This is the Korean version of a drama that was originally a manga Itazura Na Kiss by Tada Kaoru and has been adapted multiple times once as a Taiwanese drama entitled "It Started with a Kiss" (2005) that had a sequel "They Kiss Again" (2007) and there is also a Japanese version I heard. The main story is this South Korean version was told over 16 episodes in 2010. There is some follow up episodes which I recommend if you like the characters which are published on you tube as Playful Kiss 2 (about 7 short episodes). The story is about an unlikely pair Oh Ha-Ni (Jung So-Min) who is popular among the unpopular so to speak and Baek Seung-jo (Kim Hyun-joong) who is genius level intelligent and one of the campus idols. He is cold, arrogant, and conceited about his intelligence. Oh Ha-Ni struggles academically primarily because it is a lot of work for her to succeed academically and she does not see the point. Oh Ha-Ni is drawn to the very "other" nature of Baek Seung-jo and is his "stalker" constantly there and watching him despite repeated rejections. As fate would have it their parents are best friends and when disaster strikes for Oh Ha-Ni which destroys their house she and her father move in to Baek Seung-jo's house.
I really liked this story in the beginning. Found it very entertaining to see the dramatic difference between the two in the high school environment. The story moved on to college and I had a harder time with that. I really felt like she just wouldn't leave the poor guy alone. She would follow him all the time when I thought it would be better to give him some space. My daughter pointed out that because of the restrictions on male/female interactions in that culture it is not uncommon for people to admire from afar - different than stalking. But I had a hard time getting past my own pride and thinking what I would have done in that situation. So that part was hard for me. I liked it again later though and, for me, it became like "I Love Lucy" in terms of some of the things she did and his response. Especially the episodes posted on you tube (which is where Playful Kiss 2 was officially "published").
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leahcubed27 January 2020
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ladycopine28 June 2014I'm not a big fan of k-dramas, it's actually the first one I saw, and I felt in love...The story is simple, it's about a teenage girl who is in love with the most popular guy in school and so when she confesses her feelings he rejects her, but then her house is destroyed and she moves with his dad in his friend's house, and guess who's father he is? Predictable but still interesting. I loved the long way they both had to finally realize their feelings(especially for the guy who during a very long time "hates" her). It's a some sort of love/hate relationship. The acting is not great but OK, the two main actors have a good chemistry and it's always nice to look at them. It's a lovely and funny story about a conquest of the heart of the coldest guy even after multiple rejections. I think that if you're a romantic and want to watch something cute, this drama is for you!
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mitr_frnd323 February 2015A very sweet and simple story. Must watch for those who feel happy watching people fall in love.
The adorable Oh Ha Ni and the super cool Baek Seung Jo will surely make you want to fall in love all over again :)
This drama brings out a lot of emotions in your heart.
It makes you laugh, cry, smile and sad :(
The characters are well written.
As much as you want Baek Seung Jo to reciprocate Ha Ni's love, the sorrier you end up feeling for Bong Joon Gu :'(
All in all a lovely drama which keeps you smiling as it ends.
enjoyyyyy... :D -
phd_travel9 January 2023Just loved some of the supporting characters especially the mother played to perfection by Jung Hye-young. She is the perfect antidote to the evil mother in law found in many K dramas. This show is funny and I laughed many times every episode . Yes the heroine is old fashioned even by 2010 standards. She isn't smart and she loves her man no matter how he treats her. Still Jung So Min is cute as a puppy here. Feminists might not like this story. But there are some girls like that. So what's wrong with making a show about people like her? Fresh off Boys over Flowers, Kim Hyung Joon is quite good at playing the hero with brains but personality issues, High IQ and low EQ. The old sunbae is hilarious as is Bong Joon-gu. Fans of action star Lee Si Young get to see her in a feminine role. So many funny lines by all the different characters including the little brother. This show moves along from HS to college to marriage. It's a relaxing and happy show for a change without angst and frustration.
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AppleEye2U6 November 2016This Korean romantic comedy a.k.a. Playful Kiss is recently added to Netflix. I've watched it, because of the male lead who played in my favorite series Boys over Flowers. I thought this would be a sweet story about a serious guy who melts thanks to a warm-hearted girl. In stead I watched an arrogant boy and commitment fobic to that, conquering each and everyone including the girl. They should have called this series: The Perks of Being Perfect.
