"Delighting in Opponents": Engaging Trivia about the Amorous K-Drama
The South Korean drama series "Hate Turns to Love" has concluded its broadcast, leaving viewers in surprise, particularly during the final two episodes, where the initially lighthearted romance transformed into an intense thriller in the last 10 minutes!
For those unacquainted with the series, the 12-episode production, starring esteemed actors Ju Ji-hoon (Kingdom, Light Shop) and Jung Yu-mi (Train to Busan, The School Nurse Files), brings a new twist to the popular "enemies to lovers" theme.
Sharing the same birthdate, hometown, and name, Seok Ji-won (Ju) and Yoon Ji-won (Jung) have spent their lives as adversaries, stemming from generations of family feuds. Their interactions often resulted in arguments throughout their childhood, but they eventually developed feelings for each other in high school. However, their relationship ended abruptly when Seok Ji-won left town with his family.
Years later, both now in their 30s, the pair cross paths once again at their former high school. Yoon Ji-won works as a Physical Education teacher, and Seok Ji-won serves as the school's new chairman. Despite matured behaviors, both Seok Ji-won and Yoon Ji-won regress to their immature selves when they are together, leading to hilarious embarrassing moments that viewers enjoy.
The production of "Hate Turns to Love" is jointly managed by Studio Dragon and Blitzway Studios, written by Im Ye-jin (Love in the Moonlight, The Tale of Nokdu) with direction by Park Joon-hwa (What's Wrong With Secretary Kim, Alchemy of Souls). The series aired on the Korean cable television network tvN and is currently accessible for streaming on Disney+ and Viki in selected regions.
Before you delve further into the series or catch up on its remaining episodes, here's a recap of some interesting tidbits and facts about the series. If you haven't watched it yet, be sure to revisit this space once you've finished the series!
Warning: Spoilers Ahead!
Why Is ‘Hate Turns to Love’ Known As ‘Love On A Log Bridge’ In Korean?
- The Korean title of the series <사랑은 외나무다리에서> is a direct reference to an old Korean proverb, translating to "Love on a Log Bridge," which suggests that you will inevitably come into contact with someone you dislike in a place where escape is impossible.
Who Are The Actors Playing The Younger Versions Of Yoon Jae-ho and Seok Ban-hui?
- The younger actors portraying Yoon Jae-ho (Yoon Ji-won's grandfather) and Seok Ban-hui (Seok Ji-won's grandfather) may have caught your attention during the series debut. Bae Hyun-sung, famous for featuring in series like "Our Blues," "Gyeongseong Creature" Season 2, and "Family by Choice," portrays a young Yoon Jae-ho. Moon Sang-min, whose notable roles include "Under the Queen's Umbrella" and "Wedding Impossible," appears as a young Seok Ban-hui.
Although their appearances are brief, the fight scene between the two young actors offers viewers an insight into the deep-seated hatred between the families.
What Is That Gold Ball That Seok Ji-won's Father Consistently Eats?
- The golden ball that Seok Ji-won's father Seok Gyeong-Tae is continuously consuming is actually a traditional Korean medicine known as "cheongsimwon" (청심원). It has been utilized to alleviate symptoms of various ailments, such as strokes, epilepsy, and anxiety. It's most popularly used to reduce anxiety before high-stress situations.
The ball consists of over 30 herbs and natural ingredients and is carefully chewed and swallowed. Its calming effects last for a few hours, although excessive consumption may lead to negative side effects.
What Is The Song Played In Episode 4 During Seok Ji-won's Father's Journey?
- The song that plays during Seok Ji-won's father's commute to his son's inauguration ceremony in Episode 4 is called "Jjiniya (It's Real)" performed by renowned singer-songwriter and TV personality Young Tak. He first sang it during the finals of the popular Korean singing competition "Mr. Trot," where he placed as the runner-up.
