Love Scout

Soothing sweetness of a healing Love Story in the midst of brutal, relentless Seoul business life

"Love Scout" offers a cozy, soft and warm love story for the heart. Here: embedded in the tough Seoul office workday. Also: it offers perfect KDrama craftsmanship for this genre. Somehow everything was done right. The social network of our two protagonists also fits perfectly into the whole. Additionally, there are quite some valuable messages between the lines. And then there is the soothing sweetness of a healing (fictional) KDrama-world in the midst of the harsh, intrusive, inhumane, unvarnished reality.

"Love Scout" conjures up a sweet love story in the brutal, relentless professional everyday life in Seoul 2025. On top of that: a workplace romance between a female boss and her male secretary is not exactly the easy choice.
The story has a certain sweetness to it, also thanks to 7-year-old Byeol. She actually manages to bring out the best in everyone, aiming directly at the heart.
However, the backdrop of the drama – or rather that of our two protagonists - is actually rather sad.

SHE is a successful businesswoman with good instincts, running her own headhunting agency, but along the way she has somewhat lost touch with herself – she has sort of cut off her needs. The price of her success is high. She is a workaholic, exploiting her body, and just as she tramples over her own needs, she does the same with those of her employees. Apart from work, she practically has nothing. The advantage: her (guilt) feelings are buried under workloads. No time to delve deeper.

HE has perfected the art of anticipating the needs of others. As a single father, he has everything under control. Admirable. But on the downside, he is almost compulsive, as he has no other choice – he cannot help but recognize the needs of others before they do. His antennas are completely tuned to his environment. Thus, he comes across as quite sympathetic, as he is the nice neighbor, friend, colleague... However, as a single parent there is hardly any room for his own needs either. He defines his joy mainly through the joy and satisfaction of others. This inevitably makes him not necessarily alone, but still somewhat lonely. And there, deeply buried, are well-hidden (guilt) feelings, too.

Both our FL and ML are quite efficient. Almost perfect. But both also work like highly efficient machines. In this, they are similar and can each see behind the facade of the other. A good start for a healing love story. A healing story overall, in the midst of a structurally sickening, toxic work environment where there is no place for human beings with human needs – for appreciation, sincere recognition, fairness, and enough regeneration time to recharge their emotional and physical 'batteries'.

The dance of FL and ML, performed on this stage, is touching the heart. Tender, at times playful, heartfelt. The encounter between the boss and her secretary becomes a gentle rapprochement between two people who are so cut off from themselves and their own needs, yet reflecting, recognizing, opening up and learning to love each other in this very aspect.

It is an overall good mixture. A love story with charming side plots, balanced in a well-proportioned way with socially critical issues. Those who wish, may condone the seriousness. And those who appreciate the earnest critique, will generously be served. Thus, in my eyes, „Love Scout“ offers quite salubrious and gratifying KDrama-delight.

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LOVE SCOUT: A mature workplace romance filled with tenderness and interesting characters.

I'll start off by saying "Love Scout" is written by one of my favorite screen writer Kim Ji Eun —the same person behind a favourite kdrama " why her " and my top drama from last year, "Wonderful World," and then "Lie After Lie," which I also loved. I'm thrilled to have another favorite series from her!

The story revolves around a workplace romance between a female CEO of a headhunting company and her secretary, who happens to be a single father. Their first encounter is filled with tension, leading her to vow never to see him again. However, fate has other plans, and they find themselves working together as CEO and secretary.

One of the most intriguing aspects of "Love Scout" is the role reversal between the leads. Instead of the typical dynamic where the male lead is the CEO and the female lead plays the secretary, this drama flips that expectation. Our female lead takes on the CEO role, while the male lead becomes her secretary. This change not only adds a fresh perspective but also switches their personalities—she's cold and distant due to past traumas, while he embodies a warm, caring, and sunny disposition.

This reversal allows us to explore the characters in a new light, deepening our understanding of their motivations and struggles. It's fascinating to see how these dynamics play out, providing a unique take on workplace romance... this fresh approach to character roles makes "Love Scout" stand out in the genre.

