You know that feeling when you're stuck on a long train ride and you just hope the person next to you doesn't smell like old cabbage or talk your ear off about their cat’s dental surgery?
Usually, that’s the dream. Silence. But in the 2016 South Korean film Mood of the Day, we get the absolute opposite. It starts with a line that would honestly get most guys slapped or at least pepper-sprayed in real life. "I’m going to sleep with you tonight," says Jae-hyun. He’s sitting on the KTX to Busan. He’s talking to a total stranger.
It’s bold. It's borderline creepy. Yet, somehow, this movie became a cult favorite for people who want a rom-com that feels a little more "adult" than your standard K-drama fluff where the leads take twelve episodes just to hold hands.
The Setup: Seoul to Busan With a Side of Sexual Tension
Here’s the thing. Soo-jeong (played by Moon Chae-won) is not having a good day. She’s been in a relationship for ten years. Ten years! That’s basically a lifetime in dating years. But it’s stagnant. It’s boring. It's like a soda that’s been sitting out for three hours—no fizz left.
She’s on her way to Busan to hunt down a star basketball player for an ad contract. Enter Jae-hyun (Yoo Yeon-seok). He’s a sports manager, a certified womanizer, and apparently, he has zero filter. He’s also looking for the same basketball player.
Fate? Maybe. A convenient plot device? Definitely.
What follows is a classic road trip setup. The train breaks down. They end up in a car together. They wander through beautiful scenery. If you’ve ever seen a "one-day romance" movie like Before Sunrise, you know the drill. But while Jesse and Celine spent their time talking about reincarnation and poetry, Jae-hyun and Soo-jeong spend a lot of time bickering about "one-night stands" and whether being "easy" is a crime.
Why Yoo Yeon-seok Makes the Movie Work
Honestly, if any other actor played Jae-hyun, the character would be irredeemable. He’s arrogant. He’s pushy. He’s a bit of a jerk to his colleague, Mr. Kang (Jo Jae-yoon), who basically spends the whole movie suffering for comedic relief.
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But Yoo Yeon-seok has this weirdly charming energy. You might know him as the soft-hearted Chilbong from Reply 1994 or the noble surgeon in Hospital Playlist. Here, he’s playing the "Maeng-gong-nam"—a guy who aggressively pursues what he wants. He brings a layer of playfulness to the role that makes you think, "Okay, he's a dog, but he's a funny dog."
Moon Chae-won is the perfect foil. She plays the "iron wall" woman. She’s prickly, conservative, and deeply unhappy, though she won’t admit it. Her transformation isn't just about falling for a guy; it’s about realizing she’s been living her life according to a script that doesn’t fit her anymore.
The Chemistry Factor
There’s a scene in a gym late at night. No spoilers, but the "will-they-won't-they" reaches a boiling point. The film doesn't shy away from the fact that these are two adults with physical desires.
It’s refreshing.
In a sea of "pure" romances, Mood of the Day acknowledges that sometimes, a spark is just a spark. But then it asks: can a spark turn into something that actually lasts past the morning coffee?
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of critics at the time complained that the movie was "shallow" or that the basketball player subplot was forced. And yeah, the basketball stuff is basically just a reason to keep them moving from point A to point B. It’s not Hustle.
But people who call it shallow are missing the point. The film is literally called Mood of the Day (or 그날의 분위기). It’s about an atmosphere. It’s about how one specific day, one specific person, and one specific "mood" can derail your entire life plan.
It’s a movie about the gray areas.
Is it cheating if you’re emotionally checked out of a ten-year relationship?
Is it sexual harassment if she eventually says yes?
(The movie walks a very thin line here, and truthfully, some of Jae-hyun's early moves haven't aged perfectly since 2016).
The Visuals: A Love Letter to Autumn
If you aren't into the romance, watch it for the cinematography. The film captures South Korea in the fall perfectly. Think golden ginkgo leaves, crisp air, and that soft, hazy light that makes everything look like a memory.
The road trip through the countryside provides a backdrop that feels expansive. It mirrors the way Soo-jeong's world is opening up. She’s literally leaving her cramped office and her cramped life in Seoul for the open road.
The Supporting Cast
We have to talk about Jo Jae-yoon. He’s the unsung hero. As Jae-hyun’s colleague, he gets left behind, falls into water, and generally has the worst day ever. He provides the "com" in "rom-com." Without him, the movie might feel a bit too self-serious or overly focused on the leads' smoldering looks.
Is It Worth a Rewatch in 2026?
Actually, yes. In a world of dating apps and "ghosting," there’s something nostalgic about two people being forced to interact for 24 hours straight because their train broke down. It’s analog. It’s messy.
The movie doesn’t give you a perfect, "happily ever after" wrapped in a bow immediately. It leaves you with the feeling that these two might actually have a shot, precisely because they saw the worst of each other on day one.
He saw her at her most stressed and judgmental.
She saw him at his most manipulative and shallow.
And they still wanted to grab dinner.
Real Insights for Your Next Watch
If you’re planning to stream this, keep a few things in mind:
- Look for the contrast: Notice how Soo-jeong's clothes change throughout the day. She starts off very buttoned-up—literally. As the day progresses and she loosens up, her "vibe" shifts.
- The "One-Night Stand" debate: Pay attention to how the movie flips the script. Usually, it's the guy wanting the hookup and the girl wanting the heart. Here, the power dynamics shift constantly.
- Location scouting: The temple scenes and the streets of Busan are real locations. If you’re ever in South Korea, the KTX ride from Seoul to Busan is a must-do, even if you don't meet a handsome stranger.
Mood of the Day isn't trying to be a masterpiece of cinema. It’s a 103-minute escape. It’s for when you’re feeling a little bit stuck and you need a reminder that life can change between the departure gate and the arrivals hall.
To get the most out of the experience, try to find the high-definition version. The color palette is half the charm. Also, maybe don't use Jae-hyun's opening line in real life. Seriously. Unless you look like Yoo Yeon-seok, it's a one-way ticket to a restraining order.
Instead, focus on the lesson Soo-jeong learns: sometimes, you have to break your own rules to find out who you actually are. That’s a mood that never goes out of style.