Shall I Have a Cup of Coffee? (2021)

A Drama Which Will Try To Warm Your Heart…

KakaoTV’s miniseries ‘ Would You Like A Cup Of Coffee?’ is based upon manwha writer and artist Heo Young-man’s ( known for his original adapted-webcomics such as ‘ Gaksital’ and ‘ Tazza’, )original titled work ‘ How About A Cup Of Coffee?’ ( also known as ‘ 커피 한잔 할까요?’ ) and attempts to offer viewers a heartwarming cup of the slice-of-life genre.

The storyline focuses on main lead Kang Gobi (played by Seongwu Ong) - a college student who initially failed his examinations. After talking to his mother in a heart-to-heart conversation over the phone Gobi finds himself down-beaten and decides to sit down at a nearby coffee shop where he first meets Park Seok ( Park Ho-San). The owner of the cafe ‘Second Coffee’, Park Seok is naturally doubtful when Kang Gobi asks to become his student. However as Gobi begins training under the seemingly austere hand of the master barista, he begins to unveil the value of coffee to different individuals and customers throughout the storyline.

With a compacted plot due to its episodes’ duration time (an average of half-hour episodes), it’s unsurprising that the miniseries’ minimal storyline has lead to a divisive response amongst audiences.

This isn’t necessarily to say that ‘ Would You Like A Cup Of Coffee?’ ‘s plot is “ dull ” or “ prosaic”. The storyline may have been basic and offered a mostly platonic setup ( with only brief romantic hints or spurred-on misunderstandings which are soon resolved), it admittedly did give the miniseries many opportunities to explore more heartwarming storylines and bonds between characters .

However a natural downfall for these seemingly sweet storylines could often come across as lacking a more impactful and emotional punch for viewers. This was often as a consequence of each episode being built upon the same loose structural foundation; an initial introduction to a character , the presented dilemma and then often a quick-fixed solution or revelation by the end of each episode- not always necessarily a bad approach per say, but it didn’t always facilitate towards giving a more hard-hitting revelation for viewers which ( time limits aside) could’ve easily been wormed into scenes throughout the series .

Whilst admittedly it often felt as though camera angles could be a letdown for conveying more emotive scenes and emphasis on characters, the cinematography is masterful within its focus upon minimalist shades and palettes surrounding the cafe. The emphasis of beiges and light browns presented a warm-hearted and easygoing ambience in scenes surrounding the cafe- a microcosm world of safety and comfort for its customers and two baristas, as they shield away from the striking mundane reality of everyday life in the outside world .

The acting remained a strong forte for the miniseries. It was admittedly not flawless ( with certain performances remaining more questionable than others), but Park Ho-San and Seongwu Ong’s dynamic and naturally gradual mentor-teacher chemistry certainly became one of the major highlights for audiences. In addition to this ‘ Would You Like A Cup Of Coffee? ’ takes a pragmatic approach within its small niche of main and reoccurring characters - inclusive enough for audiences to understand their different roles and personalities , but arising to some more explorative issues also.

Kang Gobi is our main lead of the series. A “ self-conscious and downtrodden youth”, Kang Gobi’s facilitated character growth comes through his developed passion for coffee. Yet whilst Gobi admittedly did offer audiences with solidarity through being able to relate to similar struggles , it is honest to note that his character did often fall short of being an “everyday hero” due to sometimes lacking more subtle character growth through his journey rarely feeling more gradual, alongside lacking social or familial bonds outside of the storyline or prior to events ( with only a brief insight with his mother) to make him feel more like a sentient character .

The second male lead of the miniseries Park Seok embodies the typical “ sagacious master”archetype. The deuteragonist of the miniseries is mysterious, level-headed and a man of few words, but Seok is a surprisingly heartwarming character against all odds for audiences ; austere and aloof to begin with, but proving himself to be a sincere and supportive mentor and friend throughout different obstacles that Gobi faced in the series.

However Park Seok could often feel like an insipid character onscreen. With Seok’s archetype as a “ mysterious” archetypical main lead, the element of mystique is often key to piquing viewers’ interests and fascination. However where writers can often present opportunities for these characters to grow can be through revelations of their personality, identity and flaws which can sometimes purposefully change or at least shape a different perception upon characters for viewers . Admittedly whilst we gain some insight into Park Seok being widely revered by coffee connoisseurs as well as having unlikely social circles , we rarely had more opportunities to explore moments where Seok’s “ stoic” facade could be broken often rarely giving viewers an insight of his “ human” side through more emotive feelings or reactions.

There’s also the reoccurring side characters of the series who pragmatically exist to keep the storyline moving ( leading to some tender as well as wasted character opportunities); Kim Joo-hee ( Seo Young-hee)- a coffee lover and music columnist who shared a profound relationship with Park Seok and regularly visited the coffee shop , high schooler and part-time bakery worker Ga On ( Choo Ye Jin); a regular visitor who after an initial misunderstanding with Gobi, developed a friendship with the main lead and Ahn Min Na (Kim Ye Eun); a tired webcomic artist who is a regular customer at the cafe.

Then of course there’s the ending of the series; arguably without its problems by leaving some loose ends for viewers, but appropriate and without its more bittersweet edge either.


So what is left to say about the miniseries? Is it worth watching, or is it a waste of time? ‘ Would You Like A Cup Of Coffee?’ is similar to what its drama-title suggests; those expecting a darkly deep and powerful storyline with flawless and memorable execution and writing, may be slightly underwhelmed by the finished product of the miniseries. However for those who wish to indulge in the rich creamy sweetness of an easygoing and laidback binge-watch , alongside a fairy fast-paced plot and some heartwarming moments on the side, then ‘ Would You Like A Cup Of Coffee?’ is an ideal-watch.

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