Both a romance and a family drama, 2006 SBS drama
My Sweetheart, a.k.a.
My Lovely Family, approaches modern relationships and the family unit from various perspectives. Looking at in-law relationships, generation gaps, and marriage at different ages, this drama explores both the threads that make up the family and the misunderstandings that tear it apart. Rising stars Hong Soo Hyun (
Sang Doo, Let's Go To School) and Nam Gung Min (
One Fine Day) play a married couple caught in a rocky relationship because of the husband's feelings of resentment and distrust for his family. Shim Ji Ho (
Stained Glass) and newcomer Kim Bin Woo portray young newlyweds whose marriage is being suffocated by overly attached parents.
Hee Soo (Hong Soo Hyun) and Jin Kuk (Nam Gung Min) don't exactly make an ideal pair. Hee Soo is a strong-minded aerobics instructor who chose her own career path despite her mother's objections. Jin Kuk is the cynical, irresponsible son of a real estate mogul who can't seem to settle in life. Set up by Jin Kuk's stepmother, the two meet, fall in love, and eventually get married after many twists and turns. With marriage, however, come even more obstacles to overcome. Hee Soo has trouble adjusting to life with the in-laws, made worse by Jin Kuk's curt, indecisive personality and antagonistic relationship with his parents. Also going through marriage pains are Hee Soo's cousin Ji Hye (Kim Bin Woo) and her husband Jae Min (Sim Ji Ho), whose parents keep interfering with their lives.
