My Sweet Mobster

My Sweet Mobster
Promotional poster for My Sweet Mobster
Promotional poster
Hangul
놀아주는 여자
Hanja
놀아주는 女子
Lit.The Woman Who Plays
RRNorajuneun yeoja
MRNorajunŭn yŏja
GenreRomantic comedy
Based on
The Woman Who Plays
by Bangulmama (Park Soo-jung)
Written byNa-kyung
Directed by
  • Kim Young-hwan
  • Kim Woo-hyun
Starring
Music byMoon Seung-nam [ko]
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of episodes16
Production
Running time60 minutes
Production companies
  • Base Story
  • SLL
  • IOK Company
Original release
NetworkJTBC
ReleaseJune 12 (2024-06-12) –
August 1, 2024 (2024-08-01)

My Sweet Mobster (Korean: 놀아주는 여자) is a 2024 South Korean television series based on a Naver web novel of the same title by Bangulmama. Starring Um Tae-goo, Han Sun-hwa, and Kwon Yul, it aired on JTBC from June 12, to August 1, 2024, every Wednesday and Thursday at 20:50 (KST). The show is available on Viki and Viu in selected regions.

Synopsis

My Sweet Mobster tells the story of a romance drama full of twists and turns between Seo Ji-hwan, who has come to terms with his dark past, and Go Eun-ha, who plays a woman that creates web videos inspiring children.

Cast and characters

Main

  • Um Tae-goo as Seo Ji-hwan / Yoon Hyeon-woo
    • Jung Yoo-geun as teenage Yoon Hyeon-woo
    • Lee Joo-won as child Yoon Hyeon-woo
A former gangster and current CEO of Thirsty Deer, a food company that hires ex-convicts to offer a fresh start.
  • Han Sun-hwa as Go Eun-ha
    • Kwon Dan-ah as child Go Eun-ha
A web channel content creator who uses the pseudonym "Mini Unnie", also known as "Sister Mini", and creates kid-friendly content that is somewhat inspired by her childhood friend, Hyeon-woo, without including product placements, much to the chagrin of her CEO.
A prosecutor who maintains a terrible relationship with Ji-hwan.

Supporting

Thirsty Deers

Mi-ho and family

Macaron soft

Kitty company

Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office

Other

  • Kim Tae-woo

Special appearances

Production

Casting

In October 2022, Um Tae-goo and Han Sun-hwa were reported to star as the leads of the series, marking their reunion after previously appearing together in the 2019 OCN drama Save Me 2. The series marked their second portrayal of love interests and their first time co-leading a series together.

Broadcast

My Sweet Mobster was included in JTBC's 2023 drama lineup announced in November 2022. However, its broadcast was postponed and it premiered on June 12, 2024, and aired for 16 episodes until August 1, 2024.

The series continued its scheduled Wednesday–Thursday broadcast on JTBC during the 2024 Summer Olympics period, while terrestrial broadcasters suspended several programs, including dramas, for Olympic coverage.

Reception

Viewership

My Sweet Mobster : South Korea viewers per episode (thousands)
SeasonEpisode numberAverage
12345678910111213141516
1502474449N/A520534476579523635614557505480575680N/A
Source: Audience measurement performed nationwide by Nielsen Korea.
Average TV viewership ratings
Ep. Original broadcast date Average audience share
(Nielsen Korea)
Nationwide Seoul
1 June 12, 2024 2.297% (9th) 2.208% (3rd)
2 June 13, 2024 2.185% (10th) 1.875% (10th)
3 June 19, 2024 1.852% (13th) N/A
4 June 20, 2024 2.284% (9th) 2.040% (9th)
5 June 26, 2024 2.351% (7th) 2.176% (7th)
6 June 27, 2024 2.626% (5th) 2.503% (5th)
7 July 3, 2024 2.488% (5th) 2.442% (2nd)
8 July 4, 2024 2.759% (4th) 2.801% (3rd)
9 July 10, 2024 2.625% (3rd) 2.542% (4th)
10 July 11, 2024 3.003% (5th) 2.699% (4th)
11 July 17, 2024 2.863% (5th) 2.916% (2nd)
12 July 18, 2024 2.710% (7th) 2.552% (6th)
13 July 24, 2024 2.640% (8th) 2.730% (3rd)
14 July 25, 2024 2.322% (11th) N/A
15 July 31, 2024 2.813% (4th) 2.416% (5th)
16 August 1, 2024 2.939% (4th) 2.366% (7th)
Average 2.547% —
  • In the table above, the blue numbers represent the lowest ratings and the red numbers represent the highest ratings.
  • N/A denotes that the ratings were not published.
  • This drama aired on a cable channel/pay TV which normally has a relatively smaller audience compared to free-to-air TV/public broadcasters (KBS, SBS, MBC and EBS).

