The Fabulous

Inside the Glamorous Chaos of The Fabulous: Cast Chemistry, Love Triangles, and Netflix’s Stylish Rom-Com

Netflix’s 2022 K-drama The Fabulous promised a glittering escape into Seoul’s high-fashion world, and its cast delivered—with a side of off-screen buzz. Starring Chae Soo-bin (Rookie Cops) and SHINee’s Minho (Lovely Runner) as exes navigating love and ambition in the cutthroat fashion industry, the series leaned into its rom-com roots while teasing a messier, more addictive dynamic. Behind the scenes, the chemistry between its leads and a few surprising creative choices fueled early hype. Here’s what the press conferences, teasers, and cast interviews revealed about the making of this glossy eight-episode series.

Exes to Co-Stars: Minho and Chae Soo-bin’s Real-Life Bond

The heart of The Fabulous is the push-and-pull between Pyo Ji-eun (Chae Soo-bin), a hardworking stylist, and Ji Woo-min (Minho), a wealthy photographer—and her ex-boyfriend. Their on-screen tension was palpable, but off-screen, the two shared a rapport that translated into playful banter during promotions.

At the press conference , Minho joked about Chae Soo-bin’s "intimidating" professionalism, while she admitted she was initially nervous working with a K-pop idol. "I thought he’d be very different, but he’s actually quite shy," she said . Their easy camaraderie was evident in behind-the-scenes clips, where Minho playfully teased her about her acting habits, and Chae Soo-bin fired back with deadpan humor .

The dynamic extended to their characters’ second-chance romance. In one teaser , Minho’s Woo-min is seen dramatically declaring he’ll "win her back," a line that became a fan-favorite meme. Chae Soo-bin later revealed she loved the "immature but charming" side of his character, which balanced Ji-eun’s no-nonsense attitude .

Love Triangles and Director’s Secrets

While Woo-min and Ji-eun’s reunion drove the central plot, The Fabulous layered in a love triangle that caught fans off guard. Early teasers hinted at a potential romance between Ji-eun and another character, later revealed to be Joseph (Lee Sang-un), a rival photographer. But the real twist came when director Kim Jung-hyun confirmed a second love story—one involving Ji-eun’s best friend, Ye Seon-ho (Yoo Yeon-seok), and a character played by Chae Soo-bin .

The director teased that Yeon-seok’s role was initially written as a "mysterious" figure, but his chemistry with Chae Soo-bin’s character led to a more prominent romantic subplot . This added a layer of complexity to Ji-eun’s journey, forcing her to confront her feelings for Woo-min while her best friend’s happiness hung in the balance.

Fans speculated about the ending after the finale aired, with some theorizing that Ji-eun and Woo-min’s reunion was left intentionally ambiguous. A "season 2 expectations" video suggested the door was open for a continuation, though Netflix has yet to confirm any plans.

Fashion, Friendship, and the Pressure of Perfection

Beyond the romance, The Fabulous was a love letter to Seoul’s fashion scene, with lavish runway shows, designer collaborations, and high-stakes styling gigs. Chae Soo-bin’s Ji-eun was the underdog, often clashing with her glamorous but catty colleagues, including Park Hee-jeong’s character, a rival stylist.

In interviews, Chae Soo-bin shared that she drew from real-life fashion industry horror stories to shape Ji-eun’s struggles . "I heard about stylists being treated poorly, or having their work stolen. I wanted to show that side of the industry—the pressure to be ‘fabulous’ all the time," she said. The series didn’t shy away from depicting the toll of perfectionism, with Ji-eun frequently working late nights and sacrificing personal time for her career.

The supporting cast added depth to the world, with Shin Dong-mi and Lee Mi-do playing Ji-eun’s loyal (and hilarious) coworkers. Their group chats and chaotic energy provided a comedic counterbalance to the high-fashion drama, making the series feel more grounded despite its glossy setting.

The Verdict: Style Over Substance?

The Fabulous was a visual feast, with vibrant cinematography and a wardrobe that could rival Sex and the City. But its reliance on rom-com tropes—miscommunications, grand gestures, and a love triangle—left some viewers wanting more. The eight-episode runtime flew by, wrapping up major arcs neatly but leaving little room for deeper character development.

Still, the cast’s chemistry and the series’ eye-catching aesthetic earned it a dedicated fanbase. Minho’s transition from K-pop idol to leading man was a standout, with his portrayal of Woo-min’s playful persistence winning over skeptics. Chae Soo-bin, meanwhile, anchored the series with a performance that balanced vulnerability and strength.

As for a second season? The ending left the door ajar, but with no official announcement, fans are left rewatching the first season’s highlights—like that iconic teaser where Woo-min dramatically declares his love —and hoping for more.