Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Chocolate, which aired on JTBC from November 29, 2019 to January 18, 2020. This deeply moving Korean series explores themes of love, loss, and healing through the lens of a hospice care setting, creating one of the most emotionally resonant dramas of its era.
Chocolate consists of 16 episodes with an average runtime of 60 minutes each, airing on JTBC’s Friday and Saturday 23:00 time slot. Starring powerhouse actors Yoon Kye-sang and Ha Ji-won, with strong support from Jang Seung-jo, this series was created by the acclaimed team of director Lee Hyeong-min and screenwriter Lee Kyoung-hee, who previously collaborated on the legendary drama “Sorry, I Love You.”
The story revolves around a man who became a neurosurgeon though he dreamed of becoming a cook, and a woman who became a cook because of him. Set primarily in a hospice care facility, Chocolate tackles heavy themes of mortality and grief while finding hope and beauty in the connections between people facing life’s final chapter. The series masterfully balances heartbreaking moments with uplifting messages about the power of food, memory, and human compassion.
Lee Kang: The Doctor Who Lost His Dreams
Lee Kang grew up in a small seaside town, dreaming of becoming a cook. He is now a neurosurgeon who looks cold-hearted but hides a warm heart beneath his professional exterior. Yoon Kye-sang delivers a nuanced performance as a man who sacrificed his childhood dreams for societal expectations and family obligations, only to find himself emotionally disconnected from his own life.
His character arc throughout the series involves rediscovering his passion for cooking and confronting the childhood trauma that shaped his adult choices. The hospice setting becomes the perfect backdrop for his emotional healing, as working with terminally ill patients forces him to confront his own fears about vulnerability and loss.
Moon Cha-young: The Chef Who Never Forgot
Ha Ji-won portrays Moon Cha-young, a talented chef who won an international Italian cooking competition. When she was a child, she met Lee Kang at a small restaurant in their seaside town, and this encounter profoundly influenced her life path. Her character represents the power of following one’s dreams despite obstacles and hardships.
Cha-young’s warmth and determination serve as a catalyst for healing not just for Lee Kang, but for all the hospice patients and staff she encounters. Ha Ji-won brings incredible depth to this role, showing how food can be a language of love and comfort for those facing their final days.
When Past and Present Collide at the Hospice
The series builds to emotional crescendos as Lee Kang and Cha-young navigate their complicated past while working together at the hospice. The supporting characters, including terminally ill patients and their families, create a rich tapestry of human experiences that challenge both leads to grow emotionally. Without spoiling the intricate developments, the final episodes showcase how love and forgiveness can triumph over years of misunderstanding and regret.
The hospice setting provides a unique backdrop where every interaction carries weight, and where the simple act of preparing and sharing meals becomes a profound expression of care and connection.
Supporting Characters Who Touch Hearts
Jang Seung-jo delivers a standout performance as Lee Joon, adding complexity to the emotional dynamics. The hospice patients and their families are portrayed with remarkable sensitivity, each bringing their own stories of love, regret, and acceptance. These supporting characters aren’t just plot devices but fully realized individuals whose stories enhance the main narrative’s emotional impact.
The ensemble cast creates an authentic portrayal of hospice life, showing both the sadness and unexpected joy that can be found in these challenging circumstances.
Success on Netflix
Chocolate achieved strong critical acclaim and viewer appreciation, earning an impressive 8.1 rating on MyDramaList from over 14,000 users. The series found international success when it became available on Netflix, introducing global audiences to its unique blend of romance and medical drama. The 16-episode format allows for deep character development and thorough exploration of the hospice setting, while the Friday-Saturday broadcast schedule gave viewers time to process the emotional weight of each episode.
Perfect for Emotional Drama Lovers
If you love deeply emotional stories about second chances, the healing power of food, and finding hope in difficult circumstances, Chocolate is the perfect series to experience on Netflix. It’s a masterpiece of emotional storytelling that will leave you reflecting on life, love, and the importance of following your dreams.
Why This Heartfelt Journey Will Stay With You
Chocolate succeeds because it treats heavy subjects with genuine sensitivity while never losing sight of the beauty in human connection. It’s essential viewing for anyone who appreciates character-driven dramas that explore life’s most profound questions with grace and emotional honesty.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 16 (completed)
Platform: Netflix (originally aired on JTBC)
Release Year: 2019-2020
Current IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
Genre: Romance, Medical Drama, Melodrama
Status: Completed series
Main Cast: Yoon Kye-sang (Lee Kang), Ha Ji-won (Moon Cha-young), Jang Seung-jo (Lee Joon)
Main Antagonist: Circumstances and past misunderstandings (thematic rather than individual character)