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Why Why Love
Promotional poster
Also known as換換愛
Huan Huan Ai
GenreRomantic comedy
Directed byLin He Long (林合隆)
StarringRainie Yang
Mike He
Kingone Wang
Opening theme"我要的世界" (The World I Want) by Kingone Wang
Ending theme"缺氧" (Breathless) by Rainie Yang
Country of originRepublic of China (Taiwan)
Original languageMandarin
No. of episodes15
Production
Running time90 mins (Sundays at 21:30)
Production companyComic Ritz International Production
Original release
NetworkChinese Television System (CTS)
Release3 June (2007-06-03) –
9 September 2007 (2007-09-09)
Related

Why Why Love (Chinese: 換換愛; pinyin: Huan Huan Ai) is a 2007 Taiwanese Drama starring Rainie Yang, Mike He and Kingone Wang. Since all 3 starred in the 2005 China Television drama Devil Beside You, this was originally thought to be the sequel. However, Why Why Love is not the sequel and has a distinctly different story line. It was originally titled Exchange Love. It was produced by Comic Ritz International Production (可米瑞智國際藝能有限公司) and directed by Lin He Long (林合隆).

The series was broadcast on free-to-air Chinese Television System (CTS) (華視) from 3 June 2007 to 9 September 2007, every Sunday at 21:30 and cable TV Gala Television (GTV) Variety Show/CH 28 (八大綜合台) from 9 June 2007 to 15 September 2007, every Saturday at 21:00.

In 2008, Rainie Yang was nominated for Best Actress and Lin He Long was nominated for Best Director in a Television Series at the 43rd Golden Bell Awards, Taiwan.[1]

Cast

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Actor Character Relationships
Rainie Yang Tong Jia Di (童嘉蒂)
Mike He Huo Da (霍達) Huo Yan Half Brother and later Tong Jia Di's boyfriend
Kingone Wang Huo Yan (霍彥) Huo Da Half Brother
Judy Qiu Yang Yan Shu (楊妍書) Huo Yan's assistant
Michelle Chen Jiang Xiao Nan (江小南) Jia Di's best friend
Xu Shi Hao Wu Bo Zi (波子) Huo Da's best friend
Ge Wei Ru Liao Cai Juan (廖彩娟) Jia Di's mother
Sun Qin Yue Tong Jia Hui (童嘉輝) Jia Di's brother
Ye Min Zhi Tong Bao San (童寶山) Jia Di's uncle
Wang Dao Huo Zhen Hao (霍振浩) Huo Yan and Huo Da's father
Jin Yu Lan Qin Yu Hua (秦玉華) Huo Yan's mother
Eric Tu Sai Lang
Carolyn Chen group leader
Fu Pei Ci Tong Jia Di's cousin
Xiang Bo Tao childhood Huo Yan
Xu Qiong Yun childhood Yang Yan Shu

Plot

[edit]

Tong Jia Di (Rainie Yang) led a normal life. Non-stop working and outstanding debts can so called, her uniqueness. Her best friend, Jiang Xiao Nan (Michelle Chen) wants Jia Di to fall in love and she tries to set Jia Di up. Xiao Nan carried out her first plan at a carnival by selling exchange coupons that she wrote on. There, Jia Di meets the two sons of the owner of the company, Huo Yan (Kingone Wang) and Huo Da (Mike He), who buy exchange coupons from Jia Di.

Then, on her 20th birthday, Xiao Nan wishes that Jia Di will ask the tenth guy who passes by for his phone number. Huo Da and Huo Yan had a bet and are in an accident on motor bikes they ended up with broken arms (Huo Yan) or broken legs (Huo Da) This resulted in the trio meeting again. During this meeting, Jia Di asks for Huo Yan's phone number which he obliged, however his phone number was accidentally mentioned in their class that it was used online for a bad site which made Huo Yan mistrust Jia Di but they were able to patch things up.

