Pinocchio (2014)
A South Korean drama where two reporters enter the newsroom for very different reasons — and find themselves entangled in truth, lies, and each other.
Pinocchio - Series Information
- Original Title: 피노키오
- First Air Year: 2014
- Last Air Year: 2015
- Created by: Jo Soo-won
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Comedy, Mystery
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (65 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 20
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- First Air Date: November 12, 2014 (United States - TV-14), November 12, 2014 (United Kingdom - 12), November 12, 2014 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: SBS
- Alternative Titles: 爱上Pinocchio (CN), Pinocchio CH (US), 皮諾丘 (TW), พิน็อกคิโอ รักนี้หัวใจไม่โกหก (TH)
- Production Companies: iHQ, SBS Plus
- Production Countries: South Korea
Pinocchio - Plot
In-ha and Ha-myeong become reporters for different reasons: one aspires to follow in her mother's footsteps and the other seeks to do honest news.
Pinocchio - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a feel for the drama's emotional stakes:
How far can you get by lying?
Where to Watch Pinocchio
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Pinocchio - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Jo Soo-won
Main Cast
- Park Shin-hye
- Lee Jong-suk
- Kim Young-kwang
- Lee Yu-bi
- Jin Kyung
- Lee Pil-mo
- Min Sung-wook
- Yoon Kyun-sang
- Choo Soo-hyun
- Byun Hee-bong
Writers
- Park Hye-ryun
Pinocchio - FAQs
What is the Pinocchio condition in this drama?
In the drama, a 'Pinocchio' is someone who hiccups uncontrollably whenever they tell a lie — making it impossible to deceive others. Lead character Choe In-ha has this condition, which becomes a central dramatic device as she navigates the morally complex world of broadcast journalism.
Is Pinocchio worth watching for K-drama fans?
Absolutely. Pinocchio blends romance, mystery, and a sharp critique of media ethics into a compelling package. The chemistry between Park Shin-hye and Lee Jong-suk is electric, and the show's exploration of how news can destroy lives gives it real emotional weight beyond a typical romantic drama.
Where can you stream Pinocchio online?
Pinocchio is available to stream on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads, Rakuten Viki, OnDemandKorea, Kocowa, and the Kocowa Amazon Channel. With multiple platforms offering access, it's easy to find a viewing option that suits your subscription preferences.
What themes does Pinocchio explore beyond romance?
Beyond its central love story, Pinocchio digs into media responsibility, the consequences of false reporting, revenge, and the search for justice. The series examines how a single misleading news broadcast can shatter an entire family — making it a surprisingly thoughtful drama about truth and accountability.
Who wrote the screenplay for Pinocchio?
The screenplay was written by Park Hye-ryun, one of South Korea's most celebrated drama writers. She is also known for penning I Hear Your Voice and While You Were Sleeping, both of which share Pinocchio's signature blend of heartfelt romance and socially conscious storytelling.
How was Pinocchio received by audiences and critics?
Pinocchio was a strong ratings performer on SBS and earned widespread praise from K-drama audiences for its tight writing, engaging leads, and emotionally resonant storyline. It helped cement Lee Jong-suk's status as a top-tier leading man and reinforced Park Shin-hye's popularity across Asia.
Did Lee Jong-suk and Park Shin-hye win awards for Pinocchio?
Yes. Lee Jong-suk won the Top Excellence Award (Actor) at the 2014 SBS Drama Awards for his performance, while Park Shin-hye received the Excellence Award (Actress). The drama itself was recognized across multiple Korean broadcast award ceremonies that year for its writing and performances.
What are similar shows to watch after Pinocchio?
If you enjoyed Pinocchio, Healer (2014) is an excellent next watch — it shares the journalism backdrop, a charismatic male lead, and a slow-burn romance. My Strange Hero (2018) and While You Were Sleeping also come highly recommended for fans of writer Park Hye-ryun's distinctive storytelling style.
More About Pinocchio
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