A man and woman meet by chance and come to the unusual arrangement of becoming "dinner mates".  They agree to only meet if both are free and to never discuss any of their personal information.  But life takes an expected turn and brings them together in a way neither of them would have ever expected.  Now they are left wondering if the bond they shared as careful strangers can survive in the real world.

Seo Ji Hye as Woo Do Hee

Woo Do Hee is a producer for a video entertainment company.  After flying to Jeju Island for what she thinks is a proposal, she discovers that her boyfriend is actually proposing to someone else.  Broken-hearted and humiliated, she runs away and meets a handsome stranger who is also visiting the island.  They form an instant connection that is based on the fact that they are strangers with no accounability to each other.  But, although they try to keep this mysterious connection going, they soon find their lives connecting in surprising ways.  And to make matters more complicated, Do Hee's first love comes back into her life and refuses to take no for an answer.  

Woo Do Hee is a nice character, although I found her a little flat at times.  Her personality was a bit erratic and seemed inconsistant at times.  But I enjoyed the way that she calmed Hae Kyung and gave him comfort and support when he struggled.  Her choice of men before meeting Hae Kyung was definitely not the best and because of that she was in need of a lot healing, which made her a perfect match for Hae Kyung.  

Son Na Eun as Jin Noh Eul

Jin Noh Eul is a fitness trainer and social media star.  She is also Hae Kyung's first love.  Like, Jae Hyuk, she is determined to win back her past lover, no matter what it takes.  But for Noh Eul, is much more about taking back something she lost than actual love, and unfortunately for her, Hae Kyung knows her better than anyone.

Park Ho San as Kim Hyun U

Kim Hyun U (Keanu) is living as a homeless person, without a care in the world.  Even in his current situation, he enjoys the finer things in life like books and good coffee.  Once, not so long ago he was a successful psychiatrist and mentor to Hae Kyung.  But after losing his career and his family, he has gone into hiding and given up on life.  Until he is given the opportunity to finally find some closure and gain back the self-respect he had lost.  

♥ Nam Ah Young and Kim Hyun U

These 2 actors are amazing and I loved their natural chemistry together.  Who doesn't love a story about 2 eccentric individuals who finally find someone who loves and appreciates them just the way they are.  In a drama that was all about healing, they were a beautiful example!  

♥ Kang Gun Woo

Kang Gun Woo is just an outstanding character all the way around.  In a drama full of chaos and unhealthy behaviors, he is the picture of stability and reason.  And I love the idea of a male and female character bonding over having loved and lost the same man.  It puts a whole new spin on the "ex-wives club" concept.  It was also nice to have a gay character who is portrayed in such a normal light.  There is no overacting flamboyance or broad stereotypes.  Gun Woo is an interesting character in his own right, who also happens to be gay.  That is unusual in the world of kdrama, and I appreciated that.  

End of Dinner Mates

The concept of dinner mates was fascinating and I really loved it.  From the mysterious push and pull of it to the beauty of seeing meals together as a road to healing.  So I was disappointed when that whole plot ended half-way through and suddenly became all about ex's who we didn't even  know about before.  I wish they had continued to focus longer on them as dinner mates, without so much other drama.

How Did You Miss That?

I know its always easy to say someone should have known better, but I can't imagine how Do Hee could have dated Jae Hyuk for so long and never saw any hint of his serious mental health issues.  His issues were very extreme and even when they were dating, Jae Hyuk was receiving treatment and his doctor was aware of his unhealthy obsession with Do Hee.  So, could she really have spent so much time with him and never even had a clue of what he was capable of?  That seems hard to believe.

"Dinner Mate" manages to serve up a pretty satisfying ending, which I always appreciate.  Jae Hyuk finally faces his illness and decides to let Hyun U treat him.  This leads to the 2 of them travelling around the country, and gives them both a chance to find some of the healing they have both needed.  When they finally return home, they are both ready to start new, healthier chapters in their lives.  Jae Hyuk goes to see Noh Eul and finds out that she and Gun Woo have started their online fashion business.  Jae Hyuk offers to join them as a financial advisor, and they begin making plans.  Hyun U gets back together with Ah Young and the 2 of them get married and hold a surprise wedding reception for all their friends.  After months of Do Hee avoiding the issue, Hae Kyung finally proposes to her and she gladly accepts.  The end brings them back to where they started, sitting at an empty food truck, enjoying a meal by the moonlight and talking about all the meals they hope to share for the rest of their lives.  How much more happily ever after could we ask for?