Who doesn’t enjoy a love triangle trope?
There’s a new romantic-comedy in town, and it’s HBO Max’s The Practical Guide to Love. Starring the enchanting Han Ji-min alongside heartthrobs Park Sung-hoon and Lee Ki-taek, the series dabbles into a witty take on love in our fast-paced world.
The 12-episode series follows the ambitious Lee Ui-young (embodied by the talented Han Ji-min), whose quest for love is anything but straightforward. As she navigates the tumultuous waters of modern romance, she finds herself entangled in an unexpected love triangle. A complicated situation where she’s torn between two alluring suitors who have captured her attention. With two suitors emerging from two different worlds and views on love, which one will she choose? Well, grab your popcorn and settle in.
In the meantime, read on to see what the cast—Han Ji-min, Park Sung-hoon and Lee Ki-taek—have to say on first date tips, the show and their friendship.
BAZAAR interviews the cast of HBO Max’s The Practical Guide to Love:
Lee Ki-taek, Han Ji-min and Park Sung-hoon
What are some tips you would give to someone going on their first date?
Han Ji-min: In my opinion, ambience matters. Choose a place with soft lighting, it sets the mood for a relaxing and comfortable first date.
Park Sung-hoon: What you wear plays a big part in making a strong first impression. Go for something effortlessly stylish — polished, but still comfortable and reflective of your true self.
Lee Ki-taek: Choose a fragrance that suits you. Scent can be a subtle yet powerful instrument to express your personality, and it often leaves a lasting impression.
What do you and your cast members have in common?
Han Ji-min: Sung-hoon and I both love food — we’re always sharing restaurant recommendations. He even introduced me to an amazing spicy chicken feet restaurant, which delivers to my home!
Park Sung-hoon: I have been using the same perfume for years and Ki-taek liked it so much that he bought it too. Now we both wear the same scent.
Lee Ki-taek: We don’t have too much in common, yet when filming the series, I’ve learned so much from both Ji-min and Sung-hoon. I hope to grow in my career, much like them.
HBO Max
Are you a morning or night person?
Han Ji-min: Definitely a night person — it takes awhile for me to get up in the morning.
Park Sung-hoon: A morning person. As I’m not getting any younger.
Lee Ki-taek: Morning person — I tend to get tired pretty quickly at night.
Sweet or savoury?
Han Ji-min: I’d go with savoury.
Park Sung-hoon: I prefer savoury — I am not a fan of sweet foods.
Lee Ki-taek: Honestly, neither. I tend to prefer blander flavours.
HBO Max
What helps you relax?
Han Ji-min: I like treating myself to delicious food, like tteokbokki and chicken feet.
Park Sung-hoon: I relax by doing a digital “fire” meditation where I play videos of a burning fireplace on YouTube and zone out.
Lee Ki-taek: I prefer going outside for some fresh air to unwind.
What do you value most in a friendship?
Han Ji-min: Trust is the most important quality to me in any relationship.
Park Sung-hoon: I agree — loyalty is most important in a friendship.
Lee Ki-taek: For me too, loyalty comes first.
If you could meet a famous person you have not met, who would it be?
Han Ji-min: Honestly, I’d probably rather admire them from afar — I would be too nervous to meet them in person.
Park Sung-hoon: Margot Robbie, I’m a huge fan of hers.
Lee Ki-taek: Al Pacino.
HBO Max
What is a random skill you wish you had?
Han Ji-min: The ability to wake up bright and early without struggle.
Park Sung-hoon: I wish I could dance — I really admire dancers, since I’m quite clumsy.
Lee Ki-taek: I recently started learning boxing as I’ve always enjoyed watching professional boxers in action.
Describe The Practical Guide to Love in three words.
Park Sung-hoon: Ui-yeong, Tae-seop, Ji-su.
Describe your character in three words.
Han Ji-min: Innocent, cute and honest.
Park Sung-hoon: Respectful, considerate and steady.
Lee Ki-taek: Straightforward, bold and youthful.
What do you hope fans take away from streaming the show on HBO Max? And why should your international fans catch The Practical Guide to Love on HBO Max?
Park Sung-hoon: HBO Max is known for its bold and iconic storytelling, and I hope the audiences also realise that it can also be home to endearing and heartfelt stories like The Practical Guide to Love. Please enjoy and subscribe to HBO Max!
