Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (2016)
A heartfelt Korean romantic comedy-drama about young athletes chasing dreams, navigating first love, and finding themselves at a sports university.
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo - Series Information
- Original Title: 역도요정 김복주
- First Air Year: 2016
- Last Air Year: 2017
- Created by: Yang Hui-seung, Oh Hyun-jong et al.
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-PG
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 65 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 16
- Status: Ended
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean, Spanish
- First Air Date: November 16, 2016 (United States - TV-PG), November 16, 2016 (United Kingdom - PG), November 16, 2016 (Mexico - B-15), November 16, 2016 (South Korea - 15)
- Networks: MBC
- Alternative Titles: Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (US), Yeokdoyojung Kimbokjoo (KR), פיית הרמת המשקולות (IL), Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo (TR), الربّاعة العاشقة (SA), 恋のゴールドメダル～僕が恋したキム・ボクジュ～ (JP)
- Production Companies: Chorokbaem Media
- Production Countries: South Korea
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo - Plot
A competitive swimmer crosses paths with his childhood friend, a rising weight lifting star, and realizes that she has a secret crush on his cousin.
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo - Trailer
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Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Yang Hui-seung
- Oh Hyun-jong
- Kim Soo-jin
Main Cast
- Lee Sung-kyung
- Nam Joo-hyuk
- Lee Jae-yoon
- Gyeong Su-jin
- Choi Woong
- Ji Il-ju
- Cho Soo-hyang
- Cho Hye-jeong
- Oh Eui-sik
- Lee Joo-young
Writers
- Kim Soo-jin
- Yang Hui-seung
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo - FAQs
Who are the main actors in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo?
The series stars Lee Sung-kyung as Kim Bok-joo and Nam Joo-hyuk as Jung Joon-hyung. The supporting cast includes Lee Jae-yoon, Gyeong Su-jin, Choi Woong, Ji Il-ju, Cho Soo-hyang, Cho Hye-jeong, Oh Eui-sik, and Lee Joo-young.
Where can you stream Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo?
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo is available to stream on OnDemandKorea (including a free ad-supported tier), Kocowa, and the Kocowa Amazon Channel. Availability may vary by region, so checking JustWatch for current options in your area is recommended.
Is Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo based on a true story?
Yes, the series draws loose inspiration from real-life South Korean weightlifter Jang Mi-ran, one of the country's most celebrated Olympic athletes. The show fictionalizes her story, focusing on the emotional and romantic journey of a young female athlete navigating college life and first love.
What is Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo about?
The series follows Kim Bok-joo, a determined young weightlifter at a sports university, whose life gets complicated when she develops a crush on her friend's older brother. Meanwhile, her childhood friend Jung Joon-hyung, a competitive swimmer, re-enters her life and their bond gradually deepens into romance.
Did Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo win any awards?
Yes, the series earned recognition at several Korean broadcasting awards. Lee Sung-kyung and Nam Joo-hyuk received nominations and wins for their performances, and the show was praised for its warm portrayal of youth and sports. It became a fan favorite and a benchmark for the K-drama romance genre.
Is Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo worth watching?
Absolutely. The series is widely regarded as one of the most charming and emotionally satisfying Korean romantic comedies of its era. Critics and audiences praised its refreshingly grounded heroine, natural chemistry between leads Lee Sung-kyung and Nam Joo-hyuk, and its uplifting, heartfelt tone throughout.
Why do fans love the chemistry between the two leads?
Lee Sung-kyung and Nam Joo-hyuk were reportedly dating in real life during filming, which many fans believe contributed to their effortless on-screen chemistry. Their playful, tender dynamic as childhood friends turned lovers felt unusually authentic, making their relationship one of the most beloved in K-drama history.
How many episodes does Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo have?
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo consists of 16 episodes across a single season. Each episode runs approximately 65 minutes. The series aired on MBC in South Korea from November 16, 2016, to January 11, 2017, and has since concluded with no additional seasons.
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