Discovery of Love

First broadcast on KBS TV2 in 2014, Discovery of Love is a South Korean television series that revolves around the seemingly complex notion of love, exploring themes of romance, breakups, and reunions in an appealing and relatable package. Crafted with a blend of comedy, romance, melodrama, and slice-of-life genres, the series narrates the tangled love life of its intriguing characters. While love and relationships are the core themes, the series also sheds light on personal growth, career aspirations, and character development, making it a multidimensional drama that draws the attention of audiences from various spectrums.

The plot centers around three primary characters; Yeo Reum, a talented furniture designer, her boyfriend Ha Jin, a plastic surgeon, and her ex-boyfriend Kang Tae Ha, the CEO of an interior design company. Director Lee Eung-bok and screenwriter Jung Hyoun-jung, collaboratively, manage to weave a compelling narrative filled with twists and turns, keeping the audience hooked episode after episode.

Yeo Reum, portrayed by Jung Yu-Mi is a passionate furniture designer, represented as firm and at times, stubborn. Her relationship with her current boyfriend, Ha Jin (Sung Joon), a successful plastic surgeon represented as a quintessential good guy, becomes complicated when her ex-boyfriend, Kang Tae Ha (Eric Mun), re-enters her life unexpectedly. Kang Tae Ha, is the charming and ambitious CEO of an interior design company. He's charismatic, outgoing, yet emotionally vulnerable and significantly different from his primary competition, Ha Jin.

What sets Discovery of Love apart from other typical Korean dramas is its portrayal of the characters and their largely non-linear evolution. The characters are not simply divided into 'good' or 'bad,' but are painted in different shades of greys, thus making them feel more authentic and human. As the story progresses, viewers are challenged to sympathize with each of the characters at various points, creating an emotional roller coaster that effectively mirrors real-life complexities of love and relationships.

The narrative significantly focuses on opportunities for second chances in the realm of love and whether it's prudent to revisit old flames. It navigates the dilemma between reconciling with an old love or holding on to the comfort of the current relationship, presenting a thought-provoking commentary on the intricacies of modern-day relationships.

The highs and lows of the characters' love lives are beautifully supplemented with the subplot involving their professional lives. Yeo Reum's arduous journey to establish herself as a renowned furniture designer, Ha Jin's aspirations and challenges as a plastic surgeon, and Tae Ha's role as a CEO, all come together to provide a well-rounded perspective on their lives beyond their romantic endeavors.

Discovery of Love also features an exciting ensemble of supporting characters, including Yoon Sol (Kim Seul-gi) and Do Joon Ho (Yoon Hyun-min), friends and co-workers of Yeo Reum. Their subplots and engagement add spice and entertainment into the mix, making the series all the more engaging. These characters offer comic relief, sweetness, and significant life lessons, adding additional layers to the central storyline.

The series is not merely a showcase of the characters' romantic relationships but also delves on themes of friendship, career, and personal growth. Above all, the series respectfully highlights the process of discovering oneself in the journey of love, giving the show its meaningful title - "Discovery of Love".

In terms of production, the series stands out with its high production values, stunning cinematography and the effective utilization of various landmarks in and around Seoul. The use of interior design and furniture as a central motif in the series is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves potent metaphoric purposes in the narrative.

Overall, Discovery of Love is a captivating series that excellently balances melodrama, romance, and comedy to give viewers a rich, entertaining, and emotionally engaging viewing experience. The series encourages viewers to be introspective and to deeply understand their approach towards love, making the viewing experience not just a journey through a string of episodes but a process of self-discovery. With a captivating storyline, well-developed characters, and a high degree of relatability, the series stands as one of the well-crafted pieces of Korean drama panorama.