One Percent of Anything

One Percent of Anything from DramaFever in 2003 is a captivating South Korean TV series that masterfully combines romantic comedy with the complex themes of arranged marriage and inheritance. With an intriguing premise, the series is well-crafted to offer a delightful viewing experience while providing insights into traditional Korean culture and values.

The series revolves around the life of Kim Jung Hwa, a modern, independent school teacher, and Kang Dong Won, a wealthy company director, who navigates his life between traditional family expectations and his own desires. The tightly knit narrative uses humor and emotional depth to chronicle the story of these two vastly different individuals who, due to certain circumstances, find their life paths intriguingly intertwined.

Kim Jung Hwa is a free-spirited teacher in her mid-20s who firmly believes in the importance of love in a relationship. She is a paradigm of integrity and independence, taking pride in carving out her own life despite her humble beginnings. On the other hand, Kang Dong Won is a reserved, business-centric individual born into a rich and traditional South Korean family. Being the only grandson, Dong is the probable heir to his family's vast business empire - a position that comes with its share of perceived responsibilities and unavoidable pressures.

The story takes a turn when Dong Won’s grandfather wants to ensure that his grandson marries a "good" girl. Following this, his grandfather devises a peculiar strategy, leading Dong Won to cross paths with Kim Jung Hwa. This sets off a chain of events that push the duo into an unusual agreement. The eccentricity of the situation creates a fertile ground for humor, absurdities, and irresistibly awkward moments that contribute significantly to the entertainment quotient of the show.

Operating around the premise of an 'arranged setup,' the series explores the development of their relationship. Even though Jung Hwa and Dong Won are initially defensive and skeptical about their relationship, they eventually begin to understand one another's world.

What's fascinating about One Percent of Anything is the gradual, believable transformation that occurs in the two lead characters. They begin to see the world through each other’s perspective, paving the way for interesting plot developments and relationship dynamics. The series is a journey of self-discovery, understanding, and acceptance, with a healthy dose of comedy, romance, and drama.

One Percent of Anything also focuses on the familial relationship, shining a light on the clash of the old and new eras. It showcases traditional Korean family values and their expectations while still trying to maintain a balanced stance depicting the plights and enjoyments of both generations. It's a realistic representation of a middle-class individual caught up in the web of a wealthy conceivable lifestyle and the struggles they encounter along the way.

Every character in the series, from the main leads to the supporting cast, is richly drawn-out and contributes to the overall narrative. The lead actors have beautifully depicted their complex characters, portraying their gradual transformation convincingly and keeping viewers hooked. Their vivid portrayal of emotions, whether it's turmoil or hilarity, is complemented by a strong ensemble cast who all add to the richness of the storyline.

On a technical level, the series does a commendable job. The cinematography beautifully captures the environment and mood of the scenes. Superior production quality is another highlight of the series, with impressive set designs reflecting the opulent lifestyle of Dong Won and the modest existence of Jung Hwa, thus creating a visual contrast indicative of their starkly different life scenarios.

One Percent of Anything is not just a light-hearted romantic comedy. It effectively brings to life charming characters in a richly layered narrative that navigates through humor, love, societal expectations, personal dilemmas, and cultural nuances. It's an intriguing watch as it encapsulates a perfect blend of romance, comedy, and drama, with a touch of traditional Korean values. Whether you are a fan of Korean dramas, rom-coms, or simply looking for an engaging drama that holds its own unique charm, this series is a must-watch.