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Homemade Love Story
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| Homemade Love Story | |
|---|---|
 Promotional poster | |
| Hangul | 오! 삼광빌라! |
| Lit. | Oh! Samgwang Villa! |
| RR | O! Samgwangbilla! |
| MR | O! Samgwangbilla! |
| Genre | |
| Created by | KBS Drama Production |
| Written by | Yoon Kyung-ah |
| Directed by | Hong Seok-ku |
| Starring | |
| Composer | Choi Cheolho |
| Country of origin | South Korea |
| Original language | Korean |
| No. of episodes | 100[a] |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Yoon Jae-hyuk |
| Camera setup | Single-camera |
| Running time | 35 minutes[a] |
| Production companies |
|
| Original release | |
| Network | KBS2 |
| Release | September 19, 2020 – March 7, 2021 |
Homemade Love Story (Korean: 오! 삼광빌라!) is a South Korean family drama television series starring Jin Ki-joo and Lee Jang-woo. The drama aired on KBS2 from September 19, 2020 to March 7, 2021, every Saturday and Sunday from 19:55 to 21:15 (KST).
Synopsis
[edit]Woo Jae-hee works as an architect. His father Woo Jung-Hoo runs a big company, but Woo Jae-hee has feuded with him over the years. After entering a university, Woo Jae-hee lived independently and did not receive support from his father. Now, he is handsome, smart, and does good work as an architect. He meets Lee Bit-chae-woon for the first time while at a house remodelling site.
Lee Bit-chae-woon works for an interior design shop. Her job is to visit customers and help select curtains, lighting, and other design choices. Lee Bit-chae-woon and Woo Jae-hee get into an argument at the house remodelling site. They are also both residents of Samgwang Villa. Woo Jae-hee has warm feelings for the residents and likes the general atmosphere there. Lee Bit-chae-woon has a different view of the place. She supports her family, including her mother Lee Soon-Jung and two younger siblings. She feels burdened by having to always support them. She dreams of one day becoming a textile designer, but it's not easy for her. She also dreams of leaving Samgwang Villa and the responsibility of being the head of the household.
Cast
[edit]Starring
[edit]- Jin Ki-joo as Lee Bit Chae-woon
- Park Seo-kyung as Young Bit Chae-woon
- Lee Jang-woo as Woo Jae-hee
Recurring
[edit]Lee family
[edit]- Jeon In-hwa as Lee Soon-jung
- Bona as Lee Hae-deun
- Ryeoun as Lee Ra-hoon
Woo family
[edit]- Jeong Bo-seok as Woo Jung-hoo
- Jin Kyung as Jung Min-jae
Kim family
[edit]- Hwang Shin-hye as Kim Jung-won
- Han Bo-reum as Jang Seo-ah
- Dong Ha as Jang Joon-ah
Tenants of Samkwang Villa
[edit]- Kim Sun-young as Lee Man-jung
- In Gyo-jin as Kim Hwak-se
- Jeon Sung-woo as Hwang Na-ro
- Kim Si-eun as Cha Ba-reun
Others
[edit]- Moon Ji-hoo as Lee Jung-woo
- Um Hyo-sup as Park Pil-hong
- Jung Jae-soon as Lee Choon-seok
- Lee Seung-hyung as Jung Min-seok
- Lee Dong-toung as Yoo-hyeon
- Shim Young-eun
- Park Jeong-eon
- Park Jeong-won
- Park Jung-min
- Park So-yoon
- Kang Eun-ah
- Jeon Eun-mi
Special appearances
[edit]Viewership
[edit]Homemade Love Story : South Korea viewers per episode (millions)
Source: Audience measurement performed nationwide by Nielsen Korea.[2]
| Episodes | Episode number | ||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | ||
| Ep.1-20 | 3.286 | 3.935 | 3.899 | 4.305 | 3.317 | 3.844 | 4.026 | 4.504 | 3.301 | 3.984 | 4.026 | 4.635 | 3.797 | 4.413 | 4.239 | 4.756 | 3.599 | 4.339 | 4.212 | 4.841 | |
| Ep.21-40 | 3.608 | 4.328 | 4.056 | 4.651 | 3.822 | 4.569 | 4.527 | 5.033 | 3.699 | 4.451 | 4.592 | 5.089 | 3.711 | 4.485 | 4.628 | 5.038 | 4.038 | 4.780 | 4.968 | 5.564 | |
| Ep.41-60 | 4.141 | 4.940 | 5.016 | 5.368 | 4.377 | 5.163 | 5.203 | 5.557 | 4.257 | 5.280 | 5.204 | 5.704 | 4.074 | 5.186 | 5.140 | 5.616 | 4.190 | 5.141 | 5.063 | 5.529 | |
| Ep.61-80 | 4.831 | 5.608 | 5.378 | 5.895 | 4.316 | 5.354 | 5.074 | 5.718 | 3.938 | 5.165 | 5.029 | 5.747 | 4.049 | 5.152 | 5.105 | 5.642 | 4.347 | 5.411 | 5.436 | 6.145 | |
| Ep.81-100 | 4.228 | 5.306 | 5.483 | 5.724 | 4.387 | 5.002 | 5.475 | 5.838 | 4.282 | 5.259 | 5.289 | 5.673 | 3.794 | 4.619 | 4.907 | 5.350 | 4.478 | 5.484 | 5.446 | 5.676 | |
| Ep. | Original broadcast date | Average audience share | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nielsen Korea[3] | TNmS[4] | |||
| Nationwide | Seoul | Nationwide | ||
| 1 | September 19, 2020 | 19.9% (2nd) | 19.0% (2nd) | 18.7% |
| 2 | 23.3% (1st) | 22.7% (1st) | 21.7% | |
| 3 | September 20, 2020 | 22.2% (2nd) | 21.7% (2nd) | 20.7% |
| 4 | 24.6% (1st) | 24.1% (1st) | 22.7% | |
