Kim Seung-woo's Midnight Diner opens for business » Dramabeans Korean drama recaps

46 June 29, 2015December 20, 2015

Kim Seung-woo’s Midnight Diner opens for business

by girlfriday

Here’s a peek at SBS’s late-night “healing food” drama Midnight Diner, which is getting ready to premiere this weekend. It’s a remake of the Japanese manga Shinya Shokudo by Yaro Abe, which has also been remade as a television series in Japan and most recently a movie, all starring Kobayashi Kaoru. Kim Seung-woo (IRIS 2, Third Ward) headlines the remake for SBS as an enigmatic chef who runs a quirky diner that only opens at night.

Kim Seung-woo plays Master, the owner of a diner that keeps its doors open for business between midnight and 7 AM. He has only one thing on the menu but makes whatever you ask of him (why does this place not exist in real life?). He’s a character shrouded in mystery, since no one knows his real name, his age, or what his story is. But he’s covered in scars and is described as a character who’s trying to forget his past.

The drama will tell little slice-of-life stories about the various patrons who come into the diner, with plenty of food porn and a dash of emotional healing to go on top. There are very few recognizable names on the cast — Kim Seung-woo really is the only star of the show — but included are Choi Jae-sung (Warm and Cozy), idol Nam Tae-hyun (of Winner), Jung Han-heon (The Family Is Coming), and Park Joon-myun (Mask).

I love the mood of the teaser and posters (especially the top one where it looks like Kim Seung-woo is just waiting outside on a lonely night). The teaser begins with the caption: “To those who are tired today, is there a taste you want to remember?” Kim Seung-woo opens up shop and narrates, “As the day ends and people rush home, my day begins.” His first patron enters, and it closes with the captions: “Late at night, a place where a special comfort begins. Midnight Diner.”

Directing is PD Hwang In-roi of Goong, Return of Iljimae, and Playful Kiss, and variety writers Choi Dae-woong (Brave Writers) and Hong Yoon-hee (Gag Concert) will be penning the script. The drama is unusual in that it plans to air two 30-minute episodes back to back once a week on Saturday nights, beginning at midnight. I guess they’re taking their midnight diner concept very literally. Great, good luck not busting out a midnight snack to go with that.

Midnight Diner premieres this Saturday, July 4.

Via Newsway

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Tags: Kim Seung-woo, Midnight Diner

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1 Orion

June 29, 2015 at 11:13 AM

This is definitely a show for foodie insomniacs. *hoarding snacks*

I hope it does well. It might not be an original work, but is is a fresh idea for a Korean drama, one without huge stars in it, lovelines (hopefully), mothers in law and all the typical kdrama stuff. I hope the timeslot and lack of those things in the premise will keep it safe from "mass appeal".

I just want new things to succeed in this industry without productions rushing to conform and turn them into more of the same the minute someone frowns. There will never be shows to cover different tastes if they can't work up the perseverance to actually let creators generate ideas and make them.

All my ♥ for 'Midnight Diner'. It's licensed for Europe at Viki too, so double yay!

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patinalee

June 29, 2015 at 12:25 PM

Yay! Thanks for the heads-up. Looking at the the time slot, I didn't think it'll be subbed.

I'm no foodie but certainly am an insomniac! :-D

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2 sweettangerine

June 29, 2015 at 11:19 AM

Yay! Bring on the food porn!

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Auntiemame

June 29, 2015 at 2:01 PM

For food porn, watch this drama:

Kodoku no Gurume

There's four seasons of the drama. The face of the main guy is hilarious when he's hungry. And, the food is authentic, as are the restaurants. They even give the address of the restaurant and interview the proprietor.

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sweettangerine

June 29, 2015 at 3:46 PM

Thank you, auntiemame!

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3 alua

June 29, 2015 at 12:00 PM

I'm not that fond of serials, but I might try this.

Does the Japanese drama have the same as name as the manga?

I did see a Japanese drama a while back that focused on a bakery that was only open at midnight (Mayonaka no Panya-san), which started out quite interesting but then threw in some rather annoying characters/contrived stories.

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Auntiemame

June 29, 2015 at 1:56 PM

Shinya Shokudo is the name of the Japanese drama. So far, there have been three seasons.