Huo Da's dislike for Jia Di soon changes after Jia Di fulfills her roles in accordance to the "angel-owner" service coupon that Huo Da bought. Huo Da soon found out that he had fallen in love with Jia Di. Eventually, Huo Yan and Huo Da both fall in love with Jia Di, and try to win her over in their own ways and Jia Di is soon caught in a love triangle. The drama details the struggle between the half-brothers over Jia Di. However, Jia Di falls in love with Huo Da.

Later on, Huo Da is diagnosed with Wilson's disease and is dying. He chose not to reveal his illness to anyone except Yan Shu. Assuming that he will die soon, Huo Da acts coldly in front of Jia Di and even tells Huo Yan that he can have her. Jia Di eventually finds out what happened. She encourages Huo Da to live on for love.

Meanwhile, Huo Yan tries to find ways to cure his younger brother's sickness. He soon finds out that his brother will need a liver donation and the former is the only suitable donor. Huo Yan agrees to undergo the transplant despite his heart problems. Viewers are led to believe that the operation ended badly for Huo Da, but it was eventually shown that he happily survived.

Characters

[edit]

Tong Jia Di (Rainie Yang): She is a hardworking girl who comes from a poor family. She is the elder daughter in a family consisting of her mother Liao Cai Juan and younger brother Tong Jia Hui. Her father died when she was still a little girl. Together with her mom, they make a living by selling vegetables on the streets. She will do anything for money in order to help settle the family debts. She also has an uncle who makes unwise investments, leading to the accumulation of debts, burdening the family even further. Jia Di is so dedicated to her family and work, she refuses to fall in love and have high hopes that way she feels no disappointment. Jia Di is best friends with Jiang Xiao Nan. They work as part-time workers at the Huo's Family Emporium. In addition, Jia Di has many part-time jobs such as working at the petrol station.

Huo Da (Mike He) A rebel and the second heir to the Huo Co. Huo Da is also nicknamed "Devil Boy" due to his reputation of pranks and rude attitude. Dislikes Huo Yan because Huo Yan's mother's affair with Huo Da's father is what caused Huo Da's mother to suicide. Huo Da loves Yan Shu but she loves Huo Yan, Huo Da's elder brother. Jia Di fulfills her roles in accordance to the "angel-owner" service coupon, He enjoys bullying and making fun of Jia Di but because of her pure and kind heart, he slowly fell in love with her. He was able to win Jia Di's heart but unfortunately he soon discovers that he has Wilson's disease. He is reluctant to tell Jia Di since he doesn't want her to be lonely when he dies. However, he was able to continue living thanks to his brother and live happily with Jia Di.

Huo Yan (Kingone Wang): He is the General Manager of their company and the elder brother of Huo Da . He is the exact opposite of Huo Da . Everything about Huo Yan is impressive. Huo Yan is also nicknamed "10th Guy". At the beginning, Huo Yan and Jia Di were interested in each other and often talked and helped each other. But when Huo Yan realizes that Jia Di has feelings for Huo Da he agrees to let her be with Huo Da after he lost to a motorcycle race for Jia Di's love. Huo Yan has a bad childhood memory, his mother sold him to the Huo family because she was unable to cure Huo Yan's heart weakness. But after his mother selling Huo Yan to the Huo family, for years Huo Yan hated his mother, but when it came to his mother's death, they patch things up. After learning that Huo Da has Wilson's disease, he chose to risk his own life to save his younger brother. In the end, both brothers survive.

Multimedia

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Music

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  • Opening theme song: "我要的世界" (The World I Want) by Kingone Wang
  • Ending theme song: "缺氧" (Breathless) by Rainie Yang
Insert songs

The songs were released by the respective artists: Rainie Yang - My Other Self and Wang Kingone - 1st EP Love, KingOne[2]

Books

[edit]
  • Why Why Love TV Drama Novel (換換愛電視小說) - ISBN 978-986-133-201-7[3]
  • Why Why Love Photobook (換換愛寫真書) - ISBN 986-133-204-9[4]
  • Why Why Love Photobook + Poster (換換愛談情說愛寫真手札 - 書+海報)[5]
  • Why Why Love Photo Album + Notebook (換換愛談情說愛寫真手札) - ISBN 978-986-83258-2-1[6]