"Jjiniya," recognised for its authentic love narrative in an era of fakes, gained immense popularity in Korea thanks to its catchy melody, engaging lyrics, and standout performances by Young Tak on shows like Mr. Trot and beyond. Even international audiences seemed drawn to the track during his live performance at the 2023 KBS Immortal Songs Live concert in New Jersey.
10CM Guests in Episode 6 of 'Hate Your Opponent'
- Many viewers likely appreciated the unexpected cameo of popular artist 10CM (currently composed of singer-songwriter Kwon Jung-yeol) in this episode at the 47:35 mark. His song "Love Deeply" is featured in the series' soundtrack, along with tracks by artists such as BIG Naughty, Yeji of ITZY, Liz of IVE, and Lee Mujin.
Yool, The New Top-Ranked Student from Daechi-dong
- In Episode 7, Dokmok High School students are taken aback to learn that the new transfer student Yool (Song Ga-yeon) ranks at the top of her class, surpassing Hae-soo (Choi Yoon-ji), who typically holds the top spot. Yu-mi explains that Yool graduated from a prestigious school in Daechi-dong, known as the "holy land of private education" in Seoul's wealthy Gangnam district due to its high concentration of private academies or hagwon.
Why Grandfather Discusses Ji-won's Behavior at Her First Birthday Party in Episode 11
- In Episode 11, Yoon Ji-won and her grandfather reflect on memories from her first birthday party and her doljabi. The doljabi tradition involves placing various items in front of a baby, and the item they grab is believed to predict their future. For example, grabbing money may signal future wealth, while a pencil could suggest a career in education. Nowadays, parents often personalize the items, interpreting their meaning based on individual beliefs.
Interesting Facts About The K-drama 'Hate Your Enemy'
- During the show's production press conference held in November, actress Ju Ji-hoon shared that the character of Seok Ji-won was the most amusing he's ever played.
- At the same press conference, Jung Yu-mi confessed that acting alongside Ju Ji-hoon was challenging due to their significant height difference (Ju is 6'2", and Jung is 5'4"). She said, "I knew Ju Ji-hoon was tall, but I didn't expect him to be that tall. I experienced some neck pain from constantly looking up at him. As the episodes progressed, acting became more comfortable, especially during scenes where we could sit and talk."
- Hate Your Enemy marks Ju Ji-hoon's first romcom in 18 years, since his role in the iconic 2006 K-drama Princess Hours. For Jung Yu-mi, it represents her first romantic comedy in 10 years (her previous romcom was the 2014 K-drama Discovery of Love).
- Director Park Joon-hwa revealed that he cast Jung Yu-mi in Hate Your Enemy after witnessing her performance in his previous K-drama What's Wrong with Secretary Kim. "She once made a cameo appearance in What's Wrong with Secretary Kim, which I directed. At the time, I was struck by her beauty, charm, and cuteness. Her expressions, particularly those that conveyed romantic emotions, left me wondering how they would translate into a drama. When we worked together, she was even more endearing than I had imagined."
- Kim Ye-won, who portrays Cha Ji-hye, Yoon Ji-won's childhood friend and a teacher at Dokmok High School, last collaborated with Jung Yu-mi in the K-drama I Need Romance 2012, where she played a character who had feelings for the same man that Jung Yu-mi's character loved.
Hate Your Enemy is currently available on Viki and Disney+ in select regions.
- If you're a fan of Korean romcoms, don't miss out on "Love Your Enemy", starring Ju Ji-hoon and Jung Yu-mi, currently available for streaming on Viki and Disney+.
- For those who enjoyed the intense thriller twist in the Korean drama series "Hate Turns to Love", you might also like the "enemies to lovers" theme in "Love Your Enemy" Kdrama.
- To understand the context better, you might find the "Love Your Enemy" explainer or "Love Your Enemy" recap helpful.
- Upcoming December kdramas to look out for include "Love Your Enemy", a romantic kdrama that's sure to capture your heart.
- To catch up on "Love Your Enemy" or for those planning to watch it, the 'Love Your Enemy' Kdrama recap provides a comprehensive overview of the series.
