First Impressions: “A Practical Guide To Love” Is A Surprisingly Honest Take On Modern Dating

March 06, 2026 | 02:03 (GMT)

4 minutes read

Source: soompi.com

After “Love Scout,” “Queen of Tears,” and “Namib,” Han Ji Min, Park Sung Hoon, and Lee Ki Taek return to the small screen. The JTBC Saturday-Sunday romantic comedy “A Practical Guide to Love” follows Lee Ui Yeong, played by Han Ji Min, as she embarks on a journey to find her one true love through blind dates.

Warning: spoilers ahead!

“A Practical Guide to Love” wastes no time in setting the tone of the K-drama. In the very first scene, the female lead, Ui Yeong, walks down the street while addressing the audience directly and describing the current dating market.

She explains that although love stories in the past often began with a fateful meeting where a man and woman organically fell in love, modern adults have taken matters into their own hands. Nowadays, men and women do not have the time to wait for fate to work its magic. Instead, with the help of dating apps, they choose who they are drawn to, when to begin, and when to stop pursuing a relationship.

After Lee Ui Yeong’s monologue ends, the camera pans to the opposite side of the street, where her first blind date in years, Song Tae Seop (Park Sung Hoon), is waiting.

But why does a beautiful and successful woman in her late 20s to early 30s not have a boyfriend, let alone go on blind dates every once in a while? This question is answered almost immediately when the K-drama rewinds one month into the past to reveal what led to this particular blind date.

While speaking with her mother, it becomes clear that, contrary to what the audience might initially assume about a career-oriented woman like Lee Ui Yeong, she is not against marriage, love, or dating. In fact, she could even be considered a romantic.

Unfortunately, after breaking up with her boyfriend four years ago, she was both heartbroken and busy, and she simply pushed the concept of dating out of her life. Now, four years later, although she is not actively going on blind dates, she does have her eye on her former high school junior-turned-coworker. She believes he is interested in her, only to discover that the signals were a complete misunderstanding. Embarrassed and disheartened, she decides to give blind dating a try.

That is how she ends up standing across from Song Tae Seop on the street and later sitting opposite Shin Ji Su (Lee Ki Taek) in a cafe, unable to decide which man might be better suited for her.

Love triangles in K-dramas are nothing new. Some might even argue that the trope has been overused to the point of making audiences groan every time a second male lead is introduced. However, in “A Practical Guide to Love,” the love triangle feels not only justifiable but necessary.

For a K-drama centered on adult dating culture and one literally titled “A Practical Guide to Love,” it makes perfect sense for the main character to encounter multiple types of potential partners. It reflects the reality of dating. The first person you meet on a blind date might turn out to be the love of your life, but you might also have to meet dozens more before finding the right match.

Blind date No. 1, Song Tae Seop: This date is arranged by Lee Ui Yeong’s superior at her request, and Tae Seop seems like a nice guy who likes volunteering. The date initially goes smoothly until Song Tae Seop drops the M-bomb and asks whether she would be comfortable dating with marriage in mind. While Ui Yeong is not opposed to marriage, how can someone decide within half an hour that they want to date for the purpose of marriage?

On top of that, despite his apparent eagerness, he fails to follow up with a message afterward, which makes him seem less like a clear green flag and more like an average man who lacks basic dating etiquette.

Blind date No. 2, Shin Ji Su: Unlike her first blind date, Shin Ji Su appears to be the complete package. He is attractive, studied at Y University, and works at S Electronics, which means he is good-looking, intelligent, and financially stable. The only catch is that this turns into a total “A Business Proposal” moment, as Shin Ji Su is merely attending the blind date as a proxy for his friend, who did not want to go himself.

Despite the strong chemistry between Lee Ui Yeong and Shin Ji Su, the circumstances make it difficult for them to naturally progress to a second date.

The most compelling aspect of the drama is that, after episodes 1 and 2, it is genuinely impossible to predict which man Ui Yeong will ultimately choose. In other words, it creates the perfect opportunity for viewers to analyze each character and theorize about the ending. Although the teaser may suggest that Song Tae Seop is the stereotypical nice guy and Shin Ji Su is the handsome bad boy, neither man fully fits into those categories. Both are imperfect individuals with their own flaws and personal issues, problems they would need to confront and work through if they hope to build a meaningful relationship.

