Hey, everyone! How’s it going? Today I’m here to review the drama Something in the Rain, which became one of the most talked-about and emotionally intense melodramas that dared to explore the complexities of age-gap romance and societal judgment.
Something in the Rain aired from March 30 to May 19, 2018, with 16 episodes running approximately 80 minutes each, broadcasting on JTBC every Friday and Saturday at 11:00 PM. Available on Netflix since April 2018, this romantic melodrama was directed by Ahn Pan-seok and written by Kim Eun. The series follows Yoon Jin-ah, a woman in her mid-30s who works as a district supervisor at a coffee company, when she reunites with her best friend’s younger brother Seo Joon-hee after he returns from three years working abroad, leading to an unexpected romance that challenges social norms.
What makes this drama significant is its unflinching examination of how society treats unconventional relationships, particularly when a woman dates a younger man. Rather than sugar-coating the difficulties, it explores the real consequences of going against social expectations. The series became a cultural phenomenon for its realistic portrayal of adult relationships and the price people pay for following their hearts.
Yoon Jin-ah: The Woman Who Chooses Love Over Convention
Yoon Jin-ah (Son Ye-jin) is a career woman in her mid-30s who has experienced numerous failed relationships due to her straightforward personality and high standards. Her character represents women who refuse to settle but face increasing social pressure as they age. Jin-ah’s journey throughout Something in the Rain explores what happens when someone finally finds genuine love but must fight against everyone around them to keep it.
Son Ye-jin delivers a powerhouse performance that showcases Jin-ah’s vulnerability, strength, and determination. Her portrayal makes viewers understand why Jin-ah would risk everything for this relationship while showing the emotional toll of standing against societal expectations.
Seo Joon-hee: The Younger Man Who Loves Fearlessly
Seo Joon-hee (Jung Hae-in) is Jin-ah’s best friend’s younger brother who returns from working abroad as a mature, confident man. His character challenges stereotypes about younger men in relationships, showing emotional maturity and unwavering commitment despite facing harsh judgment. Joon-hee’s devotion to Jin-ah demonstrates that age doesn’t determine the depth of someone’s capacity to love.
Jung Hae-in’s breakthrough performance established him as a leading man, with his chemistry with Son Ye-jin creating some of K-drama’s most passionate and tender romantic moments. His portrayal shows how genuine love means being willing to endure criticism and fight for your relationship.
The Weight of Family and Social Pressure
Something in the Rain excels in its realistic portrayal of how families and society react to unconventional relationships. From Jin-ah’s disapproving mother to workplace gossip and social ostracism, the series doesn’t shy away from showing the brutal consequences of defying social norms. The supporting characters aren’t just obstacles but represent real attitudes that exist in conservative societies.
The way the series handles these conflicts feels authentic rather than melodramatic, making the couple’s struggles more impactful and relatable to viewers who may have faced similar judgment.
When Love Becomes a Battle Against the World
The series reaches its most intense moments when the external pressure becomes overwhelming, threatening to destroy not just the relationship but the individuals involved. These climactic episodes showcase Something in the Rain at its most emotionally devastating, exploring how love alone sometimes isn’t enough when the entire world seems against you. The way the series handles the realistic consequences of their relationship choices proves that melodramas can be both romantic and brutally honest.
The final episodes demonstrate that sometimes the greatest act of love is knowing when to let go, even when your heart is breaking.
Success on Netflix
Something in the Rain achieved moderate ratings during its original broadcast but became a massive international success on Netflix, particularly resonating with mature audiences who connected with its realistic relationship dynamics. The series sparked global conversations about ageism in relationships, societal double standards, and the challenges of adult dating. Something in the Rain established both Son Ye-jin and Jung Hae-in as top-tier stars and proved that melodramas addressing real social issues could find devoted international audiences. The show’s success demonstrated that viewers craved mature, realistic relationship stories over typical romantic fantasy.
A Melodrama That Doesn’t Shy Away from Reality
If you love stories about mature romance, societal challenges, and the complexities of adult relationships, Something in the Rain is the perfect series to binge on Netflix. It’s a drama that proves love stories can be both beautiful and heartbreaking, showing that sometimes the most meaningful relationships are also the most difficult to maintain.
Why This Series Resonates with Adult Viewers
Throughout its 16 episodes, viewers witness how genuine love can flourish despite overwhelming obstacles, while also learning that sometimes the most loving choice is the most painful one. Something in the Rain proves that the most honest love stories aren’t always about happy endings but about the courage to love authentically, regardless of the consequences.
Series Details
Number of Episodes: 16 (Completed)
Platform: Netflix
Release Year: 2018
IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Genre: Romantic Melodrama, Slice of Life
Status: Completed series
Main Characters: Son Ye-jin (Yoon Jin-ah), Jung Hae-in (Seo Joon-hee), Wi Ha-joon (Kim Bo-ra)
Antagonist: Societal expectations, family pressure, and ageist attitudes toward relationships