| 5 | September 26, 2020 | 19.7% (2nd) | 19.7% (2nd) | 17.1% |
| 6 | 23.0% (1st) | 22.9% (1st) | 20.2% | |
| 7 | September 27, 2020 | 23.9% (2nd) | 23.3% (2nd) | 21.2% |
| 8 | 26.4% (1st) | 25.4% (1st) | 23.5% | |
| 9 | October 3, 2020 | 19.2% (2nd) | 18.4% (3rd) | 17.5% |
| 10 | 22.8% (1st) | 21.9% (1st) | 20.4% | |
| 11 | October 4, 2020 | 22.9% (2nd) | 21.3% (2nd) | 20.6% |
| 12 | 26.5% (1st) | 25.9% (1st) | 23.6% | |
| 13 | October 10, 2020 | 21.5% (2nd) | 21.0% (2nd) | 17.4% |
| 14 | 25.2% (1st) | 24.6% (1st) | 20.4% | |
| 15 | October 11, 2020 | 25.1% (2nd) | 23.7% (2nd) | 20.4% |
| 16 | 28.5% (1st) | 26.9% (1st) | 23.5% | |
| 17 | October 17, 2020 | 20.7% (2nd) | 20.1% (2nd) | 17.6% |
| 18 | 25.2% (1st) | 24.3% (1st) | 20.4% | |
| 19 | October 18, 2020 | 24.5% (2nd) | 23.3% (2nd) | 21.4% |
| 20 | 27.6% (1st) | 26.3% (1st) | 23.9% | |
| 21 | October 24, 2020 | 21.2% (2nd) | 20.8% (2nd) | 17.4% |
| 22 | 25.1% (1st) | 24.8% (1st) | 21.1% | |
| 23 | October 25, 2020 | 23.9% (2nd) | 22.8% (2nd) | 20.9% |
| 24 | 27.4% (1st) | 26.3% (1st) | 23.9% | |
| 25 | October 31, 2020 | 22.5% (2nd) | 21.0% (2nd) | 18.4% |
| 26 | 26.7% (1st) | 24.8% (1st) | 21.1% | |
| 27 | November 1, 2020 | 26.2% (2nd) | 25.1% (2nd) | 22.7% |
| 28 | 28.9% (1st) | 28.1% (1st) | 24.7% | |
| 29 | November 7, 2020 | 22.3% (2nd) | 21.9% (2nd) | 18.9% |
| 30 | 26.4% (1st) | 25.3% (1st) | 22.4% | |
| 31 | November 8, 2020 | 26.4% (2nd) | 24.5% (2nd) | 21.1% |
| 32 | 29.3% (1st) | 27.6% (1st) | 23.1% | |
| 33 | November 14, 2020 | 22.9% (2nd) | 21.7% (2nd) | 18.8% |
| 34 | 27.3% (1st) | 25.9% (1st) | 22.5% | |
| 35 | November 15, 2020 | 27.7% (2nd) | 26.6% (2nd) | 23.4% |
| 36 | 29.6% (1st) | 28.4% (1st) | 25.1% | |
| 37 | November 21, 2020 | 25.3% (2nd) | 24.3% (2nd) | 21.6% |
| 38 | 29.5% (1st) | 28.7% (1st) | 25.0% | |
| 39 | November 22, 2020 | 28.7% (2nd) | 27.3% (2nd) | 24.9% |
| 40 | 31.9% (1st) | 30.5% (1st) | 27.3% | |
| 41 | November 28, 2020 | 25.5% (2nd) | 24.6% (2nd) | 21.1% |
| 42 | 29.4% (1st) | 28.3% (1st) | 24.7% | |
| 43 | November 29, 2020 | 29.4% (2nd) | 27.7% (2nd) | 24.5% |
| 44 | 31.8% (1st) | 30.1% (1st) | 27.0% | |
| 45 | December 5, 2020 | 25.5% (2nd) | 24.7% (2nd) | 21.3% |
| 46 | 29.4% (1st) | 28.3% (1st) | 24.9% | |
| 47 | December 6, 2020 | 29.7% (2nd) | 28.2% (2nd) | 24.1% |
| 48 | 31.6% (1st) | 30.4% (1st) | 25.5% | |
| 49 | December 12, 2020 | 25.6% (2nd) | 25.1% (2nd) | 21.5% |
| 50 | 30.8% (1st) | 30.0% (1st) | 25.2% | |
| 51 | December 13, 2020 | 30.3% (2nd) | 28.9% (2nd) | 25.1% |
| 52 | 32.9% (1st) | 31.7% (1st) | 26.7% | |
| 53 | December 19, 2020 | 24.1% (2nd) | 22.8% (2nd) | 19.4% |
| 54 | 30.3% (1st) | 29.4% (1st) | 22.8% | |
| 55 | December 20, 2020 | 29.8% (2nd) | 27.9% (2nd) | 24.7% |
| 56 | 32.6% (1st) | 30.6% (1st) | 26.7% | |
| 57 | December 26, 2020 | 25.4% (2nd) | 24.1% (2nd) | 21.4% |
| 58 | 30.8% (1st) | 29.5% (1st) | 24.9% | |
| 59 | December 27, 2020 | 31.2% (2nd) | 29.9% (2nd) | 25.3% |
| 60 | 33.2% (1st) | 32.2% (1st) | 26.7% | |
| 61 | January 2, 2021 | 27.7% (2nd) | 26.5% (2nd) | 24.1% |
| 62 | 31.8% (1st) | 30.5% (1st) | 27.1% | |
| 63 | January 3, 2021 | 30.7% (2nd) | 29.4% (2nd) | 23.6% |
| 64 | 33.3% (1st) | 32.3% (1st) | 25.5% | |
| 65 | January 9, 2021 | 25.1% (2nd) | 24.0% (2nd) | 22.5% |
| 66 | 30.9% (1st) | 29.4% (1st) | 27.7% | |
| 67 | January 10, 2021 | 29.9% (2nd) | 28.2% (2nd) | 24.7% |
| 68 | 33.6% (1st) | 32.3% (1st) | 27.8% | |
| 69 | January 16, 2021 | 23.2% (2nd) | 21.8% (2nd) | 21.3% |
| 70 | 29.7% (1st) | 28.1% (1st) | 26.3% | |
| 71 | January 17, 2021 | 29.8% (2nd) | 28.9% (2nd) | 26.0% |
| 72 | 33.1% (1st) | 32.3% (1st) | 29.0% | |
| 73 | January 23, 2021 | 24.7% (2nd) | 23.6% (2nd) | 21.1% |
| 74 | 30.7% (1st) | 29.2% (1st) | 25.6% | |
| 75 | January 24, 2021 | 29.9% (2nd) | 28.7% (2nd) | 25.4% |
| 76 | 32.5% (1st) | 30.8% (1st) | 27.8% | |
| 77 | January 30, 2021 | 26.3% (2nd) | 25.1% (2nd) | 21.9% |
| 78 | 31.8% (1st) | 30.3% (1st) | 27.0% | |
| 79 | January 31, 2021 | 30.3% (2nd) | 28.1% (2nd) | 26.7% |
| 80 | 33.7% (1st) | 31.9% (1st) | 29.2% | |
| 81 | February 6, 2021 | 25.1% (2nd) | 23.3% (2nd) | — |
| 82 | 30.7% (1st) | 29.2% (1st) | — | |
| 83 | February 7, 2021 | 31.4% (2nd) | 29.9% (2nd) | 27.2% |
| 84 | 32.8% (1st) | 31.4% (1st) | 28.6% | |
| 85 | February 13, 2021 | 26.3% (2nd) | 25.3% (2nd) | 25.1% |
| 86 | 29.7% (1st) | 28.4% (1st) | 26.7% | |
| 87 | February 14, 2021 | 31.0% (2nd) | 29.0% (2nd) | 27.0% |
| 88 | 32.8% (1st) | 30.9% (1st) | 28.5% | |
| 89 | February 20, 2021 | 26.0% (2nd) | 25.1% (2nd) | 22.0% (2nd) |
| 90 | 31.0% (1st) | 29.9% (1st) | 26.6% (1st) | |
