The Matchmakers

The Matchmakers-p2.jpg

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  • Drama: The Matchmakers (English title) / Wedding Battle (literal title)
  • Revised romanization: Honryedaecheob
  • Hangul: 혼례대첩
  • Director: Hwang Seung-Ki, Kim Soo-Jin
  • Writer: Ha Soo-Jin
  • Network: KBS2
  • Episodes: 16
  • Release Date: October 30 - December 25, 2023
  • Runtime: Monday & Tuesday 21:50
  • Language: Korean
  • Country: South Korea

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Sim Jung-Woo (Ro Woon) is an intelligent and handsome young man. He was the youngest to place first in the state examination, but he was picked to become the princess' husband. During their wedding ceremony, the princess suddenly died. Sim Jung-Woo's life changed and he became the most unfortunate man. According to the Joseon period custom, he is not able to take the government post and he can't remarry. He then becomes involved with Jung Soon-Deok (Cho Yi-Hyun).

Jung Soon-Deok is a widow whose late husband was the second son of the first vice-premier. She secretly leads another life under the pseudonym of Yeojoo-daek. As Yeojoo-daek, she works as a matchmaker and also peddler of women's items like cosmetics and accessories. She is the best matchmaker in the capital city of Hanyang. Sim Jung-Woo and Jung Soon-Deok become involved with each other and they try to get older single men and women to marry as matchmakers.

Notes

  1. "The Matchmakers" takes over KBS2's Monday & Tuesday 21:50 time slot previously occupied by "My Lovely Boxer" and followed by "Love Song for Illusion" on January 2, 2024.
  2. Ep.8, which was originally scheduled to air Tuesday, November 21, 2023, will instead air Monday, November 27, 2023. The delay is due to the broadcast of a qualifying round soccer match between S.Korea and China for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Cast

The Matchmakers-Ro-Woon1.jpg Cho Yi-Hyun
Ro Woon Cho Yi-Hyun
Sim Jung-Woo Jung Soon-Deok

Sim Jung-Woo's Group

Kim Hyun-Mok Kim Gun-Ho Kim Yeon-Woo Lee Sang-Goo
Kim Hyun-Mok Kim Gun-Ho Kim Yeon-Woo Lee Sang-Goo
Kim O-Bong Physician Yoo Sim Myung-Woo Sim Jin-Ho

Jung Soon-Deok's Group

Heo Nam-Jun Bang Eun-Jung
Heo Nam-Jun Bang Eun-Jung
Jung Soon-Goo Gae-Dong

Park So-Hyun's Group (Jung Soon-Deok's In-Laws)

Park Ji-Young Lee Hae-Young The Matchmakers-Lee Soon Won.jpg Oh Ye-Ju Kim Si-Woo
Park Ji-Young Lee Hae-Young Lee Soon-Won Oh Ye-Ju Kim Si-Woo
Park So-Hyun Left State Councilor Jo Young-Bae Defense Minister Park Bok-Ki Jo Ye-Jin Jo Geun-Seok
Park I-Jun The Matchmakers-Yun Yeo-Won.jpg Kim Ga-Young Kim Deok-Ju Kim Ju-Yeon
Park I-Jun Yun Yeo-Won Kim Ga-Young Kim Deok-Ju Kim Ju-Yeon
Jo In-Hyun Jo In-Kook Sam-Wol Defense Minister Park's mom Defense Minister Park's wife
Kim Gun-Soo Kyung Ki-Hyun Yoon Hyo-Sik Yang Mi-Seon
Kim Gun-Soo Kyung Ki-Hyun Yoon Hyo-Sik Yang Mi-Seon
silkworm poison buyer servant (ep.8) servant (ep.15) servant (ep.15)