Playful Kiss begins like many Japanese/Korean romantic comedies: introducing the leading man as the hottest guy in school. School girls are fan girling behind his back, teachers are drooling over his high test results, some girls are mean to his supposed love interest, the unfortunate girl gets support from another guy who's secretly in love with her. The male superstar appears to be blatantly blind to all this. He prefers to live like a recluse, because deep down he seems to be a nice guy who is embarrassed by all this. Or..he is simply an arrogant,cynic jerk, think of Jane Austen's Mr.Darcy, before he was transformed by his lovely Elizabeth. We, the viewers, are supposed to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Usually I'm a big fan of these Asian versions of Pride and Prejudice. Also in this TV show I recognize some elements: a feisty girl, with lots of laughs and friends, is infatuated with a humorless Mr. Perfect at first sight. He wounds her pride, when the whole world is watching. She tries to forget him, aided by other admirers who would love to have a date with her, but she can't. Au contraire, her love grows stronger each year. The subject of her love is aware of all this, but he stays aloof, thinking he's the best match anyway.
The fact that I didn't like this story as much as I wanted to, is probably my assumption that Mr. Perfect would become more humble in the end. I thought he would become a better version of his former self, starting to be a lovable person from now on. All I could see was a perfectionist, who claims the purest love available, using it to reinforce his own ambitions, namely being the best in a working field he starts to feel a passion for.
All in all I give Playful Kiss a 7 out of 10, because the actors are well matched, and almost the whole cast is doing a great job. -
Currently on Netflix (2016) this series is known as "Playful Kiss" for US viewers. I've seen the story before titled "Mischievous Kiss: Season 1 and Season 2," done by the Japanese. That series was undoubtedly influenced by this South Korean version, which was done first.
At any rate, I really enjoyed both versions. There are very slight differences but the core story remains the same: girl likes boy who could not care less about her... until events unfold that give her small bits of hope, like crumbs left on the ground to follow a path. It's how the story unfolds that draws us in. Many times I laughed out loud. Often I had a silly grin on my face. There were times I couldn't stop the watery eyes. I was rooting for Oh Ha Ni all the way - her character was just so adorable and spirited, and good. Oh, and she daydreams!
Anyone who enjoys love stories, no matter the culture, should enjoy this. I'm English-Irish American and I did! And I plan to watch it again. I could give spoilers, but why do that when one can just watch it to see if they like it? Don't look for perfection - look for the story, the intent - that's were the beauty is in "Mischievous Kiss" (2010). -
alaningle719 October 2022A college student Oh Ha Ni played by Jung So-min has been in love for years with Baek Seung-jo played by Kim Hyun-joong the most handsome student in school. He does not like stupid girls and sadly she is not very clever and is accident prone as well. They both have other people who like them and friends and family who support or oppose the possibility her charm could win him over. This is a light romantic comedy which is easy viewing, I do wish they had made the lead a little less cold as for most of the series I just became frustrated that she loved him no matter how he treated her. That said a good supporting cast and the endearing charm of Jung So-min makes it worth a watch.
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pluviea4 October 2021This show radiates too much comfort for me, the characters are so cute, places amazing, Seung Jo's mother was one of my first women crushes when I was little :'') also didn't know this show has an anime version (shame) I will watch asap.
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maxispr21 September 2016This dorama is just OK. It can make you laugh sometimes, but it shows how different the culture of Korea is, comparing to ours (at least mine, in south-America). That is NOT love. The protagonist Oh Haani is obsessed with the guy, just because he is handsome. He treats her so badly it makes you wanna kill him sometimes. Meanwhile Jungu, a not very popular guy in her school, keeps doing so many things from his heart but she is so blind to see them. The guy feels superior during ALL the dorama, at least, I was waiting him to realise "he may be a very good student, but she is superior in other aspects" but nope... That doesn't happen. He even puts many conditions to her. "We will marry if you study more" "You love me, you can't love another guy" "You are too ugly for me, but sometimes you are pretty, so it's OK". etc. It's so sad and one feels pity about her. The dorama doesn't 'teach' you anything. Directors should have insisted in the fact that "being successful at school doesn't mean you are superior than others", they should have make a situation in which this 'perfect' guy fails... They should have made him suffer like Oh Haani, who is suffering 90% of the chapters. Even the little brother of him, keeps insulting her. The message of this dorama is so sad, it makes you think that being loved is like winning a prize, HE feels he is a prize, a golden award that SHE has to make a LOT of effort to win. affff, stupid arrogant.
