Spring Fever (2026) 스프링 피버
Directed by Park Won-gook, starring Ahn Bo-hyun as Seon Jae-gyu, Lee Joo-bin as Yun Bom, and Cha Seo-won as Choi Yi-joon.
Watched 26 August - 12 September 2026 — 12 episodes (KISSKH)
Why did I choose this drama? — Though this series has mixed ratings, it is well received by some bloggers I follow and it has only 12 episodes, with apparently a cute romance without unnecessary misunderstandings. It sounded good to me. And I'm always in for a small-town drama set at the seaside.
What's it about? — A teacher (Lee Joo-bin as Yun Bom) moves from Seoul to a quiet small town after she's unfairly being accused of having an affair with a married man. Scarred and emotionally distant, she slowly opens her heart again when she meets Seon Jae-gy (played by Ahn Bo-hyun).
Overall thoughts — Well, here is a series that doesn't take itself too seriously. In fact, it's very silly now and then, especially in the beginning. The first episode didn't draw me in right away. Seon Jae-gy seems a bit dumb, but he makes a great first appearance, walking through the snow. Fortunately the series gets better and maybe that's the right order. So many dramas have a strong start and then lose steam after the midway point. The third act is the most emotional part, with the painful backstories of our OTP being explored further.
Male lead — Seon Jae-gy is portrayed as a simple man. He may look rough on the outside, with a big tattoo covering his whole arm, but it's actually a fake (a sleeve) and he hides a burn from a devastating fire. We find out soon enough Jae-gy is sweet and honest and has a heart of gold. He also has some superhero skills. Not only is he superstrong, but he has an abnormal running and jumping ability. I don't know what it is with Ahn Bo-hyun's hair but I often don't like it, and here his hairstyle is not the most attractive either. Initially I was disappointed there was not more to his character, just a guy with muscles and no brains, like Superman and Hercules combined, but then he turns out to be the CEO of JQ Power Energy, a wind energy plant. Also, the subplot of why Jae-gy came to raise his nephew and his story with his sister was rather emotional.
Female lead — I like Lee Joo-bin better than I had anticipated. At times she reminded me of Lim Ji-yeon from My Royal Nemesis. Yun Bom is a likeable character.
Main leads & chemistry — The leads have a natural and sweet chemistry. I had read beforehand that viewers liked their mature relationship. They are honest about their feelings and resolve issues between them quickly. I love their unwavering support for each other and love them parenting the dog. The second male lead Cha Seo-won as Choi Yi-joon liked Yun Bom but there was never a love triangle subplot. I liked his relationship with Jae-gy.
Second & third couple — There are two more romantic couples and I liked them both: the romance between the high schoolers and the romance between the teachers. Jin Kyung plays the teacher Seo Hye-sook and her interactions with her love interest were rather funny. I know Jin Kyung from her role as Head Nurse Oh Myung-sim in the Dr. Romantic series, and it was nice to see her in another role.
Misc. — The martial art classes were tedious. But I love Jae-gy's house.
Recommended? — With a better first part, I would recommend it but it takes a while to get to the good part. As a whole, there's enough to like here, and as a rom-com that doesn't create high expectations, it's an entertaining and light watch — surprisingly full of heart.