The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince (2007) User Reviews

Awesome series

[camelknight · 9/10 · 19 February 2015]

Let's start off with the weirdest thing. I'm Dutch, have no relationship with anything or anyone Korean, I just like Anime and J-Pop/K-pop. While browsing through Netflix I came upon this gem. When I started first watching this show, about a week ago, I thought "fudge it". I never saw a Korean TV-series before with real actors, apart from the occasional Korean movie involving lots of fighting. "Coffee Prince" was my first encounter with a Korean TV-series and boy, what a treat this is!

As other reviewers have explained, this is all about the girl- needs-job, pretends-to-be-boy, falls-for-boss. The amazing thing about it is that these actors actually take you along their fantastic ride. At no point in this series I felt they were over-acting. Every single actor is able to portray his character well and they truly develop throughout the series. This is no As The World Turns. ATWT doesn't even come close. This is real drama. You really feel with these actors, I even forgot they are actors at times! The episodes also take their time, running for an hour or longer which gives the actors and director time to really dig deep into their characters and situations. Characters develop during an episode and even more so over the course of the series.

The struggle between the two main characters is a back-and-forth, a push-and-pull. Sometimes a tad annoying because you really want them to work things out and get together. But the things happening to them and in their relationship often provide roadblocks which must be overcome for them to go forward. The ways they deal with those roadblocks are recognizable for a normal human being. Nobody get's shot because they cheated. This is real drama.

This series is totally captivating and had me interested until the last second. I only wish they would've made an episode about the marriage of the main characters too (and yes, I'm a man saying that...). It would've been the ultimate ending to the series if you ask me.

In Coffee Prince, love crosses boundaries (gender, economic status)

[fprefect-685-281084 · 8/10 · 5 September 2013]

The Coffee Prince shows love can cross boundaries (gender, economic status) and triumph. The love story is beautifully portrayed and makes Coffee Prince worth watching.

The two leads embody the main characters perfectly. Gong Yoo plays Choi Han-gyul, a rich aimless man and Yoon Eun-hye plays Go Eun-chan, a hard- working breadwinner for her family. Eun-chan does not look or dress in a feminine fashion and Han-gyul mistakes her for a boy.

Their initial relationship is based on Han-gyul paying Eun-chan to act as his boyfriend to repulse the blind dates his Grandmother and Mother set him up with, as they want him to settle down and marry. Han-gyul then is challenged to make a decrepit coffee shop profitable in 3 months (as co-owner) and Eun-chan gets a job in the coffee shop. It is wonderful to watch their ensuing friendship and love blossom. Han-gyul struggles with his love for Eun-chan as it challenges his concepts that love should only between a man- and a woman.

The lead actor, Gong Yoo, goes all-in on his character, Han-gyul, playing crucial moments with intensity and elevating the entire drama. The lead actress, Yoon Eun-hye, manages to be sympathetic as her character Eun-chan continues her gender lie longer than necessary.

The supporting characters of the drama did not grab me so their on- screen stories were not of much interest, lowering the overall of the effect of Coffee Prince as a whole.

*SPOILER* When Han-gyul finally allows himself to love Eun-chan regardless of gender (episode 10) it is the best moment of the drama and truly touching.

*SPOILER* The finale episode is the weakest as we wait too long for the couple to be reunited, but all ends well.

Enjoyable!

[SofiCastle · 8/10 · 28 April 2020]

This is a Kdrama that stands out for several reasons:

• one gets the feeling of watching the life of real people;
• the chemistry between all actors is top level, there are moments when you forget that they are not real friends or family;
• it is one of these rare occasions where the female lead pretending to be a boy is actually convincing: no make up, no efforts to look pretty, no girly attitude, Eun Chan could actually pass for a boy, especially a young one (although in the series it is repeated several times that he/she is 24 years old, probably because the showrunners did not want to have the male lead fall in love with an underage boy). Excellent job by the lead actress.
• A very good job by the lead actor too, he actually made believe that his character is crazy in love, be it with that boy or that girl.
• as a matter of fact, this is one of the rare cases of Kdramas where the lead couple actually looks like a real couple in love, like they really love and want each other.
• I realize that for Korea fifteen years ago, having a show about a straight young man that falls in love with another young man and, after being tormented for a while, actually deciding to pursue this without caring about what he thought of himself so far and about what the others will think, was enormous. Also having another character saying "what does it matter if he is a man or a woman, as long as they are in love". Of course eventually the boy turned out to be a girl, to the male lead's initial anger (for having been deceived), then tremendous relief, but even so, the message was delivered.

