What is Love

If you're looking for a romantic drama that doesn't shy away from the messiness of love and commitment, TTV's What is Love is a solid choice. This Taiwanese series, with its 16 episodes, dives deep into the complexities surrounding marriage, and it's less about a fairytale ending and more about the journey to understanding what love truly entails.

The central tension here is a classic one: a charming playboy, initially just in it for the fun, slowly but surely falls for a woman he first pursued without serious intentions. What makes it compelling isn't just the 'will they, won't they' but the genuine transformation of the male lead. You see him grapple with his own superficiality, pulled into something deeper than he ever anticipated. It’s a sweet progression, yet it's never saccharine, always acknowledging the hurdles they face.

The performances really sell this show. While specific character names aren't provided, the dynamic between the leads, played by Jade Chou and Duncan Chow, is the anchor. You can feel the shift in their relationship, from casual flirtation to something genuinely profound. This isn't just a surface-level romance; it's about two people whose lives become irrevocably intertwined, forcing them to confront their ambitions and expectations about marriage. Hsia Yu-chiao and Gina Lin also contribute to the ensemble, adding layers to the supporting cast that flesh out the world these characters inhabit.

What I particularly appreciate about the series is its grounded approach. It doesn't present love as a simple solution to all problems but rather as a catalyst for growth and introspection. The mood it creates is one of thoughtful romance, mixed with moments of genuine humor and poignant drama. It’s not a light, fluffy watch, but it’s certainly not a heavy, depressing one either. It strikes a good balance.

This show will definitely click with viewers who enjoy character-driven stories and those who appreciate a romance that feels earned. If you're tired of predictable love triangles and prefer a narrative that explores the psychological aspects of falling in love and considering marriage, then What is Love is absolutely worth your time. It’s a drama that asks big questions about commitment and the nature of affection, and it does so with sincerity and skill.

If you're a fan of the 2012 Taiwanese drama What is Love and find yourself dreaming of walking in the footsteps of its charming playboy and pure-hearted heroine, you're in for a treat. While the series explores the complexities of love and marriage in Taiwan, some of its most memorable scenes actually take us to some beautiful spots in South Korea. It's a bit of a trek, but totally worth it for the dedicated fan.

Let's start our journey in Seoul, specifically at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art. In episode 8, this museum sets the stage for a truly heart-fluttering moment between characters. I remember how atmospheric it looked, especially at night. Imagine recreating that scene yourself. Beyond the drama connection, it's a fascinating museum showcasing traditional Korean crafts, so you get a cultural bonus.

From Seoul, we'll head down to Gyeonggi-do for a historical detour. First up is Hwaseong Haenggung in Suwon. While What is Love might not have filmed extensively here, it's a must-see. This majestic palace has been the backdrop for countless historical dramas, including the iconic Dae Jang Geum. You can almost hear the echoes of royal stories as you wander the grounds. Then, a short trip will take us to Wolhwawon Garden in Paju. This place is a hidden gem with its traditional Chinese garden design. It's a favorite for fantasy historical dramas, and you can see why. The serene atmosphere is perfect for a quiet afternoon.

Our final stop takes us further south to Chungcheongnam-do, to Sunshine Land. This spot is a real time capsule, recreating early 1900s Korea with its elegant streets and classic architecture. Fans of the drama Mr. Sunshine will recognize it instantly. Walking through here feels like stepping onto a movie set, and it's easy to picture the dramatic moments unfolding on these very streets.

Now, about food. The drama mentions a preference for B Burger over M Burger, specifically their W menu. If you're in Seoul, you can actually visit B Burger in Seongdong-gu. It's a cool spot, and you can try what the narrator preferred. For breakfast, the characters often enjoyed McMorning meals, so if you're looking for that specific vibe, you know where to go.

While the series itself is a Taiwanese production, it's neat how it incorporates these South Korean locations. It adds a layer of depth to the story, even if it's just a fleeting scene. Exploring these spots gives you a chance to not only relive moments from the show but also to discover some beautiful and historically rich parts of Korea. It's a different kind of drama pilgrimage, and I think it's a pretty cool way to experience both the series and the country.

While What is Love delivers on the romantic drama front, its food scenes offer a glimpse into everyday life and character preferences, particularly when it comes to fast food. We don't see elaborate meals or fancy restaurants often, but the series does lean into the simple, comforting world of burgers.

There's a subtle but fun rivalry established between M Burger and B Burger. The narrator, for instance, mentions a trip to M Burger for breakfast, specifically noting that their family enjoys the McMorning meals. However, it's quickly clear where their loyalty truly lies. They flat-out state a personal preference for B Burger, highlighting their fondness for the "W menu" from the South Korean chain located in Seongsu-dong. It's a small detail, but it paints a picture of a character with defined tastes, even when it comes to quick bites.

These burger joints aren't just background noise; they're woven into the narrative as part of the characters' routines. You can imagine the main couple, perhaps after a long day of navigating their complicated love affair, grabbing a quick meal at B Burger, debating the merits of the W menu versus, well, whatever M Burger is offering. It’s a relatable element, showing that even in a world of grand romantic gestures, sometimes all you want is your favorite burger. It adds a touch of grounded reality to the story, reminding us that even drama characters have their preferred fast-food stops.

What is Love, the 2012 Taiwanese drama, takes us on a journey through the often-messy world of relationships and marriage. It centers on a charming playboy, a familiar K-drama trope, who initially targets a pure-hearted woman for what he assumes will be a brief fling. But as these stories usually go, he finds himself genuinely falling for her, leading to a romance that’s both sweet and surprisingly complicated.

The premise itself isn't groundbreaking, but the show tries to explore the nuances of commitment and ambition within love stories. I found the gradual shift in the male lead's intentions to be the most engaging part. It's not a sudden change, but a slow burn as he grapples with unexpected feelings. We see this emotional journey unfold over 16 episodes, which feels like just the right length to develop these character arcs without dragging.

While the drama is Taiwanese, some scenes were clearly filmed in South Korea, which I thought was an interesting choice. We don't get many specific character details beyond the broad strokes, so it's hard to pinpoint exactly who, but I did notice a heart-fluttering scene between characters at the Seoul Museum of Craft Art in episode eight. It looked stunning, especially at night. Other Korean locations like Hwaseong Haenggung and Wolhwawon Garden are mentioned, though their specific role in this series isn't detailed, which left me curious.

What is Love will likely appeal to anyone who enjoys romantic dramas with a focus on character growth and the complexities of falling in love unexpectedly. It's a solid 8.0 out of 10 on TMDB, and I think that's a fair assessment. It’s not a show that reinvents the wheel, but it delivers on its promise of a charming, if sometimes messy, love story. If you're looking for a lighthearted yet emotionally resonant romantic drama, this one's worth a watch, especially if you appreciate the transformation of a playboy into someone genuinely in love. Those looking for high-octane drama or completely novel plots might find it a bit too conventional.