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I'm Not a Robot

I'm Not a Robot (Korean: 로봇이 아니야; RR: Robosi Aniya) is a South Korean television series starring Yoo Seung-ho, Chae Soo-bin, and Um Ki-joon. The romantic comedy drama, written by Kim Seon-mi and directed by Jung Dae-yoon, aired on MBC TV from December 6, 2017 to January 25, 2018, on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 22:00 (KST) time slot for 32 episodes. The series follows Kim Min-gyu (Yoo Seung-ho), a wealthy but reclusive young man with a severe allergy to other people, who unknowingly falls in love with Jo Ji-a (Chae Soo-bin), an entrepreneur who poses as a lifelike android to fulfill a business contract after the real robot malfunctions.

Plot

Synopsis

"I'm Not a Robot" centers on , the reclusive heir to a major financial empire who has been confined to his high-tech mansion for over a due to a rare "" that causes severe physical reactions upon contact with other . This condition, stemming from past , has left him distrustful and isolated, relying on advanced technology and a small circle of loyal aides to manage his daily life. Desperate for non-human companionship, Min-kyu invests in Aji 3, a sophisticated designed to mimic without triggering his allergy, developed by the innovative Santa Maria Lab led by robotics genius Baek-gyun. The plot takes an unexpected turn when Aji 3 malfunctions during a en route to Min-kyu's home, rendering its battery inoperable. Jo Ji-ah, a struggling inventor and the model for Aji 3's appearance, steps in to impersonate the as part of a desperate scheme to secure funding for her team's groundbreaking project and avoid financial ruin. Posing as the emotionless Aji 3, Ji-ah enters Min-kyu's sterile world, adhering to strict protocols to maintain the illusion while navigating his eccentric demands and guarded personality. Her presence gradually introduces warmth and unpredictability into his controlled existence, fostering subtle interactions that test the boundaries of their fabricated relationship. As the deception unfolds, the series explores the evolving dynamic between Min-kyu and the "robot," blending elements of romance, , and light . Supporting characters, including Baek-gyun and Min-kyu's skeptical butler, add layers of intrigue and humor, while underlying themes of vulnerability and trust emerge through their contrived proximity. The narrative spans 32 episodes, aired on MBC from December 6, 2017, to January 25, 2018, highlighting how human connections can bridge even the most artificial divides.

Themes

The series delves into themes of and the profound human need for . Kim Min-kyu's severe to other people forces him into a life of , symbolizing deeper emotional barriers stemming from past and . This setup allows the narrative to examine how genuine companionship can heal such divides, as Min-kyu's interactions with the supposed Aji 3 gradually erode his defenses and foster vulnerability. Central to the story is the exploration of amidst and the of emotions. Jo Ji-ah's charade as a raises questions about and the between pretense and , yet the burgeoning romance underscores that true affection transcends facades. The drama portrays compassionate as a force that promotes and mutual understanding, culminating in the characters' growth through honest revelations. Additionally, "I'm Not a Robot" addresses , , and what defines . Through Min-kyu's from reclusive to empathetic partner, the series highlights bravery in confronting personal fears and the required to rebuild after loss. The titular declaration emphasizes human qualities like emotional depth and adaptability, contrasting mechanical predictability with the richness of .

Cast and characters

Main cast

The main cast of the South Korean television series I'm Not a Robot (2017–2018) consists of three lead actors portraying the central characters in this romantic comedy-drama. stars as Kim Min-gyu, the young, wealthy CEO of a financial company who lives in due to a severe to human contact that forces him to live in . plays dual roles as Jo Ji-ah, a penniless inventor facing financial ruin, and Aji-3, the lifelike prototype that Ji-ah impersonates after the real malfunctions during a product test. Uhm Ki-joon portrays Hong Baek-gyun, a professor and Min-gyu's confidant, who created the Aji-3 and is Jo Ji-ah's ex-boyfriend.
ActorRoleDescription
Yoo Seung-hoKim Min-gyuA entrepreneur isolated by allergies; his character arc explores themes of human connection and vulnerability.
Chae Soo-binJo Ji-ah / Aji-3A resourceful inventor posing as a ; her performance highlights the blend of deception and genuine emotion in the storyline.
Uhm Ki-joonHong Baek-gyunA and to Min-gyu; his role explores themes of , past relationships, and support.

