Barely a rom, mostly a com
Quite often k-dramas have English titles that barely make sense (cue in: When the Stars Gossip), so the lack of rom-com when the title talks about it made no sense to me. Not just the title; even the initial marketing, teasers, and posters all made it seem like it would be a rom-com.Don't get me wrong – I truly enjoyed the show! Initially I went in with the rom-com expectations, but I realised early on that this show is certainly not focused on the rom, only the com. There were infinite moments where I was genuinely laughing out loud – not a chuckle or a smile, a genuine laugh! It kind of reminded me of Gaus Electronics with its over-the-top style of humour, and then I realised it's the same director's work (so if you like GE, you will most probably like this too!).
What took me by surprise is how much warmth the show has. There are so many genuine heart-warming moments that made me truly resonate with the characters at some points. By the surface of it, the show seems to be harsh and superficial in its idea of fitness, but as you keep watching, you realise they talk about health in a positive light. Towards the end, we see the FL look at herself beyond her physicality as well. However, I would like to add that nothing about Jung Eun Ji seems unfit to me, so I really did not understand the casting choice there lol. She was very loveable as Mi Ran, though!
Without spoiling too much, there were a few things that seemed a little unnecessary in terms of plotline, but the show does a good job of keeping its comedic tone intact, which made me overlook small story arcs that I did not like. All in all, it is definitely an easy and fun-filled slice of life drama that is best enjoyed if you go in expectation-free (especially an expectation of watching a rom-com, which is really just a side theme and not the central focus). In the end, it really upholds its title since it is genuinely all about pumping up love for your health lol.
P.S: I love Lee Jun Young
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A Quirky Gym Romance That's Not for Everyone
"Pump Up the Healthy Love" is a 2025 rom-com that’s quirky, loud, and a little over-the-top—but that’s also part of its charm. It centers on a former bodybuilder (Lee Jun-young) who runs a hardcore gym and a heartbroken office worker (Jung Eun-ji) who stumbles into his world. Their odd pairing leads to chaotic, funny, and surprisingly sweet moments.Why you might want to watch Pump Up the Healthy Love:
It’s fun, silly, and has a fresh take on romance. The main leads—Lee Jun-young and Jung Eun-ji—have great chemistry, and the whole fitness-gym setting is unique. If you like quirky, lighthearted shows with a bit of heart, you might enjoy it.
Why you might skip it:
The humor can be too exaggerated or cringey for some. It feels more like a cartoon than a real-life story at times. If you prefer realistic or emotionally deep dramas, this might not be your thing.
Simple verdict: Watch it if you’re in the mood for something goofy and different. Skip it if you want a grounded, serious love story.
Final Thoughts
“Pump Up the Healthy Love” offers a unique blend of fitness culture and romantic comedy, characterized by exaggerated humor and distinctive characters. While its bold style may not appeal to everyone, viewers seeking an unconventional K-drama experience might find it worth exploring.
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What the Kdrama!!!
One of the nice comedy dramas of 2025.it is very nice. no angst or very very very little angst because after it, a funny moment ensues.
great acting too. it is my first time seeing the FL(heard she starred in Miss Night and Day) Love her smile tho.
First time also seeing the ML in a funny drama
Overall, a good comedy drama or should i say ROMCOM?
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One that you'll Remember
Rather than being a bland , old formula rom com. This drama introduces depth and strong characterisation along with actual comedy to the mix. Although not being strong at the romance part. This drama is definitely the one to make you laugh at it's ridiculousness. And might as well make you cry when you get attached to the characters.Rather than boring , half of a shell characters that only exist around the ml. The characters have their own motivations and developments throughout the drama.
This is more of a episode based drama with new clients and struggles in each episode rather than a linear story in the beginning.
It's the kind of drama that will leave you thinking maybe you should join that gym or try that exercise routine and a ton of 'What The' jokes.
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A Natural Comedy with Some Sweet and Sad Moments
The first episode isn’t representative of the entire drama. I considered stopping after watching it, but thankfully I gave it another try and watched the second episode. If you decide to stop after just one episode, please reconsider!
What I loved the most was how naturally the relationship progressed. They didn’t fall in love at first sight or just a few episodes in. It was very realistic to watch them get closer with each episode, slowly realizing their feelings. This slow burn really highlighted the importance of wanting to change for yourself. Mi-ran always did everything to feel loved, so if she had fallen in love with him from day one, it would have undermined the message that she keeps working out because she wants to, not just to get closer to her crush.
If I had to highlight one thing about this drama, it would definitely be the comedy. It was hilarious at times, which made it so easy and enjoyable to watch. Even though it was funny, it also had some deep moments that genuinely made me tear up—except for one specific scene (if you know, you know) that made me sob.
I liked all the characters. The rest of the cast did an excellent job, bringing both comic relief and heartfelt moments. Each side story was interesting, and even though some characters annoyed me at first, they completely stole my heart by the end.
One thing I want to mention is Sol’s story. At first, I was upset when it unfolded, thinking it was unnecessary—but I later realized how important it actually was.
