Wok of Love: A Deliciously Unconventional Korean Rom-Com
Wok of Love: A Deliciously Unconventional Korean Rom-Com
Introduction
Wok of Love isn’t your typical Korean rom-com. With sizzling woks, fiery tempers, and plenty of emotional spice, this 2018 SBS drama brings together unlikely allies in a small Chinese restaurant fighting for survival. At the center of it all are a disgraced star chef, a fallen heiress, and a soft-hearted gangster—each with scars, secrets, and a serious appetite for redemption. Streaming on Viki, this series serves up a flavorful blend of laughter, love, and second chances.
Overview
- Title: Wok of Love (기름진 멜로)
- Year: 2018
- Genre: Romantic Comedy, Drama, Food
- Main Cast: Lee Jun-ho, Jung Ryeo-won, Jang Hyuk
- Episodes: 38 (30-minute format; effectively 19 standard episodes)
- Runtime: 30 minutes per episode
- Original Network: SBS
- Streaming Platform: Viki / Kocowa
Overall Story (No Major Spoilers)
At the heart of Wok of Love is Seo Poong (Lee Jun-ho), a talented chef whose meteoric rise in the culinary world comes to a crashing halt when he's betrayed by his mentor and girlfriend on the same day. Stripped of his pride and job, Poong winds up cooking in a tiny, rundown Chinese restaurant called Hungry Wok, owned by a gang of eccentric ex-mobsters led by Doo Chil-seong (Jang Hyuk).
Chil-seong, a gruff but warm-hearted former loan shark, has a soft spot for misfits and outcasts, and he sees something worth saving in Poong. Meanwhile, Dan Sae-woo (Jung Ryeo-won), a once-rich heiress who hits rock bottom after a public scandal and a broken engagement, walks into the restaurant—literally starving, both physically and emotionally. She tastes Poong’s jajangmyeon and decides on the spot that this humble eatery is where she belongs.
As the three begin to work together, their lives slowly intertwine—not just professionally, but emotionally. Poong, bitter and guarded, begins to find healing through cooking again. Sae-woo, clumsy yet spirited, rediscovers self-worth not through status, but through honest labor and friendship. Chil-seong, always watching from the sidelines, quietly falls for Sae-woo while wrestling with his sense of loyalty, pride, and romantic longing.
The beauty of Wok of Love lies in its ability to balance humor with genuine heartache. Every character is wounded in some way—by betrayal, by family, by failure—and food becomes the medium through which they reconnect with themselves and with others. From knife fights in the kitchen to drunken dumpling-making sessions, the restaurant is both a battleground and a sanctuary.
Unlike many love triangles, this one never feels forced. Chil-seong's affection is sincere but restrained, while Poong and Sae-woo’s connection grows organically through shared moments of vulnerability and laughter. Their romance simmers slowly, seasoned by patience and mutual respect.
As secrets unfold and rivalries heat up—both in love and in cooking—the characters must choose between vengeance and forgiveness, between ego and empathy. And through it all, the wok stays hot, sizzling with the chaos and warmth of their found family.
Highlight Moments / Key Episodes
- Episode 1: Seo Poong’s epic fall from grace after confronting his cheating fiancée and corrupt boss all in one brutal, unforgettable kitchen showdown.
- Episode 4: Sae-woo eats jajangmyeon with tears in her eyes—her first real meal since losing everything—and it’s Poong who cooks it.
- Episode 7: Chil-seong gives up a massive payday to keep the restaurant afloat, revealing his quiet devotion to his oddball crew.
- Episode 13: Poong and Sae-woo share an awkward, heartwarming piggyback ride under the rain, sparking subtle romantic tension.
- Episode 18: An intense cook-off against a rival chef becomes a showdown of ego, grief, and second chances—all in one fiery wok.
- Episode 27: Chil-seong’s love confession to Sae-woo is poetic and heartbreaking, even as he knows it may never be returned.
Memorable Lines
- Episode 2: After his first taste of real failure, Seo Poong (Lee Jun-ho) bitterly mutters, “There’s nothing more humiliating than being good at something and losing everything.” It sets the emotional tone of his journey.
- Episode 5: Sae-woo (Jung Ryeo-won), slurping noodles in the restaurant, says with wide eyes, “I’ve never been this poor, but I’ve also never felt this full.” A line that defines her shift from privilege to purpose.
