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Sweet Stranger and Me
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| Sweet Stranger and Me | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Genre | Family Comedy Romance |
| Based on | The Man Living in Our House by Yoo Hyun-sook |
| Written by | Kim Eun-jung |
| Directed by | Kim Jung-min |
| Starring | Soo Ae Kim Young-kwang Lee Soo-hyuk Jo Bo-ah Kim Ji-hoon |
| Opening theme | "Fool" by Kim Jong-kook "Going Through Your Heart" by Henry feat. Mark |
| Country of origin | South Korea |
| Original language | Korean |
| No. of episodes | 16 |
| Production | |
| Executive producer | Lee Kun-jun |
| Cinematography | Kim Kyung-hoo |
| Running time | 60 mins |
| Production company | Content K |
| Original release | |
| Network | KBS2 |
| Release | October 24 – December 13, 2016 |
Sweet Stranger and Me (Korean: 우리집에 사는 남자; RR: Urijibe saneun namja; lit. 'The Man Living in Our House') is a 2016 South Korean television series based on the 2015 webtoon of the same name by Yoo Hyun-sook. It was aired every Mondays and Tuesdays at 22:00 (KST) on KBS2.[1][2][3]
Synopsis
[edit]Flight attendant Hong Na-ri aimlessly returns to her childhood home, Seulgi. Ten months earlier, her mother, Shin Jung-im, died in a car accident, while her nine-year relationship with her fiancé, Jo Dong-jin, ended abruptly when she saw him cheating with Do Yeo-joo, a fellow flight attendant infamous for being a homewrecker. She is surprised to see Jung-im's second husband, Go Nan-gil, who is three years Na-ri's junior, waiting for her at home. Na-ri is initially hostile to Nan-gil, suspecting that he is a conman who married her mother so he could inherit ownership of her lakeside property. As she lives with him, she learns that Nan-gil indeed married Jung-im to inherit her property, but not for his own benefit. He made a promise to Jung-im that he would protect the land from being sold to Green Land, a chaebol who wants to convert it into a resort. The CEO of Greenland's robot division, Kwon Deuk-bong, pesters Nan-gil's mandu restaurant everyday to sell the land.
Na-ri slowly warms up to and eventually falls in love with Nan-gil. She realizes that Nan-gil is not a stranger to her. He grew up in an orphanage where Jung-im volunteered at and had been watching Na-ri since childhood; in fact, she was and remains his only crush. Nan-gil was adopted by Bae Byung-woo, the ruthless chairman of Dada Finance, a loan shark company, and trained to become a cold criminal. He quit the company after driving a man to commit suicide. To his horror, he learns that the man was Hong Sung-kyu, Na-ri's biological father. In the meantime, Dong-jin grows guilty of cheating on Na-ri, whom he still loves. A heartbroken Yeo-joo decides to break up with him.
Deuk-bong teams up with Na-ri and Nan-gil to uncover the secrets regarding Dada and Green Land. He falls in love with Na-ri and tries to win her affection. Wanting to atone for what she has done, Yeo-joo tries to help him, only to end up falling in love with him instead. Deuk-bong learns that two generations ago, Green Land owned the Hong family's land and had used it as a chemical waste disposal center. The orphanage that once stood in Na-ri's childhood home was destroyed by chemical fire, killing everyone except for Green Land's secretary, Ms. Kwon. Jung-im was protecting the land to prevent Green Land from whitewashing their crimes. In response, Green Land and Dada have been working together to discredit her family; they set up Sung-kyu and Jung-im's brother, Jeong-nam, into a debt that forced them to go on the run.
Byung-woo's assistant and adopted son, Kim Wan-shik, eventually betrays him by helping Nan-gil get a document exposing Dada's crimes. Meanwhile, Na-ri unexpectedly reunites with Sung-kyu, who faked his death and is living in hiding. He decides to surrender to the police, though he is allowed to leave on bail. To stop his father, Green Land's chairman, from messing up Na-ri's family further, Deuk-bong exposes Green Land's dealings to the police, preventing his father from continuing his plans but slandering Green Land's reputation. Now that Sung-kyu is around, Nan-gil files an annulment of his marriage with Jung-im, therefore allowing him to legally pursue a relationship with Na-ri.
A year later, Nan-gil proposes to Na-ri at their elementary school, the place where they first met.[4]
Cast
[edit]Main
[edit]- A headstrong but meticulous flight attendant for Asiana Airlines who trusts her intuition too much and has trouble managing her emotions. She is left out in the cold when her boyfriend of nine years, Jo Dong-jin, whom she planned to marry cheats on her with her colleague, Do Yeo-joo. At first, Na-ri distrusts her stepfather Go Nan-gil and regards him as a con artist. However she later shows respect and starts to develop intimate relationship with him. She is still looking for the whereabouts of Hong Sung-kyu, her biological father.
- Kim Young-kwang as Go Nan-gil
- The owner of Hong Dumplings. He had a rough past as a legendary gangster and debt collector in the bond industry. He has seen a lot for a man in his mid-20s, but behind the mix of light and dark, as well as warmth and coldness, he is a young man with a soft heart and has a desire to protect his family. He made a promise to his late wife, Shin Jung-im, to maintain the ownership of their dumpling shop and houses at all cost. Nan-gil later develop intimate relationship with his stepdaughter, Hong Na-ri.