This drama does a fantastic job of balancing romance with the work aspect, seamlessly incorporating moments of comedy and light-heartedness. The storytelling is so well done that nothing feels overshadowed; each element complements the others perfectly. The laid-back and relaxing setting adds to the overall charm, allowing viewers to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

The challenges faced in the headhunting business are portrayed through various character stories in each episode, making it engaging and relatable. The female and male leads navigate these obstacles together, showcasing their growth and teamwork. There are moments that are emotional and thought-provoking, adding depth to the narrative.

Another stand out aspect of love scout is the The character development....as mentioned in the start I've watched lots of series from the writer and she has a knack for crafting characters that are broken, flawed, and ultimately relatable, making them feel incredibly human. This drama is no exception.

The female lead, who is cold and distant due to past traumas, is portrayed as professional and strict in her work life, yet at home, she battles loneliness and insomnia. The gloomy atmosphere of her apartment reflects her inner struggles, highlighting a life filled with pain.

What I love about her character is that despite her challenges, she is headstrong and straightforward, confronting her feelings with remarkable clarity. She quickly realizes her emotions and takes the initiative to confess, showcasing her growth throughout the series. As she interacts with the male lead, we witness her gradual healing and transformation. She's not weak; rather, she embodies vulnerability while also being a fighter. This nuanced portrayal makes her journey compelling and relatable.

The male lead truly steals the show. He’s not just handsome; he embodies a warmth that makes him incredibly endearing. His professionalism and hard work shine through, but what really sets him apart is his role as a devoted father to his little daughter. Their interactions are heartwarming and will definitely have you swooning.

He excels in multiple roles—being a good friend, neighbor, and secretary, all while being an exceptional father and partner. It’s refreshing to see a character who genuinely deserves the title of a "green flag." He’s understanding, mature, and caring, showcasing a high emotional intelligence that makes him a fantastic listener. His intelligence is evident, but it’s his kindness and warmth that truly make him stand out.

Other characters are also interestingly written..like the second leads that aren't necessarily the main focus but I love their interactions with the leads and their interactions with eachother...then the work place employees who add to the comedy aspect of this drama and how they each contribute to the overall work place setting of the drama through different character stories.

Another thrilling aspect of this drama is undoubtedly the romance. It features a mature-themed love story that beautifully tackles all my favorite tropes. From workplace romance to the dynamic of "she fell first and he fell harder," and even the classic grumpy-sunshine and enemies-to-lovers arcs, this drama has it all. The transition from strangers brought together by misunderstandings to an incredible CEO-secretary duo is executed perfectly.

Their chemistry and tension are palpable, making their interactions both squeal-worthy and giggle-inducing. A standout moment for me was how they engage in simple yet profound conversations about life, work, and their relationship. After confessing their feelings, they sit down to discuss what they’ve become and what the future holds for them, and that heartfelt conversation is just so warm and touching. The romance is refreshingly mature yet cute and sensual, and I’m loving every minute of it!

The acting is undoubtedly amazing...and so are the osts..thag are beautiful and sensual.

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Another electrifying on-screen chemistry is heating up.

This drama has quickly grown in popularity since its release, surprisingly a nodding pair to validate that even an Ahjumma and an Ahjussi can sweep viewers off their feet in their heartwarming workplace love story.  At this rate, I respect the person behind the casting for being able to find suitable actors that would capture all the yearning and longing in an unconventional romance genre like this.

The story breaks the traditional norms in the office romance where a male boss and female secretary are forming a love adventure.  This time it’s an intriguing story about a highly competent male secretary and an alpha female boss in the world of headhunting.  They had an ill first meeting experience of each other when entangled in a competition to retain and recruit the same candidate and they both lose at the end.  The aftermath of the situation backfired on the position of Lee Jun-hyuk, getting him unfairly dismissed by his company.  Through a common friend, he is then recommended to be the Assistant of Han Ji-min who is known for being difficult to work with as someone with strong leadership but is faulty and uncoordinated with things around her.  She’s been giving him unwelcoming attitudes but LJH is slowly warming her up. 

