A healthy romance is something rare to come by. Finding a partner who is equally devoted to you without any qualms is a rare find indeed. In the drama world, we have seen healthy romances that set standards high for most viewers. There is a new drama on the block that intends to do just that and more. Cinderella at 2 AM is a drama adapted from a Korean webtoon of the same name by author Aigome. The drama premiered on August 24, 2024. The timeless fairytale takes on a contemporary twist, diving into the messy, real-world complications that arise after the clock strikes midnight. Starring Shin Hyun Been and Moon Sang Min, this K-drama explores the aftermath of a seemingly perfect romance, where love must navigate the murky waters of family expectations, corporate power plays, and the unsettling reality of what happens when the magic fades and life takes over.
Cinderella at 2 AM Review: Shin Hyun Been and Moon Sang Min brew a tale of second-chance, explore the aftermath of a fairytale romance in new K-drama
Cinderella at 2 AM is a romantic comedy about an office employee Ha Yun Seo (played by Shin Hyun Been) who is dating her colleague Seo Ju Won (played by Moon Sang Min). But things take a sad turn when she finds out that he is the heir to the company she works at. Seo Ju Won’s mother approaches Yun Seo to break up with him. Reluctantly, Yun Seo accepts the proposal along with some monetary compensation.
Yun Seo begins to act strange around Ju Won. Ju Won eventually finds the truth. He takes a leave of absence and returns as the company’s new director. He tells Yun Seo that he will not let their financial and social status come between their love life. Thus begins a tale of a man pursuing his lady love, no matter the obstacles.
Cinderella at 2 AM talks about the idea of a woman who finds her Prince Charming, but has to let go of him owing to the societal and financial differences. While it looked good in the story for people of different economic classes to love and then marry, in real life that is not always the case. A whirlwind romance might be possible but anything long-term is just a pipe dream.
What makes Cinderella at 2 AM different than the rest in its genre is a fresh take on office romance and chaebol romance. The first two episodes of the drama give a good peak into the story. The chemistry between Yun Seo and Ju Won is unmistakably adorable. They truly care for each other and want to make things work.
Shin Hyun Been, who shot to fame with Hospital Playlist, is a delight to see on screen as Yun Seo. Yun Seo is a hard-working woman who has seen tough times growing up. Her lifestyle has been a stark contrast to Ju Won’s, who grew up in the lap of luxury. She is not delusional but quite realistic. She began dating Ju Won because she was under the impression that he came from a similar background as hers. She readily accepts her fate and shuts her heart to any prospect of love from Ju Won, the moment she finds his real identity.
Moon Sang Min, whom we last saw in Wedding Impossible, plays quite the adorable Seo Ju Won in this drama. Yun Seo is of course a little older than him, but that does not keep either of them away from exploring their genuine feelings for each other. Sang Min’s performance has only grown with each role and this drama is further proof of that claim.
Coming to the supporting cast, we have Yoon Park once again entertaining the audience with his comic timing. He plays Seo Si Won, Ju Won’s elder brother and the company’s vice president. He is married but his wife stays in Paris. His marriage was arranged by his mother to expand their business. He says that he and his wife are okay with the arrangement but it doesn’t seem like it. He is a reliable elder brother for Ju Won. It is a welcome change to see a chaebol sibling pair who are not after each other’s throats.
This month, with dramas like Cinderella at 2 AM and No Pain No Love, we see a rise in women characters working in senior corporate positions. There is a complex and layered narrative in Cinderella at 2 AM. It is not just a drama about a workplace romance or a chaebol romance, it is also about a positive change in the way romance and life stories are depicted on screen. Sure, a cynic might pop up and say that romance in today’s times is not easy. But dramas like these make us believe that with a little more effort, a little more honesty, and a whole lot of faith can make things work eventually.
In Cinderella at 2 AM, the show deftly intertwines familiar fairy tale elements with modern complexities, offering a fresh lens on romance. As Yun Seo navigates her conflicted emotions and the challenges posed by Ju Won’s dual identity, the drama invites viewers to question what truly happens after the clock strikes midnight. With its mix of lighthearted moments and underlying tension, the series delivers an easy-going narrative that reminds us that the magic of love often lies in its imperfections.
Watch the teaser for Cinderella at 2 AM here:
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