I also loved how even the characters that came to cause trouble weren’t just irrational villains. They had great storylines too, which added depth to the drama.
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This review may contain spoilers
A Shallow Take on "Healthy Love
"Pump Up Your Healthy Love" tries to sell itself as a quirky gym romcom but instead delivers a parade of body shaming, toxic gym culture, and cringe-worthy humor that feels decades out of touch. The title promises something uplifting, but what you get is a relentless barrage of fat-shaming jokes and a lead male character who confuses arrogance and obsession with actual health.
Male Lead: Protein Powder and Zero Personality
The male lead, a washed-up bodybuilder-turned-gym-owner, is less a symbol of health and more a walking advertisement for protein powder and unresolved mental issues. He insults anyone who walks into his failing gym, justifying his cruelty as "motivation," but comes off as a third-rate trainer whose only skill is making people feel bad about their bodies. His so-called "health" is all muscle and no mind—his obsessive behavior screams for psychiatric help, not romantic admiration.
Female Lead: Not Overweight, Just a Punchline
The female lead is supposedly struggling with weight, but the actress is clearly fit and healthy—making the entire premise even more absurd and offensive. The show forces her into humiliating situations and treats her insecurities as a joke, while the male lead repeatedly body-shames her for cheap laughs. This isn't empowerment; it's lazy writing and tired stereotypes.
Comedy or Cruelty?
The drama relies on "shock humor" and mean-spirited gags that quickly become exhausting. Instead of offering any real commentary on health or self-acceptance, it doubles down on outdated ideas about body image, making it a tough watch for anyone sensitive to these issues. The gym scenes are over-the-top, and the chemistry between the leads is non-existent, buried under layers of awkwardness and mockery.
Final Verdict
"Pump Up Your Healthy Love" is a tone-deaf, shallow, and at times downright offensive drama that confuses cruelty for comedy. Unless you enjoy watching unlikeable characters insult each other in a gym no one would join, skip this mess and find a show that actually understands what healthy love—and healthy living—means
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This review may contain spoilers
Pump up the jam!
I honestly thought I might get triggered by this healthy forward, body-centered rom-com, however, I truly enjoyed everything about it, including its layered messages. I truly appreciated the fusion of anime (manhwa) humor laced throughout the show visibly as well, and made for some hardy chuckles. Both our ML and FL were perfection with the comedy, and I enjoyed their connection. It made the fact that we had to wait forever and a day FOR the big payoffs a little annoying, but I still enjoyed this show.Yes, there were some quirks with this series that made it clunky, however, given the comedy context and goofiness, it just works for what it is: escapism.
*CON: One con that is just a cultural issue that I have with K-dramas what wish to touch on, appearence, fatphobia and body acceptance - I wish that they would actually hire a plus-size FL's and not a 'let me gain five pounds on my thin frame to 'look' as if I MIGHT be plus size when I'm not actress.' [No shade to our FL because by their standards, she was nicely curvier in her slimmer frame, which isn't the norm to see as an FL in k-dramas]
:::Spoiler::::
2ND CON: The kissing sucked! And we have an ML (fave) who can pucker up nicely!
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A Non-Traditional Kdrama
If you're tired of seeing the same old plots, this drama offers a refreshing change. It brings good energy, plenty of funny moments, and most importantly a strong message of self-love. We often forget how essential it is to love ourselves before we can truly love someone else.If you're a gym rat or simply curious about gym culture in Korea, this is definitely a great pick. I believe there's still room for a second season. I fell in love of every single character. It also motivates you to stay healthy.
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Let's Move Away from These Tropes
I am writing a review for the first time on this drama because, like many, I came here to check and make sure I wasn't alone.Even if I can get past the slapstick comedy (not really my favorite type of humor), the over-the-top acting, and general "fluffiness" of it all, it's really hard for me to suspend all disbelief and pretend that actress Jung Eun Ji is supposed to be overweight. By episode 5, the continued fat-shaming by her family and people around her feels tired, unrealistic, and downright frustrating to watch.
I keep thinking, who was in the director's and writer's room? Are we really okay with continuing these types of stories? It feels unhelpful that this type of drama really adds anything to conversations, especially around diet culture. The relationship with her mother, although I'm sure realistic, doesnt' feel like they're trying to give actual commentary or make positive change.
Perhaps I should watch the rest but by episode 8, I would hope to see some rising action that feels like we're actually making social commentary and I just haven't gotten that.
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One of the best dramas in 2025, so don't miss this
9.5/10 from my side. I enjoyed almost every single bit of it. ML is one of the best and loveliest MLs I have even seen. Also stories of the supporting characters are heart-warming. Except FL's sister and her bf, I loved the journey of all characters. And the FL is so relatable and that's why I find her so inspiring. I am gonna miss this drama. What the story! What the drama ❤️😢Was this review helpful to you?
