Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Crash Course in Romance, which brings us one of South Korea’s most charming romantic comedies that brilliantly blends family dynamics with the intense world of Korean education culture.
Crash Course in Romance aired on tvN from January 14 to March 5, 2023, every Saturday and Sunday at 21:10 (KST) for 16 episodes. It is also available for streaming on Netflix in selected regions. Each episode runs approximately 60 minutes, making it perfect for an engaging weekend binge-watch. Created by Yang Hee Seung and produced by Studio Dragon, this romantic comedy stars veteran actress Jeon Do-yeon and Jung Kyung-ho in a story that explores love, family, and the pressures of Korea’s competitive education system.
The series follows a mother with a heart of gold who navigates the cutthroat world of private education when her daughter tries to join a celebrity math instructor’s class. The retired national team female handball player has become a banchan (side dish) take-out store owner in order to look after her family while she grapples with her daughter’s tutor’s many quirks. What begins as a simple tutoring arrangement evolves into an unexpected romance that challenges both characters to grow beyond their comfort zones.
Nam Haeng-sun: From Athlete to Devoted Mother
After retiring from her career as a national athlete, Nam Haeng Sun now owns a humble side dish store. Her cheerful personality and boundless energy catch everyone’s attention. Jeon Do-yeon delivers a powerhouse performance as a woman who sacrificed her athletic dreams to raise her niece. Haeng-sun’s journey showcases her evolution from a fierce competitor to a loving mother figure who will stop at nothing to secure her daughter’s future. Her character represents the countless Korean parents who navigate the complex world of private education with determination and love.
Choi Chi-yeol: The Star Tutor with Hidden Depths
Choi Chi-yeol, played by Jung Kyung-ho, is the star math teacher at The Pride, a prestigious academy in Seoul. He runs an elite training class for top students, and his students adore him. However, he only knows how to love himself. Jung Kyung-ho brings complexity to what could have been a stereotypical character, showing Chi-yeol’s gradual transformation from self-centered celebrity teacher to someone capable of genuine connection. His relationship with Haeng-sun forces him to confront his emotional barriers and discover what truly matters beyond academic success.
When Worlds Collide: Education Meets Heart
Crash Course in Romance is about an elite hagwon math tutor who is so popular that mothers line up at all hours to get their children seats at his lectures. By chance, he encounters a former national handball player who gave up her dreams of competing on an international level to care for her family. The series reaches its emotional peak when the practical world of competitive education clashes with genuine human connection. The climactic moments force both characters to decide whether their growing feelings can survive the intense pressures of Korean society’s expectations.
Family Dynamics and Supporting Characters
The supporting cast creates a rich tapestry of Korean family life, from Haeng-sun’s wise mother to her spirited daughter Hae-e. The drama managed to include Sky Castle-ish education issues, a mystery case, murder, and other complex themes in just 16 episodes, creating a compelling viewing experience that wasn’t boring. These characters ground the romantic storyline in authentic family dynamics while exploring the broader themes of sacrifice, ambition, and unconditional love.
Record-Breaking Success on Netflix and tvN
After 16 episodes filled with love, laughter and suspense, Crash Course in Romance crash-landed in the history books with a finale that drew the 10th highest ratings ever for a Korean cable series. In the OTT media service drama rankings, Crash Course in Romance secured the top spot for three consecutive weeks. The series found international success on Netflix, where viewers could appreciate the show’s authentic portrayal of Korean culture and its heartwarming approach to romance and family relationships.
A Heartwarming Educational Experience
Crash Course in Romance proved that a K-drama doesn’t need extraordinary special effects to reach the hearts of its viewers. If you love stories that blend romantic comedy with meaningful social commentary, Crash Course in Romance is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. The show demonstrates how Korean drama can tackle serious issues like education pressure while maintaining warmth, humor, and genuine emotional depth.
A Perfect Blend of Romance and Reality
Crash Course in Romance stands as a testament to the power of Korean storytelling, taking everyday struggles and transforming them into compelling television. The series reminds us that love can bloom in the most unexpected places, even in the highly competitive world of Korean education, creating a viewing experience that’s both entertaining and deeply meaningful.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 16 episodes
Platform: Netflix (Originally tvN)
Release/End Year: 2023
Current IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Genre: Romantic Comedy/Family Drama
Status: Completed (Aired January 14 – March 5, 2023)
Protagonists: Jeon Do-yeon (Nam Haeng-sun), Jung Kyung-ho (Choi Chi-yeol)
Antagonist: Societal pressures and the competitive education system rather than a traditional villain