This Guy's Taste

This Guy's Taste is a 2008 South Korean romantic comedy film directed by Kwak Jae-young. The movie revolves around Jeong-man (played by Shin Hyun-jun), a charismatic but slightly eccentric manager of a small company. Jeong-man's life undergoes a significant change when the president's wife, Kim Bo-yeong (played by Shin Min-ah), visits their office to deliver some company goods. It is at this instant that Jeong-man falls deeply in love at first sight with Bo-yeong. Her poise, beauty, and elegance are not the only qualities that draw him in, but also the seemingly carefree nature he senses in her. As fate would have it, Bo-yeong and Jeong-man keep running into each other, leading to a series of awkward yet charming encounters. With an undeniable connection between them, Jeong-man decides to take it upon himself to guide Bo-yeong, who, unbeknownst to her husband, is secretly unhappy in her marriage. To help Bo-yeong 'find herself,' Jeong-man, in an attempt to rekindle the romance that has seemingly fizzled out between her and the president, offers to take her on a series of dates to help break free from her dull, monotonous life as the president's wife. In the process, Jeong-man starts crossing the boundaries that he thought were unbridgeable, gradually building a bond between them. Despite being at the peak of his company's success, Jeong-man can't stop thinking about Bo-yeong. This obsession gradually begins to affect his work life and personal relationships. His fixation on Bo-yeong is such that even his coworkers, who initially view him as an oddball, start to notice the dramatic change in his behavior. As their relationship evolves from mere acquaintances to close friends, both Bo-yeong and Jeong-man find themselves entangled in an intricate web of love, deception, and societal expectations. Bo-yeong is torn between her growing feelings for Jeong-man and her loyalty to her husband, who, while successful, is far from being a perfect partner. Jeong-man, too, is caught in a dilemma. His love for Bo-yeong transcends mere affection; he wishes to transform her into a confident and independent woman. Yet, as the line between their friendship and potential romance becomes increasingly blurred, he must confront his own vulnerability to avoid getting hurt by the societal norms that dictate her status. Set against the backdrop of contemporary South Korea, This Guy's Taste is a humorous yet poignant exploration of love's intricacies and the consequences of societal pressures. The movie expertly captures the complexities of human emotions, as the characters navigate their desires, obligations, and fears in the midst of an ever-changing world. Through the lens of Jeong-man's transformation from an eccentric individual to someone who genuinely cares for Bo-yeong, the movie showcases the power of relationships in changing lives and challenging societal norms. The film ultimately concludes with a bittersweet ending, where both characters are forced to confront their true feelings, leading to an outcome that neither of them could have foreseen. This Guy's Taste, with its charming characters and relatable storyline, stands out as a poignant exploration of love and societal pressures in modern Korea.