In this edition of our Drama Review, we’re spotlighting a truly one-of-a-kind story that delicately explores family, loss, healing, and second chances. Let’s talk about ‘Love Me’, a heartfelt JTBC production that lingers long after the final episode.
Written by Park Eun-young and Park Hee-kwon and directed by Jo Young-min, ‘Love Me‘ is based on the Swedish comedy-drama ‘Älska mig’. The series centers on a seemingly strong and successful gynecologist whose polished exterior hides profound loneliness, as well as a family fractured by years of emotional distance.
Seo Jun-kyung (Seo Hyun-jin) appears to have it all, an accomplished career, independence, and the reputation of being “the perfect catch.” Yet beneath that image lies a woman burdened by guilt and unresolved pain. Years earlier, her mother suffered a devastating accident that left her unable to walk, and Jun-kyung has carried the weight of responsibility ever since. Rather than confronting her grief, she learned to survive with emotional walls firmly in place.
Her father, Seo Jin-ho (Yoo Jae-myung), devoted himself entirely to caring for his wife, putting his own dreams and emotional needs aside. Her younger brother, Seo Jun-seo (Lee Si-woo), struggles to find direction in both his career and his love life, often feeling overshadowed and lost.
When tragedy strikes and the family matriarch passes away, the Seo family is forced to confront the grief they had long postponed. Jun-kyung and Jun-seo are left with lingering regrets, while Jin-ho finds himself navigating an unbearable emptiness after years of being a devoted caregiver.
Navigating Loss
After the funeral, each family member begins their own quiet journey toward healing. Jun-kyung meets a man who sees through her guarded exterior and gently challenges her isolation. For the first time, she is forced to question whether she is truly living, or simply surviving.
Meanwhile, Jin-ho decides to take the trip he had originally planned with his late wife. During his travels, he meets a widowed tour guide, and what begins as companionship gradually blossoms into something deeper. His storyline beautifully explores the idea that love does not end with loss, and that choosing happiness again is not betrayal, but courage.
Jun-seo, devastated by his mother’s death and a painful breakup, turns to his longtime friend for comfort. One impulsive night changes the dynamic of their relationship, pushing him to reevaluate his emotional maturity and what he truly wants for his future.
A Family in Transition
What makes ‘Love Me’ stand out is its authenticity. The drama doesn’t rely on exaggerated twists but instead focuses on subtle emotional growth. Episode after episode, we witness the Seo family slowly rediscovering themselves, not as a unit defined by tragedy, but as individuals learning how to move forward.
Jun-kyung learns that accepting love requires vulnerability. Jin-ho proves that healing and new beginnings are possible at any age, despite societal judgment. Jun-seo gradually takes ownership of his life, choosing his own path rather than living by others’ expectations.
The evolution of this family feels organic and deeply relatable. ‘Love Me’ delivers a touching slice-of-life story that is raw, intimate, and quietly powerful. It reminds us that grief reshapes us, but it can also open the door to growth and renewal.
This production is available on Viki, and you can watch the trailer below.