Awards

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2008 - 43rd Golden Bell Awards, Taiwan[7]
Nomination Category Result
Rainie Yang Best Actress Nominated
Lin He Long Best Director in a Television Series Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Why Why Love (Chinese: 換換愛; pinyin: Huàn Huàn Ài) is a Taiwanese romantic comedy drama television series that aired in 2007, consisting of 15 episodes broadcast on CTS from June 3 to September 9.[1][2] The series stars Rainie Yang as the protagonist Tong Jia Di, an overworked and debt-burdened young woman who prioritizes her family's needs over her own personal life, alongside Mike He as the mischievous Huo Da and Kingone Wang as the more reserved Huo Yan, two brothers who become central to her romantic pursuits.[3][4] The plot revolves around a department store raffle where Jia Di's best friend secretly includes a "Love" coupon among service vouchers, leading to unexpected romantic complications when it is drawn by her longtime crush, Huo Yan, while his brother Huo Da intervenes with his own "Master and Angel" coupon that binds Jia Di into a peculiar servitude arrangement.[1][2] Produced by Chai Zhiping and directed by Lin Helong, the drama blends elements of romance, comedy, and light drama, emphasizing themes of self-sacrifice, unexpected love, and familial obligations within a modern Taiwanese setting.[2] It features supporting performances by actors such as Michelle Chen as Jiang Xiao Nan, Jia Di's supportive best friend, and Sachiko Judy Fukumoto as Yang Yan Shu, Huo Yan's assistant, contributing to the ensemble's dynamic interactions at a bustling department store workplace.[4] Each episode runs approximately 72 minutes and was aired on Sunday evenings, targeting a teen and young adult audience with a content rating suitable for viewers aged 13 and above.[1] Upon release, Why Why Love received positive reception for its lighthearted storytelling and the chemistry among the lead actors, earning a user rating of 7.4 out of 10 on MyDramaList from over 6,000 voters and 7.3 out of 10 on IMDb from 208 ratings.[1][3] The series is noted for Rainie Yang's portrayal of the relatable, hardworking heroine, which helped solidify her status in Taiwanese idol dramas following her earlier roles.[2] While no major awards were won, it remains a nostalgic favorite among fans of 2000s Taiwanese romances for its feel-good narrative and humorous coupon-based plot device.[1]

Production

Development

Why Why Love originated as a Taiwanese idol drama project conceived by Comic Ritz International Production, aiming to capitalize on the success of their previous hit Devil Beside You by reuniting key cast members in a fresh romantic comedy narrative. The concept blended classic tropes of the genre—such as the rich-poor romance and lighthearted misunderstandings—with a poignant medical element centered on Wilson's disease, introducing themes of family responsibility and emotional depth to elevate the story beyond typical youth-oriented fare. This approach was designed to appeal to a broad audience during the 2007 summer season, emphasizing humor, budding love, and dramatic family dynamics while maintaining the fast-paced, feel-good essence of idol dramas.[5] The script was penned by chief writer Mao Xunrong, who crafted a 15-episode storyline focused on the protagonist's selfless sacrifices and unexpected romantic entanglements, incorporating the rare genetic disorder Wilson's disease as a central plot device to explore themes of mortality and redemption. Director Lin Helong, known for his work in romantic comedies, envisioned a balance of comedic set pieces and heartfelt moments, drawing from real-life inspirations like lead actress Rainie Yang's personal experiences with family hardships to infuse authenticity into the characters' struggles. His direction prioritized vibrant visuals and ensemble interactions to highlight the series' mix of laughter and tears, ensuring the medical twist served as an emotional anchor rather than a mere gimmick.[6] Comic Ritz International Production handled the full pre-production, securing a modest budget suitable for a cable and free-to-air broadcast run, with notable investments such as NT$1 million for constructing the elaborate opening department store carnival set to kick off the romantic encounters. As a follow-up to their 2005 collaboration with the same leads—Rainie Yang and Mike He—the company leveraged established fan interest to streamline planning and marketing. Production decisions emphasized efficient storytelling within the 15-episode format, opting for practical locations in Taipei to contain costs while capturing the urban energy central to the narrative.[7][6] Development progressed swiftly, with filming commencing in late 2006 and spanning over four months, wrapping in April 2007 to allow post-production to align with the premiere on June 3, 2007, on Chinese Television System. The pre-production phase involved close coordination between the writers and director to integrate the Wilson's disease subplot seamlessly, consulting medical advisors for accuracy in portraying symptoms and treatments without overshadowing the romantic core. This timeline reflected Comic Ritz's strategy to deliver timely summer content, building anticipation through teaser releases and cast promotions in early 2007.[8][9]