- Lee Soo-hyuk as Kwon Deuk-bong
- A genius and ambitious company director born with a golden spoon in his mouth. With a problematic family and inheritance issues to deal with, he can be cruel and moody but hides his dark nature with a cool facade. He has a law degree but ceases to practice it, instead he runs a robot museum in Seulgi, which gives him nickname "Robot" by the local people. He has been tasked by his father, chairman of the Green Land, to take the ownership of lands around Hong Dumplings and turn it into a holiday resort. Deuk-bong also has a crush on Na-ri.
- A lively flight attendant, who is the eldest in her family. She uses her looks as a weapon and has lied and stolen her way to hiding her poverty ever since she was young. She is more comfortable befriending men who, unlike women, easily fall for her lies. Yeo-joo is disliked by her colleagues due to her bad behaviors. She is burdened by the medical condition of her father which motivates her into having a relationship with a rich guy, so she can support her family. She is currently in a relationship with Jo Dong-jin, Hong Na-ri's former boyfriend.
- Kim Ji-hoon as Jo Dong-jin[7]
- Na-ri's insecure boyfriend, who cheats on her with Yeo-joo. Although he is currently in a relationship with Yeo-Joo, he is still unsure with his decision to leave Hong Na-ri.
Supporting
[edit]Na-ri's family
[edit]- Kim Mi-sook as Shin Jung-im (Na-ri's mother & Nan-gil's wife)
- The original owner of Hong Dumplings. Her scenes are only shown in flashbacks. She maintains and runs the dumpling shop albeit a large amount of debts left by her first husband, Hong Sung-kyu. Jung-im often visited Go Nan-gil in the orphanage during his childhood. Both later married (without Na-ri's knowledge) and lived together until she was killed in a mysterious accident.
- Kim Ha-kyun as Shin Jeong-nam (Na-ri's uncle)
- A man who is living under the threat of violence from Dada Finance, due to his inability to pay the debts he owes to them. His relationship with Na-ri isn't that close; they rarely communicate since Na-ri works as a flight attendant.
- Noh Yeong-guk as Hong Sung-kyu (Na-ri's father & Jung-im first husband)
- A man who owns a large sum of debt to Dada Finance. Currently, his whereabouts are unknown.
Hong Dumplings
[edit]- Ji Yoon-ho as Lee Yong-gyoo
- Lee Kang-min as Park Joon
- Jung Ji-hwan as Kang Han-yi
Green Land
[edit]- Shin Se-hwi as Kwon Duk-shim (Duk-bong's half sister)
- A young girl who is having a bad relationship with her parents and decides to live with her estranged brother in Seulgi. Duk-shim is anti-social, prefers to be solitary than hanging out with her school friends, who occasionally bullies her. She has a crush on Nan-gil, due to the past actions taken by Nan-gil to save her. She starts to work in Hong Dumplings to attract Nan-gil's attention. Duk-shim hates Na-ri and regards her as an obstacle between her and Nan-gil.
- Choi Jong-won as Chairman Kwon (Duk-bong's father)
- The chairman of Green Land. He has a plan to own and transform lands around Hong Dumplings into a holiday resort.
- Lee Kyung-shim as Hwa-yeon (Duk-shim's mother)
- Jung Kyung-soon as Kwon Soon-rye
Dada Finance
[edit]- Park Sang-myun as Bae Byung-woo (Chairman of Dada Finance)
- The main antagonist of the series. He is known for his notoriety of using illegal means to give loans and extort repayments from his debtors. He does not hesitate to use violence or blackmail to fulfill his goals. Go Nan-gil used to work for him. He has a plan to seize Hong Dumplings as collateral due to the inability of Hong Sung-kyu to pay a large sum of debt to Dada Finance.
- Woo Do-hwan as Kim Wan-shik
- Byung-woo's subordinate
Flight Attendants
[edit]- Wang Bit-na as Yoo Shi-eun (Na-ri's senior)
- Kim Jae-in as Jang Yeon-mi (Na-ri's junior)[8]
- Yoo An-na as Park Seon-kyung (Na-ri's junior)
Others
[edit]- Jun Se-hyun as Kim Ran-sook (ex air-hostess)
- Nam Jeong-Hee as Owner of Seulgi store
- Park No-sik
Guest appearances
[edit]- Jang Do-yeon as Jung-hyun's fiancée (Passenger) (Ep. 1 & 8)
- In Gyo-jin as ER Doctor (Ep. 1–2)
- Hong Seok-cheon as Yong-chul (Health trainer) (Ep. 2 & 5)
- Kim Young-ok as Grandma Oh-rye (Ep. 7)
- Lee Mi-do as Lee Mi-sun, writer of Variety show "Top Three Eating King" (Ep. 9–10)
- Lee Ah-ri as Assistant writer of Variety show "Top Three Eating King" (Ep. 9–10)
- Seo Woo-jin as (Cameo)
Production
[edit]The first script reading took place on September 12, 2016, at KBS Broadcasting Station in Yeouido, Seoul, South Korea.[9]
Yoo Seung-ho was first offered the male lead role, but declined.