Supporting cast

The supporting cast in I'm Not a Robot enriches the narrative through portrayals of family members, friends, colleagues, and romantic rivals, contributing to the series' blend of romance, comedy, and sci-fi elements. These characters often provide emotional support, humor, and conflict that propel the central plot involving the leads' mistaken identities and budding relationship. Key supporting roles include:
ActorCharacterRole Description
Kang Ki-youngHwang Yoo-chulKim Min-gyu's loyal childhood friend, who offers unwavering support and comic relief throughout Min-gyu's isolation and recovery.
Hwang Seung-eonYe Ri-elMin-gyu's former fiancée, whose reappearance introduces jealousy and tension in the main romantic arc.
Lee Min-jiHwang Sun-hyeJo Ji-ah's best friend and café owner, who provides emotional backing and practical help during Ji-ah's financial and personal struggles.
Seo Dong-wonJo Jin-baeJi-ah's protective older brother, involved in family dynamics and her everyday challenges.
Park Se-wanPi (Angela)Hong Baek-gyun's colleague at the robotics company, contributing to the technical and team-based subplots.
Song Jae-ryongHok-talAnother of Baek-gyun's colleagues, adding workplace camaraderie and lighthearted moments in the development of the robot Aji-3.
Ko Gun-hanSsan-ip (Eddie)Baek-gyun's fellow engineer and friend, involved in the innovative robotics projects central to the story.
Yoon Kyung-hoSecurity team leaderHead of Min-gyu's security detail, handling the protective measures around his allergy-induced seclusion.
These performers deliver nuanced performances that highlight the series' themes of human connection and vulnerability, with many drawing from their established careers in television to enhance dynamics.

Production

Development

"I'm Not a Robot" was penned by Kim Seon-mi, whose prior works include the "Seducing Mr. Perfect" (2006) and the mini-series "Love Now" (2007), establishing her style in lighthearted explorations of relationships and personal growth. The project marked her return to after a , blending elements with romance in a narrative centered on human connection and deception. Directed by Jung Dae-yoon, the drama represented an early television directing credit for the filmmaker, who later gained prominence with high-profile series like "" (2022). Pre-production began in mid-2017 under MBC, with the series initially slated to air in November following "," positioning it as a infused with sci-fi tropes about and human allergy. Casting announcements unfolded rapidly in late August 2017, when MBC offered the female lead role of Jo Ji-ah to Chae Soo-bin, known for her role in "Strongest Deliveryman" (2017), and the male lead of Kim Min-kyu to Dong Ha of "Suspicious Partner" (2017). Dong Ha declined the offer in early September, citing scheduling conflicts, while Chae Soo-bin confirmed her participation, bringing her nuanced portrayal of vulnerable yet resilient characters to the project. Yoo Seung-ho, fresh from military service discharge in 2016 and coming off "I Remember You" (2015), was cast as the male lead on September 20, 2017, drawn to the role's emotional depth involving isolation and budding romance. Um Ki-joon joined as the robotics professor Hong Baek-gyun, adding comedic and authoritative layers after turning down another project. The timeline was significantly disrupted by the MBC labor in September-October 2017, involving over 200 PDs, writers, and crew members protesting management practices and demanding better conditions. As a member, director Jung Dae-yoon participated, delaying filming and shifting the premiere from November to December 6, 2017. This adjustment positioned "I'm Not a Robot" to replace the postponed "Lookout" in the Wednesday-Thursday slot, immediately following the abbreviated run of "20th Century Boy and Girl," which concluded early with a quadruple finale to accommodate the schedule gaps caused by the . Despite these challenges, the 32- (aired in 16 hour-long installments) allowed for a swift ramp-up, emphasizing practical sets for the company and the protagonist's isolated mansion to underscore themes of technological detachment.

