“Unbelievable!” This K-Drama Tops Netflix Right After Release, Beating 'The Trauma Code'

A Korean drama that amassed 870,000 views on its trailer has taken Netflix Korea’s No.1 spot just two days after its release. 'Melo Movie' (written by Lee Na-eun, directed by Oh Choong-hwan) soared to the top, surpassing major titles like 'The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call' and 'Love Scout'.

The Netflix original series, which premiered on February 14 with all 10 episodes, tells the heartfelt story of young adults who struggle to balance love and dreams while overcoming their personal traumas through meaningful encounters.

Melo Movie features an all-star lineup of Choi Woo-shik, Park Bo-young, Lee Jun-young, and Jeon So-nee, who bring to life a romance that is both youthful and bittersweet. The drama quickly gained traction, partly due to the creative duo behind it—director Oh Choong-hwan ('Start-Up', 'Hotel Del Luna') and writer Lee Na-eun ('Our Beloved Summer').

The story revolves around Go Gyeom (Choi Woo-shik), a passionate movie lover who grew up watching films with his older brother Jun (Kim Jae-wook) and his friends Joo-ah and Si-jun (Lee Jae-wook). Naturally, he found himself drawn into the world of acting, albeit in minor roles. One day, at an audition, he meets Kim Mubee (Park Bo-young)—a woman who, unlike him, keeps her distance from people.

Kim Mubee, named after a film by her father, harbors deep emotional wounds. Though she tries to avoid Gyeom, fate keeps bringing them together. As they grow closer, Gyeom suddenly disappears, leaving Mubee heartbroken. Five years later, they reunite—now on opposite sides of the film industry. Mubee has become a director, while Gyeom is a film critic. As one of the drama’s key lines suggests, "Directors and critics are natural enemies." Yet, an unexpected twist—Gyeom moving into Mubee’s neighborhood—forces them back into each other's orbit. As they uncover past misunderstandings and heal old wounds, their love story rekindles.

Since its release, Melo Movie has sparked an outpouring of enthusiasm from fans, with many calling it the best drama they have seen in a long time. Viewers praised Choi Woo-shik and Park Bo-young’s chemistry as unreal and irresistible, while others highlighted the cinematography, emotions, and storytelling as perfect. Some shared that they started watching and couldn’t stop until they finished, describing the drama as a gem. Many also expressed how long it had been since they felt such warmth from a drama. Additionally, fans noted its resemblance to Our Beloved Summer, praising its gentle, sentimental, yet deeply immersive love story.

Returning to the romance genre after three years, Choi Woo-shik delivers one of his most nuanced performances to date. His portrayal of Go Gyeom, a warm yet sharp-witted film critic, captures both realism and idealism. His chemistry with Park Bo-young is one of the biggest highlights of the drama, drawing viewers into their slow-burning, heartfelt relationship. Their playful banter and deeply emotional moments make Melo Movie an unforgettable watch.

Choi’s ability to balance subtle emotional depth and natural charm has led many to call Go Gyeom his "best role yet." His expressive eyes and intricate acting details elevate the character’s inner struggles, making the love story even more compelling.

Meanwhile, Lee Jun-young and Jeon So-nee add an extra layer of fun, with their quick-witted exchanges and dynamic interactions, painting a realistic portrait of modern youth. Melo Movie has been released in over 190 countries exclusively on Netflix, continuing the streak of globally successful K-romance series. With its cinematic storytelling, emotionally resonant characters, and top-tier performances, Melo Movie is shaping up to be one of 2025’s most beloved romance dramas.