| 91 | February 21, 2021 | 30.2% (2nd) | 28.2% (2nd) | 25.4% (2nd) |
| 92 | 32.4% (1st) | 30.5% (1st) | 27.3% (1st) | |
| 93 | February 27, 2021 | 23.8% (3rd) | 23.7% (3rd) | 21.3% (3rd) |
| 94 | 28.5% (1st) | 27.9% (1st) | 24.4% (1st) | |
| 95 | February 28, 2021 | 29.0% (2nd) | 27.8% (2nd) | 24.1% (2nd) |
| 96 | 31.2% (1st) | 29.6% (1st) | 26.3% (1st) | |
| 97 | March 6, 2021 | 26.9% (2nd) | 26.4% (3rd) | 22.5% (3rd) |
| 98 | 31.6% (1st) | 30.5% (1st) | 27.3% (1st) | |
| 99 | March 7, 2021 | 31.2% (2nd) | 30.1% (2nd) | 26.5% (2nd) |
| 100 | 32.9% (1st) | 32.1% (1st) | 29.4% (1st) | |
| Average | % | % | % | |
| ||||
Original soundtrack
[edit]| Homemade Love Story | |
|---|---|
| Soundtrack album by Various | |
| Released | 2020-21 |
| Genre | Soundtrack |
| Language | |
| Label |
|
Part 1
[edit]| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Love can't be stopped like the years" | Major Leaguer | Major Leaguer | Jin Min-ho | 4:15 |
| 2. | "Love can't be stopped like the years" (Inst.) | Major Leaguer | 4:15 | ||
| Total length: | 8:30 | ||||
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Nominee | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | KBS Drama Awards | Top Excellence Award, Actor | Jeong Bo-seok | Won | [6] |
| Excellence Award, Actor in a Mid-length Drama | Lee Jang-woo | ||||
| Excellence Award, Actress in a Mid-length Drama | Jin Ki-joo | ||||
| Best New Actress | Bona | ||||
| Best Supporting Actress | Kim Sun-young | ||||
| Best Couple Award | Lee Jang-woo, Jin Ki-joo and Jeong Bo-seok | ||||
| Top Excellence Award, Actress | Jeon In-hwa | Nominated | |||
| Excellence Award, Actress in a Mid-length Drama | Jeon In-hwa, Hwang Shin-hye | Nominated | |||
| Excellence Award, Actor in a Mid-length Drama | Jeong Bo-seok | Nominated | |||
| Best New Actor | Ryeo Woon | Nominated | |||
| Best Supporting Actor | In Gyo-jin | Nominated | |||
| 2020 | 7th APAN Star Awards | Best Supporting Actor | In Gyo-jin | Nominated | |
| Top Excellence Award, Actress in Serial Drama | Lee Jang-woo | Nominated | |||
| Excellence Award, Actress in Serial Drama | Jin Ki-joo | Nominated |
Notes
[edit]- ^ a b In order to circumvent Korean laws that prevent commercial breaks in the middle of an episode, what would previously have been aired as single 70 minute episodes are now being repackaged as two 35 minute episodes, with two episodes being shown each night with a commercial break between the two.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ Park, Jin-hai (May 16, 2017). "Drama viewers angry over commercial breaks". The Korea Times. Retrieved September 20, 2020 – via PressReader.
- ^ "Nielsen Korea" (in Korean). Retrieved March 8, 2021.
- ^ "Nielsen Korea" (in Korean). Retrieved March 8, 2021.
- ^ "TNms ratings". BreakNews (in Korean). 8 March 2021. Retrieved March 8, 2021.
- ^ "오! 삼광빌라! OST Part.1" [Oh! Samkwang Villa! OST Part.1]. Melon. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
- ^ Jung, Ha-eun (January 1, 2021). "[2020 KBS 연기대상]천호진, 3년만 다시 안은 대상…'한다다' 트로피 싹쓸이[종합]". Sports Seoul (in Korean).
External links
[edit]- Official website (in Korean)
- Homemade Love Story at HanCinema
- Homemade Love Story on KBS World
Homemade Love Story
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Plot and themes
Synopsis
Homemade Love Story centers on the lives of residents at Samgwang Villa, a modest boarding house that serves as a communal haven for strangers navigating personal hardships and forging unexpected connections. The story follows Woo Jae-hee, a talented architect estranged from his wealthy father, Woo Jung-hoo, due to longstanding family conflicts stemming from differing values and past disagreements. Jae-hee chooses to live independently at the villa, drawn to its warm, unpretentious atmosphere amid his professional pursuits in architecture.[2][3] Central to the narrative is the evolving relationship between Jae-hee and Lee Bit-chae-woon, an ambitious interior designer supporting her mother and younger siblings while harboring dreams of a more stable future. The two first cross paths at a remodeling project site, where initial clashes highlight their contrasting backgrounds—Jae-hee's privileged yet rebellious upbringing against Bit-chae-woon's resilient, working-class determination. As both take up residence in Samgwang Villa, the setting becomes a catalyst for their interactions, allowing the community of diverse families to influence their personal growth and budding romance.[2][8] The plot unfolds through key phases: the arrivals of new residents like Jae-hee and Bit-chae-woon, which introduce tensions and alliances within the villa; the gradual formation of a tight-knit community where residents share meals, advice, and support amid everyday struggles; and the development of romantic and familial ties tested by external pressures. Throughout, the series emphasizes how the villa's collective spirit helps individuals confront their challenges, including health concerns and unresolved family secrets, from Jae-hee's reconciliation efforts with his father to Bit-chae-woon's quest for self-fulfillment.[3][9][8]Themes