The drama isn't so much about food, as it is about the human stories of each customer.

Some of the food is as simple as a raw egg in steaming hot rice, with a drop of soy sauce. Or, a simple egg salad sandwich. There is no fancy cooking.

(Yeah, that mid-night bakery drama never realized its potential. Too bad.)

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4 danna

June 29, 2015 at 12:06 PM

I hear the jdorama is wonderful. I adore this PD, especially his aesthetics so I hope this show does well

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Auntiemame

June 29, 2015 at 10:29 PM

The Japanese drama is absolutely wonderful.

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Jo

June 30, 2015 at 4:32 PM

It has a huge fan base in Korea already (for the original Japanese drama and manga)

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5 kororo

June 29, 2015 at 12:14 PM

Shinya Shokudo is such a good Human drama, comedy, food drama, I hope with all my heart that the general feeling of it can be translated trough this version. I'm really crossing my fingers super tight. The stills and the clip gave me a lot of hope though and the fact that Kim Seung-woo is part of it as well.

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6 elvira

June 29, 2015 at 12:19 PM

Woaaaa...
Love the poster and the fresh concept.
All seems mysterious, except that I am going to munch something while watching this drama.
Somehow, something in the mood reminds me of movie called 'Antique'.

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7 Cmd Miao

June 29, 2015 at 12:42 PM

Oh, I love Shinya Shokudo (both manga, drama and movie) and the Korean version even kept the same taglines! Looking forward to it.
@Elvira: Funnily, "Antique" is another food manga/movie that was adapted from the very successful Japanese "Antique Bakery"...

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8 alpha

June 29, 2015 at 12:52 PM

I know it will not happen but I kept thinking of cannibalism. I could totally take this story and turn into a slasher horror film loool.

Haha. Anyway the concept sounds refreshing. I probably won't watch it but good luck to the cast and crew.

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9 Bellamafia

June 29, 2015 at 1:02 PM

I was thinking the same thing too.. what happens if a person asks for human stew?

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Auntiemame

June 29, 2015 at 2:12 PM

The correct and complete line is that:

If it's not on the menu, he can make anything . . . if he has it.

Not likely to have human. LOL

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10 dmohican14

June 29, 2015 at 1:08 PM

@alua, Yes the Japanese drama has the same name as the manga. I believe the first two seasons have subs, but I am unsure about the third.

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Auntiemame

June 29, 2015 at 2:09 PM

English subs available for all three seasons, on D-Addicts.

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11 Mini Roo

June 29, 2015 at 1:56 PM

ooo can't wait. I love episodic, SOL thingamajigs

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12 4D

June 29, 2015 at 1:57 PM

Nom mom nom.

I'm a sucker for foodie things. It looks fun.

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13 fishy

June 29, 2015 at 2:20 PM

yeah, not while i'm fasting thanks >_<

Although i'll probably wait a few weeks and marathon it, i'm a sucker for slice-of-life dramas.

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meenuby

June 29, 2015 at 10:12 PM

Same here! ^_^

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14 meihuas

June 29, 2015 at 5:35 PM

ooohhh this looks like it's gonna make me cry with all the 'slice of life stories' i hope it's kind of like Wonderful Radio where they had pl come in and tell their touching/heart warming stories on the radio except this time it's with nostalgic food

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15 jessie

June 29, 2015 at 5:58 PM

This is my first time hearing about this show, but I'm extremely excited for it.

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16 canxi

June 29, 2015 at 6:10 PM

I want to see this too. It looks sweet.

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17 whitewire

June 29, 2015 at 6:55 PM

I am in-love with you Kim Seung-woo. As much as I loathe Miss Ripley-- because you were there I didn't say a word. I love you from the bottom of my heart. Believe me or not, just last week I have rewatched Hotelier (I can't count the number of rewatch honestly) solely just for Kim Seung-woo and Song Hye-kyo scenes. And just 2 weeks ago I rewatched Mr. Duke (3rd time this time-- coz my classic collection popped my mood). In Miss Ripley, I cannot bear to see you hurt and lied to, lol. I think this drama is from heaven, honestly. Kim Seung-woo is so Crush of the Month and these cute posters released today just make me happy. You just know hot and sizzling ahjusshis must get the best and no less. Midnight Diner is in my list. Ain't nobody gonna erase this.

