"It has aged remarkably well. It’s considered one of Gong Yoo’s breakout roles, and his continued fame, like 'Squid Game', keeps new audiences discovering the drama. Even the actors enjoy reminiscing about it and publicly reflecting on filming the drama. Whenever they do, it sparks renewed fan interest." (Source)
Memorable Quote: “I don’t care if you’re a man or an alien. I love you.”
Coffee Prince is a beloved 2007 South Korean romantic comedy-drama that explores identity, ambition, and the unexpected ways love can unfold. Set against the warm, aromatic backdrop of a small café in Seoul, the story follows Go Eun Chan, a hardworking, tomboyish young woman who has spent most of her life supporting her family. Because of her short hair, casual clothing, and athletic mannerisms, she is often mistaken for a boy—an assumption she grows accustomed to as she juggles multiple jobs to make ends meet.
Her life takes a turn when she crosses paths with Choi Han Gyeol, the charming yet directionless grandson of a wealthy food company chairwoman. Han Gyeol has never held a steady job and resists the pressure to settle down or take on family responsibilities. His carefree lifestyle is disrupted when his grandmother pushes him into blind dates and insists he prove himself capable of managing a business.
Mistaking Eun Chan for a young man, Han Gyeol hires her to pose as his “gay lover” to help him escape the arranged dates he wants nothing to do with. This unusual arrangement sparks a quirky partnership built on misunderstandings, humor, and a growing sense of trust. Their dynamic becomes even more complicated when Han Gyeol is tasked with reviving a struggling café—soon to be known as The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince—and decides to hire only attractive male employees to create a unique brand identity. Eun Chan, still believed to be male, becomes part of this all-male staff, immersing herself in the café’s lively environment.
As the café begins to flourish, the drama expands to explore the personal journeys of its employees and the people connected to them. Choi Han Sung, a warm-hearted music producer, and Han Yoo Joo, an elegant artist with a complicated romantic history, add emotional depth and parallel storylines that intertwine with the main narrative. Their relationships highlight themes of forgiveness, timing, and the complexities of long-term love.
Throughout the series, Eun Chan grapples with her growing feelings for Han Gyeol while maintaining the secret of her identity. Her internal struggle reflects her desire for independence, her fear of losing her job, and her uncertainty about how the truth might affect the people she has come to care about. Meanwhile, Han Gyeol faces his own emotional turmoil as he begins to question his assumptions, values, and the nature of love itself.
The drama shines in its portrayal of character growth, heartfelt moments, and the courage it takes to embrace vulnerability. Without relying on melodrama or heavy plot twists, Coffee Prince builds its emotional resonance through everyday interactions, personal revelations, and the slow blossoming of trust between its leads. Its warm atmosphere, memorable soundtrack, and nuanced performances have cemented it as a classic in the K-drama genre.
REFERENCES:
Jasmine. “Coffee Prince Korean Drama Summary Explained.” Allsorts Kdrama, 20 Sep. 2025, https://dramasandwebseries.com/coffee-prince-korean-drama-summary/.
“Coffee Prince.” MBC, 2 Jul. 2007, https://mydramalist.com/2982-coffee-prince.
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