Casting and filming

The lead roles for I'm Not a Robot were cast in September 2017, with selected as , a reclusive billionaire suffering from a severe to humans, as Jo Ji-ah, an inventor who impersonates a robot, and as Hong Baek-gyun, the professor and Jo Ji-ah's ex-boyfriend. The production team praised Yoo's expressive eyes for conveying the romantic nuances of his character during the casting process. Supporting roles were finalized shortly after, with as Hwang Yoo-chul, 's childhood best friend, as Ye Ri-el, 's childhood friend, as the hacker Pi, Seo Dong-won as the hacker Ssanip, Lee Min-ji as Hwang Sun-hye, Jo Ji-ah's best friend, and as the security team leader, forming a diverse ensemble of character actors to support the central romance. Filming commenced following a lively script reading on October 19, 2017, where the cast demonstrated strong chemistry, particularly between Yoo and , heightening anticipation for their on-screen dynamic. Directed by Jung Dae-yoon and Park Seung-woo, principal photography took place primarily in during late fall and winter, capturing the drama's blend of indoor isolation scenes and outdoor encounters amid chilly conditions. Notable exterior locations included Forest Park, used for the pivotal first meeting between and Aji-3 in episode 9, evoking a sense of urban serenity that contrasted the protagonist's inner turmoil. Additional scenes were shot at Nodeul Island, highlighting tense confrontations along the Han River. Interior sequences, such as those in luxurious mansion, were filmed at MBC studios to emphasize the sterile, high-tech environment central to the plot. Yoo Seung-ho later reflected that the production marked his happiest filming experience, crediting the warm set atmosphere and collaborative spirit among the cast and crew, despite the challenges of portraying a character with profound emotional isolation and vulnerability. Behind-the-scenes footage revealed the leads enduring cold weather shoots with humor, including a winter outdoor scene where Chae Soo-bin and Yoo shared laughs while bundled up, underscoring the positive rapport that contributed to the series' heartfelt tone. The production wrapped in early 2018, aligning with the 32-episode run on MBC.

Soundtrack

The soundtrack consists of six main releases, with a full released on February 1, 2018, featuring additional tracks.

Part 1

"I'm Not a Robot OST Part 1" was released on December 13, 2017, as the inaugural in the soundtrack series for the MBC television drama I'm Not a Robot. Produced by Blending Co., Ltd., the EP contains two tracks: the lead vocal song "Something" performed by of the R&B group , and its version. The release coincided with the airing of the drama's early episodes, serving as an emotional anchor for the romantic narrative. "Something" is characterized by its rhythmic R&B style, showcasing 's distinctive and soulful delivery. The song's explore subtle romantic yearnings, aligning with the series' plot involving mistaken identities and budding affections. , a member of since , brought his experience from the group's acclaimed albums to this drama contribution, marking one of his notable solo OST performances. The track received attention for its integration into key scenes, enhancing the drama's lighthearted yet heartfelt tone. It charted on music platforms shortly after release, contributing to the overall popularity of the series. An official , featuring clips from the drama, was uploaded to on the same day, further promoting the song's connection to the storyline.

Part 2

"날 알아줄까" (Do You Know Me?), the second single in the original soundtrack for the South Korean television series I'm Not a Robot, was performed by singer-songwriter and released on December 20, 2017. The track features Jang's delicate vocals over a piano-driven , capturing the emotional depth of unspoken longing and vulnerability central to the drama's narrative. Composed, written, and arranged by Lohi, and performed by , the song explores themes of hidden identity and the desire for genuine recognition, mirroring the protagonist Jo Ji-ah's pretense as a to care for the reclusive . Its convey a plea for someone to see beyond the facade, with lines emphasizing quiet hope amid isolation, which aligns with key romantic developments in episodes around the midpoint of the series. The instrumental version accompanies the single, providing a subtle underscore for introspective scenes without overpowering the . Produced by Blending and distributed by and Sync Pop, the release was timed to coincide with escalating tensions in the plot, enhancing the emotional resonance of character interactions. , known for her influences and prior contributions to dramas like , brought a personal touch to the track, drawing from her experience in crafting intimate ballads. The song's minimalist arrangement, featuring acoustic elements and soft percussion, underscores its role in highlighting the series' blend of romance and sci-fi elements.

Part 3

Part 3 of the I'm Not a Robot original soundtrack was released on December 27, 2017, featuring the ballad "마음의 말" (Maeumui Mal, translated as "Words of My Heart") performed by South Korean singer Kim Yeon Ji. This single-track release, accompanied by an instrumental version, runs approximately five minutes for the vocal track and totals ten minutes for the EP. Composed by Jaeman and with lyrics by Lee Chi-hoon, the song captures the emotional turmoil of unspoken love, portraying a narrator overwhelmed by affection yet unable to fully express it, even in proximity to the beloved. The lyrics evoke themes of heartache and longing, such as "I've been sick for a few days now / Because my heart is full of you / Breathing and falling asleep are so hard," aligning with the drama's narrative of hidden emotions and budding romance between characters navigating deception and vulnerability. Kim Yeon Ji, born in 1986, brings her signature emotive vocal style to the track, honed through her career as a solo artist and former lead vocalist of the vocal group since her group debut in 2006. Known for her contributions to numerous soundtracks, including hits like "Whisky on the Rock" from , her performance in "마음의 말" emphasizes a soft, introspective delivery that builds to a poignant crescendo, enhancing the song's confessional tone. The track's piano-driven arrangement and subtle string elements underscore its structure, making it a fitting for the series' mid-season emotional arcs where the protagonists' facades begin to crack. Upon release, "마음의 말" garnered significant attention as one of the drama's standout OSTs, amassing millions of streams and views on platforms like , where lyric videos exceeded 5 million plays within years of airing. Its popularity stems from its relatable portrayal of restrained affection, resonating with viewers following the rom-com's exploration of human-robot boundaries and genuine connections. The song's version further extends its use in the series, providing subtle underscoring during tender scenes without overpowering dialogue. Overall, Part 3 contributes to the soundtrack's reputation for heartfelt ballads that amplify the drama's themes of and emotional awakening.