Of course the show still has its glitches, but it manages to put a smile on the viewer's face, and that's what matters.

Addictid to Go Eun Chan and Choi Han Kyul.

[ugun-ptolemy · 10/10 · 23 September 2018]

I am not a fan of K-Drama, but am a huge fan of this show. Have watched the entire show 4 times so far and always want to come back to it. The scenes are so original you might think it wasn't in a movie.

2007 ~ 2018 and haven't had enough to it. Made me think there was something wrong in me but I'm still fine, I wouldn't mind even if I do though.

I don't know about the others, but it hurts so bad to know that there will be no 2nd season to this show. It really hurts.

One of the best TV shows around...must see.

[tan1415-90-236772 · 10/10 · 25 June 2011]

Hi,

This was the 2nd Korean Drama series I saw. The first one was the acclaimed drama series Da jang Geum.And it made me curious of the socalledd "Korean Wave". After reading the reviews I chose this show.

Wow i have to say...this show beat all expectations. matter of fact its so good..i have rated this as one of the best TV (mini)series ever. A must see.

The story seems pretty straightforward and quite easy to get into. A cross between Cinderella and she's the man. The synopsis tells the story.

But this is not a Hollywood made show.It goes much deeper than that. Where this show truly excels is portraying the relationships of the different characters in the show. Maybe its my Asian background. But the way they portray it and decisions made comes so close to my own experiences that its downright scary and also very touching.

I guess it explains the huge success of the show...who ever watched this. They will see a parallel to their own situation. From a difficult relationship between a father and a son, to a mother trying to balance her need to find a new partner and her duty towards her daughters.

To me it was the start of the boyfriend-girlfriend relationship between EunChan and KanKyul. It mirrors my own experience so closely. The calling game, the little games you play with each other that could lead to misunderstandings and fights. And all this because you are afraid of the strong feelings you have for another person. Not knowing how to express it or how the other person feels about you. The beautiful thing is...they take there time to portray this and it works real well.

Where Hollywood stops with just the love story, this shows continues exploring and portraying the relationship behind the lovestory.

I can't recommend this how highly enough. A must see.

Have so much FUN watching this, again and again. It makes me happy

[ritzz234 · 10/10 · 13 October 2020]

I have watched a lot of recent K dramas but I am glad I somehow stumbled onto this one from 2007. It's my goto TV series when I want to feel happy!

At this time, Korean serials were more forward, had more smexy and intimate scenes. Though the plot is simple, the script is beautiful and the performances are unbelievable. Eun Hyun Hye hasn't bothered about her looks and plays the cutest tomboy ever. As for Gong Hyu, it's his best work ! The guy is soo natural and has such a range of expressions... I tried hard putting them on in the mirror but I just dont seem to have them :)

Together their friendship, fun and fights and intimate scenes create magic on screen.

Strongly strongly recommend !

Well

[GranitePolishedCountertops · 18 January 2017]

OK. I watched this show for the first time in 2015. I was 15. I had just been whipped into phase of watching Korean Dramas by one of my good friends. Compared to the first Korean show I watched, which I also loved but for other reasons (Boys Over Flowers), this show seemed so much more genuine.

(I have not included spoilers about events but I might have included spoilers about different character's characteristics. If that makes any sense.)

First of all, the relationships weren't outlandish. There is no extreme hate between any of the characters in the show. No arch nemesis. The parents/grand parents are more reasonable when it comes to the romance of the main characters than any other K drama I have seen thus far. The supporting relationship in the show is a refreshing, long lasting love between reasonable, authentic adult characters, which, understandably has some hiccups along the way.