Start watching “A Practical Guide to Love”:

Watch Now

Javeria is a binge-watching specialist who loves devouring entire K-dramas in one sitting. Good screenwriting, beautiful cinematography, and a lack of clichés are the way to her heart. As a music fanatic, she listens to multiple artists across different genres and stans the self-producing idol group SEVENTEEN. You can talk to her on Instagram @javeriayousufs.

Currently watching: “Our Universe,” The Practical Guide to Love” and “Sniper Butterfly“
Looking forward to: “Still Shining,” “Four Hands,” and “Boyfriend on Demand.”

A Practical Guide To Love

Han Ji Min

Lee Ki Taek

Park Sung Hoon

Soompi Spotlight

An Woo Yeon And Joo Se Bin Have A Fate-Like Reunion After Many Years In New Drama “Doctor Shin”

TV CHOSUN’s “Doctor Shin” has unveiled new stills featuring An Woo Yeon and Joo Se Bin! “Doctor Shin” is a medical thriller that follows a brilliant doctor who pushes medicine beyond limits once considered the domain of God, alongside a woman whose brain is suddenly damaged overnight, causing her to gradually lose her soul. Centered Continue reading An Woo Yeon And Joo Se Bin Have A Fate-Like Reunion After Many Years In New Drama “Doctor Shin” An Woo Yeon And Joo Se Bin Have A Fate-Like Reunion After Many Years In New Drama “Doctor Shin” Soompi. ...

5 Chen Xing Xu C-Dramas That Every “Love Between Lines” Fan Should Watch

The year began on a high note when “Love Between Lines,” a Chinese romance drama starring Chen Xing Xu and Lu Yu Xiao, quickly won over audiences. The 2026 drama mixes urban love with suspense, using a clever “story within a story” format. Directed by Mao De Shu (best known for “When I Fly Towards Continue reading 5 Chen Xing Xu C-Dramas That Every “Love Between Lines” Fan Should Watch 5 Chen Xing Xu C-Dramas That Every “Love Between Lines” Fan Should Watch Soompi. ...

“Recipe For Love” To Not Air On Saturday

KBS 2TV’s “Recipe for Love” will be taking the night off on Saturday. Due to coverage of the World Baseball Classic, the weekend drama will not air a new episode on March 7. Instead, “Recipe for Love” will air its next two episodes back to back on Sunday, March 8 at 8 p.m. KST. Spoilers Continue reading “Recipe For Love” To Not Air On Saturday “Recipe For Love” To Not Air On Saturday Soompi. ...

Go Youn Jung Is A Film Producer With Keen Insight And Hidden Wounds In “We Are All Trying Here”

JTBC’s upcoming drama “We Are All Trying Here” has unveiled the first stills of Go Youn Jung! “We Are All Trying Here” tells the story of Hwang Dong Man (Koo Kyo Hwan), who, surrounded by successful friends, believes he is the only one whose life isn’t working out. Consumed by anguish, envy, and jealousy, he Continue reading Go Youn Jung Is A Film Producer With Keen Insight And Hidden Wounds In “We Are All Trying Here” Go Youn Jung Is A Film Producer With Keen Insight And Hidden Wounds In “We Are All Trying Here” Soompi. ...

NCT U’s “BOSS” Becomes NCT’s 2nd MV To Hit 200 Million Views

NCT U’s “BOSS” has just reached an impressive milestone on YouTube! On March 6 at approximately 11:53 a.m. KST, NCT U’s music video for their 2018 hit “BOSS” surpassed 200 million views on YouTube. The video was originally released on February 19, 2018 at midnight KST, meaning that it took around 8 years and 15 Continue reading NCT U’s “BOSS” Becomes NCT’s 2nd MV To Hit 200 Million Views NCT U’s “BOSS” Becomes NCT’s 2nd MV To Hit 200 Million Views Soompi. ...