Royal Palace

The Matchmakers-Jo Han-Chul01.jpg The Matchmakers-Jin Hee-Kyung1.jpg Hong Dong-Young The Matchmakers-KD-Seo Jin Won.jpg Park Hyun-Jung
Jo Han-Chul Jin Hee-Kyung Hong Dong-Young Seo Jin-Won Park Hyun-Jung
King Queen Crown Prince Lee Jae Chief Royal Secretary Royal Consort Park
The Matchmakers-Kim Da-Hwin1.jpg Hwi Young Park Chae-Young Kim Mi-Ra Jang Woo-Jun
Kim Da-Hwin Hwi Young Park Chae-Young Kim Mi-Ra Jang Woo-Jun
Chief Magistrate Kim Moon-Gun Officer Lee Princess Hyojung Court Lady Choi eunuch boy
Lee Seung-Joon Kim Moon-Chan Jung Hyun-Woo Jeon Ji-A Lee Na-Ra
Lee Seung-Joon Kim Moon-Chan Jung Hyun-Woo Jeon Ji-A Lee Na-Ra
eunuch court official (ep.1) Royal Secretariat official (ep.1) apprentice court maid (ep.1) head shaman (ep.4)
Ko Ha-Eun Choi In-Sun Ma Jung-Pil Kim Joo-Kyung Yoon Hee-Sun
Ko Ha-Eun Choi In-Sun Ma Jung-Pil Kim Joo-Kyung Yoon Hee-Sun
Crown Prince's court lady court lady (ep.6) physician (ep.6) physician (ep.13) eunuch (ep.16)

Maeng Sang-Choen's Family

The Matchmakers-Choi Hee Jin1.jpg Jung Sin-Hye Park Ji-Won Jung Bo-Min
Choi Hee-Jin Jung Sin-Hye Park Ji-Won Jung Bo-Min
Maeng Sang-Choen's wife Maeng Ha-Na Maeng Du-Ri Maeng Sam-Soon

Bachelor Candidates

The Matchmakers-Son Sang Yeon.jpg Choi Kyung-Hoon The Matchmakers-Bin Chan Uk.jpg Jung Woo-Jae The Matchmakers-Jo Chang Hee1.jpg
Son Sang-Yeon Choi Kyung-Hoon Bin Chan-Uk Jung Woo-Jae Jo Chang-Hee
Jung Shi-Yeol Yoon Boo-Gyeom (#24) Heo Sook-Hyun (#23) Kim Jib (#12) Jang Choon-Bae (#15)
The Matchmakers-Ko Deok Won.jpg Jung Seung-Jin
Ko Deok-Won Jung Seung-Jin
Han Jong-Bok (#16) Kim Jae-Gwang (#1)

Hongwol Inn

The Matchmakers-Park Hwan Hee.jpg Jung Seung-Gil Jung Yeon The Matchmakers-Jung Ji Ahn.jpg Park Bo-Bae
Park Hwan-Hee Jung Seung-Gil Jung Yeon Jung Ji-Ahn Park Bo-Bae
Lady Yeoju Hong Cheon-Soo Lee Masan-daek Jeonju-daek
Lee So-E Lee Ye-Joo Lee Yeon-Joo Kwak Jin Kim Dong-Ho
Lee So-E Lee Ye-Joo Lee Yeon-Joo Kwak Jin Kim Dong-Ho
Kaesong-daek Bok-Hee Bok-Hee (young child) (ep.9) merchant An Dong-Gun
Roh Eun-Jung
Roh Eun-Jung
vendor (ep.8)

Chief Royal Secretary's Family

The Matchmakers-Jeon Bong-Seok.jpg Rayun
Jeon Bong-Seok Rayun
Kim Ho Chief Royal Secretary's wife (ep.2)

Nobleman Song's Family

The Matchmakers-Jang Hye Jin.jpg Oh Eun-Jin
Jang Hye-Jin Oh Eun-Jin
Nobleman Song's wife Song Yeon-Hee

Administrative Group

Jo Nam-Yung The Matchmakers-Heo Sun-Haeng.jpg Lim Yong-Soon Min Sang-Woo Seo Eun-Young
Jo Nam-Yung Heo Sun-Haeng Lim Yong-Soon Min Sang-Woo Seo Eun-Young
Uigeumbu officer Jangakwon musician (ep.2) Dohwaseo painting professor (ep.2) official (ep.4) Min Seung-Kwan's daughter (ep.9)

Sunhwa Temple

Lee Chang-Min Park Jong-Sang
Lee Chang-Min Park Jong-Sang
Monk Maegol monk (ep.12)