Second, the characters weren't to the extremes. I have seen so many dramas with bratty chaebol sons who wear expensive clothing and drive fast cars. Han Kyul is rich and spoiled, but his wealth is toned down so that he is a believable character. Eun Chan was believable too. She didn't beat up people twice her size and the actor wasn't fighting too hard to pass as male. She seemed natural and cool. Sure there are some wacky characters in this show, Mr. Hong, Ha Rim, Sun Ki and Min Yeob, but none of them do extremely garish things which ruin the mood of the show.

Third, Gong Yoo is just great, isn't he? He is a very handsome individual and I quite like the ensemble of different facial expressions that he can pull (my favorite is the raised eyebrows). Plus, he still looks great ten years later!

Fourth, Yun Eun Hye is terrific as this 24 year old tomboy. Her chemistry with Gong Yoo has not been surpassed by anyone in any other the other shows or movies I have seen him in. I must admit, after watching this, I haven't been able to bring myself to watch any other shows that she is in. I see her as such a boy, and without the short hair and masculine tendencies, her performance in other shows and movies always leaves me feeling a bit empty.

The plot kept me on the edge of my seat right up until the end. I'm only docking one point. Half a point because the ending is lacking some, and even though I've watched the show through a few times, I'm always hoping there is something extra that I missed at the end. Plus another half a point for the scenes which I feel are unnecessary and cumbersome to the plot, like Sun Ki's story (sorry Sun Ki).

Great show!!

[cmaglaqui · 10/10 · 10 March 2018]

This was the very first Korean drama I watched. After this one I was hooked! Everything about this K-drama was awesome; the cast, the story, the characters. I will definitely re-watch this one again and again! It will get you hooked! Absolutely loved the ending, too!!!

Well I do like coffee

[tay-sedai · 7/10 · 31 December 2021]

I finally finished this drama after a long time in between watching binges - I was paused at episode 11 or something for quite some time. I liked it, and appreciated that the heroine wasn't a typical girly girl. Go tomboys!! But I have never really loved plots where there is a huge deception between the two main leads and it goes on too long. At least, I feel it went on too long. Each to their own.

I loved the supporting cast and there were plenty of funny moments but also too much drama. The second lead guy made me uncomfortable with his behaviour towards our heroine. I thought the model guy and his gal (heroine's little sister) were cute too, at least once she stopped being a biatch. Anyway, it was a nice way to end the show, and I still love coffee!

Two thumbs up.

[casey8818 · 10/10 · 8 December 2020]

I didn't want this series to end. I binged it. If this is a novel, it's a 'page turner', it is a movie so I gave it Two Thumbs up. The players were well picked and kudos the Casting Director. We can identify with their characters, which are so real to life, who hasn't loved and lost our first love... the pain, heartbreaks, laughter and joy are so close to us. This is a must watch for K-movie fabs. Trust me, you're a romantic, you'll enjoy it. Have fun.

Nice enough krom drama

[Irishchatter · 7/10 · 5 February 2021]

Although I wasn't keen on the pacing and the 2nd couple with their on-off again drama, this kdrama was still watchable enough on Netflix! I was glad that they were able to get a FL who is at least a tomboy and acts likeable for a change! ML was good enough as well. The pair of them are so cute together with their "bromance" like relationship, if only it was about them than the 2nd couple. Otherwise I would have added another few stars on this drama.

Anyways if peeps wanna see a different type of romance than the typical old fashioned ones, it's good to give this a watch on Netflix!

Keep watching it...

[emina77 · 10/10 · 18 March 2019]

I found the first few few episodes annoying.. BUT after the 5th episode, I got hooked.. It is so beautiful, the chemistry between the two main leads is amazing.. Love is love, it has no boundaries.. Watch it.

Some novel themes but boring later part

[phd_travel · 7/10 · 24 August 2022]

There are some daring themes here for kdrama. A man falling in love with a woman he thinks is a man. The acting is good. Yoon eun hye looks and acts like a boy so well she won a Baeksang Award. Gong Yoo is quite convincing in a complicated role with the conflict.

