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Why Why Love

Why Why Love (Chinese: 換換愛; pinyin: Huàn Huàn Ài) is a Taiwanese drama television series that aired in 2007, consisting of 15 episodes broadcast on CTS from June 3 to September 9. The series stars as the protagonist Tong Jia Di, an overworked and debt-burdened young woman who prioritizes her family's needs over her own personal life, alongside as the mischievous Huo Da and as the more reserved Huo Yan, two brothers who become central to her romantic pursuits. The plot revolves around a raffle where Jia Di's best friend secretly includes a "" coupon among service vouchers, leading to unexpected romantic complications when it is drawn by her longtime crush, Huo Yan, while his brother Huo Da intervenes with his own "Master and Angel" coupon that binds Jia Di into a peculiar servitude arrangement. Produced by Chai Zhiping and directed by Lin Helong, the drama blends elements of romance, comedy, and light drama, emphasizing themes of , unexpected love, and familial obligations within a modern Taiwanese setting. It features supporting performances by actors such as as Jiang Xiao Nan, Jia Di's supportive best friend, and Sachiko Judy Fukumoto as Yang Yan Shu, Huo Yan's assistant, contributing to the ensemble's dynamic interactions at a bustling workplace. Each episode runs approximately 72 minutes and was aired on evenings, targeting a teen and audience with a suitable for viewers aged 13 and above. Upon release, Why Why Love received positive for its lighthearted storytelling and the chemistry among the lead actors, earning a user rating of 7.4 out of 10 on MyDramaList from over 6,000 voters and 7.3 out of 10 on from 208 ratings. The series is noted for Rainie Yang's portrayal of the relatable, hardworking heroine, which helped solidify her status in Taiwanese idol dramas following her earlier roles. While no major awards were won, it remains a nostalgic favorite among fans of Taiwanese romances for its feel-good narrative and humorous coupon-based plot device.

Production

Development

Why Why Love originated as a Taiwanese idol drama project conceived by Comic Ritz International Production, aiming to capitalize on the success of their previous hit by reuniting key cast members in a fresh . The blended classic tropes of the —such as the rich-poor romance and lighthearted misunderstandings—with a poignant medical element centered on , introducing themes of family responsibility and emotional depth to elevate the story beyond typical youth-oriented fare. This approach was designed to appeal to a broad audience during the 2007 summer season, emphasizing humor, budding love, and dramatic family dynamics while maintaining the fast-paced, feel-good essence of idol dramas. The script was penned by chief writer Mao Xunrong, who crafted a 15-episode storyline focused on the protagonist's selfless sacrifices and unexpected entanglements, incorporating the rare Wilson's disease as a central to explore themes of mortality and redemption. Director Lin Helong, known for his work in comedies, envisioned a balance of comedic set pieces and heartfelt moments, drawing from real-life inspirations like lead actress Rainie Yang's personal experiences with family hardships to infuse authenticity into the characters' struggles. His direction prioritized vibrant visuals and ensemble interactions to highlight the series' mix of laughter and tears, ensuring the medical twist served as an emotional anchor rather than a mere gimmick. Comic Ritz International Production handled the full , securing a modest suitable for a cable and broadcast run, with notable investments such as NT$1 million for constructing the elaborate opening carnival set to kick off the romantic encounters. As a follow-up to their 2005 collaboration with the same leads— and —the company leveraged established fan interest to streamline planning and marketing. Production decisions emphasized efficient storytelling within the 15-episode format, opting for practical locations in to contain costs while capturing the urban energy central to the narrative. Development progressed swiftly, with filming commencing in late and spanning over four months, wrapping in 2007 to allow post-production to align with the premiere on June 3, 2007, on . The pre-production phase involved close coordination between the writers and director to integrate the subplot seamlessly, consulting medical advisors for accuracy in portraying symptoms and treatments without overshadowing the romantic core. This timeline reflected Comic Ritz's strategy to deliver timely summer content, building anticipation through teaser releases and cast promotions in early 2007.

Casting and Filming

The principal cast for Why Why Love was drawn from the successful ensemble of the previous year's hit drama , reuniting , , and in the lead roles. was cast as the protagonist Tong Jia Di, while portrayed Huo Da and took on the role of Huo Yan. Supporting roles were filled through targeted auditions, with newcomer selected as Jiang Xiao Nan, Tong Jia Di's best friend. Filming commenced in late 2006 and spanned over four months, concluding in April amid occasional weather disruptions such as rain that halted outdoor shoots. Production faced logistical challenges, including coordinating schedules around the lead actors' concurrent music commitments— was promoting her solo career, and balanced acting with his singing obligations. wrapped efficiently by June 2007 to meet the broadcast deadline. Production primarily took place in Taipei, utilizing urban settings to capture the story's department store and everyday city life elements. Key locations included the Miramar Entertainment Park, where a lavish NT$1 million set was built for the pivotal department store carnival scene, complete with a large cast of extras to simulate a bustling event. Additional sites encompassed hospitals and various commercial districts, emphasizing the drama's contemporary Taiwanese backdrop, though tight timelines occasionally required night shoots and set adjustments to avoid public interference.

