“Come and Hug Me”: A Beautifully Painful Tale of Love and Redemption

When it comes to Korean dramas that tug at the heartstrings, Come and Hug Me (2018) stands as one of the most underrated yet emotionally powerful masterpieces. Starring Jang Ki Yong and Jin Ki Joo, this drama goes beyond the typical romance storyline — it’s a hauntingly beautiful exploration of love, forgiveness, and healing in the face of trauma.

A Story of Love Amidst Tragedy

The series tells the story of Chae Do Jin (Jang Ki Yong) and Han Jae Yi (Jin Ki Joo), two people whose lives are tragically intertwined by a horrific past. As children, they shared an innocent love — until Jae Yi’s parents were brutally murdered by Do Jin’s father, a notorious serial killer.

Years later, Do Jin grows up to become a police officer, determined to atone for his father’s sins, while Jae Yi becomes an actress still haunted by her trauma. When they meet again as adults, their love rekindles — fragile, forbidden, and yet deeply healing.

The show beautifully portrays how two broken souls find courage to face their painful memories and embrace love once again. Every scene is soaked with raw emotion, quiet strength, and the message that love can still bloom even in the darkest corners of life.

Performances That Captured Hearts

Jang Ki Yong delivers one of his most powerful performances as a man torn between guilt and love, perfectly balancing intensity and tenderness. Jin Ki Joo’s portrayal of Jae Yi is equally moving — vulnerable yet resilient, making the audience root for her peace and happiness.

Their chemistry feels so real that every moment between them lingers long after the episode ends. Supporting roles from Heo Joon Ho, who played the terrifying father, and Nam Da Reum and Ryu Han Bi as the young versions of the leads, added layers of emotional depth to the story.

Awards and Recognition

Come and Hug Me was not only praised by viewers for its touching narrative but also received critical acclaim for its writing, cinematography, and acting. At the 2018 MBC Drama Awards, the series took home several honors, including:

• 🏆 Top Excellence Award (Actor in a Wednesday–Thursday Drama) – Jang Ki Yong

• 🏆 Top Excellence Award (Actress in a Wednesday–Thursday Drama) – Jin Ki Joo

• 🏆 Golden Acting Award (Actor) – Heo Joon Ho

• 🏆 Best Couple Award – Jang Ki Yong and Jin Ki Joo

The drama was also recognized for its poignant OST and emotional direction that elevated every scene into something poetic and unforgettable.

Why It’s Worth Watching

If you’re searching for a drama that combines romance, suspense, and deep emotional healing, Come and Hug Me is a must-watch. It’s not just a love story — it’s a journey of two souls learning to forgive, heal, and find light in each other despite a horrifying past.

Every hug, every tear, and every quiet glance in this drama reminds us that love isn’t about perfection — it’s about finding strength in vulnerability.

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✨ “Sometimes, embracing the one you love means embracing your pain, too.”
Come and Hug Me remains a timeless reminder that love, even in tragedy, can still be a beautiful act of courage.