Love on the Menu (Korean: 사랑이 온다) is an ongoing South Korean television series written by Lee Kyung-hee, directed by Hong Seok-gu, and starring Hani and Ha Seok-jin. The series follows two couples as they reunite and restart their relationships, as well as a family torn by internal conflicts yet bound by loyalty. It premiered on KBS2 on July 25, 2026, and airs every Saturday and Sunday at 20:00 (KST).
Contents
Synopsis
After her affluent family suffers financial collapse, Han Gyu-rim becomes the head of the household and supports them through housework and part-time jobs. She meets Kim Mu-jin and the two develop a relationship over the course of a year. Facing financial hardship, she later ends the relationship, believing it would burden him. Years later, Gyu-rim, who had prioritized her family and was working at a side dish store, reunites with Mu-jin. The two ex-lovers reunite after eight years. Despite family pressure and past conflicts, they rekindle their relationship.
Cast and characters
Main
Hani as Han Gyu-rim
Owner of a market side dish shop.
Ha Seok-jin as Kim Mu-jin
Head chef and owner of an Italian restaurant, and Gyu-rim's lover.
Supporting
Park You-na as Han Gyu-young
Gyu-rim's younger sister.
Bae Jeong-nam as Jo Heung-sik
Gyu-rim's reliable male friend.
Min Jin-woong as Park Jung-woo
Mu-jin's best friend.
Lee Joo-yeon as Jang Seo-hyun
A fashion designer, who has harbored feelings for Mu-jin for a long time.
Jung Bo-min as Kwon Hee-na
An elementary school teacher.
Kwon Hae-hyo as Jang Hoon-tae
Chairman of a fashion company.
Yoon Yoo-sun as Go Yoon-hee
Gyu-rim's mother.
Ryu Seung-soo as Han Seok-jung
Gyu-rim's father.
Bae Yoon-gyu as Han Gyu-oh
Gyu-rim's younger brother.
Park Soo-oh as Han Gyu-seo
Gyu-rim's youngest brother.
Kim Min-seo as Han Gyu-min
Gyu-rim's sister.
Jin Kyung as Hong Ok-sun
Mu-jin's mother.
Production
Development
The series, produced by Monster Union and Contents G, is directed by Hong Seok-gu, who helmed Beauty and Mr. Romantic (2024), and the screenplay is written by Lee Kyung-hee, who wrote I'm Sorry, I Love You (2004) and Uncontrollably Fond (2016).
Casting
On January 8, 2026, Hani was confirmed by her agency to have been offered a lead role. On January 29, Ha Seok-jin was cast as the male lead. In March 2026, Bae Jeong-nam was reportedly considering the role of the female lead's best friend. The next month, Park You-na joined the lead cast as Gyu-rim's youngest sister. By June 2026, Hani and Ha Seok-jin's appearances were confirmed. The project marks Hani's first weekend drama. The same month, Park You-na, Bae Jeong-nam, Min Jin-woong, Lee Joo-yeon, Bae Yoon-gyu, Jung Bo-min, Kwon Hae-hyo, Yoon Yoo-sun, Ryu Seung-soo, and Jin Kyung were confirmed to appear.
Release
Love on the Menu was originally scheduled to premiere on KBS2 in August 2026, but was moved up to July 2026. The series was confirmed to premiere on KBS2 on July 25, 2026, and will air every Saturday and Sunday at 20:00 (KST).