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Joyously overly exaggerated muscle buildery romance
Review10/10 is my rating. I have watched over 400 Asian Dramas, and this is one of the most fun romantic comedies I’ve watched! It provides a blend of fitness, humor, and emotional growth. If you have ever been around body builders, you know how muscle building laser focused they can be. Do Hyun‑joong, a former world‑class bodybuilder turned gym owner represents an exaggeration of that body builder mind set. It pokes some fun at it. Hyun-joong obsessively loves all things muscle and protein. His antics had me laughing again and again, especially with exclamations like “What the fat?!” paired with "what the (fill in the blank) about everything. His amusing sayings and over the top fitness focus provided hilarious comic relief.
The chemistry between Do Hyun‑joong and Lee Mi‑ran, a travel agency assistant manager who joins the gym post-breakup, was natural and heartwarming. Their dynamic felt grounded and sweet, balancing gym intensity with emotional support.
Side characters like Rosa (the veteran trainer) and Alex (the baby-faced muscle assistant) added fun layers, especially with Rosa’s fierce attitude toward Hyun‑joong taking over her gym. Even the subplot featuring Mi‑ran’s sister (Lee Ji‑ran) and her boyfriend (Lee Sang‑jin) brought hilarious chaos and warmth to the story.
It’s impressive how well-developed each character was across the twelve episodes — rare in short K‑dramas but executed here with skill.
If you’re craving a lighthearted, funny, and affectionate rom‑com with emotional stakes, Pump Up the Healthy Love should be on your watchlist.
Spoilers
I’ve got to say, separation tropes feel overused in many dramas—it bothered me when Mi‑ran took off to Hawaii; it felt like a detour rather than an emotionally necessary shift.
I did not expect Sol—who wasn't on the full-time—to be as sweet and selfless as she was. I was certain she’d be scheming to win Hyun‑joong back, but instead she was a loyal friend to Mi‑ran. That made her tragic death hit even harder.
Mi‑ran’s sister and her boyfriend could be cringy at times. Hard to see what she saw in him but different strokes and all that.
Despite a few pacing and trope-related missteps, the finale gave a satisfying and emotionally resonant wrap-up. Every key arc was tied up and Do Hyun‑joong and Lee Mi‑ran closed with real payoff. Minor flaws aside, the humor, chemistry, and heartfelt moments made this a clear favorite in my book
Synopsis
This is a 2025 South Korean romantic comedy-drama with 12, 60-70 minute episodes. It provides a slice of the gym life and muscle building fitness fanatics.
Do Hyun-joong (Lee Jun-young), was a world-champion bodybuilder but he inherited a gym and took over as director. His unique spin on fitness and training where "no pain no gain" is taken to the extreme does not site well with some of the staff who believe a softer approach is more appealing to draw in and retain members. Despite being open 24-Hours and having a world class bodybuilder at the helm, the gym is struggling financially. Not everyone can take his brand of training, which is a lot of "suck it up sister or brother type of training" but Lee Mi-ran (Jung Eun-ji), a woman struggling from a break-up with a longer-term boyfriend, decides she needs someone who will keep her motivated. Especially since the reason her ex gave for the break up was he was not attracted to her unfit body. It is not an easy change for Mi-ran who is a foodie and likes to explore new places to recommend in her role as a travel agency manager. But Hyun-joong promises to transform her body and life so Mi-ran says sign me up. Hyun-joong is the type who will show up as you are about to put the donut in your mouth and smack it out of your hand which sets up a lot of hilarious moments as Mi-ran has always used food for comfort. Having someone solidly in your corner with life's many challenges proves to be what Mi-ran needed and her energy revives the gym and softens Hyun-joong's approach. This series is a journey for both dynamic characters who learn from each other about fitness, life and love.
#PumpUptheHealthyLove #Lee Jun-young #Jung Eun-ji
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This is the sleeper hit of the year for me!
This show is so endearing & speaks to my personal experiences dealing with working out and relationships.The FL’s story comes full circle, from waiting for men to ending up with a guy who waits for her. Not a single female character is portrayed with clichés or vilified in any way. There are times when the show hints at usual K-drama tropes (like jealous coworker or competing ex), but they all turn out to be strong, empowering women in my view. Even the side characters' stories are layered with positive outcomes.
And the ML’s new gym is a product of his hard work for a year, the show doesn’t give him an easy way to make money to open it. He’s the definition of a Himbo, like Jason from The Good Place: funny, puppy-like, and a little airheaded.
The show displays a healthy, mature advocacy for wellness and physical self-love. Watching it actually motivated me to start going to the gym and see exercise as fun rather than just to lose weight, which I believe was the main message. It totally worked for me.
The humor is silly (exactly my type), but I get why some might call it cringe: maybe because it’s written for and acted by people in (or reaching) their 30s. But since I’m exactly in that demographic, I loved the dad jokes. Even the FL’s boss cracked me up every episode. 🤣
Finally, Jung Eun-ji and Lee Jun-young are two of the hardest-working people in K-biz, yet they’re not as popular as their peers. You can tell everyone had fun making this show, and with bigger names, it would’ve been a huge hit.
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