HBO Max is bringing a fresh dose of romance and laughter to audiences across Malaysia with the upcoming Korean romantic comedy series The Practical Guide to Love, premiering on February 28, 2026.
The highly anticipated series stars some of South Korea’s most recognisable talents, including Han Ji-min, Park Sung-hoon, and Lee Ki-taek, and promises a witty, modern take on love, relationships, and dating in today’s fast-paced world.
Produced as a TVING Original, The Practical Guide to Love spans 12 episodes and explores the challenges of finding genuine connection in an era driven by efficiency, ambition, and carefully curated lifestyles.
At its core, the series reflects the realities faced by many modern professionals who approach love with the same practicality they apply to their careers.
The Practical Guide to Love
The story follows Lee Ui-young, portrayed by Han Ji-min, a highly driven and career-focused woman who believes love should be approached logically and efficiently. Determined to find her ideal partner through a modern interpretation of blind dating, Ui-young embarks on a carefully planned journey to meet “the one.” However, her well-structured plan begins to unravel when she unexpectedly finds herself entangled in a complicated love triangle.
As Ui-young navigates her emotions, she becomes drawn to two very different men, each offering contrasting perspectives on love, life, and relationships. What begins as a calculated search for romance gradually transforms into an emotional journey that forces her to confront what she truly wants from love, beyond checklists and expectations.
Han Ji-min, known for her acclaimed performances in Our Blues, Love Scout, and Heavenly Ever After, brings warmth, depth, and relatability to the role of Lee Ui-young. Her portrayal captures the internal conflict between emotional vulnerability and rational decision-making, making the character resonate with viewers who have faced similar dilemmas in modern dating.
Joining her is Park Sung-hoon, whose recent appearances in global hits such as Squid Game and The Glory have earned him international recognition. His role adds emotional tension and intrigue to the narrative, while Lee Ki-taek, known for Bon Appetit and My Happy Ending, completes the love triangle with a performance that highlights the charm and complexity of modern romance.
Behind the scenes, The Practical Guide to Love is directed by Lee Jae-hun, whose previous works include Run On and Good Manager. The series is written by Lee Yi-jin and produced by SLL, with Hwangbo Sang-mi serving as Executive Producer. Together, the creative team delivers a series that blends heartfelt storytelling with light-hearted humour, offering both entertainment and thoughtful commentary on relationships in the digital age.
Visually polished and emotionally engaging, the series balances romantic comedy elements with realistic portrayals of love, career pressures, and personal growth. Rather than relying solely on clichés, The Practical Guide to Love presents a refreshing narrative that reflects how relationships evolve amid modern expectations, social norms, and personal ambitions.
With its relatable premise, strong cast, and experienced creative team, The Practical Guide to Love is poised to become a must-watch Korean drama for fans of romantic comedies. Whether viewers are drawn to love triangle dynamics, character-driven storytelling, or contemporary romance with a twist, the series offers something for everyone.
The Practical Guide to Love will be available to stream exclusively on HBO Max starting February 28, 2026, marking another exciting addition to the platform’s growing lineup of Korean content.
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