Two Leading Men, One Choice: K-Drama's New Love Triangle Formula

When Han Ji Min steps into the world of blind dates, she's not just looking for love—she's redefining how Korean dramas portray women in romance. JTBC's upcoming series "The Practical Guide to Love" has released a new teaser that showcases something increasingly rare in K-drama land: a mature woman actively pursuing her romantic destiny.

The drama follows Lee Ui Yeong, played by Han Ji Min, as she navigates the complex world of modern dating. But this isn't your typical damsel-in-distress narrative. The teaser reveals a tense rivalry between two suitors—Lee Ki Taek and Park Sung Hoon—both vying for her attention, while she maintains agency over her choices.

The Evolution of K-Drama Romance

Korean romance dramas have long relied on familiar formulas: the chaebol heir, the plucky poor girl, the inevitable misunderstanding. But "The Practical Guide to Love" signals a shift toward more realistic portrayals of modern romance, where women in their thirties and forties aren't waiting to be rescued—they're actively seeking partnership on their own terms.

Han Ji Min, known for her versatile performances in both film and television, represents a generation of Korean actresses who've successfully transitioned from youthful roles to more complex, mature characters. Her involvement in this project suggests the industry's growing confidence in stories centered around older female protagonists.

The casting of both Lee Ki Taek and Park Sung Hoon as romantic leads creates an interesting dynamic. Rather than the typical age-gap romance that dominates many K-dramas, this setup promises more equal footing between the characters, potentially offering viewers a more relatable exploration of adult relationships.

Beyond the Love Triangle

What makes this drama particularly intriguing is its premise around blind dating—a practice that remains common in Korean society but is rarely explored with depth in mainstream media. The "practical guide" aspect of the title suggests a more analytical approach to romance, possibly reflecting how modern Korean women approach relationships with both emotional intelligence and strategic thinking.

The global K-drama audience has shown increasing appetite for stories that break away from traditional romantic tropes. Series like "Something in the Rain" and "One Spring Night" proved that mature romance can resonate internationally, particularly with viewers seeking more sophisticated relationship dynamics.

For international fans, this drama represents the ongoing maturation of Korean content. As the Hallyu wave continues to evolve, productions are moving beyond simple wish-fulfillment fantasies toward more nuanced explorations of contemporary life and relationships.