Park Shin Hye And Her Colleagues Face A Tense Standoff Against Kim Min Hyuk’s Gang In “Undercover Miss Hong”

Park Shin Hye faces a major threat in the upcoming episode of “Undercover Miss Hong”! Set in the late 1990s, tvN’s “Undercover Miss Hong” is a comedy starring Park Shin Hye as Hong Geum Bo, an elite financial supervisory officer in her 30s who goes undercover as a 20-year-old entry-level employee at a securities firm Continue reading Park Shin Hye And Her Colleagues Face A Tense Standoff Against Kim Min Hyuk’s Gang In “Undercover Miss Hong” Park Shin Hye And Her Colleagues Face A Tense Standoff Against Kim Min Hyuk’s Gang In “Undercover Miss Hong” Soompi. ...

Ju Ji Hoon Aims For The Top In New Poster For “Climax”

ENA has released a special poster for its upcoming drama “Climax”! “Climax” follows the fierce survival story of prosecutor Bang Tae Seob (Ju Ji Hoon), who dives into a power-driven cartel in order to rise to the top of South Korea’s power ladder. The new poster features Bang Tae Seob standing at the center and Continue reading Ju Ji Hoon Aims For The Top In New Poster For “Climax” Ju Ji Hoon Aims For The Top In New Poster For “Climax” Soompi. ...

Watch: CORTIS Announces Dates For 1st-Ever Comeback With “GREENGREEN”

Mark your calendars for CORTIS’s first-ever comeback! On March 6, the rookie boy group from BIGHIT MUSIC officially announced their plans for the first comeback of their career. First, CORTIS will kick things off by pre-releasing the title track of their second EP “GREENGREEN” on April 20 at 6 p.m. KST. Two weeks later, the Continue reading Watch: CORTIS Announces Dates For 1st-Ever Comeback With “GREENGREEN” Watch: CORTIS Announces Dates For 1st-Ever Comeback With “GREENGREEN” Soompi. ...

Jung Yu Mi Joins Lee Dong Wook In Talks For New Romance Drama

Actress Jung Yu Mi may star in a new romance drama alongside Lee Dong Wook! On March 6, Jung Yu Mi’s agency Management SOOP stated, “Jung Yu Mi received a casting offer for ‘Love Affair‘ (literal title) and is reviewing it positively.” A new project by director Mo Wan Il who helmed “The World of Continue reading Jung Yu Mi Joins Lee Dong Wook In Talks For New Romance Drama Jung Yu Mi Joins Lee Dong Wook In Talks For New Romance Drama Soompi. ...

Song Ji In, Ji Young San, And Jeon No Min Make Bold Transformations In New Drama “Doctor Shin”

TV CHOSUN’s upcoming weekend miniseries “Doctor Shin” has unveiled new stills featuring Song Ji In, Jeon No Min, and Ji Young San! “Doctor Shin” is a medical thriller that follows a brilliant doctor who pushes medicine beyond limits once considered the domain of God, alongside a woman whose brain is suddenly damaged overnight, causing her Continue reading Song Ji In, Ji Young San, And Jeon No Min Make Bold Transformations In New Drama “Doctor Shin” Song Ji In, Ji Young San, And Jeon No Min Make Bold Transformations In New Drama “Doctor Shin” Soompi. ...

Park Jinyoung And Kim Min Ju Share A Fateful First Encounter In High School In “Still Shining”

JTBC’s upcoming drama “Still Shining” has revealed a new glimpse of GOT7’s Park Jinyoung and Kim Min Ju meeting as teenagers! “Still Shining” is a new drama about young people who once shared a world of their own and gradually become the light in one another’s lives. The newly released stills capture a fateful encounter Continue reading Park Jinyoung And Kim Min Ju Share A Fateful First Encounter In High School In “Still Shining” Park Jinyoung And Kim Min Ju Share A Fateful First Encounter In High School In “Still Shining” Soompi. ...

