Be Positive: The Record-Breaking South Korean Web Series
Be Positive (Korean: 긍정이 체질; RR: Geungjeongi chejil), also known as Positive Physique, is a highly successful South Korean web series that blends drama and romantic comedy. Produced by Samsung and Samsung Cheil Worldwide, the series was designed to deliver a supportive and encouraging message to the younger generation facing the challenges of early adulthood.
The series premiered on October 31, 2016, via Naver TV Cast, and later expanded its reach by airing on JTBC2 starting March 1, 2017. With a concise format of six episodes, each running approximately 10 minutes, it captured the attention of millions of viewers worldwide.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Key Facts
- Starring: Doh Kyung-soo, Chae Seo-jin, and Lee David.
- Director/Writer: Lee Byung-heon.
- Production: Produced by Samsung and Samsung Cheil Worldwide.
- Achievement: Fastest web drama to reach 30 million views (within 18 days).
- Award: Won Best Web Series at the 12th Soompi Awards (2017).
- Total Reach: Surpassed 50 million views across Naver, Daum, Facebook, and YouTube by late 2016.
Plot Overview
The story centers on Kim Hwan-dong, a dedicated film major striving to complete his graduation project as a movie director. While his script earns a prestigious grand prize, the actual process of filming proves to be an uphill battle filled with unexpected obstacles.
In a bold move to save his production, Hwan-dong reaches out to his ex-girlfriend, Bang Hye-jung, asking her to take the lead role. Despite her initial surprise at the request, Hye-jung agrees to participate, eventually helping Hwan-dong bring his cinematic vision to a successful conclusion.
Cast and Characters
Main Cast
- Doh Kyung-soo as Kim Hwan-dong: An aspiring film director and film major.
- Chae Seo-jin as Bang Hye-jung: Hwan-dong's ex-girlfriend and a formerly successful actress.
- Lee David as Hwang In-guk: Hwan-dong's best friend who dreams of becoming a film producer.
Supporting Cast
The series features a supporting ensemble including Kim Jong-soo as Professor Ma, Kim Eui-sung as Hwan-dong's father, Nam Gi-ae as Hwan-dong's mother, and Heo Joon-suk as Noh Seung-boo.
Production and Soundtrack
The series was written and directed by Lee Byung-heon. To complement the emotional arc of the story, the production featured an original soundtrack consisting of two primary tracks:
| Song Title | Artist | Length |
|---|---|---|
| The Common People | Song Yoo-bin | 3:23 |
| Don't Let me Down | Ryu Ji-hyun | 4:07 |
Reception and Record-Breaking Success
Be Positive became a digital phenomenon shortly after its release. Within just two weeks, it garnered 21.83 million views, making it the second most-watched web drama at the time, trailing only Falling for Challenge. However, it soon claimed the top spot as the most-watched web drama of all time by surpassing 30 million views in only 18 days.
By December 30, 2016, the cumulative views across major platforms including Naver, Daum, Facebook, and YouTube exceeded 50 million. This massive popularity cemented its status as the most-watched series on Naver for the year 2016.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the lead actors in Be Positive?
The series stars Doh Kyung-soo (also known as D.O. from EXO), Chae Seo-jin, and Lee David.
What is the main plot of the series?
It follows a film student named Hwan-dong who struggles to complete his graduation film and convinces his ex-girlfriend, a former actress, to play the lead role.
How many episodes are in the series?
The web series consists of 6 episodes, with each episode lasting approximately 10 minutes.
Did Be Positive win any awards?
Yes, the series won the award for Best Web Series at the 12th Soompi Awards in 2017.
Which company produced the web drama?
The series was produced by Samsung and Samsung Cheil Worldwide.