Casting and Filming

The principal cast for Why Why Love was drawn from the successful ensemble of the previous year's hit drama Devil Beside You, reuniting Rainie Yang, Mike He, and Kingone Wang in the lead roles.[10] Rainie Yang was cast as the protagonist Tong Jia Di, while Mike He portrayed Huo Da and Kingone Wang took on the role of Huo Yan. Supporting roles were filled through targeted auditions, with newcomer Michelle Chen selected as Jiang Xiao Nan, Tong Jia Di's best friend.[11] Filming commenced in late 2006 and spanned over four months, concluding in April amid occasional weather disruptions such as rain that halted outdoor shoots.[9] Production faced logistical challenges, including coordinating schedules around the lead actors' concurrent music commitments—Rainie Yang was promoting her solo career, and Mike He balanced acting with his singing obligations. Post-production wrapped efficiently by June 2007 to meet the broadcast deadline.[9] Production primarily took place in Taipei, utilizing urban settings to capture the story's department store and everyday city life elements. Key locations included the Miramar Entertainment Park, where a lavish NT$1 million set was built for the pivotal department store carnival scene, complete with a large cast of extras to simulate a bustling event.[10] Additional sites encompassed hospitals and various commercial districts, emphasizing the drama's contemporary Taiwanese backdrop, though tight timelines occasionally required night shoots and set adjustments to avoid public interference.[12]

Content

Plot Summary

Why Why Love centers on Tong Jia Di, a diligent young woman from a impoverished background who shoulders the burden of her family's debts after her father's early death, while juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. Her monotonous routine of self-sacrifice and overwork is disrupted on her 21st birthday when her best friend secretly enters a "Love" raffle coupon on her behalf during a celebration, leading to an unforeseen romantic opportunity with Huo Yan, the compassionate manager of the department store where she works and her longtime secret crush. This chance encounter spirals into a complex love triangle when Huo Yan, unable to fulfill the date personally, delegates the task to his carefree half-brother Huo Da, a spoiled heir accustomed to indulgence, who unexpectedly finds himself drawn to Jia Di's unwavering kindness amid the brothers' rivalry.[3][1] The narrative unfolds across 15 episodes, blending lighthearted workplace comedy with deepening romantic tensions and familial obligations. Early arcs emphasize Jia Di's comedic mishaps in navigating the raffle prize and her interactions with the Huo brothers, highlighting humorous misunderstandings and budding affections within the corporate setting. As the series progresses, serialized elements introduce escalating emotional stakes tied to the protagonists' personal growth, family financial woes, and subtle health concerns that test bonds of loyalty and affection.[1][13] Throughout, the storyline weaves themes of selflessness, the transformative power of love, and paths to redemption, structured as a mix of standalone episodic humor—such as quirky office pranks and date blunders—and overarching romantic developments that culminate in resolutions influenced by medical circumstances, all while maintaining focus on the central love triangle's evolution without resolving individual character arcs in isolation.[3]

