Coupang Play’s series ‘Romance’s Absolute Value’ is opening new horizons for teen romantic comedies, building a powerful fandom thanks to its original premise and the passionate performances of its cast.
‘Romance’s Absolute Value’ follows the double life of a high school girl who writes a web novel featuring handsome teachers. Combining a modern sensibility with humorous direction, it offers viewers a fresh kind of fun. In particular, the unique structure that jumps between reality and the virtual world of the web novel creates an unpredictable plot that triggers a “dopamine” rush, pushing the viewers’ immersion to the max.
A tense “denial phase” crossing between reality and fiction
In episodes 9 and 10, releasing on the 8th at 8 PM, the series reaches a turning point as the dramatic plot of the web novel ‘We Were Friends,’ written by the protagonist Uiju (Kim Hyang-gi), intersects with her real-life emotional changes. Teaser stills reveal the actors’ bold transformations as novel characters. Jaemin (Kim Jae-hyun) facing off against Sion (Cha Hak-yeon), and Yoon (Kim Dong-gyu) tied up and unconscious, hint at urgent events and an expanding worldview within the novel. Specifically, Sion’s visual, armed with an intense red leather coat and a unique hairstyle, offers a complete reversal from the real-life Ga Usu, sparking curiosity among viewers.
The real-world development is also heating up. Uiju begins to realize her feelings while holding someone’s hand, signaling a new phase for the drama. Additionally, the appearance of a new character, Deuri (Jung Da-on), and his unexpected “tiki-taka” chemistry with Usu brings fresh tension to the plot. Uiju’s so-called “denial phase,” where she denies her heart while constantly stealing glances, is expected to deliver the fluttery excitement typical of teen romances, making viewers fully immersed.
The textbook “tsundere” Cha Hak-yeon reveals a tender inner side through his trauma
Actor Cha Hak-yeon is showcasing his multi-dimensional acting as the “tsundere” teacher Ga Usu at Murim High School. Ga Usu is a character who suffers from camera trauma due to a stalking incident he experienced after appearing on a TV program as a child. Cha Hak-yeon brings the character to life by delicately portraying the deep wounds and warm consideration hidden behind the facade of a cold and rigid principled man.
In a previous episode, the scene where Ga Usu, who usually refuses to be filmed, endures his trauma to protect his colleague Yoon Dong-ju deeply moved viewers. Furthermore, when Uiju, who was caught secretly filming him and came to apologize, collapsed from stomach pain, he rushed her to the emergency room on his back without a moment’s hesitation, clearly showing the kind nature of Ga Usu. With stable acting in every episode, Cha Hak-yeon firmly anchors the drama while capturing hearts by slowly revealing the warmth hidden beneath his cold exterior.
The power of “double-ten-million actor” Kim Hyang-gi, carrying the show between comedy and pathos
Playing the central role of Yeo Uiju, Kim Hyang-gi is showing a limitless acting spectrum befitting her title as a “double-ten-million actor.” She moves freely between comedy and sorrow, dominating the entire series. Her performance in the talked-about emergency room scene was particularly impressive. Her desperate cries of “I still have so much I want to do,” thinking she had a terminal illness, only to be diagnosed with simple “constipation,” created a legendary comic moment as she seriously considered transferring schools out of shame.
Kim Hyang-gi also perfectly handles the “laugh-cry” daily life of a writer through realistic acting. Her struggle to write two versions of her novel—one for submission and one for upload—due to Usu’s strict feedback as an editor earned both laughs and empathy. She also adds depth to the plot by detailing the subtle conflict with her best friend Goya (Kim So-hee) as she grows closer to Dong-ju through their shared love of writing.
The growth narrative of Yeo Uiju, completed by Kim Hyang-gi, promises deep emotion beyond simple laughter. Attention is focused on whether the high school writer leading a double life can successfully finish her web novel and what the outcome of her real-life romance will be.
‘Romance’s Absolute Value’ is released every Friday at 8 PM on Coupang Play and is available for free to both Coupang Wow and general members. Expectations are high for what surprising twists this series, which has established itself as one of the most anticipated teen comedies of the second half of the year, will deliver in its remaining episodes.
