Many romantic comedy K-dramas tend to follow a familiar pattern. The lead characters usually start off disliking each other, but gradually they warm up and eventually find love. What sets them apart are the unique elements woven throughout. In Netflix’s latest Korean romcom, there’s a quirky restaurant known for its exceptional food, part of the story’s charm.
Opening scene: The modern glass and steel headquarters of Hansin, a food conglomerate.
Main Highlights: Han Beom-Woo (played by Kang Ha-Neul) is not only the director of Hansang but also one of the chairman’s two sons. He’s focused on earning three Michelin stars for the flagship restaurant he oversees. To achieve this, he thinks of purchasing a small independent restaurant to acquire its recipes. For instance, he drives his Bentley to a bustling local eatery, intimidating the owner into considering selling it, especially for their famous grilled abalone dish.
This drive stems from competition with his brother Han Sung-woo (Bae Na-ra), who heads a different division and has already secured two stars for his restaurant. Their mother, who is even more demanding, insists that the first one to achieve three stars will gain her favor.
Motto, the restaurant under Beom-Woo’s management, is set to roll out a new menu of signature truffle dishes, but an executive discovers that a small restaurant in Jeonju, run by Jungjae, also offers something similar. With a mission to deliver unique culinary experiences, Beom-Woo heads to the town to negotiate for the restaurant.
What he finds is Mo Yeon-Joo (Go Min-Si), the resilient chef-owner of the small establishment. While attracted to Beom-Woo’s determination, she is equally committed to her culinary standards. Although he wishes to replicate her recipes, she insists on using specific beef bones from a particular farm. In a twist, he buys the entire butcher shop to secure them, but she leads him on a hike to forage for pine mushrooms instead.
Mo Yeon-Joo, fiercely committed to her craft, doesn’t let debt cloud her principles about culinary quality.
Similar Shows: This series fits nicely alongside romantic comedies like The Love Next Door, available on Netflix.
Our Thoughts: Fans of Korean romcoms are likely to find enjoyment in Elegantly Yours. It presents a straightforward story of a privileged corporate heir who crosses paths with a passionate young chef.
The show’s creators, Han Jun Hee and writer Jung Soo-yong, clearly illustrate that viewers should not see Beom-Woo as merely a jerk; his character is driven by the fierce competition with his brother. Their rivalry is exacerbated by their mother, who seems to thrive on pitting the two against each other.
Mo Yeon-Joo’s background isn’t extensively explored, but that’s not a drawback. We see her tending to her garden, cultivating her own vegetables and crafting homemade tofu. It’s the dynamic of their business partnership, filled with conflict and debate, that propels the storyline. While it may not aim for constant humor, the chemistry between the leads is likely to keep romcom enthusiasts engaged.
Content Warning: There are no explicit scenes in the premiere episode.
Closing Scene: After returning, Beom-Woo speaks with Mo Yeon-Joo, who playfully crushes a cigarette he offers and gestures him to follow her, indicating she’ll handle a smoker outside her restaurant.
Notable Mention: Anyone involved in preparing the food showcased in the series deserves recognition, as it all appears deliciously appealing.
Final Recommendation: Stream Elegantly Yours. It provides an enjoyable viewing experience, thanks to the engaging chemistry between the leads and the visually enticing food presented in the opening episode.