Content

Plot Summary

Why Why Love centers on Tong Jia Di, a diligent young woman from a impoverished background who shoulders the burden of her family's debts after her father's early death, while juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet. Her monotonous routine of and is disrupted on her 21st birthday when her best friend secretly enters a "" raffle on her behalf during a celebration, leading to an unforeseen romantic opportunity with Huo Yan, the compassionate manager of the where she works and her longtime secret crush. This chance encounter spirals into a complex when Huo Yan, unable to fulfill the date personally, delegates the task to his carefree half-brother Huo Da, a spoiled heir accustomed to indulgence, who unexpectedly finds himself drawn to Jia Di's unwavering kindness amid the brothers' rivalry. The narrative unfolds across 15 episodes, blending lighthearted comedy with deepening romantic tensions and familial obligations. Early arcs emphasize Jia Di's comedic mishaps in navigating prize and her interactions with the Huo brothers, highlighting humorous misunderstandings and budding affections within the corporate setting. As the series progresses, serialized elements introduce escalating emotional stakes tied to the protagonists' personal growth, family financial woes, and subtle health concerns that test bonds of loyalty and affection. Throughout, the storyline weaves themes of selflessness, the transformative , and paths to , structured as a mix of standalone episodic humor—such as quirky pranks and blunders—and overarching romantic developments that culminate in resolutions influenced by circumstances, all while maintaining focus on the central triangle's evolution without resolving individual character arcs in isolation.

Characters

Tong Jia Di is the , a 21-year-old college student from a poor who works multiple jobs at a department store to pay off her 's debts following her father's death and the foreclosure of their home. She is characterized by her selfless nature, resilience, and strong sense of responsibility, often prioritizing others' needs over her own despite dealing with a complaining mother, an irresponsible younger brother, and a troublesome uncle. Throughout the story, Jia Di's arc evolves from an overworked individual focused solely on financial survival to someone who learns to embrace romance and personal fulfillment, influenced by unexpected romantic opportunities. Huo Da, the younger half-brother of Huo Yan, is the heir to the wealthy Huo family empire, known for his rebellious, self-centered, and sarcastic demeanor as a motorcycle enthusiast who resents his family's dynamics due to his mother's early death. Diagnosed with , a genetic liver condition that adds vulnerability to his otherwise charming but irresponsible personality, Huo Da initially appears antagonistic but grows through emotional openness and caregiving interactions. His character arc highlights personal growth, transitioning from mischief and rivalry to genuine affection and maturity in relationships. Huo Yan serves as the responsible older half-brother to Huo Da and a compassionate manager at the family business, a perfectionist who grapples with feelings of not truly belonging. Polite and capable, he embodies duty and kindness but faces internal conflicts stemming from and identity issues. Huo Yan's arc involves navigating romantic interests while supporting family ties, ultimately finding resolution in his emotional journey amid the . Supporting characters enrich the narrative through interpersonal dynamics. Jiang Xiao Nan, Jia Di's witty and supportive best friend since high school, works various jobs and often meddles playfully to push Jia Di toward romance, such as by introducing opportunities that disrupt her routine-focused life. Family members, including Jia Di's nagging mother Liao Cai Juan and lazy brother Tong Jia Hui, underscore her burdens, while the Huo brothers' father, stern businessman Huo Zhen Hao, amplifies tensions in the wealthy household. The characters' interrelations center on a between Jia Di, Huo Da, and Huo Yan, where initial rivalries and affections evolve into deeper bonds, with Huo Da's illness prompting vulnerability and family reconciliation, and Jiang Xiao Nan's interventions fostering growth across the group. These dynamics highlight themes of , , and familial duty, resolving through mutual understanding and romantic clarity.

Release and Reception

Broadcast Details

Why Why Love originally aired in Taiwan on the Chinese Television System (CTS) and Gala Television (GTV) from June 3, 2007, to September 9, 2007, every Sunday at 9:30 PM, consisting of 15 episodes. Each episode had a runtime of approximately 72 minutes. The series received international distribution in , including DVD releases in . Reruns of the drama occurred periodically on Taiwanese cable networks throughout the , maintaining its visibility among local audiences. The popularity of lead actors and contributed to sustained interest in these rebroadcasts. As of 2025, full episodes are available on with multilingual subtitles.

