Young Poker Prodigy × Heiress Love Story
Restrained yet magnetic school romance
“Under the Gun” (also known as “Under the Gun”) is a Korean drama that blends youthful energy, emotional tension, and the high-stakes world of Texas Hold’em poker. But this is more than just a gambling series — it dives deep into themes of family honor, personal challenge, and the struggles of adolescence.
Plot Summary:
The main character, Go Geon (played by Joo Ho), is a highly talented young poker player. His father, Go Jun-ha, was once a famous professional in the Korean poker scene, but a sudden scandal brought disgrace to the family and severely damaged their reputation.
Go Geon inherits both his father’s love for poker and the heavy burden of restoring the family’s honor. When the family business begins to collapse, he decides to join the Korean Poker League, hoping to redeem their name through his own skill.
During this time, he meets transfer student Cha Se-young (played by Jo Soo-min). She’s outwardly sweet but inwardly strong — a girl from a wealthy family who brings a spark of light into Go Geon’s difficult life.
Cha Se-young not only encourages him to compete, but slowly becomes part of his emotional world. What starts as curiosity develops into a youthful, heartfelt romance. She becomes both his good luck charm in competitions and a pillar of support in his personal life.
Why It Stands Out:
- The chemistry between the leads is natural and subtle, not overly dramatic.
- The story moves quickly and avoids unnecessary filler.
- The poker scenes are sharp and tense, adding excitement beyond just the romance.
- It portrays themes of youth dealing with pressure: failure, reputation, and love.
Despite the generic title, Under the Gun is a hidden gem — a heartfelt teen romance set against the backdrop of competition, family pressure, and first love. If you enjoy stories about strong but quiet heroines and flawed yet driven male leads, this series is worth adding to your list.