After the big secret is out there are some dramatic scenes and they are both quite touching. But when they start dating as boy and girl it gets clichéd and boring especially the disapproval from grandma. The show could have been shortened to 12 episodes. The ending feels like an anti climax.

The side romances are plenty. There are too many whipped men and women calling all the shots. The women seem to be quite uncompromising and bully the men too much. The cousin and artist is actually the most realistic flawed couple in the show.

This is a serious show that could have bee funnier. You're Beautiful is funnier dealing with cross dressing. Personal Taste is better when it comes to fake gay themes.

Ground breaking for the time but the latter part is tiresome.

Okay

[kajalkashsinha · 3/10 · 10 September 2021]

Female character is without backbone. I don't like characters with no self respect. She is jumping from one guy to other so fast. I made me think is she even really in love with them or it is just infatuation. She is proposing both of them and getting dumped it's really cringey. Other couple is disgusting I skipped most of there part. It was entertaining to watch but not among the best k drama I have watched.

Addicted

[zahidbin-19256 · 10/10 · 15 September 2018]

All though almost all Korean Dramas are great but this One of the best out there. Must watch for all.

Coffee Prince: A Trailblazer Ahead of Its Time

[gracechrista · 10/10 · 4 March 2023]

Coffee Prince is an early Kdrama that has aged amazingly, unlike many others. It truly was a show ahead of its time in terms of protagonists and themes. In modern terms, the female protagonist might be considered non-binary, and the male protagonist pansexual, as he proudly states "I don't care if you're a guy or an alien." Of course, in 2007 America, much less Korea, positive discussions and visibility of gay characters was close to nonexistent; this show was truly a trailblazer, alongside being pure and wholesome cuteness.

Additionally, Coffee Prince handled these deeper topics in such a wholesome and realistic way without it feeling political. Truly, viewers are just watching the lives of very real people play out, with hip 2007 indie tracks playing in the background, no overly dramatic evil characters in sight, no dramatic replays, and no cliff hanger endings. Of course there's plenty more subtle dramatic moments, but always more lifelike in their drama.

Before watching this show, I had been watching Kdramas since 2012; this was the only remaining iconic Kdrama from the 2000s that I had put off watching. My hesitancy to watch was due to the gender-bend/gay character stereotype, which I'd seen done in less than tasteful ways before ie: Personal Taste, To the Beautiful You, Secret Garden. Especially in To the Beautiful You, presenting as a male is a costume for the main character instead of a lifestyle. Not so with Coffee Prince; in this case, it truly is a woman who likes presenting as male with androgynous clothing-it's not just an entertaining gimmick with the gay community held up as a joke.

However, it's also not shallow in how it approaches this subject. The main character understands that she'll be negatively viewed for being a woman who isn't female presenting, and that's exactly what happens; to the dismay and anger of the dashing male lead, thankfully. In this way, it subtly taught a nation to understand the plight of non-binary and LGBTQ people.

In another way, the female protagonist is also extremely independent and feminist-not falling into the trap of living for romance, but instead choosing to live for her career and future-themes that later shows like Boys Over Flowers handled poorly. To put it plainly, everything great about Kdramas-their wholesomeness, their ability to tackle difficult social subjects, their cast chemistry-Coffee Prince did it perfectly first.

Absolutely amazing!

[Afi_vaqar · 10/10 · 14 October 2020]

I truly enjoyed this drama with all my heart !! The story line.. the plot.. the cast.. everything was amazing !!! It's definitely one of the must watch series !!

Boys who like boys, who like girls.

[alaningle7 · 8/10 · 12 June 2021]

A young girl with the responsibility of looking after her mum and younger sister pretends to be male in order to get a job at a coffee shop. Entertaining story with a good message in the fact that gender is irrelevant and love is love. Well acted series with a look at the romantic stories of all the people in the coffee shop and family members and the different experiences they have in the pursuit of what they believe is love.

It's entertaining with a few caveats

[liesl2020 · 7/10 · 13 July 2022]

Overall it was an enjoyable watch but there were a few points that were wierd.

This ends up being a show about a dude who is in denial that he is gay. I mean he spends half the season trying to stop himself from loving another dude. Then finally accepts it.