Domestic topicality

The pairing of Um Tae-goo and Han Sun-hwa, noted for their on-screen chemistry, was nicknamed the “Penguin Couple” by viewers following their penguin-huddling scene in the series.

Throughout its broadcast, My Sweet Mobster maintained high topicality rankings, culminating in a No. 5 ranking in Good Data Corporation's Top 20 television drama buzzworthiness rankings for the first half of 2024, published in mid-August 2024, as the only JTBC drama among the top five.

International reception

During its sixth week of release, My Sweet Mobster ranked No. 1 by viewership on Rakuten Viki in more than 110 countries. It remained No. 1 in 59 countries, including the United States, Brazil, and the United Kingdom, for six consecutive weeks.

Home media

My Sweet Mobster was released on Blu-ray on March 26, 2025, in a five-disc edition containing couple and group commentaries featuring Um Tae-goo and Han Sun-hwa, interviews, and other bonus content.

Accolades

Name of the award ceremony, year presented, category, nominee of the award, and the result of the nomination
Award ceremony Year Category Nominee Result Ref.
APAN Star Awards 2024 Best Child Actor Lee Joo-won Won
Asia Artist Awards 2024 Popularity Award – Actor Um Tae-goo Nominated
Popularity Award – Actress Han Sun-hwa Nominated
Asia Model Awards 2024 Asia Star Award (Actor) Um Tae-goo Won
Rising Star Award (Actor) Kim Hyun-jin Won
Fundex Awards Best Actor – TV Drama Um Tae-goo Nominated
Seoul Global Movie Awards Special Jury Award Won