Homemade Love Story prominently features the theme of found family, as the diverse residents of Samgwang Villa form deep emotional bonds that transcend blood relations, providing mutual support amid life's challenges. This concept underscores how chosen connections can offer stability and belonging, particularly for characters grappling with fractured biological ties. The series illustrates redemption through love, showing how romantic and platonic relationships facilitate personal healing and forgiveness for past mistakes.[10] Compassion emerges as a core element, enabling characters to overcome hardships like loss and betrayal by extending empathy to one another, fostering collective resilience within the community.[7] The villa itself symbolizes community healing, serving as a shared space where isolation gives way to interconnected lives, highlighting the restorative power of everyday interactions.[8] It contrasts traditional family expectations—often rigid and obligation-driven—with the flexible, supportive nature of chosen bonds, emphasizing voluntary commitment over inherited duty. Sub-themes of sacrifice in relationships are explored through characters' willingness to prioritize others' well-being, while the redemptive power of empathy allows individuals to rebuild trust and self-worth. By blending romance, humor, and drama, Homemade Love Story portrays healthy relationship dynamics, including open communication and mutual respect, which drive character development and emotional growth.[11] This approach reinforces the narrative's focus on positive interpersonal evolution, making the series a celebration of compassionate human connections.[7]Cast and characters
Main cast
Lee Jang-woo portrays Woo Jae-hee, a talented architect who returns to his hometown following his father's death, grappling with long-standing family estrangement and emotional isolation.[2] Jae-hee is depicted as straightforward yet quick-tempered, handsome, and intelligent, but overly sensitive due to years of familial conflict, particularly with his father, Woo Jung-hoo, which has left him detached from his roots.[2] His character arc centers on a journey from solitude to gradual integration into the Samgwang Villa community, where he becomes involved in the villa's remodeling and daily affairs, fostering key relationships that challenge his guarded nature.[11] This involvement drives the central plot by intertwining his professional expertise with the villa's residents, ultimately leading to personal reconciliation and a budding romance with the female lead.[11] Lee Jang-woo, a South Korean actor born in 1986, brings depth to the role drawing from his prior experience in family-oriented dramas such as My Only One (2018) and Rosy Lovers (2017), where he explored themes of estrangement and redemption.[12] Jin Ki-joo plays Lee Bit-chae-woon, an independent interior designer who visits clients to assist with selections like curtains and lighting, while navigating personal losses and emotional barriers stemming from her family's hardships.[8] Characterized as hot-tempered and ambitious, Bit-chae-woon shoulders significant responsibilities for her family, including her mother and younger siblings, which heightens her guarded demeanor and reluctance to form deep connections.[2] Throughout the series, her growth involves overcoming these barriers through interactions at Samgwang Villa, where she confronts grief and builds supportive bonds, particularly a slow-developing romantic relationship with Jae-hee that highlights mutual vulnerability.[11] This dynamic propels the narrative's romantic and familial core, as her design work at the villa intersects with Jae-hee's architectural efforts, symbolizing their shared path toward healing.[11] Jin Ki-joo, born in 1989 and a graduate of Chung-Ang University with a degree in computer engineering, transitioned from an IT consulting role at Samsung to acting, making her debut in 2015, infusing her performance with a nuanced portrayal of resilient, multifaceted women as seen in prior works like Misty (2018).[13]Supporting cast