Part 4

"I'm Not a Robot" Part 4 was released on January 3, 2018, as a digital single by the South Korean indie duo Damsonegongbang (담소네공방). The release consists of two tracks: the main vocal song "Ma-eum Da-hae Sarang-haneun Il" (translated as "Loving with All Your Heart" or "I Love with All My Heart"), and its instrumental version. The total runtime is approximately 7 minutes and 30 seconds. The , "Ma-eum Da-hae Sarang-haneun Il," is a that captures the emotional depth of , with reflecting and admiration for wholehearted affection amid fears of heartbreak. Composed and arranged by Damsonegongbang members, the song features gentle acoustic elements and heartfelt vocals that complement the drama's romantic tension. It was inserted into pivotal scenes, including the iconic umbrella kiss between protagonists Kim Min-gyu (played by ) and Jo Ji-ah (played by ), heightening the emotional impact of these moments. This installment of the soundtrack aligns with the series' mid-to-late narrative arc, where character relationships deepen, and the OST's release timing coincided with episodes airing around early January 2018 on MBC. The track's , featuring drama highlights, further emphasized its thematic resonance with the storyline.

Part 5

"로봇이 아니야 OST Part.5" is a digital single released on January 10, 2018, featuring the track "여기 서 있어" (Standing Here) performed by South Korean Juniel. The release includes two tracks: the main vocal version and an instrumental rendition, produced under Blending and Sync Pop labels. Composed and co-written by Park Sung-il, with lyrics by Lee Chi-hoon and Park Sung-il, the song falls into the genre, emphasizing emotional depth through acoustic arrangements and piano elements. The ballad showcases Juniel's signature soft, emotive vocals, delivering a poignant narrative of unrequited love and quiet devotion. Lyrics portray a protagonist who finds solace in mere proximity to their beloved, content with shadows and unseen presence, yet yearning for recognition: "I'm standing here, the person who always protects you / I'm standing here, the fool who waits endlessly." This theme aligns closely with the drama's plot, representing the inner turmoil of protagonist Kim Min-gyu (played by Yoo Seung-ho), who develops feelings for what he believes is a robot, and Jo Ji-ah (Chae Soo-bin), who conceals her humanity. In the series, the track underscores key romantic scenes, enhancing the emotional intensity of unspoken affections and identity deceptions central to the storyline. While specific chart peaks are not prominently documented, the song has garnered steady streams, exceeding 4 million on , reflecting enduring fan appreciation within K-drama OST circles. , known for her folk-influenced style since her 2011 debut with , contributes her versatile to this release, marking another contribution to television soundtracks.

Part 6

The sixth installment of the I'm Not a Robot , released on , , features the acoustic pop "Cheoncheonhi Hallae" (translated as "Slowly" or "I'll Take It Slow") performed by South Korean singer Vincent Blue. Produced by (Flight Ticket), the track delves into themes of unresolved emotions and lingering memories following a , with expressing the difficulty of moving on despite efforts to do so. Vincent Blue, known for his emotive vocal style in various drama OSTs, delivers a melancholic accompanied by gentle arrangements that enhance the song's introspective mood. The release comprises two tracks: the vocal version of "Cheoncheonhi Hallae" (duration: 4:03) and its counterpart. Both composition and lyrics for the song were crafted by , under the production of Blending and Syncopop. This part of the aligns with the drama's narrative exploration of human connections and vulnerabilities, providing a poignant underscore during key emotional scenes.