Notes

  1. ↑ Due to multiple unpublished ratings, the exact average rating is unknown.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Choi, Yi-jung (January 10, 2024). 엄태구X한선화X권율의 로맨스 온다... JTBC '놀아주는 여자' 올해 방송 [My Sweet Mobster: Romance between Um Tae-goo, Han Sun-hwa, and Kwon Yul will air this year]. OSEN (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024 – via Naver.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Park, Jae-hwan (May 10, 2024). "JTBC '놀아주는 여자' 엄태구-한선화의 대반전.. "예쁜 짓 준비됐어요"" [Uhm Tae-goo and Han Sun-hwa's big twist in 'My Sweet Mobster': "I'm ready to do something pretty"]. KBS Media (in Korean). Korean Broadcasting System. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024 – via Naver.
  3. ↑ Moon, Seung-nam (June 12, 2024). 놀아주는 여자 OST Part.1 / 에브리 싱글 데이 [My Sweet Mobster OST Part. 1 (Every Single Day)]. Bugs! (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 12, 2024. Retrieved June 12, 2024 – via Bugs.
  4. ↑ 놀아주는 여자 [My Sweet Mobster]. TVing. SLL. Archived from the original on June 18, 2024. Retrieved June 18, 2024.
  5. ↑ Park, Soo-jung (Bangulmama). 놀아주는 여자 [My Sweet Mobster]. Naver. Naver Corporation. Archived from the original on June 15, 2024. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
  6. 1 2 Jang, Ah-reum (May 9, 2024). '놀아주는 여자' 엄태구가 로코를? 한선화 향한 멜로 눈빛+깨물 하트 [Uhm Tae-goo in the romantic comedy series 'My Sweet Mobster'? Melodious eyes and biting heart towards Han Sun-hwa]. News1 (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
  7. ↑ Jo, Ji-young (July 16, 2024). "엄며들었다"... '놀아주는 여자' 엄태구가 말아주는 로맨스 묘하게 빠져든다 [My Sweet Mobster, Slowly Falling for Um Tae Goo's Romance]. Sports Chosun. ChosunMedia. Archived from the original on August 8, 2024. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
  8. ↑ Kim, Ga-young (January 10, 2024). 권율, '놀아주는 여자'로 돌아온다 [Kwon Yul returns in 'My Sweet Mobster']. Edaily (in Korean). Archived from the original on January 19, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  9. ↑ Jang, Ah-reum (May 4, 2024). '놀아주는 여자' 엄태구가 로코를? 한선화 향한 멜로 눈빛+깨물 하트 ['Cinderella at 2 AM' actor Kim Hyun-jin confirmed to cast in 'My Sweet Mobster' by JTBC]. m.sports.khan.co.kr (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 3, 2024. Retrieved May 4, 2024.
  10. 1 2 3 사슴들 [Deer]. JTBC (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 31, 2024. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
  11. ↑ Jang, Jin-ri (February 9, 2024). [단독] DKZ 재찬, '놀아주는 여자' 캐스팅...'연기돌' 정극 데뷔 [Exclusive: DKZ Jae-chan casts in 'My Sweet Mobster'. An acting idol debuts in a positive drama]. SPOTV News (in Korean). SPOTV. Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024 – via Naver.
  12. ↑ Kim, Na-yeon (May 10, 2024). 문지인, '놀아주는 여자' 한선화 절친 구미호 역 출연 [Moon Ji-in appears as Gumiho, Han Seon-hwa's best friend in 'My Sweet Mobster'] (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 15, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024 – via Naver.
  13. 1 2 미호네 [Mi-ho and family]. JTBC (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 8, 2024. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
  14. 1 2 3 마카롱소프트 [Macaron soft]. JTBC (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 8, 2024. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
  15. 1 2 3 야옹이파 [Kitty company]. JTBC (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 6, 2024. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
  16. 1 2 서울중앙지검 [Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office]. JTBC (in Korean). Archived from the original on August 8, 2024. Retrieved June 15, 2024.
  17. ↑ Yoo, Sun-joon (March 9, 2024). '크레디에이터' 억달이형 "연기자 출신 아니지만 매일매일 연습하고 노력" ['Crediator' Ukdals Bro: "I'm not an actor, but I practice and work hard everyday"]. The Financial News (in Korean). Archived from the original on May 10, 2024. Retrieved May 10, 2024 – via Naver.
  18. ↑ Phillips, Demi (June 18, 2024). "'My Sweet Mobster' KDrama 2024: where to watch confirmed". We Got This Covered. Archived from the original on June 29, 2024. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  19. ↑ Purnama, Fadel (June 20, 2024). "Wang Ji Won Makin Keren di "My Sweet Mobster" Comeback Keren di Dunia K-Drama!". Jatinangor Ekspres (in Indonesian). Archived from the original on June 30, 2024. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  20. ↑ Park, Pan-seok (October 28, 2022). [단독] 엄태구X한선화 JTBC ‘놀아주는 여자’ 만난다..3년만 재회 [[Exclusive] Um Tae-goo and Han Sun-hwa to star in JTBC's 'My Sweet Mobster'... Reuniting after 3 years]. Osen (in Korean). Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  21. ↑ Lee, Ho-young (June 12, 2024). '놀아주는 여자' 엄태구 "한선화, '구해줘2'부터 항상 호흡 잘 맞아" ["My Sweet Mobster" Um Tae-goo: "Han Sun-hwa and I have always had great chemistry since 'Save Me 2'"]. MBC Entertainment (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
  22. ↑ November 8, 2022. 이보영·조승우·한지민·이준호·임윤아…JTBC, 초호화 2023년 드라마 라인업 전격공개 [Lee Bo-young, Cho Seung-woo, Han Ji-min, Lee Jun-ho, Im Yoon-ah… JTBC Unveils Star-studded 2023 Drama Lineup]. My Daily (in Korean). Retrieved November 8, 2022 – via Naver.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  23. ↑ Kang, Ju-hee (August 1, 2024). ‘놀여’ 한선화 “‘물복숭아’ 별명 감사…적적할 때 생각나는 작품 되길” 종영소감 [Han Sun-hwa shares her thoughts on the finale of "My Sweet Mobster": “Thanks for giving me the nickname ‘Water Peach’… I hope this becomes a drama that comes to your mind when you feel lonely”]. Ilgan Sports (in Korean). Retrieved August 1, 2024 – via Naver.