Original soundtrack
[edit]Part 1
[edit]| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Fool (바보야)" | Kim Yeong-ah | Yoon Il-sang | Kim Jong-kook | 3:21 |
| 2. | "Fool (바보야)" (Inst.) | Yoon Il-sang | 3:21 | ||
| Total length: | 6:42 | ||||
Part 2
[edit]| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artists | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "What To Do (니 맘에 들어갈래)" | Henry, SAY, Yoyo | Henry, Gen Neo, Mage | Henry feat. Mark (NCT) | 3:16 |
| 2. | "What To Do (니 맘에 들어갈래)" (Inst.) | Henry, Genneo, Mage | 3:16 | ||
| Total length: | 6:32 | ||||
Part 3
[edit]| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artists | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Want (원해)" | Cho PD | Yoon Il-sang | Cho PD, JeA (Brown Eyed Girls) | 4:20 |
| 2. | "Want (원해)" (Inst.) | Yoon Il-sang | 4:20 | ||
| Total length: | 8:40 | ||||
Part 4
[edit]| No. | Title | Lyrics | Music | Artists | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "I Will Love You Piece By Piece (소소하게 조금씩)" | Choi Jae-woo | Idiot Park, Peter Pan, Crazy Girl | Junggigo, Dawon (Cosmic Girls) | 3:29 |
| 2. | "Still Love (그래도 사랑)" | Yoon Min-soo, Choi Seong-il | Yoon Min-soo, KingMing | Im Se-jun | 4:29 |
| 3. | "I Will Love You Piece By Piece (소소하게 조금씩)" (Inst.) | Idiot Park, Peter Pan, Crazy Girl | 3:29 | ||
| 4. | "Still Love (그래도 사랑)" (Inst.) | Yoon Min-soo, KingMing | 4:29 | ||
| Total length: | 15:56 | ||||
Part 5
[edit]| No. | Title | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "You and I (너랑 나랑)" | Solji (EXID) | 5:11 |
| 2. | "You and I (너랑 나랑)" (Inst.) | 5:11 | |
| Total length: | 10:22 | ||
Part 6
[edit]| No. | Title | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Still Love (그래도 사랑)" (Acoustic ver.) | Im Se-jun | 4:28 |
| 2. | "Still Love (그래도 사랑)" (Acoustic ver., Inst.) | 4:28 | |
| Total length: | 8:56 | ||
OST Part 7
[edit]| No. | Title | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "When The First Snow Falls ('Miss You Much' 2nd Story)" | The Ade | 3:44 |
| 2. | "When The First Snow Falls ('Miss You Much' 2nd Story)" (Inst.) | 3:44 | |
| Total length: | 7:38 | ||
Charted songs
[edit]Chart Performance
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Sales | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOR Gaon [10] | ||||
| "Fool" (Kim Jong-kook) |
2016 | 89 |
|
Part 1 |
Ratings
[edit]- In this table, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.
- NR denotes that the drama did not rank in the top 20 daily programs on that date.
- N/A denotes that the rating is not known.
| Ep. | Original broadcast date | Average audience share | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TNmS | AGB Nielsen[12] | ||||
| Nationwide | Seoul | Nationwide | Seoul | ||
| 1 | October 24, 2016 | 8.2% (16th) | 9.5% (10th) | 9.0% (11th) | 9.1% (12th) |
| 2 | October 25, 2016 | 9.9% (11th) | 11.2% (5th) | 10.6% (6th) | 10.7% (6th) |
| 3 | October 31, 2016 | 6.6% (NR) | 8.2% (15th) | 7.4% (18th) | 8.0% (14th) |
| 4 | November 1, 2016 | 7.0% (18th) | 7.3% (14th) | 8.5% (10th) | 9.0% (8th) |
| 5 | November 7, 2016 | 5.9% (NR) | 6.7% (20th) | 7.5% (NR) | 7.7% (17th) |
| 6 | November 8, 2016 | 4.6% (NR) | 5.4% (NR) | 6.4% (NR) | 6.9% (17th) |
| 7 | November 14, 2016 | 4.2% (NR) | 4.4% (NR) | 4.5% (NR) | 4.9% (NR) |
| 8 | November 15, 2016 | 4.6% (NR) | 4.9% (NR) | 4.7% (NR) | 4.6% (NR) |
| 9 | November 21, 2016 | 5.1% (NR) | N/a | 3.7% (NR) | N/a |
| 10 | November 22, 2016 | 4.4% (NR) | 3.9% (NR) | ||
| 11 | November 28, 2016 | 3.4% (NR) | 4.3% (NR) | ||
| 12 | November 29, 2016 | 3.2% (NR) | 3.5% (NR) | ||
| 13 | December 5, 2016 | 3.5% (NR) | 4.1% (NR) | ||
| 14 | December 6, 2016 | 3.3% (NR) | 3.4% (NR) | ||
| 15 | December 12, 2016 | 2.9% (NR) | 3.5% (NR) | ||
| 16 | December 13, 2016 | 3.2% (NR) | 4.0% (NR) | ||
| Average | 5.0% | —[a] | 5.6% | —[a] | |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Recipient | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 30th KBS Drama Awards | Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries | Kim Young-kwang | Nominated |
| Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries | Soo Ae | Nominated | ||
| Jo Bo-ah | Nominated |
International broadcast
[edit]
Vietnam: HTV2 under the name Bố dượng tuổi 30 (from February 28, 2017).
