Jump to: Synopsis | Main Cast | Episode Guide | K-Drama Review | Where to Watch | Behind the Scenes | Final Thoughts
Synopsis
The Matchmakers is a 2023 historical romantic-comedy K-drama set during the Joseon dynasty. It follows a young widow and a young widower who become unlikely partners in arranging marriages while navigating their own complicated emotions. The drama mixes humor, historical tension, and slow-burn romance with colorful traditional settings.
Main Cast
- Rowoon as Shim Jung-woo – A brilliant scholar and government official
- Cho Yi-hyun as Jung Soon-deok – A resourceful widow with a matchmaking secret
- Park Ji-young as Lady Park – Soon-deok’s stern mother-in-law
- Lee Hae-young as King – The monarch with political stakes in the matchmaking
Episode Guide
- Total Episodes: 16
- Broadcast Period: October 2023 – December 2023
- Airs on: KBS2, Mondays and Tuesdays
- Runtime: 70 minutes per episode
K-Drama Review
The Matchmakers stands out with its clever writing and strong performances from Rowoon and Cho Yi-hyun. The chemistry is authentic, and the series blends comedy with meaningful reflections on societal expectations, gender roles, and love after loss. The cinematography beautifully captures the era’s aesthetics, and the side characters provide added humor and depth.
Where to Watch The Matchmakers
- Viki (with English subs)
- KBS2 (Korean broadcast)
- Other Platforms: Check local listings or streaming services
Behind the Scenes
The show received praise for its costume design and set production, which were historically accurate and visually stunning. Rowoon and Yi-hyun reportedly underwent intensive dialect training to authentically portray their roles in Joseon era speech. Their off-screen friendship also helped build their on-screen chemistry.
Final Thoughts
The Matchmakers is a must-watch for fans of historical K-dramas who enjoy smart comedy and nuanced romance. It's both emotionally satisfying and culturally rich — a drama that balances light-hearted matchmaking with deeper themes of grief, growth, and second chances.
The Matchmakers Cast Interview
Also read: More K-Drama Reviews and Features. Aside from watching KDrama, I also love travelling, and as someone who has visited all 82 provinces in the Philippines, I’ve created a complete guide to help you explore each one. Check out my Philippines 82 Provinces Travel Guide here.