  24. ↑ Lee, Chang-kyu (July 26, 2024). 결방과 방송 사이…눈치싸움 시작된 방송국의 올림픽 시즌 [엑's 이슈] [Between Cancellations and Broadcasts… The Battle of Wits Begins for Broadcasters During Olympic Season [Exclusive Issue]]. Xports News (in Korean). Retrieved July 26, 2024.
  25. 1 2 Nielsen Korea ratings:
    • "Ep. 1". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 12, 2024. Archived from the original on June 12, 2024. Retrieved June 13, 2024.
    • "Ep. 2". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 13, 2024. Archived from the original on June 13, 2024. Retrieved June 14, 2024.
    • "Ep. 4". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 20, 2024. Archived from the original on June 20, 2024. Retrieved June 21, 2024.
    • "Ep. 5". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 26, 2024. Archived from the original on June 26, 2024. Retrieved June 27, 2024.
    • "Ep. 6". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). June 27, 2024. Archived from the original on June 27, 2024. Retrieved June 28, 2024.
    • "Ep. 7". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). July 3, 2024. Archived from the original on September 18, 2024. Retrieved July 4, 2024.
    • "Ep. 8". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). July 4, 2024. Archived from the original on August 8, 2024. Retrieved July 5, 2024.
    • "Ep. 9". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). July 10, 2024. Archived from the original on July 10, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
    • "Ep. 10". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). July 11, 2024. Archived from the original on July 11, 2024. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
    • "Ep. 11". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). July 17, 2024. Archived from the original on July 17, 2024. Retrieved July 18, 2024.
    • "Ep. 12". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). July 18, 2024. Archived from the original on August 8, 2024. Retrieved July 19, 2024.
    • "Ep. 13". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). July 24, 2024. Archived from the original on July 24, 2024. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
    • "Ep. 14". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). July 25, 2024. Archived from the original on August 8, 2024. Retrieved July 26, 2024.
    • "Ep. 15". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). July 31, 2024. Archived from the original on July 31, 2024. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
    • "Ep. 16". Nielsen Korea (in Korean). August 1, 2024. Archived from the original on August 8, 2024. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
  26. ↑ 놀아주는 여자 시청률 [My Sweet Mobster ratings] (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. Archived from the original on June 28, 2024. Retrieved June 20, 2024 – via Daum.
  27. 1 2 Jo, Ji-young (August 2, 2024). [종합] 누아르 엄태구, '멜로' 도전 大성공→꽉 닫힌 '해피엔딩'('놀아주는 여자') [[Roundup] Noir actor Um Tae-goo's 'Romantic Comedy' challenge proves a huge success → A perfect 'happy ending' ('My Sweet Mobster')]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Retrieved August 2, 2024 – via The Chosun Ilbo.
  28. ↑ Jeong, Min-kyung (August 16, 2024). 예능이든 드라마든 화제성 있으려면 “기다렸다 봐야 되는 이유 제공해야” [Whether it is a variety show or a drama, to generate buzz, you must “provide a reason to wait and watch.”]. Media Today (in Korean). Retrieved August 16, 2024.
  29. ↑ Moon, Ji-yeon (July 30, 2024). '110개국 1위' 엄태구♥한선화, 위기 딛고 해피엔딩 이룰까('놀아주는 여자') ['Ranked No. 1 in 110 Countries' Um Tae-goo ♥ Han Sun-hwa, Will They Overcome Crisis and Achieve a Happy Ending? ('My Sweet Mobster')]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Retrieved July 30, 2024 – via The Chosun Ilbo.
  30. ↑ Blu-ray 놀아주는 여자 : JTBC : (5Disc, 프리미엄판) :블루레이 [ 아웃박스+5블루레이디스크+디지팩+포토북+포토엽서5종 ] [Blu-ray My Sweet Mobster : JTBC : (5 Disc, Premium Edition) : Blu-ray [ Outer Box + 5 Blu-ray Discs + Digipak + Photobook + 5 Photo Postcards ]]. yes24 (in Korean). March 26, 2025. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  31. ↑ '정년이' 김태리 대상→ '선업튀' 변우석˙김혜윤 베스트 커플상… '에이판 스타 어워즈' 성료 (종합). 스포츠한국 (in Korean). December 29, 2024. Retrieved December 30, 2024.
  32. ↑ Yoon, Seong-yeol (November 4, 2024). 임영웅·변우석·김수현 인기상은 누구?..'2024 AAA' 결선 투표 시작 [Who will win the Popularity Award among Lim Young-woong, Byun Woo-suk, and Kim Soo-hyun?.. '2024 AAA' Final Voting Begins]. Star News (in Korean). Naver. Archived from the original on April 11, 2026. Retrieved November 4, 2024.
  33. ↑ Park, Jeong-seon (November 3, 2024). 역시 대세 엄태구, '아시아모델어워즈' 아시아스타상 수상 [As expected, the trendy Um Tae-goo wins the Asia Star Award (Actor) at the 'Asia Model Awards']. JTBC News (in Korean). Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  34. ↑ "2024 Asia Model Awards Winners". Asia Model Festival. November 7, 2025. Archived from the original on November 7, 2025. Retrieved November 7, 2025.
  35. ↑ Lee, Min-ji (November 27, 2024). 김수현 변우석→김지원 김태리 ‘2024 펀덱스어워드’ 후보 공개 [Kim Soo-hyun, Byun Woo-suk → Kim Ji-won, Kim Tae-ri: '2024 Fundex Awards' Nominees Revealed]. Newsen (in Korean). Retrieved November 27, 2024 – via Naver.
  36. ↑ Han, Hyeon-jeong (December 6, 2024). 함께 울고 웃고 박수치며...품격지킨 ‘서울국제영화대상’[MK무비] [Crying, laughing, and clapping together... the Seoul Global Movie Awards maintains its dignity [MK Movie]]. Maeil Kyungjae (in Korean). Retrieved December 6, 2024.