🪶 Story & Synopsis
In the TV series “Chocolate,” viewers are taken on a heartfelt journey as a doctor and a chef find themselves reunited while working at a hospice ward. This South Korean drama beautifully intertwines the past and present through the bond created by meaningful meals.
The male lead, Lee Kang (played by Yoon Kye-Sang), initially dreams of becoming a cook but ends up pursuing a career as a neurosurgeon. Despite his cold exterior, Lee Kang harbors a warm heart, which is gradually revealed as the story unfolds. On the other hand, the female lead, Moon Cha-Young (portrayed by Ha Ji-Won), becomes a chef because of her encounter with Lee Kang in their childhood at a seaside restaurant.
As the two protagonists cross paths again at the hospice ward, their shared history and love for food rekindle a deep connection between them. The series masterfully blends elements of romance, drama, and family dynamics, creating a bittersweet narrative that captures the essence of life’s complexities.
Throughout “Chocolate,” viewers witness the characters navigating through personal tragedies and emotional challenges, both in their own lives and within the hospice setting. The storyline delves into themes of love, loss, and the power of memories, offering a poignant portrayal of human relationships and resilience.
Ha Ji-Won and Yoon Kye-Sang deliver captivating performances as they portray a romance that is as sweet as it is melancholic. The series not only explores the evolving relationship between the two leads but also delves into the lives of the hospice patients and staff, adding depth and emotional richness to the narrative.
With a mix of food, travel, and melodrama, “Chocolate” offers viewers a compelling viewing experience that is both heartwarming and emotionally resonant. Despite some minor flaws in certain characters, the overall storytelling and character development make this K-drama a worthwhile watch for fans of romantic dramas.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Ha Ji-won, Yoon Kye-sang, Jang Seung-jo, Kang Bu-ja, Lee Jae-ryong, Min Jin-woong, Kim Won-hae, Yoo Teo
| Actor | Character | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Yoon Kye-sang | Lee Kang | Raised in seaside town Wando at his mother’s restaurant. Moves to Seoul and becomes a neurosurgeon. Works at Geosung University Hospital before changing to Geosung Hospice. |
| Ha Ji-won | Moon Cha-yeong | Raised to be an actress but becomes a chef. Abandoned by her mother and survives a shopping mall collapse. |
| Jang Seung-jo | Lee Joon | Kang’s cousin. Also a neurosurgeon but wants to be a potter. |
| Teo Yoo | Kwon Min-seong | Kang’s best friend. A lawyer whose father administrates Geosung Hospice. He pursues Cha-yeong. |
| Min Jin-woong | Moon Tae-hyun | Cha-yeong’s brother who also abandoned her but shows up later to mooch off of his sister. |
| Kang Boo-ja | Han Yong-seol | Kang’s & Joon’s grandmother. CEO of Geosung Hospital. |
| Lee Jae-ryong | Lee Seung-hoon | Joon’s father |
| Kim Sun-kyung | Yoon Hye-mi | Joon’s mother |
| Lee Eon-jung | Jeong Soo-hee | Kang’s mother |
| Yoon Ye-hee | Lee Seo-hoon | Joon’s paternal aunt |
| Kim Won-hae | Kwon Hyeon-seok | Administrator of Geosung Hospice, Kwon Min-Seong’s father. |
| Kim Ho-jung | Han Seon-ae | Kwon’s ex-wife. Chef who volunteers in the hospice kitchen. |
| Ha Young | Kim Hee-ju | Hospice patient. A potter who taught Joon pottery. |
| Yeom Hye-ran | Ha Yeong-sil | Hospice nurse. |
| Lee Ju-yoen | Bae Na-ra | Hospice nurse whose father forcefully removes her from the hospice. |
| Yoo In-soo | Jo Seung-goo | |
| Lee Yong-yi | Jang Sook-ja | |
| Jang Duk-joo | Ha Dong-goo | fisherman who loved Kang’s mother and treated Kang as a son |
| Lee Hyo-bin | Kim In-joo | Kwon Min-seong’s fiance |
| Kim Yu-bin | Oh Jeong-Bok | Kang’s childhood friend and Ha Dong-goo’s niece |
| Lina | woman in the museum | Lina and Jang Seung-jo (Joon) are married in real life |
| Yoon Bo-ra | Hui Na | hospice patient and youtuber |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Are you ready to indulge in a cinematic treat that’s as bittersweet as a dark chocolate bar? Well, look no further than the K-drama sensation, “Chocolate.” This drama is like a slow-cooked meal, taking its time to simmer and develop flavors that will leave you craving for more.
Imagine watching a movie where the plot unfolds at the speed of a sloth racing a turtle. Yes, “Chocolate” is that kind of slow burn drama. But don’t let the leisurely pace deter you; this series has layers deeper than an onion and emotions that hit harder than a ton of bricks.