Notes
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ 수애 '우리집에 사는 남자'로 9년만 로코 도전 "수애가 하드캐리 하겠네". news.chosun.com
- ^ '우리 집에 사는 남자' 수애·김영광, 첫 만남부터 '티격태격'. Maeil Business Newspaper. 17 October 2016. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
- ^ POP, 헤럴드 (October 4, 2016). '우리집' 김영광, 자전거 타는 연하 새아빠. pop.heraldcorp.com. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
- ^ '우리집에사는남자' 수애, 첫 촬영부터 만취…코믹 본능 폭발 : 스포츠조선. Sports Chosun. 4 October 2016. Retrieved 2016-10-18.
- ^ [단독] 수애, '구르미' 후속 '우리 집에 사는 남자' 여주 유력 : 스포츠동아. sports.donga.com. 2016-07-29. Retrieved 2016-10-18.
- ^ MoneyS (12 October 2016). '우리 집에 사는 남자' 조보아, 글래머러스한 몸매 과시 '후끈'. www.moneys.news. Retrieved 2016-10-18.
- ^ 김지훈 '우리집에 사는 남자' 합류, 수애의 남자 된다(공식입장). JoongAng Ilbo. 2016-09-09. Retrieved 2016-09-20.
- ^ 김재인, '우리 집에 사는 남자' 캐스팅…수애-조보아와 호흡 : 스포츠동아. sports.donga.com. Retrieved 2016-10-18.
- ^ '우리 집에 사는 남자' 수애 "모처럼 로코…열심히 하겠다". Maeil Business Newspaper. Retrieved October 18, 2016.
- ^ "Gaon Digital Chart". Gaon Chart. Retrieved 2016-11-09.
- ^ "Gaon Download Chart - Week 44". Gaon Chart. Retrieved 2016-11-09.
- ^ "Nielsen Korea". AGB Nielsen Media Research (in Korean). Archived from the original on March 17, 2017. Retrieved October 24, 2016.
External links
[edit]- Official website (in Korean)
- Sweet Stranger and Me on KBS World
Sweet Stranger and Me
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Background
Adaptation from webtoon
The webtoon Woorijibe Saneun Namja (translated as "Man Living in My House"), written and illustrated by Yoo Hyun-sook, was serialized on Daum Webtoon from March 24, 2015, to May 31, 2016, spanning 56 episodes. The series follows Hong Na-ri, a 30-year-old flight attendant who returns home after her mother's sudden death, only to find a 27-year-old man named Go Nan-gil living there and claiming to be her stepfather; their unexpected cohabitation uncovers family secrets, hidden affections, and romantic tensions amid comedic misunderstandings.[8] By the time of the drama adaptation announcement, the webtoon had amassed significant popularity, exceeding tens of millions of views and establishing Yoo as a prolific romance creator following hits like Neighboring Flower Boy and Hogu's Love.[9] KBS acquired the adaptation rights in early 2016, capitalizing on the webtoon's success to develop a 16-episode romantic comedy series that premiered on October 24, 2016. To suit the live-action television format, the adaptation expanded certain subplots, such as deepening the family dynamics and romantic developments to fill the extended runtime, while altering minor character backstories and ages slightly for casting feasibility—most notably emphasizing Nan-gil's youthful appearance and Na-ri's professional life—and omitting some peripheral webtoon arcs to streamline the narrative.[10] These modifications maintained the core premise of familial and romantic entanglements but shifted focus toward broader emotional resolution suitable for broadcast drama.[11]Pre-production development
KBS2 commissioned Sweet Stranger and Me in mid-2015 to fill the Monday-Tuesday drama slot following Moonlight Drawn by Clouds.[12] The project was greenlit as a 16-episode series, with budget allocation focused on capturing the webtoon's whimsical premise while expanding it for television.[13] The creative team was led by writer Kim Eun-jung, who adapted the 2015 webtoon Man Living in My House by Yoo Hyun-sook for the screen, ensuring fidelity to the original's blend of humor and emotional depth.[12] Director Kim Jeong-min joined the production, bringing his experience from prior projects, which influenced the series' lighthearted yet heartfelt tone emphasizing family reconciliation.[13] Script finalization occurred by late 2015, allowing time for revisions to heighten the romantic and comedic elements. Pre-production faced challenges in balancing the rom-com dynamics with family drama aspects, as the team sought to maintain broad appeal for family audiences without diluting the webtoon's quirky father-daughter premise. Initial marketing efforts included teasers released in October 2016, highlighting the unusual stepfather-stepdaughter relationship to generate buzz ahead of the fall premiere.[14]Plot
Synopsis
Hong Na-ri, a dedicated flight attendant, returns to her hometown following the death of her mother, only to discover a young man named Go Nan-gil living in her family's home and claiming to be her stepfather through a recent marriage to her late mother.[13] Skeptical of his identity, Na-ri initially resists the situation, especially as she grapples with her own personal setbacks, including the betrayal by her long-time fiancé. To protect her mother's legacy, including the family-run "Hong Dumplings" restaurant and surrounding property, Na-ri and Nan-gil enter into a fake marriage to secure inheritance rights against external threats.[15] As the story unfolds, Na-ri's suspicions about Nan-gil deepen, revealing his hidden past as a simple farmer who entered her mother's life under mysterious circumstances, while family conflicts escalate with the arrival of scheming relatives and her ex-fiancé, who seek to exploit the situation for their gain.[16] Inheritance disputes intensify involving the Green Land company, which aims to develop the land into a resort, forcing Na-ri and Nan-gil to collaborate amid growing romantic tension that blurs the lines between their fabricated familial roles. Key events center on battles over the property, and the day-to-day operations at the dumpling restaurant, which becomes a hub for unexpected alliances.[17] Spanning 16 episodes, the series begins with comedic misunderstandings and awkward cohabitation but gradually builds toward emotional family reconciliation, as Na-ri uncovers truths about her past and navigates evolving relationships with those around her.[13]Themes and motifs
