If you’ve been yearning for the nostalgic charm of K-drama rom-coms with a predictable yet heartwarming formula, Crushology 101 is here to fill that void. With just two episodes in, this series delivers everything fans of the genre love: a relatable (and slightly chaotic) heroine, four swoon-worthy suitors, university drama that echoes high school memories, and a delightful mess of love and affection.
Crushology 101 is like a revival of classic rom-coms, offering a feel-good, lighthearted atmosphere without the heaviness of intense bullying arcs, psychological twists, or any earth-shattering plot developments. It’s breezy, fun, and embraces the well-worn tropes of the genre unapologetically.
Roh Jeong-eui stars as Bunny, a sculpture major at a prestigious university who's recovering from the wreckage of a disastrous first love. After her breakup, Bunny is branded the campus pushover in matters of love. Determined to not make the same mistake again, she swears to only date “handsome-looking” men going forward. Just when she makes this bold declaration, fate throws not one, not two, but four handsome suitors into her life, each one more tempting than the last.
Lee Chae-min plays the charming golden boy, almost too good to be true; Cho Jun-young brings the brooding, mysterious energy; Hong Min-ki plays the quirky, lovable sweetheart with hidden depths; and Kim Hyun-jin is the confident flirt who could sweep Bunny off her feet without a second thought. Each of these characters injects their own brand of affection and chaos into Bunny’s life, sparking a whirlwind of dating drama, humor, and heartfelt moments.
The series’ charm lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel but rather leans into the tried-and-true K-drama rom-com formula. Bunny is portrayed as endearing in her vulnerability — insecure yet determined, vulnerable yet not naïve. It’s refreshing to see a female lead who isn’t perfect but is instead learning to navigate love in real, sometimes messy, ways.
The quartet of suitors each adds their own unique flavor to the show, making the love triangle (or quadrangle) feel like an entertaining, chaotic, and ultimately heartwarming journey. They all bring something different to the table, which keeps the dynamic fresh, despite the predictability of the setup. The tension between them is palpable but playful, filled with flirtatious banter and moments of genuine affection.
That being said, Crushology 101 is undeniably predictable. For seasoned K-drama fans, it’s easy to spot where the story is headed, and some might find this comforting, while others may feel it lacks surprises. However, that’s part of the series’ charm — it’s comfort TV at its best. The show avoids the usual heavy tropes like trauma or bullying, opting instead for a light, fun narrative with visual appeal and a strong sense of humor.
At its core, Crushology 101 is about learning love, setting boundaries, and discovering how to navigate the complexities of the heart. It’s not groundbreaking, but it doesn’t have to be. The series delivers exactly what it promises: a warm, funny, and visually delightful escape into the world of romance, friendship, and self-discovery.
This review covers the first two episodes, and new episodes drop every Friday and Saturday on Channel K (India), promising plenty more flirtation, chaos, and sweet moments to come. Whether you’re a fan of rom-coms or just in need of some lighthearted entertainment, Crushology 101 is a delightful watch that doesn’t aim to be unpredictable — it simply aims to make you smile.
