Welcome: A Fantasy Romantic Comedy Starring Kim Myung-soo and Shin Ye-eun
In the realm of South Korean television, few genres blend whimsy and romance as seamlessly as the fantasy romantic comedy. Welcome (Korean: 어서와) is a 2020 series that takes viewers on a supernatural journey involving a mysterious cat with a human secret. Based on the popular 2009–2010 Naver webtoon by Go A-ra, this KBS2 production brings a unique tale of identity and affection to the screen.
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Synopsis: A Cat with a Human Secret
The story follows Kim Sol-ah, a young graphic designer with aspirations of becoming a webtoon artist. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she brings home a white cat named Hong-jo. However, Hong-jo is no ordinary pet; he possesses the ability to transform into a man. As Hong-jo becomes increasingly attracted to Sol-ah, he must navigate the complexities of hiding his true identity while trying to stay by her side.
Key Facts
- Genre: Fantasy, Romantic Comedy
- Original Source: Webtoon "Welcome" by Go A-ra
- Network: KBS2
- Episodes: 24 (aired in 35-minute segments)
- Original Air Dates: March 25 – April 30, 2020
- Starring: Kim Myung-soo, Shin Ye-eun, and Seo Ji-hoon
Cast and Characters
The series features a talented ensemble cast that brings the supernatural and emotional elements of the story to life.
Main Cast
- Kim Myung-soo as Hong-jo: A cat who dreams of being human and discovers he can only transform through Sol-ah.
- Shin Ye-eun as Kim Sol-ah: A graphic designer with a love-hate relationship with cats who must protect Hong-jo's secret.
- Seo Ji-hoon as Lee Jae-sun: Sol-ah's former partner who discovers Hong-jo's true nature.
- Yoon Ye-joo as Eun Ji-eun: An introverted, cat-like colleague in Sol-ah's office.
- Kang Hoon as Go Doo-sik: A friend of Sol-ah and Jae-sun with a dog-like personality.
Supporting Cast
The production is rounded out by several notable supporting actors, including Ahn Nae-sang as the poet Kim Soo-pyeong, Jo Ryun as Bang-sil, and Kim Yeo-jin and Jeon Bae-soo as Doo-sik's parents.
Production Details
Originally conceived under the title Man Who Bakes Bread, the project was initially planned for tvN in 2019 before moving to KBS2. To navigate Korean broadcasting regulations regarding commercial breaks, the production utilized a unique format: instead of single 70-minute episodes, the series was released as two 35-minute episodes per night.
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Series Overview Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Ji Byung-hyun |
| Writer | Joo Hwa-mi |
| Production Company | Gill Pictures |
| Original Language | Korean |
| Running Time | 35 minutes per episode |
Ratings and Reception
While the series was a notable production, it faced significant challenges in viewership ratings. During its broadcast, Welcome recorded a single-episode low of 0.8%, which at the time set a record for the lowest-rated drama in a primetime slot on a free-to-air network in South Korea. The series maintained an average audience share of 1.7%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the premise of the drama Welcome?
The drama is a fantasy romantic comedy about a graphic designer named Kim Sol-ah who discovers that her white cat, Hong-jo, can transform into a human man.
Is Welcome based on a true story?
No, it is a fictional series based on the Naver webtoon of the same name written by Go A-ra.
How many episodes are in the series?
The series consists of 24 episodes, each with a running time of approximately 35 minutes.
Who are the lead actors in Welcome?
The series stars Kim Myung-soo, Shin Ye-eun, and Seo Ji-hoon in the primary roles.
Why were the episodes only 35 minutes long?
The episodes were packaged into 35-minute segments to comply with Korean laws regarding commercial breaks during television broadcasts.