The central theme of Sweet Stranger and Me revolves around unconventional family structures, particularly the exploration of stepfamily dynamics where biological ties are overshadowed by chosen bonds and forgiveness. The narrative centers on the evolving relationship between Hong Na-ri and Go Nan-gil, initially framed as a stepfather-stepdaughter pairing, which challenges traditional notions of kinship and highlights emotional reconciliation amid grief and inheritance disputes. This theme underscores the idea that family is not defined solely by blood but by mutual support and understanding, as Na-ri gradually accepts Nan-gil's protective role despite initial suspicions.[18] Recurring motifs of deception and revelation propel the story's tension, using fabricated identities—such as Nan-gil's claim as Na-ri's stepfather and underlying corporate intrigues—to examine the process of building trust. These elements reveal hidden pasts and secrets, like Nan-gil's true connection to Na-ri's late mother, forcing characters to confront illusions and foster authentic relationships. The motif serves to illustrate how initial deceptions, often rooted in protection or necessity, pave the way for deeper revelations that strengthen familial and romantic ties.[19] Cultural elements enrich the narrative, incorporating Korean family values such as communal care and ancestral ties, contrasted with the rural-urban divide exemplified by Nan-gil's farming and restaurant background against Na-ri's urban flight attendant life. Food emerges as a key motif for comfort and bonding, with the Hong family's dumpling restaurant symbolizing heritage and emotional nourishment amid personal turmoil. These aspects highlight traditional rural lifestyles clashing with modern urban aspirations, emphasizing resilience in Korean societal contexts.[20] The series offers subtle social commentary on corporate greed through land development threats, critiquing how financial ambitions erode community and family stability. Additionally, it touches on gender roles, portraying Na-ri's professional independence while navigating relational expectations in a patriarchal framework. These commentaries integrate seamlessly into the family-focused plot, prompting reflection on broader societal pressures without overt didacticism.[18]Cast and characters
Main cast
Soo Ae stars as Hong Na-ri, a 30-year-old flight attendant who is meticulous yet highly susceptible to stress, often displaying contrasting personalities. Following her mother's sudden death, Na-ri faces a cascade of misfortunes, including the loss of her fiancé and family home, leading to initial grief, suspicion, and distrust toward the stranger claiming to be her stepfather; over time, she experiences emotional growth through their evolving relationship.[3] Kim Young-kwang portrays Go Nan-gil, a handsome and enigmatic 27-year-old who works as a dumpling chef at his late wife's restaurant and mysteriously becomes Na-ri's stepfather. With hidden motives tied to protecting his past love, Nan-gil starts as a figure of intrigue and conflict but develops into a devoted, protective family member for Na-ri, sharing his life while concealing one pivotal secret.[3] Jo Bo-ah plays Do Yeo-joo, Na-ri's duplicitous co-worker and supposed best friend who prioritizes her appearance to attract men and engages in scheming behavior amid workplace and personal rivalries. Yeo-joo betrays Na-ri by having an affair with her fiancé, contributing to corporate intrigue and Na-ri's hardships, which underscores themes of jealousy and deception in the core narrative.[3] Kim Ji-hoon depicts Jo Dong-jin, Na-ri's longtime fiancé whose infidelity with Yeo-joo shatters their engagement and exacerbates Na-ri's emotional turmoil. As a key antagonist in the early story, Dong-jin's betrayal drives Na-ri's return home and her confrontation with family secrets, impacting the central romance and mystery.[21]Supporting cast
The supporting cast in Sweet Stranger and Me features a diverse ensemble of secondary characters who enrich the narrative through family tensions, workplace camaraderie, business rivalries, and comedic subplots, often intersecting with the protagonists' personal and professional lives.[13]Na-ri's Family
Hong Na-ri's familial connections drive much of the inheritance-related conflicts. Kim Mi-sook portrays Shin Jung-im, Na-ri's late mother whose recent marriage to Nan-gil sets the premise and appears in flashbacks revealing family history. Her uncle Shin Jeong-nam, portrayed by Kim Ha-kyun, emerges as a key antagonist who borrows money from Na-ri's fiancé and schemes to claim her mother's property after her death, heightening the stakes around the family home and dumpling restaurant.[22] Shin Jeong-nam's opportunistic actions, including pressuring Na-ri for financial gain, underscore the theme of familial betrayal and add tension to Na-ri's return to her hometown.[23][24]Hong Dumplings Group
