A First for Historical Dramas: “Heo’s Diner” – The Trending Korean Series That Reached #4 on Netflix
On April 4, “Heo’s Diner” reached #4 in Netflix’s “Today’s Top 10 Series in Korea.” It surpassed notable productions like “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call,” “Adolescence,” and “Crazy Gourmet: Gourmet Friend’s Restaurant,” making its success even more impressive.
The drama is based on a popular web novel of the same name. In the story, Heo Gyun, who is escaping from exile in Joseon, unexpectedly experiences time travel and lands in modern-day Seoul. He then runs a restaurant with Bong Eun-sil, the daughter of a rice bowl restaurant, leading to hilarious situations, personal growth, and romance. This drama shakes up the traditional historical drama format, seamlessly mixing comedy and romance to create a unique atmosphere.
Xiumin portrays Heo Gyun, switching effortlessly between historical and modern settings. Heo Gyun is a brilliant writer and “food critic” with extraordinary writing and taste skills, bridging the gap between the past and the present. Despite being from the past, he quickly adapts to modern life, showcases his culinary talents, and gives special insights to those who visit his restaurant. Xiumin has been praised for his stable delivery and expressive portrayal of the character.
Lead actress Choo So-jeong (EXY) plays Bong Eun-sil, who runs the restaurant with Heo Gyun. Her warm yet determined character brings natural chemistry to the pairing, adding vitality to the show.
Lee Se-eon plays dual roles, portraying both the Joseon-era official Yi I-cheom and the youngest Korean culinary master, Lee Hyuk. Lee Soo-min also brings charm by playing two characters, Ma Chang and Jeong Mi-sol, straddling both eras.
“Heo’s Diner” is not just a time-travel story; it’s a drama that explores the clash of cultures between Joseon and modern times, food, relationships, and timeless values. The unfamiliar scenes and characters that Heo Gyun encounters in the modern era are comic but resonate with a strange emotional depth. Particularly, scenes that revive the emotions of “jeong” (affection) and “empathy,” which modern people have forgotten, are striking a chord with viewers.
The OST has also been recognized for enhancing the atmosphere of “Heo’s Diner.” Various genres of songs are inserted throughout the series, adding emotional layers to the storyline, and a track featuring Xiumin’s voice has caused a huge stir among fans.
In a recent interview, Xiumin described “Heo’s Diner” as “a drama like ramen that tastes familiar but is always delicious,” capturing the essence of the show.
With its blend of a seemingly familiar yet unfamiliar setting, comic warmth, and intergenerational relationships that transcend time, the drama offers both comfort and empathy to viewers.
“Heo’s Diner” has caught the attention of both domestic and international audiences, presenting a fresh style by deviating from traditional historical drama formats with solid storytelling and bold experimentation.