I am a longtime fan of HJM’s career and can’t complain about her performances as she was acknowledged a few times in the award-giving bodies.  Meanwhile, LJH wasn’t spared from the eyes as well of the performing arts experts with his collection of awards and could have a potential follow-up recognition through this drama. This is his first ever starring ML role in a romantic kind and it is such a delight to see it happening and seeing him on screen with outpouring charms.  He is the perfect gentleman here and is well-molded in his characterization and incredible styling.  I cannot stop thinking about how these two will continue to navigate each other’s lives and make us all feel that irregular love heartbeat with them.

I could tell this drama will be on the list of iconic romantic dramas that have won the hearts of many.  While this genre easily resonates with global audiences, television productions are always being challenged to create a unique story that would set it apart from other romances like this one. It has relatable conflicts, a satisfying arc development of characters giving us a perfect romantic tension, and the praise-worthy visual executions that deepens our connection to the pair's emotional play of love. So jump on the bandwagon and have a good time watching.

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Romance I didn't know I was looking for but cupid's arrow hits the mark! Love finally scouted!

Love Scout offered a refreshing take on the typical and traditional office romance tropes by flipping the power dynamics. In a clever role reversal, the FL Kang Ji Yun is a strong and authoritative CEO while the ML takes the role of a compassionate and attentive secretary who can almost do everything, efficiently and in the best-organised manner.
This power shift brought a fresh vibe, letting both the characters grow and be seen uniquely.

Kang JiYun plays the role of CEO of Career Way who has a tough exterior but she isn't mannerless or an airhead. She is a confident and assertive woman, who always backs her decisions with logic. While she approaches most situations with a rational mindset, she knows when to incorporate emotions, using them thoughtfully when the moment calls for it.

Yoo Eun Ho in my eyes was the definition of a perfect male lead - organised, reliable and just an absolute green flag.
His organization skills honestly blew me away like, I need to take notes from him in real life.

Beyond his impressive work ethic, Eun Ho was also an incredibly supportive and loving father. His relationship with his daughter, Byeol was nothing short of heartwarming and adorable, making their moments together so touching to watch. He is also that guy who is always there for everyone, literally in the right place at the right time, ready to help whenever, a true people's man indeed.

They were the kind of couple that got each other, with a level of maturity that made handling disagreements look easy. They knew how to communicate and work through things without drama and navigated conflicts with effortless grace.
But when it came to their love story, they were completely unguarded, like teenagers discovering it for the first time. They’d send each other cute texts and pull all-nighters on the phone talking to each other, sneak quiet smiles across the hall and laugh over the smallest things that only they found funny. Their relationship looked effortless and natural, comfortable yet full of that youthful energy, where even the simplest moment felt special.

I really appreciated how they handled the family dynamics, highlighting how family comes first. It was nice to see ML taking into account his daughter's health showing his care and support. However, I do wish we had more of the father-daughter bonding moments. While I understand this was a rom-com with romance being the main focus and we needed the plot to move forward, a little more screen time for their relationship could have added extra depth to his almost perfect ML character and to the overall story.
The drama also subtly touches on the topic of work-life balance. While it doesn't really dive deep into this aspect, I was glad it was at least brought up in a career-driven narrative. Also, I don't think we needed a childhood connection because the drama had such a strong plot! But at least it wasn't overdone.

The second couple were kind and good-hearted individuals, but their connection appeared more like a friendship built on shared experiences rather than a romantic relationship. Their screen time was limited, which made their bond less convincing.
Also, I felt antagonists were pretty weak but the romance was enough for me to excuse the flaws.

Since the final episode aired today, here are a few romantic ideas for Valentine's Day (For those who need it! Approved by Oppa with a 100% success rate) :
✨ Help them organize their desk or home office, so they can finally find some peace and you can get some peace too. Remember organizing is basically the ultimate life hack, it heals souls plus makes you look like a total hero. Also, who wouldn’t be impressed by someone who can fold a shirt, put labels on folders AND get their life together?
✨ Take a drive around the city if you catch the other person peacefully sleeping because we wouldn't dare interrupt their beauty sleep!
✨ Go to your local convenience store and grab some ready-to-eat spicy noodles while it’s raining outside.
Cozy, spicy, and a little dramatic - perfect combo !!
✨ Plan a basketball date if the other is feeling down but don't forget to go easy for the rest of the games you play together ever!
Remember the goal is not to win but to eat ice cream together at the end, laughing!
✨ On Friday night (or accidental date night) Chef it up in your kitchen and whip up a gourmet feast for your special someone. And just to flex your generosity and love, let them have the last bite!
✨ If they fall asleep and start having nightmares, don’t freak out—just hold their hand like the ultimate sleep protector and let them dream it out. (Lmao buy yourself a back massager because you will need it the next day xD)
✨ If they can’t remember which car is theirs, be the hero and suggest adding some fun stickers to help them spot it easily. Get bonus points for being a problem solver!

