Encounter (2018)
A spontaneous meeting in Cuba sets two unlikely souls on a collision course with love, class, and consequence in this tender Korean romance.
Encounter - Series Information
- Original Title: 남자친구
- First Air Year: 2018
- Last Air Year: 2019
- Created by: Yu Young-ah
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 69 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 16
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean, Spanish
- First Air Date: November 28, 2018 (United Kingdom - PG), November 28, 2018 (Germany - 12), November 28, 2018 (France - 12), November 28, 2018 (New Zealand - M), November 28, 2018 (Australia - M), November 28, 2018 (Italy - VM12), November 28, 2018 (Spain - 12), November 28, 2018 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: tvN
- Alternative Titles: لقاء غير متوقع (SA), Encounter (US), Namjachingoo (KR), Gặp gỡ (VN), Зустріч (UA)
- Production Companies: Bon Factory, Studio Dragon
- Production Countries: Cuba, South Korea
Encounter - Plot
Following a chance encounter overseas, a woman with much to lose and a man with little to his name meet again as employer and employee.
Encounter - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see where this unforgettable romance begins:
Sometimes I look at you and wonder how I got to be so lucky.
Where to Watch Encounter
Looking for where to watch Encounter?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Encounter - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Yu Young-ah
Main Cast
- Song Hye-kyo
- Park Bo-gum
- Jang Seung-jo
- Ko Chang-seok
- Shin Jung-keun
- Nam Kee-ae
- Baek Ji-won
- Pyo Ji-hoon
- Moon Sung-keun
- Kwak Sun-young
Writers
- Yu Young-ah
Encounter - FAQs
Where can you stream Encounter online?
Encounter is available to stream on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. It can also be streamed on Rakuten Viki, which offers both a subscription tier and a free ad-supported option. These platforms give viewers multiple ways to enjoy the series.
Is Encounter based on a true story?
Encounter is an original fictional drama, not based on a true story. Writer Yu Young-ah crafted the narrative around themes of unexpected love, class disparity, and personal freedom, drawing on universal romantic tensions rather than any real-life events or individuals.
Why was Cuba chosen as the setting for Encounter?
Cuba was chosen to create a visually striking contrast to the corporate world of Seoul. Its vibrant streets, warm light, and sense of freedom perfectly mirror the spontaneous, carefree nature of the central romance. The Cuban backdrop became one of the drama's most celebrated visual signatures.
What is the age gap between the leads in Encounter?
Encounter features an older woman and younger man romance, a theme central to the story. Song Hye-kyo's character Cha Su-hyeon is a divoRCée navigating societal expectations, while Park Bo-gum's Kim Jin-hyeok is a free-spirited young man. Their age difference fuels much of the drama's emotional tension.
Who are the main actors in Encounter?
The series stars Song Hye-kyo and Park Bo-gum in the lead roles, supported by Jang Seung-jo, Ko Chang-seok, Shin Jung-keun, Nam Kee-ae, Baek Ji-won, Pyo Ji-hoon, Moon Sung-keun, and Kwak Sun-young in key supporting roles.
How many episodes does Encounter have?
Encounter consists of 16 episodes across a single season. Each episode runs approximately 69 minutes, giving the story plenty of room to develop its central romance and the social pressures surrounding it. The series aired on tvN from November 2018 to January 2019.
When did Encounter first air on tvN?
Encounter premiered on November 28, 2018, on the South Korean cable network tvN. The series concluded in January 2019, completing its single 16-episode run. It was rated 15 in South Korea and received various age classifications across international markets.
What are shows similar to Encounter worth watching?
Fans of Encounter often enjoy Queen of Tears (2024), Business Proposal (2022), King the Land (2023), and Now, We Are Breaking Up (2021) for their blend of romance and emotional depth. My Sweet Mobster (2024) and Reborn Rich (2022) also offer compelling character dynamics in a similar vein.
More About Encounter
Explore further details about Encounter on these trusted entertainment databases.