IU And Byeon Woo Seok’s New Drama “Perfect Crown” Sets Premiere Date

Mark your calendars for the premiere of MBC’s upcoming drama “Perfect Crown”! On March 6, the “Perfect Crown” production team officially confirmed, “It’s true that the first episode will air on April 10.” Set in an alternate universe where modern-day Korea is a constitutional monarchy, “Perfect Crown” will tell the love story of Sung Hee Continue reading IU And Byeon Woo Seok’s New Drama “Perfect Crown” Sets Premiere Date IU And Byeon Woo Seok’s New Drama “Perfect Crown” Sets Premiere Date Soompi. ...

Kim You Jung, GOT7’s Park Jinyoung, And More Confirmed For New Drama

tvN’s upcoming drama “100 Days of Lies” (literal translation) has finalized its starring cast! On March 6, tvN announced that Kim You Jung, GOT7’s Park Jinyoung, Kim Hyun Joo, Lee Moo Saeng, and Jin Sun Kyu were now officially confirmed to be starring in “100 Days of Lies.” Helmed by director Yoo In Shik of Continue reading Kim You Jung, GOT7’s Park Jinyoung, And More Confirmed For New Drama Kim You Jung, GOT7’s Park Jinyoung, And More Confirmed For New Drama Soompi. ...

“Our Universe” Heads Into Final Week On Its Highest Thursday Ratings Yet

tvN’s “Our Universe” has set a new personal record ahead of the final week of its run! On March 5, “Our Universe” achieved its highest viewership ratings to date for a Thursday (when its ratings have typically tended to be lower compared to Wednesdays). According to Nielsen Korea, the latest episode of “Our Universe” scored Continue reading “Our Universe” Heads Into Final Week On Its Highest Thursday Ratings Yet “Our Universe” Heads Into Final Week On Its Highest Thursday Ratings Yet Soompi. ...

CORTIS Becomes 2nd K-Pop Group Ever To Sell 2 Million Copies Of Debut Album

Less than a year into their career, CORTIS has already joined the “double-million seller club”! On March 5, Circle Chart officially awarded the rookie boy group from BIGHIT MUSIC a double million certification for selling over 2 million copies of their debut EP “COLOR OUTSIDE THE LINES.” Notably, CORTIS is only the second K-pop group Continue reading CORTIS Becomes 2nd K-Pop Group Ever To Sell 2 Million Copies Of Debut Album CORTIS Becomes 2nd K-Pop Group Ever To Sell 2 Million Copies Of Debut Album Soompi. ...

Son Strangled Dad to Death for Dumping Coffee on Wife's Head

A New York man strangled his father to death during a verbal argument that turned physical, police said. Hans Knickerbocker was initially arrested on a charge of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation in connection with his father Philip A. Knickerbocker’s death on February 25, according to New York State Police. Two days later, ...

Influencer, 49, Welcomes Baby No. 12 Weeks Before Daughter Gives Birth

Influencer Nichole Boggs has welcomed another little one to her and husband Keith Boggs’ family. “She’s here...

Tori Roloff Shares Why She and Zach Are 'Not' Interested in Buying Family Farm

Little People, Big World alum Tori Roloff said that she and husband Zach Roloff have no desire to purchase Roloff Farms even though it may soon be back on the market. The mom of three — who shares kids Jackson, 8, Lilah, 6, and Josiah, 3, with Zach — revealed their thoughts on swooping up ...

Bozoma Saint John Calls Erika ‘Innocent Bystander’ in Kyle and Dorit Feud

This week on Getting Real With the Housewives, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Bozoma Saint John reveals how Erika Jayne got dragged into the feud between Kyle Richards and Dorit Kemsley. In December, Kyle, 56, shared on an episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen that she and Erika, 53, are no ...

Bethenny Frankel Says E! Couldn't ‘Pay' Her Enough to Do 'RHONY' Spinoff

Bethenny Frankel opened up about why she won’t be starring on E!’s Real Housewives of New York City spinoff. “It wouldn’t be good for my business,” Frankel, 55, explained via Instagram on Tuesday, March 3. “It used to be good for business when I was promoting my own business, but now that I work with ...