Others

The Matchmakers-Woo Hyun-Zoo01.jpg The Matchmakers-Yang A-Reum.jpg Lee Jae-Soon
Woo Hyun-Zoo Yang A-Reum Lee Jae-Soon
Jung Shi-Yeol's mother Lee Cho-Ok Ms. Seo
Lee Ji-Hyun Kim Il-Hyun Choi Ga-In The Matchmakers-Kim Jae-Man.jpg Lee Hyun
Lee Ji-Hyun Kim Il-Hyun Choi Ga-In Kim Jae-Man Lee Hyun
Lady Sook (ep.1,7) servant (ep.1) sewing shop owner (ep.1,4) powder man (ep.3) onlooker (ep.3)
Kim Joon-Hyung Ko Na-Young Jo Young-Mi Kim Jong-Ho Kim Jae-Won
Kim Joon-Hyung Ko Na-Young Jo Young-Mi Kim Jong-Ho Kim Jae-Won
Capital District officer (ep.3) petitioner's drum onlooker (ep.4) petitioner's drum onlooker (ep.4) potter (ep.4) wrestler (ep.9)

Trailers

Episode Ratings

Date Episode AGB
Nationwide Seoul
2023-10-30 1 4.5% (13th) 4.2% (12th)
2023-10-31 2 3.6% (14th) 3.4% (13th)
2023-11-06 3 4.0% (17th) 4.0% (15th)
2023-11-07 4 3.9% (12th) 3.7% (13th)
2023-11-13 5 3.5% (18th) 3.5% (16th)
2023-11-14 6 3.7% (13th) 3.4% (12th)
2023-11-20 7 3.3% 3.6% (16th)
2023-11-27 8 3.9% (16th) 4.1% (12th)
2023-11-28 9 4.1% (12th) 4.0% (10th)
2023-12-04 10 3.4% (18th) 3.4% (16th)
2023-12-05 11 4.3% (13th) 4.2% (9th)
2023-12-11 12 4.3% (16th) 4.3% (13th)
2023-12-12 13 4.4% (10th) 4.6% (9th)
2023-12-18 14 5.0% (12th) -
2023-12-19 15 5.0% (10th) -
2023-12-25 16 5.8% (9th) -

Source: AGB Nielson

  • NR denotes not ranked within the Top 20 TV programs (including news, sports, variety, etc.) for that day according to AGB Nielson.

Awards

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Comments

jada It starts a little slowly but becomes more entertaining as the story develops. The story was fun. The main characters were likeable but the chemistry between them was lacking; the romance among the supporting couples seemed more convincing, except the crown prince was too young for his pairing.

Nina Rully I love this drama. In the drama "The Matchmakers," Ro Woon bears a striking resemblance to Joo Won, who also starred in the sageuk "My Sassy Girl." Both actors also play nobles in their respective projects. Their names are also somewhat similar. Are these two men brothers? Haha.

Jeffrey Erskine Konney I really love this drama. My all time favourite is Ro Woon when he tried not to care at all but couldn't resist the fact that Lady Jung soon-Deok was so beautiful and was the perfect match for him. They were both going through a lot but I love the confidence they both showed. Nice drama and really love the Joeson culture.

Irish Rowoon is so good in comedy as always! I love that he’s already head over heels to soon duk since episode 1 and his servant always teases him ? Also, Cho Yihyun being so cheerful and lively is new to me especially after watching her in all of us are dead. Both of them really did great in the matchmakers!

Irish I just finished binge watching the matchmakers and i’ll say i really loved it! It’s so sad that it’s underrated and seeing some mean comments saying they don’t like it. It’s one of the best sageuk dramas i’ve ever watch! I love both the main actors but i’m not being biased. I just wished they gave us more romance tho but overall this drama is a masterpiece. I also love the supporting characters (esp sam soon and soon duk’s brother)

Musly Really love the film, don't understand this joeson tradition about widowers can't they remarried. But don't really like the match together of crown prince and the eldest sister of the meang family. Imgine their age difference is too much 10 years different the crown prince is like his junior brother is not even upto is junior sisters age, but the writer want us to know age is just a number and it doesn't change your love for your partner. Love the film like that though 8 1/2/10

Lovelee I love this show. It stays true to what it promises and remained lighthearted all the way. It may not be much plot-wise but the writing for all the characters makes up for it. So for people who like fast-paced plot with tons of action, unfortunately this may not be for you. But for people who like well-written characters, lighthearted stories and are into great cinematography, you should definitely give it a try. One thing I would love to compliment about this show is its use of background music. I love that its pretty much just instrumentals. It complements the scenes really well and doesn't feel overwhelming. Oftentimes pop songs with vocals and lyrics can be so overused in dramas so this is such a breath of fresh air.