The supporting cast of Homemade Love Story features an ensemble that builds the communal fabric of Samgwang Villa, portraying recurring characters from key families whose interactions underscore themes of reconciliation, resilience, and chosen kinship amid personal hardships. In the Woo family, Jung Bo-seok embodies Woo Jung-hoo, the estranged patriarch and CEO of a large company, whose stubborn demeanor and long-standing rift with his son highlight generational conflicts within affluent households.[8] Jin Kyung portrays Jung Min-jae, Woo Jung-hoo's wife and the family's emotional anchor, whose patient navigation of marital and parental strains contributes to explorations of enduring loyalty and healing.[14] These portrayals emphasize how familial estrangement evolves into tentative bonds through villa interactions, reinforcing the drama's focus on mending broken ties without isolation. The Lee family anchors the villa's nurturing environment, dealing with layered secrets and inheritance dilemmas that test their unity. Jeon In-hwa plays Lee Soon-jung, the optimistic and resilient villa owner from humble origins, who extends maternal care to residents and protects her adopted children from external pressures.[2] Kim Sun-young delivers a standout performance as Lee Man-jeong, Soon-jung's sister and a doctor whose on-again-off-again marriage injects comedic relief while offering steadfast emotional support, portraying a nurturing figure who balances humor with heartfelt solidarity in community crises.[11] Bona (of WJSN) brings vivacity to Lee Hae-deun, the endearing second daughter and aspiring entertainer whose optimistic growth from setbacks fosters intergenerational harmony among villa dwellers.[15] Ryeoun rounds out the siblings as Lee Ra-hoon, whose youthful navigation of family revelations adds layers to themes of loyalty and discovery. The Kim family introduces elements of hidden legacies and business challenges, enriching subplots around identity and redemption. Hwang Shin-hye stars as Kim Jung-won, Bit Chae-woon's biological mother and a driven CEO grappling with past traumas and corporate pressures, whose arc illustrates the burdens of success and the pursuit of atonement.[2] Han Bo-reum depicts Jang Seo-ah, Kim's stepdaughter, whose role in blended family tensions provides comic and dramatic relief through her spirited involvement in villa life. Dong Ha plays Jang Joon-ah, the stepson whose supportive presence amid inheritance disputes bolsters the narrative's emphasis on unconventional family structures. Samgwang Villa's tenants form a diverse ensemble that amplifies humor, subplots, and collective support, turning the boarding house into a microcosm of found family. Jeon Sung-woo as Hwang Na-ro, a quirky resident, injects levity through his eccentric contributions to group dynamics and minor conflicts.[16] In Gyo-jin portrays Kim Hwak-se, Lee Man-jeong's husband, whose bickering exchanges deliver consistent comedic support while underscoring marital resilience in the communal setting.[11] Eom Hyo-seob's Park Pil-hong and Kim Si-eun's Cha Ba-reun, as fellow tenants, add youthful energy and budding relationships that highlight how shared spaces resolve isolation through mutual aid and lighthearted escapades.[17] Collectively, these characters' conflicts—ranging from business woes to relational strains—resolve through villa solidarity, exemplifying the drama's core message of home as a network of chosen connections.Special appearances
The series features several notable special appearances by celebrities and idols, primarily in the early episodes, which inject moments of surprise, humor, and cultural flair into the narrative without altering the core family dynamics of the Samgwang Villa residents. These cameos often highlight interpersonal tensions or youthful aspirations, contributing to the show's lighthearted tone through brief, memorable interactions.[18] Veteran actress Im Ye-jin appears in episodes 1 through 3 as Choi Young-sook, a woman who claims to be the biological mother of Chae-un, creating an emotional revelation and family conflict that underscores themes of hidden pasts and reconciliation. Her limited role adds dramatic weight to the initial family secrets, drawing on her established reputation for portraying complex maternal figures in Korean dramas.[16][18] In episode 1, actor Shin Seung-ho makes a cameo as a man at a party who approaches Hae-deun, portraying a sleazy character that introduces a touch of comedic discomfort and highlights Hae-deun's vulnerability in social settings. This brief appearance serves as a plot catalyst for character growth, emphasizing the protective bonds within the villa community.