This review may contain spoilers
A fun watch and this is comedy first, romance later
TL;DR:
A hilarious and oddly inspiring fitness com-rom (since this is comedy first, with hint of romance) that leans into absurd comedy before bringing out the romance. Come for the laughs, stay for the glow-up — both physical and emotional.
24-Hour Health Club is a solid comedy-first, romance-later kind of drama. It tells the story of Do Hyun-Joong, a ridiculously successful international bodybuilder who ends up running a dingy basement gym called 24-Hour Hell's Club (a wordplay on “Health Club”), and Lee Mi-Ran, an overweight woman who gets dumped and accidentally stumbles into the gym — and his life.
The series kicks off when Mi-Ran, heartbroken after a breakup, tries to relieve her stress by going to a club — only to end up at 24-Hour Hell's Club instead. Waking up sore and confused, she’s greeted by Hyun-Joong, who has a strange talent: he can read people’s lifestyle and health history just by looking at their bodies. After some persuasion (and comedy), she signs up for a 5 million won training package to lose weight before attending her friend’s wedding — where her ex will be.
From there, the show takes us on a wild and exaggerated ride full of workouts, strict dieting, protein obsession, and Mi-Ran’s chaotic lifestyle slowly being reshaped. But what’s refreshing is how the show, while not leaning into the current wave of body positivity rhetoric, still avoids shaming or mocking. It plays things for laughs, but Mi-Ran’s journey isn’t just about appearances — and that’s where it really lands.
Originally working out purely to look good and show off, Mi-Ran gradually learns to enjoy fitness for herself — especially for the health benefits and how it makes her feel. And interestingly, by the end of the show, she flips the dynamic: the ultra-disciplined Hyun-Joong also learns from her that life doesn’t have to be 100% protein powder and chicken breast. She ropes him into small acts of rebellion — delaying protein intake, sneaking in tteokbokki nights — showing that “cheating” now and then isn’t failure, it’s balance, and they can sweat it out later by working out.
One standout element: the actress gained 9 kg for this role, and fans of K-ent might be surprised to find out she’s a former idol. Her performance is funny, endearing, and grounded, capturing Mi-Ran’s vulnerability and growing confidence.
The acting overall leans into exaggeration, but given the show’s tone, it works. It’s not a serious melodrama; it’s a feel-good, over-the-top comedy with just enough emotional weight to keep you invested.
The music is honestly the weakest point — passable, but forgettable. It doesn’t elevate the scenes much or linger in your memory.
Rewatch value is above average. With only 12 episodes, each filled with laughs and lighthearted moments, it’s a great show to revisit when you need something fun and uplifting.
A hilarious and oddly inspiring fitness com-rom (since this is comedy first, with hint of romance) that leans into absurd comedy before bringing out the romance. Come for the laughs, stay for the glow-up — both physical and emotional.
24-Hour Health Club is a solid comedy-first, romance-later kind of drama. It tells the story of Do Hyun-Joong, a ridiculously successful international bodybuilder who ends up running a dingy basement gym called 24-Hour Hell's Club (a wordplay on “Health Club”), and Lee Mi-Ran, an overweight woman who gets dumped and accidentally stumbles into the gym — and his life.
The series kicks off when Mi-Ran, heartbroken after a breakup, tries to relieve her stress by going to a club — only to end up at 24-Hour Hell's Club instead. Waking up sore and confused, she’s greeted by Hyun-Joong, who has a strange talent: he can read people’s lifestyle and health history just by looking at their bodies. After some persuasion (and comedy), she signs up for a 5 million won training package to lose weight before attending her friend’s wedding — where her ex will be.
From there, the show takes us on a wild and exaggerated ride full of workouts, strict dieting, protein obsession, and Mi-Ran’s chaotic lifestyle slowly being reshaped. But what’s refreshing is how the show, while not leaning into the current wave of body positivity rhetoric, still avoids shaming or mocking. It plays things for laughs, but Mi-Ran’s journey isn’t just about appearances — and that’s where it really lands.
Originally working out purely to look good and show off, Mi-Ran gradually learns to enjoy fitness for herself — especially for the health benefits and how it makes her feel. And interestingly, by the end of the show, she flips the dynamic: the ultra-disciplined Hyun-Joong also learns from her that life doesn’t have to be 100% protein powder and chicken breast. She ropes him into small acts of rebellion — delaying protein intake, sneaking in tteokbokki nights — showing that “cheating” now and then isn’t failure, it’s balance, and they can sweat it out later by working out.
One standout element: the actress gained 9 kg for this role, and fans of K-ent might be surprised to find out she’s a former idol. Her performance is funny, endearing, and grounded, capturing Mi-Ran’s vulnerability and growing confidence.
The acting overall leans into exaggeration, but given the show’s tone, it works. It’s not a serious melodrama; it’s a feel-good, over-the-top comedy with just enough emotional weight to keep you invested.
The music is honestly the weakest point — passable, but forgettable. It doesn’t elevate the scenes much or linger in your memory.
Rewatch value is above average. With only 12 episodes, each filled with laughs and lighthearted moments, it’s a great show to revisit when you need something fun and uplifting.
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