The acting is great too. Especially Rowoon who manages to show his comedic range without stepping into the line of overacting. I feel like a lot of actors especially the new ones have a tendency to overact when they have to do comedy but he did such a great job with this. The side characters were great! Cho Yihyun's acting was so-so in the first half, which is understandable since this is her first main lead in a historical, but I think she did improved in the later half.

I guess one slight disappointment would be the chemistry. I think Rowoon did the most he could, to be honest.He made his character being 'in love' quite believable but Cho Yihyun, on the other hand, will need to work on it a little bit more. It's probably due to her lack of experience in the romance genre. But she's still young and probably once she gets more experience in romantic roles, she'll learn how to generate some chemistry with her co-stars.

Overall, it's an enjoyable drama with interesting side couples as well.

Ellie Sorry but this was the worst drama I ever seen! The plot ridiculous, not chemistry between leads (honestly she looks like his younger sister!!! And if you check on the other Rowoon dramas he is behaving with her exactly like the kids he was acting on other dramas on screen and off screen), a 14 year old kid matching with a 24 year old woman. And they get awards over this drama ??? The actors are good but they don’t combine together and their storyline is just stupid.

Brooklynienne I needed this ending and its forceful rejection of a particular departure mode. Rest In Peace Lee Sun-kyun. ❤️ Cho Yi-hyun-Jung Soon-deok is a life-affirming, lovely, lively character!

TERRY Loved it. However, why were there no arrests for the murder of the princess? and the involvement of the consort in her murder?

Aimen I really really really really really really Loved this drama sooooooooooo much.....I'll miss this Fantastic cast......A solid 10/10 sageuk for me...Highly Recommended....!

Tiff This drama really surprised me. It started out really slow but after episode 3 I really started to get more invested. The story has taken so many pleasant turns. The only issue I have is the pairing of the crown prince and the eldest old maiden. I get the tradition and custom of that era, it’s just still weird to see. Love the brother and youngest together.

Blooms Maeng Family dapet jodoh semua ♡(˃͈ દ ˂͈ ༶ )

ruka why would they shipping a boy in his 15s with a woman in her late 20s or early 30s

Yesi Great drama! Funny and new type of story. Not miscast, just look at so many other kdramas that have younger guys coupled with older girls. Doona, which recently aired is an example of this, seems to be common in Korea. About 20% of couples who married in 2022 were this type of pairing.

Tarameriel I love this drama! Very funny and I adore the female lead, she is so strong and I am happy to see a feminist view upon the storyline. The male lead made me laugh several times because of his arrogance and lack of knowledge in dealing with women. I am curious how the story is about to develop until the end

Jefri Didn't know this drama is unpopular,I am enjoying it though ?. The acting are great. Yi-hyun is pretty ?.

Someone For those asking why is the crown prince married to an adult woman, it’s customary for young male royals to marry an older woman so that she can ‘look after him’, not because it’s a miscast! :D

Lovelee I’m honestly impressed with the writing for all the female characters. I’m sick of Kdramas constantly writing dumb female characters. If not dumb then they’ll be written to be annoying. No such thing here which is really nice.

cc This drama is boring. The bad guys are so dumb and impotent. The lead actress looks like a minor. Why is a little boy being wed to a much older woman? I'm going to watch until the end. However, this drama was miscast and written poorly.

ccael I truly love this kdrama but if only they choose a little bit older crown prince to pair to maeng hanna (e.g: lee shin young / nam dareum), the plot will be less weird.

Jojo8jw Lillie- Right?? Not as traumatic as Twilight but I'm getting the same vibe

Lilpie Why are they shipping a child with the oldest lady, its so weird

Dave Really the Perfect Saeguk Drama! Two thumbs Up!

