Romance Is a Bonus Book (2019)
A heartfelt Korean romantic comedy-drama set in the world of publishing, starring Lee Jong-suk and Lee Na-young in a slow-burn story of friendship, reinvention, and love.
Romance Is a Bonus Book - Series Information
- Original Title: 로맨스는 별책부록
- First Air Year: 2019
- Last Air Year: 2019
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (65 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 16
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean
- First Air Date: January 26, 2019 (Brazil - 12), January 26, 2019 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: tvN
- Alternative Titles: Romance Is a Supplement (US)
- Production Companies: Studio Dragon, Story & Pictures Media
- Production Countries: South Korea
Romance Is a Bonus Book - Plot
A gifted writer who's the youngest editor-in-chief ever at his publishing company gets enmeshed in the life of a former copywriter desperate for a job.
Romance Is a Bonus Book - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at this charming publishing-world romance:
So their new chapter has begun.
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Romance Is a Bonus Book - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Lee Jong-suk
- Lee Na-young
- Jung Yoo-jin
- Wi Ha-jun
- Kim Tae-woo
- Kim Yu-mi
- Kim Sun-young
- Cho Han-cheul
- Kang Ki-doong
- Park Gyu-young
Writers
- Jung Hyun-jung
Romance Is a Bonus Book - FAQs
Is Romance Is a Bonus Book worth watching?
Absolutely worth your time. Romance Is a Bonus Book is a warm, beautifully paced slow-burn romance set in the charming world of Korean publishing. The chemistry between Lee Jong-suk and Lee Na-young is magnetic, and the story's emotional depth — balancing career struggles with heartfelt romance — makes it genuinely satisfying from start to finish.
What is the age gap dynamic in Romance Is a Bonus Book?
The series centers on an older woman–younger man romance, a refreshing twist for the genre. Kang Dan-yi, a woman in her mid-thirties rebuilding her career, finds herself drawn to Cha Eun-ho, her younger childhood friend turned successful editor-in-chief. Their dynamic challenges conventional K-drama romance tropes in a thoughtful, grounded way.
Where can you stream Romance Is a Bonus Book?
Romance Is a Bonus Book is available to stream on Netflix and Netflix Standard with Ads. Both options make it easy to binge all 16 episodes at your own pace, with subtitles available in multiple languages for international viewers.
Who plays the lead roles in Romance Is a Bonus Book?
Lee Jong-suk stars as Cha Eun-ho, the prodigiously talented youngest editor-in-chief at his publishing house, while Lee Na-young plays Kang Dan-yi, a former copywriter navigating a fresh start. Their real-life chemistry — the two later married — adds an undeniable warmth and authenticity to every scene they share.
Did Romance Is a Bonus Book receive positive critical reception?
The series earned warm praise from both critics and audiences for its mature, grounded storytelling and the genuine chemistry of its leads. Viewers particularly appreciated its realistic portrayal of workplace dynamics and the publishing industry, as well as its emotionally intelligent approach to romance compared to more melodramatic K-drama contemporaries.
Is Romance Is a Bonus Book based on a true story or a book?
Romance Is a Bonus Book is an original screenplay written by Jung Hyun-jung, not an adaptation of a novel or true events. However, its richly detailed depiction of the Korean publishing industry — from editorial meetings to book launches — gives the story a vivid authenticity that feels thoroughly researched and lived-in.
How many episodes does Romance Is a Bonus Book have?
The series ran for a single season of 16 episodes, each approximately 65 minutes long. Originally broadcast on tvN in South Korea from January to March 2019, the extended episode runtime allows the story to develop its characters and relationships with a depth that shorter formats rarely afford.
What are similar shows to Romance Is a Bonus Book?
If you enjoyed Romance Is a Bonus Book, try Because This Is My First Life (2017) for a similarly grounded Korean romance, or Be Melodramatic (2019) for witty ensemble storytelling. Thirty-Nine (2022) offers comparable emotional maturity, while A Gentleman's Dignity (2012) shares the charming workplace-meets-romance energy.
More About Romance Is a Bonus Book
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