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Afi_vaqar14 October 2020I loved this drama aloooot ! The only reason why I even watched it because of the anime.. but I must say this drama was veryyyyyy well made !! I was so scared that I might hate it but I swear it's definitely a must watch !!! Absolutely PERFECTION !! Musssst watch !!
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In their high school years, it was funny and cute. But proceeding onto their college years, you would think the female lead would mature. But instead, she was still a whinny, crying and a bit too clingy girl. Whilst the male lead was always trying to make her study or become a better person, it seems like her priority was to interfere in every aspect of the male lead life. I think it would've been a better plot line if she became independent, better herself and learned to be a better person. Then the male lead would've realized what a true gem she was.
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hannahstalavista30 July 2022Gem indeed. The chemistry between the lead was superb. I love Jung So Min and Kim Hyun Joong. Bong Joon Gu was so lovable too. I love the ost and cinematography here. The storyline is good too.
Given that this was a 2010 drama it did exceed my expectations. Beautiful drama.
I'll rate this 9.1 because it's already 2022 but man, this was really really good for a 2010 drama.
Kim Hyun Joong and Jung So Min is a must.
Diamond.
9.1/10. -
lilmann-4891914 November 2022I know it's very unlikely, but I choose to believe that love like this could be possible!! Oh Ha-Ni is madly in love with a jerk that treats her so badly, belittles her, ignores her, calls her mean names, but she still looks at him with loving eyes and a pure heart! Of course Oh Ha-Ni is loved by her childhood friend that loves her like she loves the jerk! It's a cute and wonderful example that the heart wants what it wants!! The other characters in the show are a nice, funny and a quaint addition to the show, especially the jerks mom!! Will her persistence pay off?? Watch to the end, you'll believe in true love after watching this!!
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PennyReviews29 March 2019For me, if you've watched one, you've watched them all. Playfull kiss doesn't stray too much of the original story, though they did add some of the korean playfulness in it. There were some notes from the Princess's hour as well (see the stuffed bears in the end of the episodes). And it did start nicely, although, I must confess, I didn't expect much from the male lead. However, it was cute, even though the story was full of cliche and the leading lady was a silly, airheaded girl. But, the drama got boring halfway. It lost all the interesting chemistry that the couple had and the cat and dog game got tiring. So, overall, 5 out of 10 for playful kiss.
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klara-persson8 April 2020Randomly funny and cute drama with that old school K-drama feel (2010?). BUT, and this is a big one. This is a horrible story, with sad and distasteful characters in the leads. The lead characters are so utterly unlikeable that one wants to fast forward every other minute. The FL is simple minded, sweet and good hearted. But so unbelievably stupid it invokes physical pain. One is constantly amazed at how fully incapable she is. Her sole purpose in this entire drama is to speak like a child and put up with the ML's rudeness and plain mean behavior. She has no great development and really no fire. The actress is probably excellent but the character is seriously painful to watch. And I could do nothing but wish better for her and feel a deep sadness for a life prospect of abuse. The ML is horrible. He is cute, may be, but that is all. He, as well as the FL, has no significant development throughout the drama and keeps being a livid jerk towards his thought to be nemesis and to-be love interest. Somehow his spite is portrayed as a sign of his love for the FL (witch in it self is an insane message), but in my eyes he is nothing short of an abusive and insecure man with nothing but sorrow and heartache to offer his counterpart. He does not respect her, appreciate her and keeps on putting her down constantly. Shaming and publicly humiliating her repeatedly. Not to mention his abuse of position and power in being the recipient of one-sided love and outspoken affection throughout the drama. I started out with great hopes for a classic and silly/cute love story and ended up with a complete study in bad relationship manners. I would like to say RUN to the FL and seriously slap some sense into the ML. No attractiveness in the world makes up for his poor personality and lack of consideration. Perhaps he has some autistic spectra diagnosis that is not outed in the backstory, and if this had been the case the entire drama could have taken another more humble approach and given a more interesting storyline. But this does not seem to be the case. He simply is no good. Cut your losses girl and look for self fulfillment or love somewhere, anywhere, else. Some of the supporting characters were very enjoyable and the entire acting cast were excellent. The story and writing is the problem. Watch this if you like incredibly frustrating stories of relationships with abusive imbalance in power and affection as well as stupid girls and horribly mean guys. Otherwise I can not recommend it. At all.