Frida This is one of the best drama in the romance genre l have seen this year. The ML and FL are right on the spot. The plot is well written, not heavy on parental abuse or plotting. The story flows, is funny, sad, interesting and full of surprises. The supporting characters are also very well written and acted. I can’t wait for the next episode. It really lift my spirit. Well done????

Joan An absolute delightful and funny drama. Love every minute of it . The actors are superb.

Aimen I don't understand how can people hate on this drama..!!!???? I find it hilarious(swimming on tableㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ) I absolutely love silly adorable dramas with no complicated stories.... I'm literally livin' for both of those cuties......♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Hime For the one confused why the FL scare of her mother. The mother is FL mother in law. Of course she would naturally be scared of her. FL dead husband is the son of that mother in law. She is not exactly an exemplary widow. She has been going out of the house secretly. Doing matchmaking while she herself is a widow so it’s not a good look. Traditionally a widow is required to mourn their dead ones for several years. And avoid wearing brightly colored clothes. Our FL here doing the opposite. She’s wild wild. She even has a son.

SYR I'm enjoying this drama a lot. It's the type of drama where at first you're a bit unsure of it. You might even find it slow and boring. But if you stick with it, you'll realize that you're enjoying more and more as the episodes go by. The characters are all cute and quite well-written. Especially the female characters. As of now, episode 9 is out. & I personally think that it just keeps getting better every episode. Hopefully I don't jinx it though LOL. I like that there are no frustrating moments, has remain light-hearted throughout, and the political court intrigue is quite easy to follow as well. All the characters seem intelligent in their own ways and the 'villains' are portrayed as imperfect and incompetent which is quite nice for a change hahaha.

Jk i am of the opinion that maeng du ri will be with yoon boo gyeom, maeng sam soon will be with jung soon goo, ye jin will be with shi yeol, maeng ha na will be with crown prince lee jae (there is a big age gap) but could be possible.

Layla I love rowoon, but this drama could have been written better. I am thoroughly confused. Just finished episode 9. Maybe I’m confused because it’s hard for me, a non korean, to read korean names and remember them. Therefore I’m left rewinding a lot and still being confused: why the FL is afraid of her mother, whether or not that even is her real mother, Why she had a secret identity, is there another person she’s covering for? And so on…

April I think rowoon (ML) is also a love agent, so both him and yihyun (FL) are love agents! He also has a similar backstory to FL, where his wife died mysteriously (love agents are bound to a destiny that their partners won't life long, right?). I hope it's a good thing if both love agents fall in love with each other...

Laila The drama is interesting. At first episode it is slow and boring but getting more fun when episod 6. I like all the actor in this drama. They acting really good

Admiral general Aladeen I find female lead pretty. Comedy is also good, kind of 'The Office' like.

eileen henry Love this drama. very entertaining, great acting, Ro Woon Cho Yi-Hyun.Please keep screening period dramas

Jung I think Maeng Ha Na will end up with Jwarang Lee. He is a subordinate of Defense Minister Park Bokki who once wanted to make Maeng Hana his concubine. He (Jwarang Lee) is still a little visible in the scene but I'm pretty sure he will be Maeng Hana's husband ?

Ina Love love this drama. .

Jjo Can't wait to see who Maeng Hana ends up with !. Ooh the suspense...

Scarlet Guys do you have any theories so far? I think the 3rd lady will somehow ends up with the lieutenant (female lead's brother), the 2nd with the younger boy (the noble one that always look after his mother, I forgot his name), then the sister in law of FL will ends up with the farmer guy (although probably her parents would be against it). The question is the oldest of the three sisters, I still haven't see potential character to be her husband. Please don't tell me she'll ends up falling for the male lead... it will be a triangle love storyline with the female lead. Also, I think both the FL and ML are love agents, seeing his symptoms often appear everytime he sees a potential couple?

Jung shin hye I think Maeng Ha Na will end up with Jwarang Lee. He is a subordinate of Defense Minister Park Bokki who once wanted to make Maeng Hana his concubine. He (Jwarang Lee) is still a little visible in the scene but I'm pretty sure he will be Maeng Hana's husband

adorejichu Guys please tell me your theory about who will Maeng Hana ended up with?? I'm so curious witht hte three daught of Maeng!

ann Might be spoiler ep 6 Rowoon is the real agent of love?