At the Hong Dumplings restaurant, where Go Nan-gil works as head chef, a group of loyal subordinates provides comic relief and support in lighter subplots involving daily operations and Nan-gil's secretive past. Ji Yoon-ho plays Lee Yong-gyoo, Nan-gil's reliable subordinate who assists in restaurant tasks and offers humorous banter during crises, such as defending the shop from external threats.[22][25] Lee Kang-min portrays Park Joon, another clerk whose bumbling antics contribute to the group's dynamic, often lightening tense moments with Nan-gil. Complementing them is Jung Ji-hwan as Kang Han-yi, a fellow employee whose energetic personality aids in subplots about preserving the restaurant amid inheritance disputes.[22] These characters collectively highlight themes of loyalty and humor, contrasting the main plot's drama.Green Land Company
The ambitious Green Land conglomerate, led by rivals to Nan-gil's interests, introduces corporate intrigue through executives seeking to acquire the land for development, often clashing with Nan-gil's protective stance. Choi Jong-won depicts CEO Kwon, the authoritative head whose aggressive business tactics fuel conflicts over property rights and create obstacles for Nan-gil and Na-ri.[13] Shin Se-hwi plays Kwon Duk-shim, Deok-bong's half-sister and a spoiled heiress whose impulsive actions, including romantic pursuits and family meddling, add layers to the company's internal dynamics and subplot rivalries.[26][25] Lee Soo-hyuk portrays Kwon Deok-bong, the chaebol heir and half-brother to Duk-shim, whose involvement in business decisions and romantic entanglements with Yeo-joo heighten the corporate and personal tensions. These figures drive the business tension without overshadowing the central relationships, portraying corporate greed as a foil to personal bonds.Other Supports
Among the flight attendants at Na-ri's airline, colleagues provide workplace support and minor schemes, such as gossip and camaraderie during shifts. Wang Bit-na as Yoo Shi-eun, Na-ri's senior flight attendant, offers mentorship and comic moments in the cabin crew's group dynamics, occasionally aiding Na-ri in personal dilemmas.[26] Kim Jae-in portrays Jang Yeon-mi, a junior attendant whose enthusiastic but naive involvement in crew antics contributes to lighthearted subplots about airline life.[27] Ahn Yu-jeong plays Park Sun-kyung, another junior whose role emphasizes team solidarity amid Na-ri's family revelations. Jeon Se-hyun as Kim Ran-sook, an ex-air hostess and Na-ri's co-worker, adds to the workplace interactions with her supportive yet quirky presence in crew dynamics. In the financial realm, Dada Finance representatives heighten intrigue: Park Sang-myeon as Bae Byung-woo, a scheming executive whose loan dealings entangle Na-ri's family in debt plots, and Woo Do-hwan as Kim Wan-sik, his tough subordinate who provides muscle and reluctant comic relief in enforcement scenes.[26][13] These peripheral characters enhance group interactions and subplots, such as debt collection and office politics, without dominating the core story.Guest appearances
The drama features several notable guest appearances by celebrities, enhancing its comedic and promotional elements through brief, episode-specific roles that provide light-hearted interludes without altering the core narrative. Comedian Jang Do-yeon appears as Jung-hyun's fiancée and a troublesome airplane passenger in episodes 1 and 8, where she engages in a humorous physical altercation with Yeo-joo (Cho Bo-ah) over a boyfriend dispute, adding chaotic energy to Na-ri's flight attendant scenes.[28][29] Actor In Gyo-jin cameos as an emergency room doctor in episodes 1 and 2, delivering quirky and comedic medical advice to the injured Na-ri (Soo Ae) during her hospital visit following a family confrontation, injecting humor into the tense early plot setup.[30] Hong Seok-cheon portrays personal trainer Yong-chul in episode 2 (and briefly in episode 5), motivating Yeo-joo during a gym session with over-the-top enthusiasm, contributing to the subplot of her personal growth and comic relief amid romantic tensions.[13] Veteran actress Kim Young-ok guests as neighborhood grandma O-re in episode 7, sharing childhood anecdotes about Nan-gil (Kim Young-kwang) with Na-ri to reveal his innocent past, offering emotional warmth and subtle plot insight through her wise, gossipy demeanor.[31] In episode 9, actress Lee Mi-do appears as main writer Yi Mi-seon for a cooking show, scouting Nan-gil's dumpling restaurant "Hong Mandu" and interacting playfully with him, highlighting the shop's charm and providing promotional flair for the business subplot. Supporting this, actress Lee Ah-rin cameos as a sub-writer in the same episode, adding quirky energy to the production team's visit.[32][33] Episode 10 features comedian Nam Chang-hee as a customer at Hong Mandu, alongside girl group Gugudan members (Nayeong, Memi, and Hana) as themselves filming an eating broadcast segment, where they enthusiastically sample dumplings and create a lively, star-powered promotional scene that boosts the restaurant's visibility and injects idol energy for comic effect.[34][35] These cameos align with K-drama traditions, using celebrity star power for brief, fun diversions that amplify humor and cultural references, such as food shows and gym culture, while keeping the focus on the main family dynamics.Production
Casting process