[16] Members of the K-pop group DIA, including Kwon Chae-won, Ki Hui-hyun, and Ahn Som-yi, guest star in episodes 1 through 3 as the fictional idol group Emerald, appearing in scenes tied to a character's entertainment aspirations and adding vibrant, energetic performances that bring levity and modern pop culture elements to the storyline. Their involvement enhances the series' feel-good vibe by contrasting the villa's everyday struggles with glamorous, youthful cameos.[16][](https://dramaforlife.f fandom.com/wiki/Homemade_Love_Story)Production
Development
"Homemade Love Story" was developed as an original family comedy-drama for KBS2's weekend time slot, written by Yoon Kyung-ah and directed by Hong Seok-gu. The series centers on the interconnected lives of residents at Samgwang Villa, highlighting themes of community and familial bonds through a mix of humor and heartfelt moments.[19] Lead casting talks began in April 2020, with confirmations for Jin Ki-joo and Lee Jang-woo announced on June 6, marking the official reveal of the project as the successor to the popular drama "Once Again." A script reading session took place in August 2020 at the KBS Annex in Yeouido, Seoul, where the cast and crew gathered to discuss the narrative and character arcs.[20][21][22] Filming commenced in mid-2020, aligning with the series' planned premiere to fill the Saturday and Sunday 19:55 KST slot, and was structured for a 100-episode run to provide extended storytelling typical of KBS weekend dramas. Production was temporarily halted on December 7, 2020, as cast member Bona awaited COVID-19 test results, but resumed after negative confirmation.[23] Producing director Hong Seok-gu emphasized a balanced tone, describing the show as 70% comedy and 30% emotional depth, with a focus on realizing the script's potential through strong performances and relatable everyday scenarios.[19][9]Casting
The casting process for Homemade Love Story began in early 2020, with Jin Ki-joo and Lee Jang-woo entering talks for the lead roles of Lee Bit Chae-woon and Woo Jae-hee, respectively, on April 8.[20] Their confirmations were announced on June 6, selected for their synergy and suitability to the characters' dynamics.[21] Lee Jang-woo was chosen for his relatable everyman appeal and established reputation as the "prince of weekend dramas," drawing from his experience in family-oriented series like My Only One, while Jin Ki-joo was highlighted as a rising star with the emotional range needed to portray a hot-tempered yet ambitious protagonist.[21] Supporting roles were filled with veteran actors experienced in family dramas to ensure authentic ensemble chemistry among the Samgwang Villa residents and interconnected families. The full cast lineup, including Jeon In-hwa as the villa owner and matriarch Lee Soon-jung, Jung Bo-suk as the authoritative patriarch Woo Jung-hoo, and Hwang Shin-hye as the charismatic CEO Kim Jung-won, was confirmed on August 18.[24] These selections prioritized actors capable of conveying generational diversity and relational depth, with Jeon In-hwa, a longtime staple in maternal roles, Jung Bo-suk's commanding presence in paternal figures, and Hwang Shin-hye's versatility in strong female leads contributing to the families' believable interactions.[19] Director Hong Seok-goo emphasized dedicating substantial time to casting to elevate the production beyond his prior hit My Only One, focusing on actors who could bring the script's themes of familial bonds to life.[19] One challenge arose for Jeon In-hwa, who initially hesitated over portraying a more "cute" character diverging from her typical dramatic roles but proceeded with director guidance to achieve the desired warmth.[19] Pre-production announcements culminated in a September 16 online press conference, where the ensemble discussed their roles and the drama's message, building promotional buzz ahead of the premiere.[19]Broadcast
Episode structure