Ratings and Critical Response

The Taiwanese drama Why Why Love garnered solid viewership during its 2007 broadcast on CTS, with episode ratings ranging from 2.22% to 3.25% based on available data. Critics and audiences praised the series for its lighthearted romantic elements and Rainie Yang's engaging performance as Tong Jia Di, highlighting her ability to convey emotional depth amid comedic moments. However, it faced criticism for relying on predictable tropes common to the idol drama genre, such as clichéd love triangles and overly dramatic resolutions, which some reviewers found formulaic. Fan reception was particularly strong among younger viewers, who appreciated the integration of upbeat music and relatable themes of and family, contributing to its enduring appeal on platforms like MyDramaList, where it holds a 7.4/10 from over 6,000 users. The series emphasized ensemble casts and feel-good narratives, aligning with the idol drama trends of the era. Its reception also earned it nominations at the 43rd , underscoring its recognized quality.

Awards and Nominations

Why Why Love garnered recognition at the 43rd , Taiwan's most prestigious television honors, held in October 2008 in . received a nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Television Series for her portrayal of Tong Jia Di, while director Lin Helong was nominated for Best Directing for a Television Series. The series did not secure any wins in these categories. These nominations highlighted the performances and production quality of the series, contributing to increased industry attention for its cast and crew. In particular, Yang's nomination underscored her growing prowess as an actress, building on her established singing career and paving the way for further dramatic roles.

Multimedia and Legacy

Soundtrack

The soundtrack for Why Why Love features original songs performed by the drama's lead , blending romantic ballads with upbeat tracks to underscore the series' themes of love, change, and personal growth. The opening theme, "The World I Want" (Wo Yao De Shi Jie, 我要的世界), is performed by in his role as Huo Yan. Released in 2007 as part of his debut EP Love, KingOne (Huan Huan Ai, 換換愛), the song captures the protagonist's aspirations and sets an optimistic tone for the narrative. The ending theme, "Breathless" (Que Yang, 缺氧), is sung by , portraying Tung Jia-di. Featured on her third studio album My Other Self, released September 7, 2007, the track evokes emotional vulnerability and longing, aligning with the drama's heartfelt conclusions. Insert songs include "Why Why Love" (Huan Huan Ai, 換換愛) and "Welcome To My Heart" by from the same 2007 EP, as well as "Perfect Example" (Wan Mei Bi Li, 完美比例) by from My Other Self, which play during intimate romantic scenes to heighten . These tracks, along with the themes, were integrated into key plot moments, such as revelations of affection and transformative encounters. No dedicated OST compilation album was released, but the songs contributed to the series' musical identity through their individual 2007 singles and album inclusions.

Tie-in Media and Cultural Impact

The Taiwanese drama Why Why Love spawned several tie-in media products following its 2007 broadcast. A , published in the same year by Yuan Shen Publishing Co., Ltd., offering a printed extension of the series' storyline in format with 152 pages. Merchandise tied to the series included official DVD releases, such as a four-disc set distributed by retailers like PMP, which allowed fans to rewatch the episodes at home. Promotional posters featuring the lead actors , , and were widely circulated during the drama's airing to build hype among audiences. The drama's cultural impact extended to popularizing romantic tropes within Taiwanese idol series, notably the "love coupon" concept central to its plot, where a protagonist's friend inserts a special coupon into a raffle to spark romance. This element resonated in subsequent 2010s rom-coms, contributing to the genre's emphasis on whimsical, fate-driven love stories. By 2025, Why Why Love remains relevant in discussions of Taiwanese entertainment history, frequently referenced in career retrospectives of Rainie Yang, who starred as the lead and whose role solidified her status as a key figure in the idol drama wave. The series also boosted the fame of co-stars Mike He and Kingone Wang, propelling them to leading roles in later productions and enhancing their visibility in the regional media landscape. Fan communities continue to engage actively on online platforms, sharing clips and discussions that sustain the drama's nostalgic appeal. The soundtrack, including Rainie Yang's ending theme "Que Yang" (Lacking Oxygen), further amplified its cultural footprint by associating the series with upbeat Mandopop romance.

Availability

The DVD box set of Why Why Love was released in 2007 in format, compatible with all regions and including English . Physical copies remain available through retailers such as and , often bundled across multiple discs to cover the full 15 episodes. No Blu-ray edition has been produced or distributed. In 2025, the series is accessible via streaming on through official channels like Studio886 - Taiwanese & Chinese | Dramas and Shows, offering full episodes with English subtitles and recent uploads dating to March 2025. These platforms provide free access to the complete series, supporting international viewers with multilingual subtitle options including English and Mandarin. Originally broadcast on the (CTS), the drama's digital availability has expanded globally without requiring paid subscriptions. Early post-release distribution of Taiwanese dramas in the late involved widespread online sharing. Legal streaming options have since proliferated, significantly reducing unauthorized access by the mid-2020s.

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