successful rom-com featuring established stars like Han Ji-min could further cement K-dramas' position in the global streaming landscape.

The Cultural Question

But here's where it gets interesting: what happens when romance becomes too systematic? While the practical approach might solve some dating dilemmas, it also raises questions about spontaneity, chemistry, and the indefinable magic that makes relationships work.

Different cultures might interpret this "practical love" concept differently. Western audiences might see it as empowerment and agency, while more traditional viewers might question whether love can—or should—be strategized.