If you’re a fan of romantic Korean dramas or movies like the “Before” series, you might want to check out our review of “Tune in For Love.”
“Tune in For Love” is a recent Korean romance film starring Kim Go-eun and Jung Hae-in. The story spans a decade and follows the on-and-off budding relationship between Mi-soo (Kim) and Hyun-woo (Jung). Think of it as a sweeter, gentler version of films like “One Day” or “Same Time, Next Year,” where the couple keeps missing each other due to bad timing, miscommunication, and various obstacles.
Their story begins in 1994 at Mi-soo’s family bakery. Hyun-woo walks in and makes a request she can’t fulfill just as a new radio program, Yoo Yeol’s Music Album, starts playing. This radio show becomes a recurring element throughout their relationship, playing in the background during significant moments.
Hyun-woo ends up working part-time at the bakery alongside Mi-soo and her surrogate mother Eun-ja. Over time, Hyun-woo starts to open up despite his troubled past involving juvenile detention for an accidental death. However, when his old gang reappears, he succumbs to his past and disappears again.
They cross paths again in 1997. By this time, Hyun-woo has a job, and Mi-soo is nearing the end of her university studies. They spend a chaste night together before he begins his mandatory military service, promising to write each other emails. Unfortunately, Mi-soo forgets to give Hyun-woo the password for his email account, leading to years of one-sided communication.
By 2000, Mi-soo is stuck in a job she dislikes, while Hyun-woo works at a gym after completing his service. He finally manages to access his email and reach out to her, but both are too insecure and awkward to rekindle their relationship fully.
By 2005, they meet once more, now both in better places in their lives. Mi-soo is a happy editor at a publishing house, and Hyun-woo works as a cameraman. Love finally has a chance to flourish, but Hyun-woo’s unresolved past continues to cast a shadow over their relationship.
“Tune in for Love” is a slow-burning, tender romance. Some might find its pace too slow, but its charm lies in its gentle unfolding. The nostalgic depiction of changing technology over the years adds an extra layer for those who remember the 1990s.
Despite some clichés, if you’re in the mood for a gentle, old-fashioned love story, “Tune in for Love” is worth watching on Netflix. The film is rated PG-13 for some mild language and violence.
Have you seen “Tune in for Love”? What did you think of this romantic Korean drama?
