The Matchmakers (South Korean Television Series)

The Matchmakers (Korean: 혼례대첩; RR: Honryedaecheob) is a South Korean historical television series that aired on KBS2 from October 30 to December 25, 2023. The drama, consisting of 16 episodes, was directed by Hwang Seung-Ki and Kim Soo-Jin, with a screenplay written by Ha Soo-Jin.

Plot

The story is set during the Joseon period and follows Sim Jung-Woo (played by Ro Woon), a brilliant young man who achieved the highest score in the state examination. His life takes a tragic turn when he is selected to marry a princess, only for her to die suddenly during their wedding ceremony. As a result, he is barred from holding government office or remarrying under Joseon customs, leaving him in a state of social and personal misfortune.

Jung-Woo eventually crosses paths with Jung Soon-Deok (played by Cho Yi-Hyun), a widow who leads a double life. By day, she is a respectable daughter-in-law of a high-ranking official; by night, she operates under the pseudonym Yeojoo-daek as a successful matchmaker and merchant of women's goods. Together, the two embark on a mission to arrange marriages for single men and women in the capital city of Hanyang.

Production and Broadcast

The series occupied the Monday and Tuesday 21:50 time slot on KBS2. It premiered following the conclusion of My Lovely Boxer and was succeeded by Love Song for Illusion on January 2, 2024. During its run, the broadcast schedule experienced a minor adjustment: the eighth episode, originally slated for November 21, 2023, was rescheduled to November 27, 2023, due to the airing of a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between South Korea and China.

Cast

The main cast features Ro Woon as Sim Jung-Woo and Cho Yi-Hyun as Jung Soon-Deok. The supporting cast includes various groups representing the characters' social circles, including the royal palace, the families of the protagonists, and their respective associates.