Watch My Lovely Samsoon

My Lovely Samsoon is a delightful romantic comedy that premiered on MBC America back in 2005. Originally titled "My Name is Kim Sam-soon," the show follows the life and loves of the titular character played by Seon-a Kim. Sam-soon is a talented pastry chef with a sassy attitude and a penchant for getting into trouble.

The show starts off with Sam-soon going through a particularly rough patch in her life. She's just turned 30, she's overweight, and her boyfriend has cheated on her with someone younger and skinnier. To make matters worse, she ends up getting dumped from her job at a French restaurant by her own best friend.

But Sam-soon is nothing if not resilient, and she quickly bounces back by starting her own business as a pastry chef. Along the way, she meets a wealthy businessman named Hyun Jin-heon, played by Hyun Bin, who hires her to create desserts for his restaurant. Despite their initial clashes, Sam-soon and Jin-heon start to develop feelings for each other.

However, there are plenty of obstacles standing in their way. For one, Jin-heon is engaged to a beautiful and sophisticated woman named Yoo Hee-jin, played by Jung Ryeo-won. He's also wrestling with some personal demons related to his difficult relationship with his mother. Meanwhile, Sam-soon is dealing with her own insecurities about her weight and her age.

Throughout the show, we see Sam-soon and Jin-heon struggle to navigate their growing feelings for each other while dealing with the complications of their respective lives. Along the way, there are plenty of hilarious misunderstandings, dramatic confrontations, and moments of pure romance.

One of the standout elements of My Lovely Samsoon is the chemistry between the two leads, Seon-a Kim and Hyun Bin. Kim in particular shines as Sam-soon, bringing a quick wit, vulnerability, and warmth to the character. Hyun Bin is a great foil for her, with a brooding intensity that contrasts nicely with Sam-soon's more light-hearted personality.

The supporting cast is also fantastic. Jung Ryeo-won is compelling as Jin-heon's fiancee, bringing a nuanced performance that makes the character more than just a two-dimensional rival for Sam-soon's affections. Meanwhile, Daniel Henney plays Dr. Henry Kim, a charming American-Korean surgeon who acts as a romantic interest for Sam-soon's best friend. Henney in particular is a standout, with a natural charisma and chemistry with Kim that lights up the screen.

But beyond the romance and the humor, My Lovely Samsoon is also a show about growth and self-acceptance. Sam-soon's journey towards accepting herself and her body is one of the show's most compelling arcs, and it's refreshing to see a female lead who isn't a stereotypical K-drama ingenue. Similarly, Jin-heon's struggles with his mother and his own emotional baggage feel genuine and poignant.

Overall, My Lovely Samsoon is a charming, funny, and heartfelt drama that will appeal to fans of romantic comedies or anyone looking for a well-crafted K-drama. With memorable characters, great performances, and plenty of heart, it's easy to see why the show has endured as a classic in the genre.