K-Drama "The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince" A youth drama full of the scent of summer

"The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince"

 The 2007 summer drama "The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince" still comes to mind every summer, 15 years later, as a classic. Recently, I watched a documentary featuring the main cast reminiscing about the drama after 15 years, and it brought back memories I'd long forgotten, leading me to binge-watch it again. What makes this drama so special? It transcends generations and continues to be recounted for its emotional depth, its characters' growth narrative, and its cinematography that captures the summer atmosphere of Hongdae. Recently, it's been re-evaluated as a retro content among the MZ generation, once again stimulating summer emotions. 

Review: Coffee Prince, a sentimental drama brimming with the scent of summer

 "The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince" is a drama that truly captures the essence of summer. Just looking at the stills from the drama makes me think of cicadas in the middle of summer and the desire to eat ice cream while being bitten by mosquitoes. Am I the only one? The charming alleyways of Seoul and the main setting of the drama, Hongdae, were, even then, a space brimming with art and a free spirit. The natural light, breeze, and everyday life of this place were seamlessly incorporated into the drama. I even remember visiting an actual cafe that remained after the drama concluded. This drama isn't considered a summer masterpiece simply because it's set in summer. The relationship between Han-gyeol (Gong Yoo) and Eun-chan (Yoon Eun-hye) unfolds with a refreshing emotional arc that soothes even the most sweltering summer days, and the process of their reaffirmation of their feelings brings an explosion of emotion, like a summer shower. Furthermore, summer is a season with a high demand for emotional content. A warm and immersive story that fills the long summer nights offers comfort and healing to many. "The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince" perfectly met this demand, and to this day, it remains one of my top summer dramas to watch again. Personally, I find Yoon Eun-hye's acting a bit disappointing, but even that awkwardness feels refreshing. It's a truly special drama, one that allows you to overlook its shortcomings thanks to its unique sensibility. It's true that dramas featuring cross-dressing women were so popular back then, and looking back, it seems a bit childish, but memories are truly a frightening thing. Watching the documentary, I thought of actors Lee Sun-kyun and Lee Eon, who are no longer with us, and felt sad that I can no longer see their performances. This sense of loss is perhaps one of the reasons why this drama is so precious and special. In addition to the lead actors, including Gong Yoo, who became megastars through this drama, I was personally impressed by the performances of Kim Jae-wook and Kim Chang-wan.

2000s Sensitivity: Why the MZ Generation Is Captivated

The MZ generation wasn't born when "The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince" aired, but they're embracing the show with a fresh perspective, thanks to the retro craze. This generation, who enjoys retro sensibilities, is enjoying the drama's setting, fashion, music, and, above all, its "era-tinged sensibility" through a modern lens. Gong Yoo and Yoon Eun-hye's fresh acting, the now-vanished "old Hongdae vibe," and the analog-inspired directing all offer a refreshingly fresh experience. In particular, the characters' heartfelt dialogue and growth narratives offer a genuine and gentle touch to the MZ generation, accustomed to today's fast-paced and stimulating content. "The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince" is enjoying even greater popularity today thanks to its storytelling and emotional impact that transcends generations. Related videos, memorable lines, and music are being shared on social media, rekindling its popularity and establishing itself as a sustainable content, transcending a single trend.

"The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince" offers more than just a romantic comedy. The seasonal setting, in particular, maximizes the drama's strengths. The still-refined and warm interior of the first Coffee Prince store, bathed in the intense sunlight, and the laughter and conflicts of youth were enough to make the summer heat disappear. The seasonal soundtrack is also a crucial element of the drama. The background music, reminiscent of a summer breeze, adds a touch of emotion to each scene, helping viewers easily immerse themselves in the story. Furthermore, the way the emotional arc intensifies with each season was impressive. The main characters' unwavering commitment to each other, even in the heat, feels like a true love blossoming in the sweltering heat of summer. This organic fusion of seasons, story, and visual beauty is why "The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince" remains a must-watch content every summer.

The Allure of Coffee Prince: A Perfect Match for Summer

"The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince" is one of the most emotional dramas that perfectly aligns with the season. It's not just a nostalgic experience; its authenticity and narrative transcends generations, and it continues to resonate with viewers to this day. For those seeking solace in reminiscing about the past, or for the MZ generation eager to experience a legendary drama for the first time, "The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince" remains an excellent choice. Especially, overseas viewers who saw Gong Yoo's intense acting in "Squid Game" will be able to see Gong Yoo's fresh acting through this drama, so there are more than one or two reasons to watch this drama. The documentary aired to commemorate the 15th anniversary is also highly recommended.