The OSTs were beautiful and I would definitely listen and revisit them later. "Test Me" by Paul Blanco was my favourite!

Overall, it was such a breezy romance, with the leads showing a certain level of maturity. Their chemistry was subtle yet genuine and the lack of unnecessary drama made it a very enjoyable watch. I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a heartwarming, uncomplicated love story.

Thank you for reading my review! And very happy valenties's day! ♡

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Lighthearted and Perfect OST

I haven’t watched dramas from SBS much these days, but this kind of visual, poster, production, and glare-like vibes feels very lighthearted and ethereal. Actually, I’ve already fallen for the latest OSTs by Paul Kim, Paul Blanco, and Kwon Jin-ah—they all suit it so well. I feel like this is going to be a very well-produced. It has style. I already feel completely surrounded by the OST and the atmosphere of this drama. (just watched 4 episodes)

I'm excited to see how the story develops, and I'm already looking forward to the next episodes. The chemistry between the characters feels promising, and I have a strong feeling this drama will deliver a lighthearted, cute, and heartwarming perspective on love.

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Love Scout: A Show Where Adults Act Like Adults

HELLO MY PEOPLE~~~ 😎 I am back with my 3rd DRAMA REVIEW!!!

In a sea of over-the-top workplace romances, Love Scout is a breath of fresh air. This show is all about adults actually acting like adults—no petty drama, just real connections, real growth, and some legit chemistry. And honestly, I'm not usually into romance, but Love Scout totally flipped the script for me. It’s now in my top 5—no cheesy drama, just real, grown-up relationships that actually make sense.

Story / Plot
Forget the typical boss-secretary romance. Love Scout totally switches things up with a super skilled male secretary and a badass female boss, both hustling in the cutthroat world of headhunting. No power trips here—just two equals, pushing each other to level up while building an unexpected connection. It’s a story about trust, respect, and some serious chemistry, all set against the backdrop of high-stakes ambition and growth.

I was about to drop it in the early episodes because it had this implied love triangle, and omg, I seriously can’t stand those. But then, our two second leads ended up together, and that was honestly one of the best things about this drama. I srsly wish we would’ve seen more of them! The show was sweet and followed some predictable beats, but it was still worth the watch. After episode 9, I was ready to drop it again, thinking we were about to get hit with the usual drama breakup—like, the kind that’s basically a guarantee in these shows . But Love Scout had other plans. The female lead flipped the script. I was about to drop it, but the fact that she actually took her time, gave herself space to process everything, and the way her character developed really changed the game. It gave her so much depth, and I was lowkey hooked again.


Character
Our female Kang JiYun plays the role of CEO of Peoplz. Her character development is honestly one of the best parts of Love Scout. At the start, she’s totally closed off, emotionally distant because of her past. At work, she’s all business, but at home, she’s dealing with loneliness and insomnia, and her apartment’s a total vibe of emptiness. What I love about her is that, despite everything, she’s headstrong and doesn’t run from her feelings. She faces them straight up and figures them out fast. She quickly realizes what’s going on and takes the initiative to confess, showing just how much she grows. As her relationship with the male lead evolves, we get to see her heal and change. She’s not weak—she’s tough but also knows when to let herself be vulnerable. Watching her take the time to process everything instead of rushing into stuff added so much depth to her character. By the end, I was seriously all in on her journey. It's a refreshing take on what a strong, mature woman in a drama should be.