Homemade Love Story consists of 100 episodes, each typically running 35 to 40 minutes (or equivalently, 50 double episodes of 70 to 80 minutes), and aired on KBS2 every Saturday and Sunday from September 19, 2020, to March 7, 2021. The series is structured as 50 double episodes, often counted as 100 individual episodes in detailed listings.[25][26] The series employs a multi-arc narrative structure centered on the interconnected lives of residents in Samgwang Villa, weaving together multiple family and personal storylines. Early episodes focus on introducing the main characters, their backgrounds, and initial relationships within the boarding house setting.[27] As the season progresses into its mid-point, the plot escalates through various conflicts, including romantic entanglements, family secrets, and interpersonal tensions that test the bonds among the ensemble.[28] The finale arc, spanning the later episodes, emphasizes resolutions to these arcs, highlighting themes of reconciliation and growth.[25] Episodes were grouped in weekend pairs, with each installment airing consecutively on Saturday and Sunday evenings, often concluding the Saturday episode on a cliffhanger to maintain viewer engagement into the following day. The series maintained a continuous broadcast schedule without seasonal breaks, adhering to its planned run despite strong viewership performance, and featured no special episodes or extensions.[26][29]Viewership
"Homemade Love Story" garnered significant viewership on KBS2, consistently topping the ratings for weekend dramas during its broadcast from September 2020 to March 2021. According to Nielsen Korea, the premiere episode on September 19, 2020, achieved average nationwide ratings of 19.9 percent for the first part and 23.3 percent for the second part, surpassing the finale ratings of its predecessor "Once Again" at 18.7 percent.[4] The series maintained strong performance, with episodes regularly scoring in the mid-20s percent range early on, such as 19.2 percent and 22.8 percent for the fifth episode in early October. Viewership trended upward steadily through the run, reaching new highs in the late 2020 and early 2021 episodes. By November 2020, ratings climbed to 28.7 percent and 31.9 percent, marking the first time surpassing 30 percent.[30] The series peaked at 33.7 percent nationwide for episode 80 on January 31, 2021, reflecting its broad appeal as a family-oriented weekend drama.[31] The finale on March 7, 2021, delivered 31.2 percent and 32.9 percent for its two parts, securing the top spot among all dramas that night.[5] In comparisons, "Homemade Love Story" outperformed previous KBS weekend dramas, including "Once Again," by achieving higher premiere and sustained ratings, often doubling the viewership of competing cable shows like tvN's "Start-Up" at around 5 percent.[4] Its success highlighted strong demographic appeal to family audiences in the 20-49 age group, contributing to its dominance in the slot.[30] Internationally, the series gained popularity post-broadcast through streaming platforms, available on Viki, Netflix in select regions, and Kocowa, where it attracted viewers seeking lighthearted family stories.[3]Music
Original soundtrack
The original soundtrack (OST) for Homemade Love Story comprises 23 vocal parts, released progressively from September 2020 to March 2021 by Danal Entertainment in collaboration with Plus Media, aligning with the drama's 50-episode run on KBS2. Each part typically includes a main vocal track—predominantly romantic ballads and heartfelt pop songs—and its instrumental counterpart, featuring diverse artists to reflect the series' themes of family bonds, budding romances, and personal growth. These tracks served as insert songs and ending themes, enhancing emotional climaxes in episodes focused on the central couples' arcs, such as budding affections and reconciliations.[32][33] The OST's release schedule corresponded closely to key plot developments, starting with Part 1 shortly after the series premiere on September 19, 2020, and concluding with Part 23 ahead of the finale on March 6, 2021. Notable examples include Part 1's uplifting ballad capturing initial attractions, Part 9's poignant reflection on lost memories during a dramatic separation arc, and later parts like 20 and 23 emphasizing resolution and enduring love.[32][34]| Part | Release Date | Track Title | Artist |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2020-09-26 | Unstoppable Love (사랑도 세월처럼 막을 수 없나봐) | Jin Min Ho |
| 2 | 2020-09-27 | City Girl (시티 걸) | Yeo Eun |
| 3 | 2020-10-03 | One Love (하나의 사랑) | Soyeon (T-ARA) |
| 4 | 2020-10-17 | I Will Love You (사랑할거야) | Red Chair |
| 5 | 2020-10-24 | Today’s Youth (요즘 청춘) | Han All |
| 6 | 2020-10-31 | Where I Meet Her 100 Meters Ago (그녀를 만나는 곳 100M 전) | Sohee |
| 7 | 2020-11-07 | Will It Be Okay (괜찮을까) | Nam Young Joo |
| 8 | 2020-11-28 | I'm in Love (그대로 채워가요) | Bada |
| 9 | 2020-12-05 | Forgot (잊었니) | So Hyang |
| 10 | 2020-12-06 | My All (말하지 않아도) | Lee Se Joon (Yurisangja) |