- Plot and Themes: The storyline revolves around Lee Kang (played by the talented Yoon Kye-Sang), who pursued a career in neurosurgery despite his childhood dream of becoming a chef. Enter Moon Cha-Young (portrayed by the charming Ha Ji-Won), a cook inspired by Lee Kang’s kindness. The theme of unfulfilled dreams and second chances is delicately woven throughout the narrative.
- Acting and Characters: Ha Ji-Won brings sweetness to her role, while Seung-Jo Jang delivers a fantastic performance that adds depth to the series. Yoon Kye-Sang shines as the seemingly cold-hearted Lee Kang, whose inner warmth slowly unravels as the story progresses.
- Direction and Cinematography: The picturesque locations in Yeosu, Wando, and Buyeo provide stunning backdrops for the emotional rollercoaster that unfolds on screen. The director skillfully captures intimate moments and culinary delights with equal finesse.
- Production Design and Special Effects: From heartwarming meals to poignant hospice scenes, the production design creates an immersive experience for viewers. The special effects enhance the emotional impact of critical moments without overshadowing the storytelling.
- Editing and Pace: While some may find the pacing slow, it allows for character development and emotional resonance. The editing maintains a cohesive flow, seamlessly blending past memories with present-day struggles.
If you’re looking for a drama that offers more than just entertainment but also explores themes of love, loss, and redemption in a heartfelt manner, “Chocolate” is worth adding to your watchlist. It’s like comfort food for your soul – warm, satisfying, and occasionally bittersweet.
Binge-watching Tips:
- Savor Each Episode: Treat each episode like a piece of gourmet chocolate – take your time to appreciate the nuances and emotions portrayed.
- Keep Tissues Handy: Be prepared for tear-jerking moments that will tug at your heartstrings throughout the series.
The reviews might be mixed on whether “Chocolate” is worth your time, but if you enjoy dramas that delve into complex relationships and poignant storytelling, give this series a chance. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it could be your perfect serving of dessert after a long day.
In conclusion, “Chocolate” deserves credit for its emotional depth and engaging performances despite its slow pace. So grab some snacks (preferably chocolate) and immerse yourself in this heartfelt journey filled with love, food, and second chances.
Rating: 8/10
Remember, just like chocolate melts in your mouth leaving behind its rich flavor, “Chocolate” will linger in your thoughts long after you’ve finished watching it. So sit back, relax, and let this drama sweeten up your viewing experience!
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Good combination of food, travel, and melodrama | Extremely slow pacing |
| Nice amount of romance, drama, and family dynamics | Introduces new characters randomly |
| Beautifully shot | Some cliches in the plot |
| Emotional ride with moments that hit you in the feels | Some sad moments can be bittersweet |
| Deals with mature melodramatic romance | Centers around hospice care which may not appeal to all viewers |
| Meaningful meals connecting characters past and present | Starts with a slow and redundant storyline |
Feedback
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Chocolate (TV Series 2019-2020) - IMDb
SPONSORED
Chocolate
- TV Series
- 2019–2020
- 1h 10m
Brought together by meaningful meals in the past and present, a doctor and a chef are reacquainted when they begin working at a hospice ward.Brought together by meaningful meals in the past and present, a doctor and a chef are reacquainted when they begin working at a hospice ward.Brought together by meaningful meals in the past and present, a doctor and a chef are reacquainted when they begin working at a hospice ward.Browse episodesSPONSORED
Did you know
Featured reviewBest romantic drama I have ever seen
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Chocolate (South Korean TV series) - Wikipedia
Chocolate(Korean: 초콜릿; RR:Chokollit) is a 2019 South Korean television series starring Yoon Kye-sang, Ha Ji-won, Jang Seung-jo, Teo Yoo and Min Jin-woong. Produced by JYP Pictures, it aired on JTBC from November 29, 2019 to January 18, 2020.
Chocolate Hangul 초콜릿
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Review: Netflix's 'Chocolate' Highlights South Korea's Rich ... - Insider
- “Chocolate” is a Korean drama now showing on Netflix. The first series has 16 episodes currently available to watch on the streaming service.
- Like Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning thriller “Parasite,” the show delves into the impact of South Korea’s rich-poor divide, but trades satire for a poignant exploration of family loyalties.
- At the show’s heart is a sweet, slow-burning romance between star-crossed lovers separated by cruel circumstance. We know they’ll reunite eventually, but “Chocolate” has enough smart twists to keep viewers hooked.
- “Chocolate” is perfect for foodies and fans of cooking shows. Both leads whip up some gorgeous meals, and each scene is beautifully shot to savour every dish.