They took way too long for the character to reveal that she was a girl and even when she did, you would think he would be relieved and happy but he seems unhappy?

And lastly some of the moves that he makes on her made me uncomfortable. He backs her into corners too much, and kisses her multiple times quite forcefully. Keep in mind that this was early 2000's and the world is quite different these days so maybe it doesn't translate across to the viewer in the same way as it would have.

COFFEE PRINCE: Memorable Show!

[Jinxxa_Wolf · 8/10 · 13 July 2019]

COFFEE PRINCE was one of the first K-dramas I ever watched, quite a few years ago now. It is a very entertaining rom-com, but as light as it may seem, it also has a lot of heavy-heavy feels going on. The premise is fun and entertaining and yet very moving. The characters are all interesting and well-casted. I absolutely loved the main character, a tomboy heroine named Go Eun-chan. She was so lovable, relatable and interesting. Although a bit slow at times, this show was an unforgettable watch. Super cute. No regrets.

Overall, it was worth the watch.

Just Brilliant

[WashbBlack · 10/10 · 31 May 2020]

Fantastic performances and a very emotive and sensitive romance, with plenty of passion, which keeps you watching right to the end. Loved every episode.

Good enough

[PennyReviews · 3/10 · 25 August 2016]

Coffee Prince follows the footsteps of so many dramas that have a girl dressed as a boy, but manages to be unique and fresh. And those last two qualities make this drama a classic. First of all, the story: a young girl, who is often confused for a boy, manages to get a job at a cafe, ran by a rich spoiled heir. But, in order to get the job, she needs to pretend to be a boy. All in all, it is an okay film. The main story is interesting and entertaining, though the love triangle wasn't that good, maybe because it ended too soon for the main female lead and therefor it lost its strength early on. Plus, the secondary stories were just there to fill the gaps. Honestly, I thought they will forget about them and never show us what happened to them, but they managed to wrapped them up pretty neatly at the final episode. The romance was okay, though it failed to convince at the ending. Fortunately, the girl didn't miraculously changed into a princess of girly power, as all the other girls do in dramas like this one, but she remained herself and that was the main thing that separates coffee prince from the other dramas. Finally, the plot was just okay, with the episodes sometimes being a little boring, as the action didn't precede.

Something very special

[NorthFrod · 10/10 · 17 June 2020]

Continue watching until episode 4 and prepare to be completely hooked until the end. Main stars, Gong Yoo and Yoon Eun-hye are superb in this great kdrama. Yoon Eun-hye won best actress at the Baeksang Art Awards for her performance, and it was so well deserved. This is no ordinary love story, and is just enthralling. Its depth and how the characters succumb is captivating. Those who have seen it will be aware that there are fabulous kisses, 2 of which are some of the very best of all kdramas. Without doubt. Enjoy.

This. Is. The. Best.

[klara-persson · 10/10 · 21 May 2020]

This is the most amazing and warm love story. I can not describe how this true-to-reality-acting and, without exception, fabulous series exploded in my chest, now nesting in my heart. This is a series that I return to time and time again. It provides hope, comfort, heart flutters, longing and, not to forget, an undoubtably excellent and absolutely gorgeous Gong Yoo. But the FL, Yoon Eun-hye, is freakin' mind blowing in her character interpretation! She is the star of this show. And the chemistry between the ML and FL is perhaps one of the most honest, interesting and intense in all the K-dramas I've experienced so far. The supporting cast and the stories they bring are full of feeling, heart and really down to earth. You cannot help to fall in love with them all! This story addresses many large and small obstacles, tabus and complications in society and in relationships between friends and lovers. It is truly amazing! For me this is the origin of well made Korean dramas, and all should strive to achieve this measure of perfection! Watch and enjoy! I am envious of all whom get to experience this series for the first time! Maybe this is the perfect reason for a true K-drama amnesia to set in! Temporary and selective of course! Daebak!

Sweetest tree bear kiss

[madbird-61243 · 8/10 · 6 January 2019]

Best kiss ever Female lead is cute and male lead is handsome. Love it.