The Practical Guide to Love (South Korean Television Series)
The Practical Guide to Love, also known by its literal Korean title Efficient Encounter of Single Men and Women (Hangul: 미혼남녀의 효율적 만남; revised romanization: Mihonnamnyeoui Hyoyuljeok Mannam), is a South Korean television series directed by Lee Jae-Hoon. The romantic drama series aired on the network JTBC spanning 12 episodes from February 28 to April 5, 2026, occupying the Saturday and Sunday 22:40 time slot.
Premise and Synopsis
The narrative follows Lee Ui-Yeong (Han Ji-Min), a capable assistant manager for a hotel purchasing team in her thirties who is trusted by her colleagues, including Jung Hyun-Min (Jung Hye-Sung) and Sim Sae-Byeok (Kim So-Hye). Although successful in her professional career, her personal life falls short of expectations. To address this, she decides to participate in arranged blind dates, encountering two starkly contrasting men: Song Tae-Seop (Park Sung-Hoon) and Shin Ji-Soo (Lee Ki-Taek). Song Tae-Seop is a woodworking studio owner with a gentle exterior, strong personal values, and a desire to build a family with someone he loves. Conversely, Shin Ji-Soo initially prefers personal freedom over commitment, though his outlook gradually shifts following his interactions with Lee Ui-Yeong.
Production Background
The series is based on the webcomic titled Mihonnamnyeoui Hyoyuljeok Mannam by author Tari, which was serialized on Naver between September 30, 2021, and September 29, 2022. The television adaptation was scripted by Lee Yi-Jin and directed by Lee Jae-Hoon. On the JTBC broadcasting schedule, the 12-episode program took over the weekend time slot previously held by Surely Tomorrow and was succeeded by We Are All Trying Here beginning April 18, 2026.
Cast and Characters
The primary cast features notable television actors portraying the central characters and their respective social circles:
- Han Ji-Min as Lee Ui-Yeong
- Park Sung-Hoon as Song Tae-Seop
- Lee Ki-Taek as Shin Ji-Soo
Supporting Cast
The series features extensive supporting groups representing workplace colleagues, friends, and family connections:
The Hills Seoul
Lee Ui-Yeong's Group
Studio Home
Song Tae-Seop's Group
Shin Ji-Soo's Group
Broadcast Schedule
The series was broadcast on JTBC on Saturdays and Sundays at 22:40. The 12-episode run began on February 28, 2026, and concluded on April 5, 2026.