- Visit Insider’s homepage for more stories.
Beyond 10-step beauty regimes and perfectly packaged pop music, South Korea is known for its epic romantic dramas.
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Chocolate - Full Season 1 Review | The Review Geek
As far as Korean dramas go, Chocolate’s poignant storyline and thematically relevant ideas surrounding the relationship between food and emotion is going to be a tough one to beat this year. Split across the usual 16 episode run, Chocolate’s story intertwines two star-crossed characters together through their shared love of food and mixes that in with the death of a loved one to deliver a beautifully written but incredibly sad drama. With a wonderful soundtrack and some smartly written episodes throughout, Chocolate begins 2020 with a high bar to follow for other Korean dramas.
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Chocolate | Official Teaser | Netflix [ENG SUB] - YouTube
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In the final episode of the K-drama “Chocolate,” everything comes full circle as loose ends are tied up and characters find closure and hope for the future. The episode opens with Kang and Cha sharing a moment in a chocolate shop, reminiscing about past events. Cha questions if Kang’s mother was the one who gave her chocolate, leading to a heartwarming exchange between the two.
Meanwhile, Tae-Hyeon and Hui-Na spend time together as her health deteriorates. Kwon takes Seon-Ae to the seaside where she expresses her desire to become a chef. Grandma Han decides not to return to work, and Hye-Mi shares her past sacrifices with Kang, who decides to let her take over the company.
As the story progresses, emotional moments unfold between characters. Yeong-Sil and Dae-Sik share a touching embrace, expressing their feelings for each other. Kang and Cha-Young celebrate Kang’s birthday, but their happiness is interrupted when Cha receives a call from her mother, leading to a confrontation between them.
Cha decides to face her mother, who shows no remorse for her past actions. Kang, who has been silently supporting Cha, reveals his presence and offers her comfort. The episode is filled with emotional revelations and character growth as each one finds their path forward.
Lee Jun showcases his medical skills in a moment of crisis, while Director Kwon embraces a new purpose in life. Kang’s act of kindness towards an old man at the hospice reflects his compassionate nature. Tae-Hyeon continues Hui-Na’s legacy, spreading a message of cherishing every moment.
The finale of “Chocolate” wraps up the storylines with a mix of emotions, leaving viewers with a sense of closure and the hope of new beginnings for the characters they’ve come to love throughout the series.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
TV-14
Age Rating and Parental Guide:
Age Recommendation: “Chocolate” is a South Korean TV series that falls under the drama and romance genres. Considering the content of the show, it is recommended for viewers aged 12 and above.
Sex & Nudity: The series contains minimal sexual content. There is only one delicate and romantic sex scene, which is extremely brief and devoid of nudity. Therefore, it is suitable for older children and teenagers.
Violence & Gore: The show includes mild instances of violence such as a young boy having a mild nosebleed, kids engaging in a brief fight in a playground, and a man setting fire to a houseboat. Additionally, there are graphic drawings of suggested violence and a woman reading gory poetry. These scenes may not be suitable for very young viewers.
Profanity: There is no explicit profanity noted in the series, making it suitable for a wider audience including teenagers.
Overall Parental Guidance: “Chocolate” is a heartwarming series that revolves around the lives of a doctor and a chef working at a hospice ward. While it contains some mild violence and a romantic scene, the show is generally appropriate for viewers aged 12 and above. Parents may want to watch alongside younger viewers to provide context for any sensitive scenes.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Netflix | Chocolate Season 1 is available to watch via streaming on Netflix. |
❝ Quotes and Cult
As long as there is chocolate, there will be happiness.
Chemically speaking, chocolate really is the world's perfect food.
Gives one the feeling of being in love.
Everything is good if it's made of chocolate.
Other foods are just food. But chocolate is chocolate.
To the questions of life, chocolate gives an answer articulated in many cubes and flakes.
There is nothing better than a friend unless it is a friend with chocolate.
All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.
Look, there's no metaphysics on earth like chocolates.
Strength is the capacity to break a Hershey bar into four pieces with your bare hands - and then eat just one of the pieces.
Chocolate says I'm sorry so much better than words.
The way to a woman's heart is through truth and trust. Well, all except mine. Mine is through chocolate.
My favorite thing in the world is a box of fine European chocolates, which is, for sure, better than sex.
Chocolate is the first luxury. It has so many things wrapped up in it: deliciousness in the moment, childhood memories, and that grin-inducing feeling of getting a reward for being good.
Chocolate is a perfect food, as wholesome as it is delicious, a beneficent restorer of exhausted power...it is the best friend of those engaged in literary pursuits.
A little too much chocolate is just about right.
My therapist told me the way to achieve inner peace is to finish what I start. So far I’ve finished two bags of M&Ms and a chocolate cake. I feel better already.