Lilie Best romcom script 2023!! Ppl are so superficial, only care abt looks and cheesy plots. This one is so fresh and cute! I love the three sisters and personally, I think choi yi hyun did a really good job executing this role. I hope she keep picking unconventional projects like this from now on

Dave Good Drama, funny story and Outstanding Cast.

B00 Is it me ? I cant get into this drama. No chemistry and Rowoon in the series isnt doing it for me. I liked him in all other dramas he played tho Im on episodes 2 and looking for something else to watch.

Burrorrahurricane Rowoon and Hwiyoung in one drama ?

Suzy This is what nothing calls as chemistry looks like

Gene Another drama for rowoon for romcom. I think the plot is just a romcom . The female lead looks like more om chinese with those hanbok not a korean witch is a lil bit odd. I think its a little tight in her neck. There are some actress that arr soo good looking in hanbok but there are some that they looks weird but she looks okay

Des So excited for this. Loved Rowoon in Destined With You (other projects too). Sad the runtime is so short though. I hope he has a successful acting career!!!

Agon I think there’s already matchmaker kdrama before and the plot is quite similar I think. Is this another version? To be honest the female lead looks ajumma or kinda awkward like her aunt in her hanbok. Let’s see if this version will works.

Best wishes to Rowoon I am looking forward for another successful drama from handsome and very talented actor Rowoon. I still can’t get over from destined with you fever. Hope I move on from that drama and come back to this one as I will always support pookie dookie Rowoon in all his dramas. This drama plot looks like a comedic historical drama. Hope it turns out to be an another successful venture in rowoon’s career…all the best to the whole crew and cast.

Rowoon fighting ..I am sure you will rock it with your expressions and eye acting.

Luna Daebak! 2 of my favorite korean actors together in a drama. I’m soooo excited to watch this! ❤️❤️

Thao Thanh Nguyen @Malcolm Actually, the royal son-in-law, called buma (부마, 駙馬), can't remarry either. Usually, yangban widowers could remarry, but royal sons-in-law are a different story. Once they married into the royal family, the royal sons-in-law became the princess' servants (the term is sinha (신하, 臣下), and the royal sons-in-law were always ranked lower than the princesses). Therefore, there was an expectation for them to uphold their fidelity and loyalty to the princesses. That meant that they could never remarry. The prohibition has been a long-time custom in the Joseon dynasty, though it wasn't written in law until King Sukjong's reign (r. 1674-1720). Several officials have contested the prohibition of remarriage for the royal sons-in-law, but the kings struck such challenges down with a few exceptions. On October 15, 1518, the Three State Councillors protested, "The rule that a royal son-in-law cannot remarry after a princess's death has no basis since ancient times and does not make sense.” King Jungjong agreed but opposed legally amending the rule, saying, "A commoner freely chooses to remarry after his wife's death. Royal sons-in-law will also follow this example.” After King Hyeonjong's daughter Princess Sukjeong passed away, King Sukjong allowed her husband Jeong Jae-ryun to remarry, but the latter rejected the offer. Since then, King Sukjong made the prohibition law.


Adriana It should be on Netflix too

Willson X Wait two drama's from Ro-Woon in a single year yoooooooooo! LFG

Shya This plot/synopsis looks interesting and hope the drama is breath of fresh air. Shout out to Choi nam ra from All of us is dead drama. I think it is her very first female lead role in a broadcast network drama. Congratulations for the big step and best wishes to her.

Tsey My faves in one drama! Yihyun! You were amazing in All of us are dead!!! You and Lomon are so cute together! Also in Hospital Playlist! I know you're a great actress! And a drama now with Rowoon?!!! Daebak!!! Excitedmuch for this!! ???

Marie I like Rowoon. But i dont like the FL?

Malcolm Hummm i think they got their history and customs wrong here...she would certainly as a widow not be allowed to remarry especially as she`s a noble(Yeolnyeo) but there was no law of custom that would stop him from remarrying...


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