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cbryan-7504715 April 2018Baek Seung-jo does not love Oh Ha Ni for who she is. He wants to mold her to his own preference. If she wants to work a restaurant job let her be. If she doesn't want to be a nurse let her be. Money is money. Don't force her to be someone who she is not. He should just get another Girl who is his ideal. She should not accept a guy who wants to change her.
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nishashakrawar19 September 2020Just dnt think of it!🤣 i swear this is the second most disgusting drama i have seen. i can see a great level of coincidence between the main leads, who ends up living in the same house just because their fathers' were chilhood friends and they were unaware, then suddenly BOOM! THEY ARE IN SAME ROOF!! what a bad story!
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hazidil14 March 2017I have read many people, mentioning this drama a..k.a Playful Kiss as one of their favorite dramas. So, I honestly had my hopes up and was eagerly looking forward for a great rom-com when I began watching this.
But my high expectations were soon shattered and I was disappointed as the story was very lame and unrealistic.
SPOILER AHEAD: Kim Hyung Joong's character Baek Seung-jo was supposed to be a genius at studies with a high level of IQ who has the potential of entering any top university and perusing any profession. Initially, he is annoyed by Oh Ha ni played by Jung So min who has a mega crush for him. Jung So Min's character is portrayed as a very clumsy, needy, weak girl which made me annoyed with her character. Yet, Beak's mother seems to be in favour of Ha ni and even wants to make her the wife of his son despite how stupid she appears and dislike of his son. The couple in fact ends marrying at a very young age.
Overall, I somehow ended up finishing the drama as the couple was cute and I liked both Kim Hyung Joong and Jung So Min. I feel the lead actor and actress did justice to their characters. I'm sure it would be such a great drama if the screen writing was better. -
I realize that the lead protagonist was cute and very popular (back in 2008-9) but it seems more like the storyline was written by a fifth grader. The depth of character was about 2mm, the script was full of clichés, and cinematography seemed to try to emulate the typical comic strip. Eye candies can not take place of an intelligent storywriting or a good script. My 8 year old watched this with me and she liked it so there's that. Good for an 8 yr old is the best I can say for this drama.
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I managed to watch this, and for the most part I enjoyed the plot, but what really was hard to keep pushing through each episodes was the "playfulness" in flirting back and forth. I didn't like how he thrived on humiliating her constantly, even though the writers tried to turn it into a character building trait to make her stronger.
But it really was a bit degrading to the female lead. The male lead came more off as someone who was bordeline cold and emotionless who struggled to show their emotions rather than smart and be find nice was to be kind when he was proved wrong.
I really can say it had a lot of potential to being a much more enjoyable drama, if they just toned down the humiliating situations and the male leads reaction could have been a lot more empathetic toward her.
The cast is what made me want to watch this drama and both pulled off over dramatic roles for sure. But to do the drama justice would have been better to have a kinder connection between them. -
Generally having started watching this series I imagined it may be including a lot of cliches and have not a very serious plot, so I wasn't expecting anything more than an easy k-drama to chill. But, even though, I ended up a bit disappointed. I was on the verge of my patience tolerating how Male Lead was behaving towards Female Lead like, all the time, but it was just too much when he kept on behaving like this even after he admitted having fallen for FL. While I am not any kind of belligerent feminist, it was just sad for me watching the guy being like a 'moral ruler' in their relationship and the girl being in a subordinate position. It is probably what the loved ones are in our lives for, to accept us as we are, so that we can maintain our inner well-being, but FL had to try very hard in many areas to be rewarded with ML's feeling, it is just ridiculous and maybe even giving a dangerous message for younger ones watching. Quite an annoying character was also ML's mum. At first I liked her because she was helping the FL, but later I realised she is talking her into keeping on being into her son, like no matter her dignity, and her meddling into their relationship was making it even more toxic. The character I liked the most was tennis team leader because the relationships he developed throughout the story were, IMO, kind of realistic, and, to a large extent, it was interest in what happens to him that made me finish this series. In general, too many events in the plot were unrealistic. Acting was quite all right. Looking for something with Kim Hyun-joong to watch you can give it a try, but I am not sure if it is possible to lower your expectations enough to enjoy it till the end.
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bubbemirak24 November 2021She is literally the door mmat. He illtreats her like anything while this good -for-nothing girl roams around him like puppy.
Not once but she is rejected by him many times still she follows him every where He calls her fool, ugly and useless and she is still in love with him She doesn't do anything useful for herself in this entire drama The acting ruins the story much more.
Am amazed how much the forward society likes to see woman dumb, stupid and roam around guys.