JTBC is preparing to launch its newest weekend series, The Practical Guide To Love, which arrives on February 28, 2026. Ahead of the premiere, the creative team behind the project shared their thoughts on what makes this story different from typical romance dramas. Director Lee Jae-hoon and writer Lee Yi-jin provided a closer look at the core themes, focusing on how people navigate dating in a world that values speed and efficiency. The series features Han Ji-min as a woman trying to find a meaningful connection without wasting her precious time, leading her into a complicated situation with two very different men played by Park Sung-hoon and Lee Ki-taek.
The story centers on Lee Ui-young, a successful hotelier who has reached a point in her life where she feels the pressure to settle down. After a misunderstanding at work, she decides to take dating seriously and starts meeting partners through blind dates. The drama explores whether love can be found through a planned process or if it remains something unpredictable.
The Core Concept Of Practical Dating And Finding Genuine Connection
Writer Lee Yi-jin explained that the main idea was to reflect the reality of modern adults who are busy with their careers. Many people today feel that they do not have the energy for long, drawn-out courtships that might lead nowhere. The title, The Practical Guide To Love, refers to the protagonistโs attempt to find a partner using a logical and efficient method. However, the writer noted that the humor and emotion in the story come from how logic often fails when it comes to human feelings.
“I wanted to write a story for people who feel that dating is a luxury or a task. It is about a woman who tries to be smart about her heart, only to realize that feelings are the one thing you cannot really schedule or control.”
Director Lee Jae-hoon added that the show aims to be relatable. He wanted to capture the small, awkward moments of first dates and the internal conflict of choosing between what is sensible and what feels right. The production team focused on making the characters feel like real people that the audience might know in their own lives.
Key Points To Watch In The Love Triangle Between Han Ji-min Park Sung-hoon and Lee Ki-taek
The chemistry between the lead actors is one of the most important aspects of the series. Han Ji-min plays Lee Ui-young with a balance of professional strength and romantic vulnerability. The director highlighted that her performance captures the “restlessness” of a woman in her thirties who is doing well at work but feels something is missing.
There are two distinct paths presented for the main character through the male leads:
- The Path of Stability: Park Sung-hoon plays Song Tae-seop, a furniture designer who is honest and dependable. He represents the kind of partner who is ready for a serious commitment from the very first meeting. He is someone who has built a solid foundation in his life and is looking for someone to share it with.
- The Path of Passion: Lee Ki-taek portrays Shin Ji-soo, a man who enters Ui-young’s life under slightly false pretenses but brings a sense of excitement and spontaneity. He is younger and more impulsive, challenging the protagonist to step out of her comfort zone and her strict rules for dating.
The production team suggested that viewers should pay attention to how Ui-young changes as she interacts with both men. The drama is not just about who she chooses, but about her journey to understand what she actually needs in a relationship.
Production Background And Global Streaming Details For Viewers
The Practical Guide To Love is produced by SLL and is based on a popular webtoon titled Efficient Dating for Singles. The series consists of 12 episodes and is scheduled to take over the Saturday and Sunday time slot at 22:40 KST on JTBC. This marks Han Ji-min’s return to the small screen after nearly a year, and her pairing with Park Sung-hoon, known for his intense roles in previous hits, has generated significant interest among drama fans.
For international audiences, the show will be available through various platforms. In the USA, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe, viewers can stream the episodes on Viki and HBO Max. In India and other Asian regions, the drama will be accessible on HBO Max Asia and other local streaming partners. The global release is timed to match the Korean broadcast, ensuring that fans can follow the story as it unfolds.
Relatable Themes Of Modern Pressure And Personal Choice
The director mentioned that the drama also touches on the societal pressure to get married. Lee Ui-young’s mother represents this traditional viewpoint, often pushing her daughter to find a husband. This conflict is something many viewers around the world can understand, as it highlights the struggle between meeting family expectations and finding personal happiness.
Instead of being a heavy drama, the creators have kept the tone light and comedic. The “bad blind dates” montage seen in the trailers is meant to provide a humorous look at the frustrations of the modern dating scene. By showing these relatable struggles, the creators hope to offer a sense of comfort to those who are also navigating their own “practical” search for love.
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