Soo Ae was selected for the lead role of Hong Na-ri in early September 2016, with producers citing her established image as a sophisticated and mature actress capable of portraying a resilient flight attendant navigating personal turmoil.[36] Her return to television after a two-year hiatus from dramas like Mask (2015) added anticipation, as her poised presence was seen as ideal for the character's emotional depth.[37] Kim Young-kwang joined the cast the following day, September 6, 2016, for the pivotal role of Go Nan-gil, the enigmatic younger man claiming to be Na-ri's stepfather; his audition highlighted a "stubborn boy" charm that blended youthful energy with subtle vulnerability, essential for the age-disparate dynamic central to the plot.[38] This selection addressed the challenge of finding an actor who could convincingly embody both paternal protectiveness and romantic tension despite being only three years younger than Soo Ae.[39] Supporting roles were announced concurrently, completing the main lineup with Jo Bo-ah as Na-ri's colleague Do Yeo-joo, Lee Soo-hyuk as Nan-gil's friend Kwon Deuk-bong, and Kim Ji-hoon as Na-ri's ex-fiancé Jo Dong-jin by mid-September; these choices emphasized ensemble chemistry for the unconventional family narrative.[40] The age gap in the core relationship posed casting hurdles, requiring actors versatile enough to shift between familial and romantic tones without alienating viewers.[41] The full cast was revealed at the first script reading on September 12, 2016, at KBS Annex, where participants, including director Kim Jeong-min, praised the immediate rapport—particularly the "mad chemistry" between Soo Ae and Kim Young-kwang during scene rehearsals that tested their on-screen father-daughter-to-lovers transition.[42] This session confirmed role fittings and set the production's collaborative tone. The official press conference followed on October 20, 2016, at Times Square Amoris Hall in Seoul, where the leads discussed their preparations and the drama's humorous take on generational clashes.[43]Filming and locations
Principal photography for Sweet Stranger and Me occurred primarily in South Korea, spanning the period leading up to and during its broadcast from October to December 2016, with the first script reading taking place on September 12, 2016, at the KBS Annex Broadcasting Station in Yeouido, Seoul.[13][15] Key filming locations included rural areas for scenes depicting Nan-gil's farm and family home, such as in Hoengseong, Gangwon Province, where a full day of shooting for child actor scenes was conducted on October 14, 2016, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.[44] Urban sequences, including office settings for Green Land and airport scenes related to Na-ri's flight attendant job, were shot in Seoul. Additional outdoor locations featured the V Center in Seoul, recognizable for its large robot statue in comedic and everyday scenes.[45] Production faced logistical hurdles typical of concurrent filming schedules for K-dramas, though specific challenges like weather delays for outdoor restaurant scenes were not publicly detailed; practical effects were employed for lighthearted chase sequences to enhance the rom-com tone.Music
Original soundtrack
The original soundtrack (OST) for Sweet Stranger and Me was released in seven digital parts by Warner Music Korea between October 25 and November 22, 2016, during and shortly after the drama's broadcast, with each part typically featuring one or two vocal tracks alongside instrumental versions to accompany key emotional and romantic scenes.[46] The OST emphasized ballad-style songs that highlighted the series' themes of unexpected romance and family bonds, produced primarily by Yoon Il-sang and Yoon Min-soo of Vibe, who collaborated on several tracks to create heartfelt melodies.[47] A compilation album containing all 18 tracks from the parts, including instrumentals, was later issued on December 14, 2016.[6] The vocal tracks were performed by prominent K-pop artists, with production credits often shared among established composers and lyricists to evoke the drama's tender moments, such as confessions or reconciliations. Instrumental scores, composed by the production team led by Yoon Il-sang, provided underscoring for transitional scenes and heightened emotional tension throughout the series.[48]| Part | Release Date | Track Title (Vocal) | Artist(s) | Composer(s) | Lyricist(s) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 25, 2016 | 바보야 (Idiot) | Kim Jong Kook | Yoon Il-sang | Kim Young-ah | Featured in early romantic tension scenes; ballad with piano-driven arrangement.[48] |
| 2 | October 26, 2016 | 니 맘에 들어갈래 (I Want to Enter Your Heart) | Henry feat. Mark (NCT) | Henry Lau, Gen Neo, Mage | Henry Lau | Upbeat pop track tied to flirtatious interactions; self-composed by Henry. |
| 3 | November 1, 2016 | 원해 (Want It) | Cho PD feat. JeA (Brown Eyed Girls) | Yoon Il-sang | JeA | Soulful duet for longing moments; acoustic elements emphasize vulnerability.[49] |
| 4 | November 8, 2016 | 소소하게 조금씩 (Slowly, Little by Little) | Junggigo feat. Dawon (WJSN) | Various (including Yoon Min-soo) | Various | Sweet duet for gradual romance development; also includes Im Se-joon's "그래도 사랑 (Still Love)".[50] |
| 5 | November 14, 2016 | 너랑 나랑 (You & Me) | Solji (EXID) | KingMing | Choi Sung-il | End-credits ballad for couple's bonding scenes; soft vocals highlight intimacy.[51] |
| 6 | November 15, 2016 | 그래도 사랑 (Acoustic ver.) (Still Love Acoustic ver.) | Im Se-joon | Various | Various | Acoustic rendition from Part 4, used in reflective family moments.[46] |