Yoo Eun Ho is the definition of the "perfect" male lead—organized, reliable, and a total green flag. His organizational skills? (∩˃o˂∩)♡ As someone with OCD, I’m here for it. He’s not just great at work, though—he’s an amazing dad to his daughter, Byeol, and their relationship is so wholesome. Eun Ho is literally always in the right place at the right time, helping everyone around him. He’s got this uncanny ability to anticipate others' needs, but his constant focus on others leaves little room for himself. He’s got it all together, but deep down, you can tell he’s a bit lonely, and there’s some emotional stuff he’s not dealing with. I honestly wish they had added more depth to his character because there’s so much potential there.

Byeol, Eun Ho’s daughter, is honestly the cutest part of the show. She’s sweet, innocent, and adds this wholesome vibe to the whole thing. The father-daughter moments between them? Super touching. Eun Ho’s dedication as a single dad hits different. Their bond really adds a little depth to his character, and watching it made me kinda wish I had a relationship like that. Honestly, it made me feel a bit of longing, especially since my own dad isn’t exactly the role model type, far from it actually. Seeing their relationship made me realize just how pure and real it can be.

Okay, let’s talk about the second leads—honestly, they were chef’s kiss. I was low-key ready to drop the drama early on because of the implied love triangle (and we all know how much I can’t stand those), but the second leads ended up together and it was honestly one of the best parts of the show. Their dynamic was super refreshing, and I was genuinely rooting for them. Like, I loved their chemistry, and I seriously wish we got more of them because their moments together were so cute. It was a nice little subplot that gave the show more depth, and honestly, I’d watch a spin-off just about them.

Other characters in the show are honestly super interesting too. The workplace employees add this whole comedy vibe that balances out all the drama. Each person brings something unique to the table, whether it’s their quirky personality or how they contribute to the office dynamic. It’s fun watching how they each have their own little stories that blend into the bigger workplace setting, giving the drama that extra layer of humor and relatability. They’re not just background noise—they really make the whole workplace feel like a real environment, and their interactions make everything more engaging.


Cast
The cast did an amazing job bringing these characters to life. Lee Jun Hyuk and Kim Do Hoon, who are in two of my favs, absolutely nailed their roles, and I loved seeing them again. Han Ji Min and Kim Yoon Hye were fantastic too; their performances really added so much to the show. The chemistry between the leads was chef’s kiss, and honestly, the second leads brought so much energy to the story. They each fit their roles perfectly, and you could really feel their connection and growth throughout the drama. It’s not just about the main characters—every single actor brought something unique to the table, making the show even more enjoyable to watch.


Cinematography
The way they shot certain scenes, especially the more emotional ones, made everything feel so much more intense and personal. The lighting is on point too, giving off this warm, cozy vibe during the sweet moments and then switching to cooler tones when the tension picks up. The camera work feels smooth, not too in-your-face, and it lets you focus on the characters and their emotions. It’s simple but effective, and honestly, it just adds to the overall vibe of the show, making the romance feel even more real.


OST
The OSTs in Love Scout are chef’s kiss. Every track just hits the vibe perfectly, from emotional moments to lighter scenes. My favs are Answer by MINNIE and Test Me by Paul Blanco—both are so good and really bring the show to life. These songs definitely made the whole experience 10x better. I’ll be playing them on repeat for sure.


Overall, Love Scout definitely surprised me. It turned out to be way more than I thought it would be, especially since I wasn’t expecting much from a romance drama (no offense). But honestly, it’s one of my top romance picks now. If you're into mature, well-paced romance with solid characters and a good balance of humor and heart, this one’s definitely worth watching.

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180 on personality tropes, but was it enough?

By all means, objectively speaking I do not think it’s as low as 6.5 drama, but with how I personally did not enjoy the majority of it in the second half, that’s the rating it gets from me.

The only fresh thing this title presents is the flip on well known personality tropes - professional and cold male lead turns into a female lead, and empathic, well organized female lead is a dude. That’s honestly it, and it’s not enough for me.

Now that I finished the show it’s hard for me to pinpoint what it was exactly.

It’s not really a business show, since a lot of the business aspects were underdeveloped, especially in the larger scene and the relations between different companies and management. Out of all the cases I think only one was truly well executed.