Release and reception

Broadcast and ratings

"I'm Not a Robot" aired on (MBC) from December 6, 2017, to January 25, 2018, in the Wednesday and Thursday 22:00 KST time slot. The series comprised 32 episodes, aired in pairs each broadcast night, with each installment running about 35 minutes. This scheduling positioned it against competitors including KBS 2TV's "" and SBS's "Nothing to Lose" in its early weeks, later facing SBS's "" and KBS 2TV's "" in the latter half. Viewership ratings, measured by Nielsen on a nationwide basis, began modestly with the episodes achieving 4.1% and 4.5%, respectively. Ratings dipped early, hitting a low of 2.4% in episode 13, before stabilizing in the low-to-mid 3% range. The series peaked at 4.5% during its second episode and never surpassed 5%, reflecting challenges in capturing a broad domestic audience amid strong competition. The final episodes, 31 and 32, drew 3.1% and 3.4%, marking the lowest performance in the Wednesday-Thursday drama slot at the time. Overall, the drama averaged 3.23% in nationwide viewership, considered underwhelming for MBC's prime-time slot and contributing to its reputation as a commercial underperformer domestically. Despite this, it garnered attention for its unique premise and later achieved cult status through international streaming platforms like , where it resonated more strongly with global audiences.

Critical reception and awards

Upon its premiere, I'm Not a Robot received positive feedback from critics for its blend of and elements, with reviewers highlighting the engaging premise of a reclusive genius falling for a woman posing as an due to a mishap. The drama was described as a "refreshing treat" and an "easy watch," praised for its quirky character dynamics and lighthearted exploration of human connection, though it noted modest initial viewership in . Critics commended the lead performances, particularly Yoo Seung-ho's portrayal of the isolated , whose vulnerability and growth were seen as a standout, transforming the series into a modern fairytale rich in symbolism about and . Chae Soo-bin's as the inventive Jo Ji-ah and her robotic alter ego Aji-3 was lauded for its charm and emotional depth, contributing to the show's endearing rom-com tone despite occasional plot inconsistencies in later episodes. Supporting actor Um Ki-joon's commanding presence as the antagonist further elevated the narrative, earning acclaim for adding tension to the otherwise whimsical storyline. While domestic ratings remained low, averaging approximately 3.2% nationwide, the series garnered strong international acclaim for its heartfelt themes and feel-good resolution, often ranked among the top romantic K-dramas of 2017 by fan and reviewer polls. Some critiques pointed to pacing issues in the second half, where subplots occasionally overshadowed the central romance, but overall, it was celebrated as a cute, uplifting entry in the genre. In terms of awards, I'm Not a Robot earned recognition primarily at the 2017 MBC Drama Awards, where was nominated for the Top Excellence Award for Actor in a for his role as the ruthless businessman Yoon Seung-cheol. received a nomination for the Popularity Award, , acknowledging her versatile performance, while the series itself was nominated in several technical categories but did not secure additional wins. The drama had no nominations at the , though its cast's efforts were highlighted in year-end reviews for contributing to MBC's diverse 2017 lineup.

Adaptations and legacy

Japanese adaptation

The South Korean romantic comedy series I'm Not a Robot was released on DVD in the Japanese market in 2018, featuring Japanese subtitles to accommodate local viewers. Distributed by Happinet Media Marketing under the title Robotto ja Nai Kimi ni Muchū! (ロボットじゃない～君に夢中！～), the release was divided into multiple sets, with Set 1 and Set 2 covering the full 32 episodes. This format allowed Japanese audiences to experience the story of Kim Min-kyu, a reclusive genius with a human allergy who falls for a woman posing as an AI companion, in a format tailored for home viewing. The release maintained the original's blend of humor, romance, and sci-fi elements without altering the plot or casting, focusing instead on accessibility for K-drama enthusiasts in Japan.

Cultural impact

The series "I'm Not a Robot" has had a notable influence on global perceptions of South Korean culture through the Hallyu wave, particularly by sparking interest in travel and study abroad among international viewers. A 2021 academic study analyzing K-dramas' role in tourism decisions identified the series as a key example, where depictions of Seoul's urban landscapes and everyday settings motivated respondents to visit filming locations, contributing to increased tourism from regions like Southeast Asia and Europe. The drama's portrayal of modern Korean life, including technology-driven isolation and romance, aligned with broader Hallyu effects, where viewers reported heightened curiosity about South Korea's innovative society and education system. Internationally, the series achieved cult status on streaming platforms, amassing a 9.6/10 user rating from over 151,000 reviews on Viki, far surpassing its modest domestic viewership in . This popularity extended to , where it was highlighted as a top title driving K-drama adoption in , helping platforms like expand their subscriber base and introduce audiences to themes of human-AI interaction amid rising global discussions on technology. The show's success also inspired a remake announced in 2022, titled "A Robot in the Orange Orchard," demonstrating its cross-cultural adaptability and role in disseminating romantic sci-fi tropes to new markets.