- Episode 10: Chil-seong (Jang Hyuk) to his gang: “A kitchen is like a gang—you mess with one dish, you answer to the whole crew.” Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt.
- Episode 16: Poong confides in Sae-woo, “I don’t cook for money or fame anymore. I cook because someone out there needs warmth.” A turning point in his healing.
- Episode 24: Sae-woo, helping Poong through a panic attack, whispers, “You don’t have to be strong all the time. You just have to be here.” One of the most touching moments between them.
- Episode 34: Chil-seong, watching Sae-woo from afar, says, “Some love isn’t about winning—it’s about staying, even when you’ve lost.” His unspoken heart finds its voice.
Popularity & Reception
Upon its release, Wok of Love received a warm reception for its unique combination of food, romance, and slice-of-life storytelling. While its domestic ratings hovered in the mid-range, international viewers especially embraced the drama for its heartfelt performances and the unexpected depth beneath its comedic surface. The show steadily built a dedicated fanbase through platforms like Viki, where subtitles and community discussions allowed for wider appreciation.
Critics praised the drama for subverting rom-com clichés. The character of Chil-seong (Jang Hyuk) drew particular acclaim, with many noting his role as one of the most emotionally nuanced second leads in recent K-drama memory. Viewers also appreciated the natural chemistry between Lee Jun-ho and Jung Ryeo-won, whose slow-burning romance felt grounded and sincere. Food lovers were equally enchanted, with detailed cooking scenes sparking everything from meme culture to real-life jajangmyeon cravings.
Though not an awards powerhouse, the drama earned nominations at the 2018 SBS Drama Awards, with Jang Hyuk and Lee Jun-ho receiving recognition for their performances. Over time, Wok of Love has gained status as a comfort drama—a story people return to when they want laughter, warmth, and a little healing through storytelling (and dumplings).
Cast & Fun Facts
Lee Jun-ho (Seo Poong): Already gaining acclaim for his acting transition from 2PM idol to leading man, Lee Jun-ho showed impressive range as Seo Poong. From arrogant culinary prodigy to humble, emotionally awakened chef, Jun-ho embodied the role with depth. His real-life cooking practice and kitchen immersion were noted in interviews, where he mentioned learning wok tossing techniques from professional chefs.
Jung Ryeo-won (Dan Sae-woo): Known for her versatility in roles ranging from Witch’s Court to History of a Salaryman, Jung brought a quirky elegance to Sae-woo. Despite being a chaebol heiress, her character never felt shallow thanks to Jung’s subtle emotional delivery. In behind-the-scenes clips, she’s seen practicing noodle slurping takes to match Sae-woo’s energetic eating style.
Jang Hyuk (Doo Chil-seong): A seasoned actor with hits like Voice and Fated to Love You, Jang Hyuk’s Chil-seong became one of the most beloved characters in the show. Known for his expressive delivery and physicality, Jang added both gravitas and unexpected humor to the role. He reportedly helped choreograph some of his own fight scenes and even improvised parts of his kitchen crew speeches.
Behind the Scenes: The drama was directed by Park Sun-ho and written by Seo Sook-hyang, known for food-themed dramas like Pasta and Miss Korea. Their previous collaborations show a strong synergy for creating light-hearted but emotionally resonant workplace dramas.
Filming Facts: Most of the restaurant interior scenes were shot on a custom-built set to allow for actual cooking during takes. The cast trained with culinary consultants to make the kitchen scenes feel organic. Fun tidbit: Jang Hyuk apparently cooked jajangmyeon for the entire crew on their last day of filming—a real “hungry wok” send-off.
Conclusion / Warm Reminders
Wok of Love is more than a rom-com—it’s a cozy, chaotic, and surprisingly moving journey of three wounded souls finding warmth in a tiny kitchen. If you’re looking for a drama with endearing characters, offbeat humor, and slow-cooked romance, this show will hit the spot like comfort food on a rainy day. It doesn’t try to be perfect—it simply invites you to stay for a bowl of noodles and a little healing.
Whether you're a foodie, a fan of emotional growth arcs, or someone who enjoys unlikely friendships turned family, Wok of Love serves it all—hot, heartfelt, and deeply satisfying.
Related Posts
Streaming Platforms
Comments
Post a Comment