Nice memories are like chocolate: you can’t survive on them alone, as they aren’t very filling, but they make life sweeter.
I’ve always got a sweet tooth. I have chocolate hidden in places that nobody knows about.
Let’s face it, a nice creamy chocolate cake does a lot for a lot of people; it does for me.
🤖Chocolate Reddit Talks
Chocolate: A Show About Time, Death, and the Beauty of Life
Chocolate is a Kdrama that has been gaining popularity on social media. It’s a slow-burn romance show with a melancholic vibe set in a hospice. The show has been praised for its beautiful visuals and realistic portrayal of healing.
What are people saying about Chocolate on Reddit?
Positive reviews:
- “Chocolate is a visually beautiful Kdrama, that while not an elite Kdrama… is one that is worth the journey.”
- “I think it’s a good show overall. It’s a slow-burn romance show with a very melancholic vibe to it.”
- “Chocolate: a drama about time, death, and the beauty of life. Chocolate is, above all else, a very realistic drama about healing.”
- “Okay, so this show has been on my list for quite a while but was always pushed behind in favor of more sensational dramas.”
Negative reviews:
- “I’m on episode 3 and I want to throw the whole show away cause of all the crap he puts up with from his family.”
- “The FL chased the ML through out the show, except to run away at the end until he chased her. That also made no sense.”
Overall, Chocolate is a well-received Kdrama with a unique premise and beautiful visuals. However, some viewers have found the plot to be slow-paced and the characters to be frustrating.
Here are some of the topics that have been discussed on Reddit about Chocolate:
- The show’s beautiful visuals and cinematography
- The realistic portrayal of healing and grief
- The slow-paced plot and lack of action
- The frustrating characters, particularly the male lead
- The ending of the show and whether or not it was satisfying
If you’re looking for a Kdrama that is both beautiful and thought-provoking, Chocolate is worth checking out. However, be prepared for a slow-paced plot and some frustrating characters.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramarecommends/comments/j76f2m/is_chocolate_worth_watching/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/KDRAMA/comments/kgdyb7/chocolate_a_series_worth_the_time/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramarecommends/comments/wwiuu7/is_chocolate_worth_it/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/kdramarecommends/comments/idukb1/should_i_give_chocolate_a_chance/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/KDRAMA/comments/kqrg2l/chocolate_a_drama_about_time_death_and_the_beauty/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chocolate Kdrama worth watching?
Chocolate is a good drama, but it is known for being extremely slow-paced. The series introduces new characters randomly within the middle of the show. Despite this, the cast, including Ha Ji-Won and Seung-Jo Jang, delivers fantastic performances. Yoong Kyesang also stands out with his portrayal.
What is the story of Chocolate Kdrama?
The story of Chocolate revolves around a man who dreamt of becoming a cook but ended up becoming a neurosurgeon, and a woman who became a cook because of him. Their lives intertwine with themes of love, dreams, and redemption.
Where was Chocolate Kdrama filmed?
Chocolate was predominantly filmed in South Korea, specifically in Yeosu, Wando, and Buyeo. The picturesque locations add to the visual appeal and ambiance of the series.
Is Chocolate K drama worth watching?
Chocolate offers a good mix of food, travel, and melodrama. The storyline is filled with romance, drama, and family dynamics. While some find it slow and emotionally heavy, others appreciate its poignant moments and well-crafted narratives.
Who is the male lead in Chocolate?
The male lead in Chocolate is Lee Kang, portrayed by Yoon Kye-Sang. He initially dreamt of becoming a cook but is now a neurosurgeon. Despite appearing cold-hearted, Lee Kang harbors a warm heart beneath his professional demeanor.
🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show
- Chocolate (2019): A drama with a mix of food, travel, and melodrama, focusing on romance, drama, and family dynamics.
- Eccentric Chef Moon: A healing-type drama similar to Chocolate but with a slower pace and more melo vibe.
- Something in the Rain: A show with a similar feel to Chocolate, exploring themes of love and relationships.
- When the Weather is Fine: Another drama similar to Chocolate, known for its soothing and heartwarming storyline.
- Thirty Nine: A series that shares similarities with Chocolate, offering a mix of romance and drama.
- Best Leftovers Ever!: A show akin to School of Chocolate, focusing on cooking challenges and culinary creativity.
- Sugar Rush: Another series like School of Chocolate, featuring competitive baking and dessert-making.
- Oh My Ghost (2015): A K-Drama with elements of romance and mystery, similar to the vibe of Chocolate.
- Itaewon Class (2020): A captivating drama exploring themes of revenge and ambition, resonating with fans of Chocolate.
Wallpapers & Media
🔥 Audience Trends
