A stolen purse, a Korean rescue mission, and the hotel manager who ghosted his entire career.
Season 1 • Episode 9
LatestAn incident in the past causes Ogata Kouhei (Tanabe Seiichi) to resign his position and leave the country in shame. Now, at the hotel's 30th anniversary, the hotel is facing a crisis; the president has just been submitted to the hospital, and the hotel is facing a potential takeover. Under his request, assistant manager Odagiri Kyoko (Ueto Aya) goes to Korea in order to convince Kouhei to return. Kyoko is caught up in an incident when her purse is stolen when she meets Mizusawa Keigo (Oikawa Mitsuhiro), who tries to help her. Ultimately, Kyoko comes back to Japan unsuccessful. However, under the advice from Korean hotel manager Shin Dong Hyuk (Bae Yong Jun), Kouhei returns to Tokyo Ocean Hotel as the position of the new general manager. Upon his return however, Kyoko once again meets Mizusawa Keigo. Little does Kyoko know, not only does Keigo want to take over the Tokyo Ocean Hotel, but he also carries affections for her.
Acting
Bae Yong Jun's dignified warmth anchors every scene.
Production
Lush hotel interiors that scream early 2000s prestige.
Creator
Kang Eun-kyung
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This Japanese remake of a hit Korean drama sparked rare cross-border casting with Bae Yong Jun, then at peak 'Winter Sonata' fame.
Aya Ueto was only 21 during filming, already commanding scenes opposite veteran Tanabe Seiichi—her nervous energy as Kyoko reportedly wasn't entirely acting.
JP
