Personal Taste (also known as Personal Preference) is a lighthearted romantic comedy that pairs Lee Min-ho with Son Ye-jin in a charming story about love, identity, and learning to trust again. With its fun premise and heartfelt moments, it remains a fan-favorite among Lee Min-ho’s early works.
Plot Summary
Jeon Jin-ho (Lee Min-ho) is a talented young architect with a secret mission: he needs access to a famous traditional house, Sanggojae, designed by Park Kae-in’s (Son Ye-jin) father. To get close, he pretends to be gay so that Kae-in will accept him as her roommate.
Kae-in, a quirky and kindhearted furniture designer, welcomes him in, believing Jin-ho to be a safe companion. As the two navigate daily life together, misunderstandings, comic mishaps, and emotional moments unfold. Eventually, Jin-ho’s façade begins to crumble as genuine feelings for Kae-in develop, leading to a heartfelt romance built on honesty and trust.
Highlights
- Lee Min-ho showcases his romantic-comedy charm, balancing wit, warmth, and emotional vulnerability.
- Son Ye-jin delivers a lovable performance, portraying a woman learning to regain her confidence and embrace love again.
- Unique “roommate pretending” premise sets up both humor and heartfelt tension.
- Architecture and design themes add depth and originality to the story.
- The chemistry between Lee Min-ho and Son Ye-jin makes the drama memorable and engaging.
What Could Be Better
- The “pretend to be gay” setup may feel dated or problematic by today’s standards.
- Some supporting characters are underdeveloped, with side plots that drag in the middle.
Verdict
Personal Taste is a fun, quirky rom-com that highlights Lee Min-ho’s versatility as a romantic lead. While its premise may feel unconventional now, the drama remains an enjoyable watch thanks to the strong lead chemistry and its mix of humor, warmth, and heartfelt romance.