Characters

Tong Jia Di is the protagonist, a 21-year-old college student from a poor family who works multiple jobs at a department store to pay off her family's debts following her father's death and the foreclosure of their home.[2] She is characterized by her selfless nature, resilience, and strong sense of responsibility, often prioritizing others' needs over her own despite dealing with a complaining mother, an irresponsible younger brother, and a troublesome uncle.[14] Throughout the story, Jia Di's arc evolves from an overworked individual focused solely on financial survival to someone who learns to embrace romance and personal fulfillment, influenced by unexpected romantic opportunities.[1] Huo Da, the younger half-brother of Huo Yan, is the heir to the wealthy Huo family department store empire, known for his rebellious, self-centered, and sarcastic demeanor as a motorcycle enthusiast who resents his family's dynamics due to his mother's early death.[2] Diagnosed with Wilson's disease, a genetic liver condition that adds vulnerability to his otherwise charming but irresponsible personality, Huo Da initially appears antagonistic but grows through emotional openness and caregiving interactions.[15] His character arc highlights personal growth, transitioning from mischief and rivalry to genuine affection and maturity in relationships.[14] Huo Yan serves as the responsible older half-brother to Huo Da and a compassionate manager at the family business, a perfectionist who grapples with feelings of not truly belonging.[1] Polite and capable, he embodies duty and kindness but faces internal conflicts stemming from sibling rivalry and identity issues.[14] Huo Yan's arc involves navigating romantic interests while supporting family ties, ultimately finding resolution in his emotional journey amid the love triangle.[2] Supporting characters enrich the narrative through interpersonal dynamics. Jiang Xiao Nan, Jia Di's witty and supportive best friend since high school, works various jobs and often meddles playfully to push Jia Di toward romance, such as by introducing opportunities that disrupt her routine-focused life.[3] Family members, including Jia Di's nagging mother Liao Cai Juan and lazy brother Tong Jia Hui, underscore her burdens, while the Huo brothers' father, stern businessman Huo Zhen Hao, amplifies tensions in the wealthy household.[16] The characters' interrelations center on a love triangle between Jia Di, Huo Da, and Huo Yan, where initial rivalries and affections evolve into deeper bonds, with Huo Da's illness prompting vulnerability and family reconciliation, and Jiang Xiao Nan's interventions fostering growth across the group.[14] These dynamics highlight themes of sacrifice, redemption, and familial duty, resolving through mutual understanding and romantic clarity.[2]

Release and Reception

Broadcast Details

Why Why Love originally aired in Taiwan on the Chinese Television System (CTS) and Gala Television (GTV) from June 3, 2007, to September 9, 2007, every Sunday at 9:30 PM, consisting of 15 episodes.[1][17] Each episode had a runtime of approximately 72 minutes.[1] The series received international distribution in Asia, including DVD releases in Malaysia.[18] Reruns of the drama occurred periodically on Taiwanese cable networks throughout the 2010s, maintaining its visibility among local audiences.[1] The popularity of lead actors Rainie Yang and Mike He contributed to sustained interest in these rebroadcasts.[17] As of 2025, full episodes are available on YouTube with multilingual subtitles.[19]

Ratings and Critical Response

The Taiwanese drama Why Why Love garnered solid viewership during its 2007 broadcast on CTS, with episode ratings ranging from 2.22% to 3.25% based on available data.[20] Critics and audiences praised the series for its lighthearted romantic elements and Rainie Yang's engaging performance as Tong Jia Di, highlighting her ability to convey emotional depth amid comedic moments.[21] However, it faced criticism for relying on predictable tropes common to the idol drama genre, such as clichéd love triangles and overly dramatic resolutions, which some reviewers found formulaic.[21] Fan reception was particularly strong among younger viewers, who appreciated the integration of upbeat music and relatable themes of love and family, contributing to its enduring appeal on platforms like MyDramaList, where it holds a 7.4/10 rating from over 6,000 users.[1] The series emphasized ensemble casts and feel-good narratives, aligning with the idol drama trends of the era. Its reception also earned it nominations at the 43rd Golden Bell Awards, underscoring its recognized quality.

Awards and Nominations

Why Why Love garnered recognition at the 43rd Golden Bell Awards, Taiwan's most prestigious television honors, held in October 2008 in Taipei. Rainie Yang received a nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Television Series for her portrayal of Tong Jia Di, while director Lin Helong was nominated for Best Directing for a Television Series. The series did not secure any wins in these categories.[22] These nominations highlighted the performances and production quality of the series, contributing to increased industry attention for its cast and crew. In particular, Yang's nomination underscored her growing prowess as an actress, building on her established singing career and paving the way for further dramatic roles.