| 11 | 2020-12-12 | I Love You, I Like You (그대를 사랑합니다, 좋아합니다) | Park Kang Soo |
| 12 | 2020-12-27 | Let's Hope (바래봐요) | WAX |
| 13 | 2021-01-16 | It's Good (굿이야) | In Gyo Jin |
| 14 | 2021-01-23 | Even Your Tears (그대 눈물까지도) | J-Cera |
| 15 | 2021-01-30 | Every Night I Say Goodbye To You (매일 밤 너와 이별해) | Kota & Bitna (Sunny Hill) |
| 16 | 2021-01-31 | Is This Love Too? (이것도 사랑이니) | Lee Dong Eun |
| 17 | 2021-02-13 | Nice (굿이야) | Shin Yoo |
| 18 | 2021-02-14 | I'll Give You Everything (내 모든걸 다 줄게) | ALi |
| 19 | 2021-02-20 | Giving Tree (주는 나무) | Amir |
| 20 | 2021-02-21 | I Love You (사랑해요) | Jin Joo |
| 21 | 2021-02-27 | Crying With My Heart (가슴으로 운다) | Ulala Session |
| 22 | 2021-02-28 | Secretly Slightly (남몰래 살짝) | Coda Bridge |
| 23 | 2021-03-06 | One Step, Two Steps, Three Steps (한걸음 두걸음 세걸음) | Park Jang Hyun (VROMANCE) |
Notable contributions
The background score for Homemade Love Story was primarily composed by Kim Jong-cheon, who provided key instrumental pieces such as "The Street We First Met" (처음 만났던 그 거리), capturing the drama's nostalgic and communal atmosphere.[35] Other contributors to the score include Oh Hye Joo, whose track "Homemade Love Story" (오! 삼광빌라!) serves as a recurring motif for the villa's family dynamics and community interactions, often played during uplifting ensemble scenes.[32] The full background music compilation, titled Homemade Love Story OST BGM (Soundtrack), was released on March 19, 2021, featuring 11 instrumental tracks designed to enhance the series' blend of comedic and dramatic moments.[36] Notable sound design elements underscore emotional peaks, such as subtle acoustic layers in heartfelt family reconciliations, contributing to the score's intimate feel without relying on vocal elements.[37]| Track | Title | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Street We First Met | Kim Jong Cheon |
| 2 | Homemade Love Story | Oh Hye Joo |
| 3 | PETAL | Choi Cheol Ho, Lee So Ri |
| 4 | The Sweat Dreams | Choi Sun Woo, Hyunseop Lee, Kim Do Hyeong |
| 5 | NEW LOVE | Kim Jong Cheon |
| 6 | Two Hands | Kim Jong Cheon |
| 7 | Romantic City | Oh Hye Joo |
| 8 | A New Day | Choi Chul Soo |
| 9 | The Villa | Kim Jong Cheon |
| 10 | First Love | Kim Jong Cheon |
| 11 | Ending | Kim Jong Cheon |
Reception
Critical response
Homemade Love Story received generally positive reception from critics and audiences, praised for its heartwarming portrayal of family dynamics and community bonds in a long-running weekend drama format. On MyDramaList, it holds an average rating of 7.8 out of 10 based on 1,795 user reviews as of November 2025, reflecting appreciation for its uplifting tone and relatable characters.[9] Similarly, AsianWiki users rated it 9.0 out of 10 from 680 votes as of November 2025, highlighting the strong ensemble chemistry and feel-good narrative.[8] IMDb scores it at 7.0 out of 10 from 124 ratings as of November 2025, noting its easy-watchability despite the extended episode count.[7] Critics lauded the drama's upbeat writing and avoidance of melodramatic tropes common in Korean weekenders. A review described it as "a feel good weekender that is pretty much void of makjang or screaming matches," emphasizing its refreshing focus on compassion and redemption.[38] Another praised the fun and upbeat acting, with side characters shining through dramatic moments that advance the plot without overwhelming the lighthearted vibe.[27] The healthy romantic relationship between the leads and the emphasis on found-family elements were frequently highlighted as strengths, contributing to its emotional resonance.[39] Audience feedback echoed these sentiments, with viewers appreciating the positive themes of love and support, though some noted minor pacing issues due to the 50-episode length. International fans, particularly on streaming platforms post its 2020-2021 broadcast, embraced it for its comforting, optimistic storytelling amid global challenges.[40]Awards and nominations
At the 2020 KBS Drama Awards, Homemade Love Story received multiple accolades recognizing its ensemble performances in the long drama category.[6]| Award | Recipient | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Top Excellence Award, Actor in a Long Drama | Jung Bo-seok | Won[6] |
| Excellence Award, Actor in a Long Drama | Lee Jang-woo | Won[6] |
| Excellence Award, Actress in a Long Drama | Jin Ki-joo | Won[6] |
| Best Supporting Actress in a Long Drama | Kim Sun-young | Won[6] |
| Best New Actress | Bona (WJSN) | Won[6] |
| Best Couple Award | Jin Ki-joo and Lee Jang-woo | Won[6] |