Pump Up the Healthy Love feel-good rom-com that brings on the laugh and inspires you to hit the gym (or at least think about it)? KBS2 is dropping a fresh new drama called Pump Up the Healthy Love, and it’s already giving us the perfect mix of swoon-worthy romance, quirky characters, and a whole lot of heart. Set to premiere on April 30, 2025, this 12-episode series is definitely one to add to your drama watchlist.
Title – Pump Up the Healthy Love
Country – South Korea
Episodes – 12
Genre – Comedy, Romance
Original Network – KBS2
Director – Park Joon Soo
Main Cast – Lee Jun Young, Jung Eun Ji
Plot Summary
At the center of Pump Up the Healthy Love is Do Hyun Joong, played by Lee Jun Young. He’s a former world-famous bodybuilder who unexpectedly ends up running a rundown neighbourhood gym. Talk about a plot twist! Hyun Joong isn’t just about muscles—he’s got a backstory that’ll tug at your heart. Born extremely premature and weak, he turned his life around through fitness and now wants to do the same for others.
Enter Lee Mi Ran (played by Jeong Eu Ji), a regular girl trying to bounce back after a breakup. She walks into the gym hoping to reclaim her confidence–but she definitely didn’t sign up for Hyun joong’s intense coaching style. Sparks fly, tensions rise, and what starts as a personal transformation journey slowly turns into something a whole lot more romantic.
Why This Drama Feels So Fresh
Pump Up the Healthy Love isn’t just another love story. It’s about self-discovery, healing, and rebuilding—not just your body, but your life. It’s got that cozy neighbourhood vibe but with a strong dose of quirky humour and heart-fluttering moments. Think weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo meets Strong Womn Do Bong Soon but in a gym setting.
The drama dives into themes like body image, mental health, community support, and resilience—all wrapped in a feel-good, romantic package. Plus, the chemistry between Lee Jun Young and Jeong Eun Ji? So far, it looks fire. Their energy together from script readings already has fans hyped.
Meet The Fun, Offbeat Cast
Besides our leads, the show is packed with fun, lovable characters:
- Rosa (Lee Mi Do) – A veteran gym employee who can handle any customer drama and keeps Hyun Joong grounded.
- Alex (Lee Seung Woo) – Nicknamed the “baby-faced muscle man,” he’s the gym’s eye candy and Hyun Joong’s loyal follower.
- The ‘Witch Trio’ – Played by Park Sung Yeon, Lee Ji Hye, and Hong Yoon Hwa, these ladies are the ultimate gy besties, bringing tons of sass and heart.
Honestly, this ensemble gives off serious slice-of-life, found-family vibes, and we’re here for it.
Who’s Behind the Scenes?
This drama is in good hands. It’s co-directed by Park Jun Soo (yep, the same one from Gaus Electronics) and Choi Yeon Soo and written by Kim Ji Soo, who gave us Birthcare Center. With that kind of creative team, we can expect a script that’s both witty and heartfelt.
When & Where to Watch
Pump Up the Healthy Love premieres on April 30, 2025, and will air every Wednesday and Thursday at 9:50 PM KST on KBS2. The streaming platform hasn’t been officially confirmed yet, but we’ll keep an eye out for where international fans can tune in.
Final Thoughts
If you’re into dramas that blend humour, heart and healing, Pump Up the Healthy Love is the one to watch this spring. It’s a fresh twist on the classic rom-com with a relatable message about bouncing back stronger—-emotionally and physically. Plus, the gym setting adds a unique layer of charm and chaos that’s bound to keep us entertained.
So grab your protein shake, set your reminders, and get ready to fall in love—one rep at a time.