Multimedia and Legacy

Soundtrack

The soundtrack for Why Why Love features original Mandopop songs performed by the drama's lead actors, blending romantic ballads with upbeat tracks to underscore the series' themes of love, change, and personal growth. The opening theme, "The World I Want" (Wo Yao De Shi Jie, 我要的世界), is performed by Kingone Wang in his role as Huo Yan. Released in 2007 as part of his debut EP Love, KingOne (Huan Huan Ai, 換換愛), the song captures the protagonist's aspirations and sets an optimistic tone for the narrative.[23] The ending theme, "Breathless" (Que Yang, 缺氧), is sung by Rainie Yang, portraying Tung Jia-di. Featured on her third studio album My Other Self, released September 7, 2007, the track evokes emotional vulnerability and longing, aligning with the drama's heartfelt conclusions. Insert songs include "Why Why Love" (Huan Huan Ai, 換換愛) and "Welcome To My Heart" by Kingone Wang from the same 2007 EP, as well as "Perfect Example" (Wan Mei Bi Li, 完美比例) by Rainie Yang from My Other Self, which play during intimate romantic scenes to heighten emotional intimacy. These tracks, along with the themes, were integrated into key plot moments, such as revelations of affection and transformative encounters. No dedicated OST compilation album was released, but the songs contributed to the series' musical identity through their individual 2007 singles and album inclusions.

Tie-in Media and Cultural Impact

The Taiwanese drama Why Why Love spawned several tie-in media products following its 2007 broadcast. A book adaptation, published in the same year by Yuan Shen Publishing Co., Ltd., offering a printed extension of the series' storyline in paperback format with 152 pages.[24] Merchandise tied to the series included official DVD releases, such as a four-disc set distributed by retailers like PMP, which allowed fans to rewatch the episodes at home. Promotional posters featuring the lead actors Rainie Yang, Mike He, and Kingone Wang were widely circulated during the drama's airing to build hype among audiences. The drama's cultural impact extended to popularizing romantic tropes within Taiwanese idol series, notably the "love coupon" concept central to its plot, where a protagonist's friend inserts a special coupon into a raffle to spark romance. This element resonated in subsequent 2010s rom-coms, contributing to the genre's emphasis on whimsical, fate-driven love stories. By 2025, Why Why Love remains relevant in discussions of Taiwanese entertainment history, frequently referenced in career retrospectives of Rainie Yang, who starred as the lead and whose role solidified her status as a key figure in the idol drama wave. The series also boosted the fame of co-stars Mike He and Kingone Wang, propelling them to leading roles in later productions and enhancing their visibility in the regional media landscape. Fan communities continue to engage actively on online platforms, sharing clips and discussions that sustain the drama's nostalgic appeal. The soundtrack, including Rainie Yang's ending theme "Que Yang" (Lacking Oxygen), further amplified its cultural footprint by associating the series with upbeat Mandopop romance.[25][26][27]

Availability

The DVD box set of Why Why Love was released in 2007 in NTSC format, compatible with all regions and including English subtitles.[28] Physical copies remain available through retailers such as Amazon and eBay, often bundled across multiple discs to cover the full 15 episodes.[29] No Blu-ray edition has been produced or distributed.[3] In 2025, the series is accessible via streaming on YouTube through official channels like Studio886 - Taiwanese & Chinese | Dramas and Shows, offering full episodes with English subtitles and recent uploads dating to March 2025.[19] These platforms provide free access to the complete series, supporting international viewers with multilingual subtitle options including English and Mandarin. Originally broadcast on the Chinese Television System (CTS), the drama's digital availability has expanded globally without requiring paid subscriptions. Early post-release distribution of Taiwanese dramas in the late 2000s involved widespread online sharing. Legal streaming options have since proliferated, significantly reducing unauthorized access by the mid-2020s.

References

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