| 7 | November 22, 2016 | 첫눈이 내리면 ('너무 보고싶어' 두번째 이야기) (When the First Snow Falls ('Miss You Much' 2nd Story)) | The Ade | Various | Various | Melancholic closer for themes of missing loved ones; post-finale release.[52] |
Chart performance
The original soundtrack for Sweet Stranger and Me saw significant commercial performance on Korean music charts, driven by the drama's popularity. Several tracks, including "You & Me" by Solji and "Baboya" by Kim Jong-kook, charted on platforms like Melon and Bugs during late 2016, reflecting the series' broad appeal and the effectiveness of episode-synced releases in sustaining momentum.[48]Release
Broadcast details
Sweet Stranger and Me premiered on KBS2 on October 24, 2016, and aired until December 13, 2016, every Monday and Tuesday at 22:00 KST.[15][13][53] The series consists of 16 episodes, each running approximately 60 minutes in length.[15][13] Promotion for the drama included the release of official teasers and trailers on platforms such as YouTube, character posters distributed via entertainment news outlets, and a press conference held on October 20, 2016, attended by the main cast.[14][54] The airing schedule proceeded without reported preemptions or extensions due to national events.[13]Ratings
"Sweet Stranger and Me" recorded an average nationwide viewership rating of 5.6% across its 16 episodes, as measured by AGB Nielsen Media Research. The series premiered on October 24, 2016, with a solid 9.0% rating, placing it second in its Monday-Tuesday time slot behind the competing SBS drama "Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim." It reached its peak viewership of 10.6% in the second episode the following day, briefly claiming the top spot among weekly dramas. However, ratings steadily declined thereafter, reflecting challenges in maintaining initial momentum compared to its predecessor, "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds," which averaged 18.3% nationwide.[55] By the ninth episode on November 21, 2016, the rating had dropped to 3.7%, the lowest up to that point. The finale on December 13, 2016, concluded with 4.0%, a modest recovery from the series low of 3.4% in episode 14 but still indicative of underwhelming performance overall. The following table summarizes the nationwide AGB Nielsen ratings for each episode:| Episode | Broadcast Date | Nationwide Rating (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2016-10-24 | 9.0 |
| 2 | 2016-10-25 | 10.6 |
| 3 | 2016-10-31 | 7.4 |
| 4 | 2016-11-01 | 8.5 |
| 5 | 2016-11-07 | 7.5 |
| 6 | 2016-11-08 | 6.4 |
| 7 | 2016-11-14 | 4.5 |
| 8 | 2016-11-15 | 4.7 |
| 9 | 2016-11-21 | 3.7 |
| 10 | 2016-11-22 | 3.9 |
| 11 | 2016-11-28 | 4.3 |
| 12 | 2016-11-29 | 3.5 |
| 13 | 2016-12-05 | 4.1 |
| 14 | 2016-12-06 | 3.4 |
| 15 | 2016-12-12 | 3.5 |
| 16 | 2016-12-13 | 4.0 |
Reception
Critical response
Critics praised Sweet Stranger and Me (also known as The Man Living in Our House) for its heartfelt exploration of family themes, particularly the unconventional dynamics of fatherhood and reconciliation among the characters.[56] The drama's low-key charm and easygoing tone were highlighted as strengths, positioning it as an underdog in the competitive 2016 K-drama landscape that succeeded through its central love story rather than high-stakes drama.[56] The chemistry between leads Soo Ae and Kim Young-kwang was a standout, with their evolving relationship providing emotional depth and moments of genuine warmth that anchored the narrative.[56] However, the series faced criticism for pacing issues, particularly in the mid-season episodes where corporate subplots involving land disputes dragged without sufficient urgency or emotional investment from the protagonists.[56] Some reviewers noted that the drama could have concluded effectively after 12 episodes, as excessive flashbacks and unresolved side threads diluted the momentum established in the early episodes.[56] The handling of the age-gap trope between the stepfather and stepdaughter figures received mixed responses, with praise for its unconventional setup giving way to critiques that it felt underutilized and occasionally lacked convincing romantic tension.[57] Audience reception was generally positive, reflected in an aggregated score of 7.4 out of 10 on MyDramaList from over 8,000 users, who appreciated the blend of humor and family-oriented storytelling.[15] In retrospective analyses from the 2020s, the drama has been appreciated for its feel-good vibe and quirky rom-com elements, resonating amid evolving K-drama trends toward lighter, character-driven narratives despite its initially bizarre premise.[18]Awards and nominations
At the 30th KBS Drama Awards on December 31, 2016, Sweet Stranger and Me and its lead actors received multiple nominations in major acting categories, recognizing their performances in the romantic comedy series.[58] The nominations highlighted the strong ensemble, particularly the central duo's chemistry and supporting roles.| Category | Nominee | Role | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries | Soo Ae | Hong Na-ri | Nominated |
| Excellence Award, Actress in a Miniseries | Jo Bo-ah | Do Yeo-joo | Nominated |
| Excellence Award, Actor in a Miniseries | Kim Young-kwang | Go Nan-gil | Nominated |
| Best Couple Award | Kim Young-kwang & Soo Ae | Go Nan-gil & Hong Na-ri | Nominated |