The life and drama aspect of it was more of highlights of events, rather than a well paced story. Drama here, trauma there, some healing happening behind the scenes, some happening last minute, right before we roll the credits.

It leaves us with romance, and romance only. And that’s probably why I could not enjoy the show to its full potential - it did not sell itself as just romance, and it did not set up the story as just romance in the first two episodes. By the end of the day, the only well produced and written aspect of it was in fact… just the romance.

It tried to make many people from many different angles, and at the end everything was just: meh. I don’t want to even talk about the antagonists, because that was a failure of its own. Shallow, with little to no background, with basic schemes that should be obvious to the smart leads, and yet they were often not. The quick wrap up to give a resemblance of a closure. Was any of that even necessary? The story could easily exist and be improved without it all.

I honestly feel like they simply targeted the general audience, which means they did not really have a target audience in mind. They added a little bit of this and that, mixed genres, made it all mild and easy to consume and hoped people would like it. It’s generic.

I definitely liked the performances. Han Ji Min was the center of it all, giving a strong portal of Kang Ji Yun - be it at her highs, or lows, confident or insecure, brave or scared. Complex yet cohesive presentation.

For the directing, filming and editing - I was in love with how they used reflections, glass and forefront objects to frame the scenes. What’s more - great use of light. Love Scout wins in terms of visuals.

Overall, while it is a drama that focuses on healing, creating your own space, finding new priorities, learning and discovering yourself as a person, it almost never truly hits hard on any of these themes. Everything is overshadowed by the romance, a good romance, but not strong enough to carry 12 episodes.

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From business meeting to love journey

9 episodes in and I am in love with this show. I love how they have made a role reversal in the CEO-secretary trope. It's refreshing in a way. The power dynamic shift in the gender roles in this drama is such a vibe. I love that they've made the male lead an amazing single dad and such a green flag of a guy too. There's plenty of healthy relationships (not just romantic) that are portrayed in this drama and I love that. I hope the story continues to be told well. I have always loved Han Ji Min's dramas but Lee Jun Hyuk is definitely killing it in this one! He is the perfect romantic k-drama lead. Why has he not been in more romcoms? I can't believe that. I am in love with him.

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Maturity

The drama is a healing journey. First of all let me tell you that we are dealing with adults. Everyone behaves like an adult is supposed to, even the "villain" is using corporate means to frame the FL and not a white truck.
Now don't get worked up. The work plot frames the relationship between the leads, it doesn't dominate the story. It works as the background scenery where they grow and evolve as humans and as lovers. I especially loved how each headhunt addressed an important issue be it love or childhood trauma, that corresponded with the leads' lives.
Their lives on the other hand are not disseminated to every freaking detail, which was a first. Yes, both carry wounds and heavy ones that is. The FL lost her father in the fire that he rescued the ML from. It's the one trope that came perilously close to making the drama look like a joke. And yet,they dealt with it like the mature adults they are. He told her immediately when he found out and she took some time to digest but she weighed life and knew what was best for her and for them. No unnecessary, silly breakups and dramas. Are they ok with it? Of course not, and there will be times they'll talk about it, she'll wake up from nightmares, he may feel guilty but they are working it out together.
The ML is a divorcee and we never get to see the ex wife. Why should we? Some people divorce and never come back to haunt their exes. And maybe down the road she'll come back to see her daughter. I'm sure they'll deal with it appropriately like the adults they are.
Now, the second, third etc leads are all part of the plot showcasing different aspects of love and emotion and friendship that complements beautifully our leads' journey. Even the annoying chairman has reasons to be so hurt. Do we know what happened to his son? No. We presume he committed suicide. Is it necessary to know? No. Nothing has to be excruciatingly analysed. And that's the gist of this drama. Life is too short to overanalyse it. Shit happens, make the best of the rest.
Now, I didn't talk about the love btw the leads as I'm sure lots before me have already done that. I will talk about the ost though. It suits every scene so beautifully that you can't help but smile when you listen to it.
All in all, it's an amazingly cleverly told love story that uses all the know tropes out there just for the bliss of deconstructing each and every one before your eyes, making your delusions look like every day possibilities!

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