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18 whitewire

June 29, 2015 at 6:59 PM

I am sorry-- I just heard Kim Seung-woo's voice, and I just found my melted heart on the floor. I love him. There is a charisma in him that can nowhere be found in anyone. A.ny.one.

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Tammie

June 29, 2015 at 10:23 PM

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19 whitewire

June 29, 2015 at 7:08 PM

This is my 3rd comment (Let it be my last. I so cannot contain my excitement, especially it is KIM Seung-woo that we're talking about) but I see great similarities between Master (Kim Seung-woo) with Bok-nyeo (Choi Ji-woo) in Suspicious Housekeeper. Based on the description above--

Similarities:
--They both serve people unconditionally (Except Kim is Master. Choi has her Master/s)
--They both give you what you want-- whatever you really want (with Choi, she can even kill if you want her to kill)
--Their identities are both hidden, and they reveal it to no one.
--They were scarred and pained in the past, which brought them to this situation.

Ok ain't it obvious that I am excited for this.

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20 exile18

June 29, 2015 at 8:09 PM

Finally Kim Seung Woo in a drama! I'm in :)

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21 all4movies

June 29, 2015 at 8:40 PM

Shinya Shokudo is one of my favourite food dramas. I hope the korean version can live up to it's predecessors. It takes a special and quirky cast to make some magic happen.

Fighting!!!

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22 brightsept

June 29, 2015 at 9:46 PM

The tone is really nice! It's kinda remind me of kbs' drama special, the taste of curry. Anw, this seems such a good and meaningful story, I think I'll give it a try! Plus, there is Nam Tae Hyun!! So yeaaahhhhh

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23 Rach ^^

June 29, 2015 at 10:43 PM

I wonder if this will be subbed at all.

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Orion

June 29, 2015 at 11:59 PM

Viki has picked it up for Europe. Don't know the status of Dramafever, but they do have a page for it, so at least the intention is there.

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ken

July 1, 2015 at 5:50 AM

team aces (a winner subbing team[group were taehyun is from]) will be working on it. or actually there a lot of subbers from the fandom that would do it. so the subs will come. that team is hardworking and would do anything to support each members.

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24 whilethemusiclasts

June 30, 2015 at 12:02 AM

Oooh. I love the mood of that preview. And the main poster is giving me good vibes as well. Will look out for this one.

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25 annflln

June 30, 2015 at 12:08 AM

I loved the first picture. Seems a good drama. Definitely will check this out!

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26 kiongna

June 30, 2015 at 2:26 AM

I wanna go there! I wish they had this place where I live ! In fact if it is in existence ANYWHERE, tell us! Will make it a point to patronize at least once in my life LOL

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27 sw33tnshie

June 30, 2015 at 3:16 AM

I remember seeing a similar drama to this. I remember a young (girl) cook who would make food according to the patron's story. Once they ate the food, it healed the soul. I think it was chinese or taiwanese tho.

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28 korfan

June 30, 2015 at 6:53 AM

Oh wow, haven't seen Kim Seung-woo in ages!

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29 Jenni

June 30, 2015 at 9:25 AM

Oh this is totally up my alley! I love slice of life, cozy cute stories like this.

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30 meihuas

June 30, 2015 at 10:54 AM

i'm surprisingly anticipating Tae Hyun(g?)'s performance. I watched his web drama and although he isn't exactly on par with the other top idol actors (TOP, DO, Joon) i think he's pretty good. His acting leans more on the funny, sweet side than dark and twisted so i'm guessing he'd be a good fit for this one. I'm excited to see if his acting is solid and how the whole show comes together

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31 Marina

July 1, 2015 at 12:53 PM

I adore the jdrama, Shinya Shokudo, so I'm very excited for this. Even more so with Kim Seung Woo starring in it.

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32 anns

July 13, 2015 at 1:59 AM

I alrd watch the first eps and it's soooo ghoooddd!! so good that I want to watch the original just to see this story in the original version. I mean I like the overall themes, and the story, and the way kim seung woo narrated the story :''')