Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo (Korean: 역도요정 김복주; RR: Yeokdoyojeong Gimbokju) is a 2016–2017 South Korean television series starring Lee Sung-kyung in the title role, with Nam Joo-hyuk. It is a coming-of-age sports drama, inspired by the life of Olympic gold-medalist Jang Mi-ran.[1][2] It aired on MBC every Wednesday and Thursday at 22:00 (KST) from November 16, 2016, to January 11, 2017.
The series resonated with the young demographic; although it averaged 4.6% in audience share and received the lowest viewership ratings in its time-slot throughout its run,[3][4] it gained a cult following amongst young viewers and received mostly favorable reviews.[5][6] The series also received popularity overseas, particularly in the Philippines.[7]
Kim Bok joo (Lee Sung-Kyung), a young woman chasing her dream of weightlifting on an athlete college campus, develops a crush on her friend Jung Joon-Hyung's (Nam Joo-Hyuk) older brother, Jung Jae-Yi (Lee Jae-Yoon). At first, Joon Hyung teases her and goes along with her act, even helping her, but soon finds himself falling in love with her. This series is a coming-of-age story about a group of college athletes who are fighting for their dreams, experiencing and finding love in the process, and growing every step of the way.
A naturally gifted weightlifter with an ambitious and outgoing personality who attends a sports university. Growing up with her father who was a former weightlifter, she is inspired to follow in his footsteps. She stands up for herself and her friends – although she still feels shyness and awkwardness around boys, she does not hesitate to beat them up if they provoke her. She hides her insecurities and fragile heart under her strong exterior. She at first experiences a one-sided love with Jung Jae-yi but later falls in love with his brother/cousin Jung Joon-hyung.
He is a talented swimmer with a playful personality who attends the same university as Bok-joo. He and Bok-joo had been childhood friend when they were in elementary school. At first, when they meet again at the university, they do not recognize each other, until an incident occurs that refreshes their memories. He is raised by his kindly aunt and uncle after his mother leaves him behind and moves to Canada, where she starts a second family. Joon-hyung suffers from a trauma that had begun when he realized that the postcards and presents supposedly sent to him by his mother were actually from his aunt and uncle. This discovery coincides with his first big international tournament and, as a result, he suffers a panic attack and makes a false start leading to his getting disqualified. He enjoys teasing Bok-joo, but gradually falls in love with her.
Joon-hyung's cousin and ersatz older brother, with a kind and gentle personality. A former athlete who becomes an obesity doctor due to an injury. He becomes Bok-joo's first love (without his realizing it) after he kindly lends her his umbrella on the street, even though at the time she is a complete stranger, and she enrolls in his obesity clinic so that she can meet him, although her need as a weightlifter is to put on weight rather than lose it.
Bok-joo's roommate and Joon-hyung's ex-girlfriend. She still has feelings for him and becomes jealous of his and Bok-joo's strong relationship, leading her to commit negative acts towards Bok-joo. She is a top-class rhythmic gymnast, who won a silver medal at the Asian Games at the age of eighteen. Shi-ho is an overachiever, and is under constant stress about her weight and skills, which led to her break-up with Joon-hyung, and act rashly in various situations.
Supporting[]
Weightlifting team[]
Cho Hye-jung as Jung Nan-hee 정난희, despite her strength is a very feminine girl who dreams of romance and always willing to spread happiness.
Lee Joo-young as Lee Seon-ok 이선옥, is direct, loves to eat, and does not show much affection but is loyal to her friends. She eventually "demonstrates" some potential interest in Tae-Kwon.
