Do You Like Brahms? YES!

“Do You Like Brahms?” is a 2020 South Korean romance melodrama set in the world of classical music, following young musicians as they navigate ambition, love, and self-discovery. It has 16 episodes and is streaming on both Netflix and Viki.

SUMMARY: Two young musicians ~ an earnest violinist and a world-weary piano prodigy ~ navigate love, ambition, and self-discovery within the emotionally charged world of classical music.

♦ Do You Like Brahms? — A Gentle, Romantic Look at Classical Musicians

“Do You Like Brahms?” is a gentle, introspective romance set against the refined yet emotionally charged world of classical music. Chae Song-Ah, a late-bloomer violinist who enters music school seven years older than her classmates. Her journey begins with quiet determination: she knows she lacks the natural talent many around her possess, but her love for music is unwavering. Chae Song-Ah’s struggle is not only technical but emotional. She constantly battles self-doubt, the pressure of being “behind,” and the fear that passion alone may not be enough. Yet she is sincere and resilient.

By contrast, Park Joon-Young is a celebrated pianist who has lived his entire life under the weight of huge expectations. Having shown prodigious talent since childhood, his world is filled with accolades, competitions, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. On the outside, he appears accomplished and polished. Internally, lies a young man who feels increasingly disconnected from his own dreams. His music, once a source of joy, has become a burden shaped by others’ ambitions. When he meets Chae Song-Ah, her earnestness and vulnerability stir something in him—a reminder of the purity of loving music for its own sake. Chae Song-Ah admires Park Joon-Young’s talent, while Park Joon-Young is drawn to her sincerity.

Friends and Fellow Musicians

Lee Jung-Kyung, a violinist from a wealthy family, has long been close to Park Joon-Young and Hyun ho, forming a trio of childhood friends whose relationships are strained by ambition, jealousy, and unspoken feelings. Lee Jung-Kyung’s struggle is balancing her family’s expectations with her own desires.

Han Hyun-Ho, warm and loyal, struggles with his own heartbreak as he tries to maintain harmony within the group of musicians.

“Do You Like Brahms?” portrays classical music not as a glamorous pursuit but as a demanding craft that shapes—and sometimes distorts—the lives of those devoted to it. But the story is also about finding one’s voice, both musically and emotionally.

Main Characters:

• Chae Song-Ah (played by Park Eun-Bin, “Spooky in Love”, “The Legend”, “The WONDERfools”, “Judge vs Judge”, “Extraordinary Attorney Woo”, “Hyper Knife“, “Castaway Diva”, “The King’s Affection”, “The Ghost Detective”, “Road to Boston”, “The Witch: Part 2. The Other One”)
• Park Joon-Young (played by Kim Min-Jae, “Poong, The Joseon Psychiatrist”, “Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency”, Dr. Romantic 1, 2, and 3)
• Han Hyun-Ho(played by Kim Sung-Cheol)
• Lee Jung-Kyung (played by Park Ji-Hyun)

Where to Watch: Netflix and Viki

Viewership and Rating:

• IMDb: 7.5 out of 10 stars
• MyDramaList: 8 out of 10 stars
• Viki Viewers rated this series: 9.3 out of 10 stars

My personal rating is the same as the Viki viewing audience.

Watch “Do You Like Brahms?” before or after the 2026 K-drama “Four Hands, Two Sonatas” because both series:

• Focus on classical music students
• Themes of burnout, talent, and emotional vulnerability
• Strong character development.

LINKS OF INTEREST:

Review: Do You Like Brahms? | The Fangirl Verdict

Do You Like Brahms? | Korean Drama Review

The Awkward Silences in Do You Like Brahms Are Oscar Worthy. | Pohp!

TRAILER/TEASER:

Viu Singapore. “DO YOU LIKE BRAHMS? Trailer.” YouTube, 31 Aug. 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xD-uZkTv0-I.

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