Personal Taste

Personal Taste, also known as Personal Preference, is a popular South Korean romantic comedy-drama television series that aired in 2010 on MBC. The captivating storyline and brilliant cast led by the exceptionally talented Lee Min-ho helped in captivating the audience throughout the twenty episodes of the show.

The series is largely centered around the lives of its two protagonists, Jeon Jin-ho (Lee Min-ho) and Park Gae-in (Son Ye-jin). Jeon Jin-ho is a promising young architect, intent on winning the bid for a prestigious project, and he carries an air of seriousness and shyness around him. Gae-in, on the other hand, is an unkempt, clumsy, and easygoing furniture designer who is nursing a broken heart. Her dreams of getting married are shattered when her boyfriend cheats on her with her best friend, leaving her emotionally wounded and skeptical of people in general.

The terror and wonder of Personal Taste unfold when Jin-ho and Gae-in's lives intersect under a complex set of circumstances. Desperate to secure an architectural assignment, Jin-ho decides to move into Sanggojae, a traditional Korean house that Gae-in occupies. The unique design of the house intrigues him as he senses that it might hold the key to winning his upcoming project. To convince Gae-in to let him move in, he masquerades as a gay man, leading her to feel safe enough to share her living space with him.

Unfolding on the backdrop of Seoul's architectural world, the story is beautifully layered with moments of laughter, heartache, romance, and growth. As the two of them start sharing living space, they slowly understand each other's ways, their differences, dreams, and even their personal pain. Along their shared journey, they build a bond over shared meals, painting sessions, and personal encounters, leading to inevitable emotional entanglement.

Jeon Jin-ho, embodied by Lee Min-ho, shines throughout the series with his charming portrayal of mixed hidden emotions, keeping his true intent hidden while slowly, subconsciously falling in love. Son Ye-jin as Park Gae-in brings a warm, sometimes goofy, but heart-touching portrayal of a heroine who grows stronger through her journey, learning to trust and love again even after her painful heartbreak. Their on-screen chemistry further enhances the charm of the show, making it a memorable experience for the viewers.

Personal Taste is bolstered by a supporting cast that adds depth and diversity to the series' interpersonal dynamics. Amid comical miscommunications and heartrending moments, the secondary characters, including Lee Young-sun (Jo Eun-ji), Choi Do-bin (Ryu Seung-Ryong), and Kim In-hee (Wang Ji-Hye), manage to leave their distinctive marks as they contribute to the storyline in their respective ways.

Apart from the stellar performances, the beauty of the series also lies in its impeccable delivery of the complexities of human emotions, the power of friendship, and the theory of accepting and welcoming change in life. Moreover, the show subtly incorporates themes of mismanaged perceptions and the blossoming friendship between the two leads that unknowingly progresses into a deeper emotional connection. The show's humor is gentle and mainly stems from situational and personality factors, amplifying its ability to feel light-hearted and comical even in its more serious moments.

Furthermore, the series beautifully captures the scenic beauty of Seoul in its filming locations, intricately designed sets, and the Sanggojae – a pivotal part of the storyline. Audio-visually rich, the show's soundtrack also adds to its overall appeal, blending perfectly with the story arcs unfolding on the screen.

All in all, Personal Taste is a beautifully curated series that combines romance with humor, bonding, and personal growth. Its heartfelt scenes, humorous undertones, and compelling storyline keep the audience hooked right from the start and don't let go until the unforgettable finale. With thoughtfully sketched characters portrayed by skilled actors and a narrative that effectively binds everything together, this is a drama series that beautifully projects how personal tastes and perceptions can evolve over time, making it an absolute must-watch for all Korean drama enthusiasts.