Was It Love? (2020) arrived as a vibrant, lighthearted addition to the JTBC lineup, offering a modern twist on the classic "who’s the father?" mystery wrapped in a multi-pronged romantic comedy. Directed by Kim Do-hyung, the series follows Noh Ae-jung (Song Ji-hyo), a hardworking single mother and aspiring film producer who has spent fourteen years putting her romantic life on ice to raise her daughter, Ha-nee. The Core Narrative: A Second Chance at Youth
At the heart of the show is Noh Ae-jung’s resilience. Song Ji-hyo portrays Ae-jung with a mix of grit and vulnerability that makes her easy to root for. Unlike many K-drama heroines who are defined solely by their romantic interests, Ae-jung’s primary motivation is her career and her daughter. Her struggle to produce a film despite the industry's skepticism towards single mothers adds a layer of social commentary to the fluffy romance. Was It Love Season 1 Korean Drama Complete Series
The daughter, Ha-nee (Um Chae-young), serves as the emotional anchor. Her quest to find her father is treated with sensitivity, reflecting the curiosity and occasional loneliness of a child growing up in a non-traditional household. The chemistry between mother and daughter provides the show’s most grounded moments. Was It Love
The brilliance of Was It Love? lies in its premise of "reclamation." Ae-jung isn’t just looking for a partner; she is inadvertently reclaiming the youth and dreams she sacrificed when she became pregnant in college. The sudden appearance of four distinct suitors—the "bad" but successful novelist Oh Dae-oh, the "pitiful" top-star actor Ryu Jin, the "tough" former gangster turned CEO Paik Pa-hee, and the "young" teacher Oh Yeon-woo—creates a chaotic yet endearing harem dynamic. The Core Narrative: A Second Chance at Youth
Each man represents a different "what if" from her past or a new possibility for her future. This structure allows the drama to explore various romantic tropes—from enemies-to-lovers to the protective "noona" romance—ensuring that the narrative remains dynamic even when the central mystery feels stretched.
The series explores the agonizing role of "timing" in relationships. As the backstory of Ae-jung and Dae-oh’s college breakup unfolds, the drama highlights how lack of communication and youthful pride can derail even the strongest connections. The resolution focuses heavily on forgiveness—not just of others, but of one's past self. It suggests that while we cannot change the fourteen years lost, we can choose how to define the years ahead.