Encounter

Behind the Scenes of Encounter (2018): The Chemistry and Whispers of a K-Drama Romance

Encounter (2018), the Korean drama starring Song Hye-kyo and Park Bo-gum, was a slow-burn romance that captivated audiences with its dreamy cinematography and tender performances. But beyond the screen, the production was just as buzzworthy—filled with playful interactions, behind-the-scenes bloopers, and rumors that kept fans hooked. latestnetflix.com's take is that here’s what the evidence reveals about the making of this beloved series.

A Script Reading That Blushed for the Cameras

The first script reading for Encounter set the tone for the drama’s on-screen chemistry. Clips from the session show Song Hye-kyo and Park Bo-gum exchanging shy glances, their faces flushing as they read their lines . In one behind-the-scenes video, the cast appears visibly nervous, with Song Hye-kyo laughing as Park Bo-gum stumbles over his dialogue—a rare, unguarded moment that hinted at the natural rapport they’d later bring to their characters . Ko Chang-seok, who played Park Bo-gum’s father in the series, was reportedly the mood-lifter, cracking jokes to ease the tension .

Fans latched onto these early glimpses, speculating that the actors’ off-screen dynamic mirrored the innocent, almost hesitant romance between their characters, Cha Soo-hyun and Kim Jin-hyuk. The production team leaned into this, releasing multiple "making-of" clips that showcased the cast’s playful side, including Park Bo-gum’s infamous dance moves during an interview—a moment that went viral and became a defining meme of the drama’s promotional cycle .

The Song Joong-ki Factor: A Rumored Reaction

One of the most persistent rumors surrounding Encounter involved Song Joong-ki, Song Hye-kyo’s ex-husband. At the time of the drama’s release, the two had recently announced their divorce, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Song Hye-kyo’s on-screen romance with Park Bo-gum. A video titled "Here’s How Song Joongki Reacted to Song Hyekyo’s Romance in [Encounter]... According to Park Bogum" surfaced, claiming Park Bo-gum had shared details about Song Joong-ki’s reaction to the drama .

The video’s title alone fueled speculation, though the actual content remains unverified. Neither Park Bo-gum nor Song Joong-ki has publicly confirmed the claims, leaving fans to dissect every interview and social media post for clues. What is clear is that the drama’s release coincided with heightened public interest in Song Hye-kyo’s personal life, and the production team was acutely aware of the buzz—releasing behind-the-scenes content that emphasized the cast’s camaraderie, perhaps as a way to steer the narrative back to the story itself .

**Was Encounter a Hit? The Mixed Reception**

Critically, Encounter received a lukewarm response. On SensCritique, the series holds a 6.7/10 rating based on 173 votes, with viewers praising the leads’ performances but criticizing the pacing and lack of narrative depth . Some reviews called it a "beautifully shot but slow" drama, with the romance taking a backseat to the visuals .

That said, the chemistry between Song Hye-kyo and Park Bo-gum was undeniable. Their on-screen dynamic—rooted in real-life mutual respect—elevated the material, with fans rewatching scenes for the subtle glances and soft-spoken exchanges. The drama’s behind-the-scenes content played a huge role in its longevity, offering a glimpse into the actors’ off-camera friendship. Clips of Park Bo-gum playfully teasing Song Hye-kyo or the cast laughing during breaks became just as shareable as the drama’s official trailers .

The Legacy: A Drama Built on Whispers

Encounter may not have been a critical darling, but it carved out a niche as a comfort watch—a drama that thrived on atmosphere and the undeniable charm of its leads. The behind-the-scenes footage, from script readings to bloopers, gave fans a reason to invest beyond the story, turning the production into a cultural moment.

Rumors about Song Joong-ki’s reaction and the cast’s off-screen chemistry kept the drama in the headlines, proving that sometimes, the real story isn’t on the screen but in the whispers around it. For better or worse, Encounter was as much about the actors as it was about the characters they played.