Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama I Am Not a Robot, which premiered in December 2017 and has become one of the most beloved Korean romantic comedies that perfectly blends science fiction with heartwarming romance.
I Am Not a Robot aired on MBC from December 6, 2017 to January 25, 2018 on Wednesdays and Thursdays for 32 episodes, with each episode running approximately 60 minutes. The series is currently available on multiple streaming platforms including Viki, Netflix, and MX Player, making it accessible to K-drama fans worldwide. The series stars Yoo Seung Ho, Chae Soo Bin, and Um Ki Joon, written by Kim Sun Mi and directed by Jung Dae Yoon.
This charming sci-fi romance takes the seemingly impossible premise of a man falling in love with what he believes is an android and transforms it into a deeply touching story about human connection and healing. I Am Not a Robot is a 2017-2018 sci-fi romantic comedy drama that teaches you to not judge a drama by its trailer, as the series delivers much more emotional depth than its quirky concept might suggest.
The Ultimate Case of Mistaken Identity: A Love Story Like No Other
I Am Not a Robot follows Kim Min Kyu, the largest shareholder of a financial company who suffers from a “human allergy”, preventing him from normal interactions with other people. When he becomes interested in testing a humanoid robot named Aji 3, circumstances lead to an elaborate deception that changes his life forever.
The robotic project Aji 3 is created by the Santa Maria robotics team, headed by Hong Baek Gyeon, a world-renowned robotics professor who modeled Aji 3 after his ex-girlfriend, Jo Ji A. When the robot malfunctions just before Min Kyu’s test, Jo Ji A is convinced to pretend to be the android, creating a complex web of emotions and misunderstandings that drive the entire series forward.
Kim Min Kyu: From Isolation to Emotional Awakening
Yoo Seung Ho’s character Min Kyu lives a complicated life that gets even more complex when he falls in love with Chae Soo Bin’s character, who he thinks is an android. Min Kyu’s journey from a man trapped by his phobia to someone capable of genuine human connection forms the emotional core of the series.
His “human allergy” serves as both a literal medical condition and a metaphor for emotional walls built after past trauma. Through his interactions with what he believes is Aji 3, Min Kyu slowly begins to heal and discover what it means to truly connect with another being. Yoo Seung Ho delivers a nuanced performance that captures both vulnerability and strength as his character learns to trust and love again.
Jo Ji A: The Heart Behind the Machine
Chae Soo Bin plays Jo Ji A, a struggling inventor working as a personal shopper who finds herself in the impossible position of pretending to be a robot while falling in love with the man she’s deceiving. Her performance is remarkable as she must convincingly portray both robotic mannerisms and genuine human emotions, often within the same scene.
The chemistry between Min Kyu and Ji A is so intense and enchanting, creating moments of both comedy and deep emotion as Ji A struggles with her growing feelings while maintaining her robotic facade. Her character arc explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable with someone you love.
The Moment Truth Comes Crashing Down
The series builds to an inevitable revelation that threatens to destroy everything Min Kyu and Ji A have built together. When Min Kyu discovers that the “robot” he fell in love with is actually human, his sense of betrayal is profound, leading to some of the drama’s most emotionally charged scenes.
This climactic revelation forces both characters to confront their deepest fears and insecurities. Min Kyu must grapple with feeling deceived by the one person who helped him heal, while Ji A faces the consequences of her deception and the possibility of losing the love that transformed her life. The way the series handles this emotional crisis showcases the stellar writing and performances that make this drama special.
Unexpected Success Despite Low Ratings on MBC
Despite low viewership ratings during its initial MBC broadcast, with Yoo Seung Ho even admitting he “couldn’t look at the director in the eyes” after seeing the first episode ratings, I Am Not a Robot found its audience through streaming platforms and international distribution. The drama proved that ratings don’t always reflect a series’ true quality or lasting impact.
The show’s popularity grew significantly after its initial run, particularly among international audiences who discovered it on platforms like Viki and Netflix. Fans praise the director’s mastery when it comes to cinematography and creating powerful scenes in every episode, with many viewers watching it multiple times, testament to its rewatchability and emotional resonance.
Perfect Blend of Heart, Humor, and Hope
If you love romantic comedies with unique premises and genuine emotional depth, I Am Not a Robot is the perfect series to binge on Viki, Netflix, or MX Player. This isn’t just another K-drama romance – it’s a beautifully crafted story about healing, connection, and the courage to love despite our fears and limitations.
Why You Should Watch: Technology Can’t Replace the Human Heart
I Am Not a Robot reminds us that no matter how advanced technology becomes, nothing can replace genuine human connection and love. It’s a series that will make you laugh, cry, and believe in the transformative power of authentic relationships.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 32 episodes
Platform: Viki, Netflix, MX Player, KOCOWA+
Release/End Year: 2017-2018
Current IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Genre: Romantic Comedy, Science Fiction, Drama
Status: Completed
Main Characters: Yoo Seung Ho (Kim Min Kyu), Chae Soo Bin (Jo Ji A)
Supporting Character: Um Ki Joon (Hong Baek Gyeon)