Yumi's Cells (2021) 유미의 세포들
Directed by Lee Sang-yeob, starring Kim Go-eun as Kim Yumi and Ahn Bo-hyun as Gu Woong.
Watched 21 - 31 March 2026 — 14 episodes (KISSKH)
*Never had this popular series on my watchlist because I was afraid the animation would annoy me. I decided to try it for Kim Go-eun — just really love her. I was pleasantly surprised how well interwoven the animation is with the live-action and how it didn't bother me at all. I thought the animation was well-done and I liked the different cells. We have Reason, Emotion, Love, Fashion, Anxiety, Hungry, Hunch, Naughty, Face Mask, Stingy, et cetera; there's also a Cell Graveyard, for Inactive Cells, like Travel, Writer, and Photo. My fave cells are Love, Reason, Emotion and Fashion. I also really like Anxiety — she was cute. The animation part turned out to be one of my favourite things of this drama.
*I found the show thoroughly enjoyable and a very easy watch. It's an uncomplicated and straightforward romcom with a likeable heroine. The romance is nothing special nor ground-breaking, and it moves too quickly, but it is soooo relatable. The drama has a lovely colour palette and great OST, especially the song Belief by Jung Seung-hwan. Love the look of Yumi's apartment!
*I really grew to like the male lead character Gu Woong, and how Ahn Bo-hyun portrays him. (Love his long hair, his bohemian look, but was glad he got rid of the 'beard'!) I like his honesty, simplicity, and how clueless he is at times, even a bit daft. I didn't know beforehand Woong has his own cells. It was a nice surprise. Though I like Yumi's cell village better, I love the control room of Woong's cells.
*Park Ji-hyun (as Woong's colleague) starred with Ahn Bo-hyun in Flex X Cop (the only role I've seen her in where she's not bitchy) and with Kim Go-eun in You and Everything Else. Here she also has a nasty streak, and I think this actress suits these type of characters well. There's a sharp edge to her.
*I knew Yumi was going to break up with the boyfriend from Season 1 and end up with another boyfriend in Season 2 — just as in real life, where we go through different romantic relationships. The show is really about Yumi and her cells and her growth and relationships, not so much about the boyfriends. I hadn't expected Ba-bi (Yumi's co-worker, played by Park Jin-young aka Jinyoung), the second boyfriend from Season 2, to play such a significant role in the first season already. I knew he would make an appearance but his role was bigger than I had expected. I liked him but also thought he was a bit forward with Yumi. It's already clear that he likes her but I had preferred this to be a professional interest initially. I hope the romance in Season 2 will take its time to develop and that Ba-bi doesn't make a move as soon as he finds out Yumi is single again. Park Jin-young has a sweet smile and kind eyes, by the way.
*Even though I knew Yumi and Woong would break up eventually, I was hoping for the first season to have a happy ending and that they would break up at the beginning of Season 2. But alas ... the show had different plans, and the ending was bittersweet and all too recognisable. I felt sad for Yumi.
*Episode 6 must be the most memorable instalment, with Woong's bowel/toilet incident and the unfortunate hotel reservation with the glass-walled bathroom. It was embarrassing for both Yumi and Woong but it was fun, and I was laughing out loud.
*For me, one of the highlights of the final episode was Yumi's vacation and trip to her parents. It was nice to see she came from such a loving home. (Oh my ... I felt stuffed just by watching Yumi eat all that food!) I also liked the travels through Yumi's diaries (animation-wise it was done really well), and Yumi meeting the Bulletin Board cell in her dream. The Bulletin Board cell tells Yumi that there's no separate male lead, just only one lead. With Love cell being the prime cell in her life, it was a reminder how she should put herself first.
*It's really good to see Kim Go-eun in such a normal role. Though maybe less challenging than other roles I've seen her in, I think she gives a great performance as Yumi and really makes this role her own. I love the haircut! Will definitely continue with Season 2 and the much-anticipated Season 3!