Love Reset (also known as 30 Days) is a South Korean romantic comedy that leans heavily into the classic enemies-to-lovers and second-chance romance tropes, wrapped in amnesia-based chaos. It’s light, fast-paced, and knowingly silly, but underneath the humor lies a surprisingly sincere look at love, resentment, and emotional memory.
Detailed Summary
A Marriage on the Brink
The movie opens by introducing Jung-yeol (Kang Ha-neul) and Na-ra (Jung So-min), a married couple who absolutely cannot stand each other anymore. Every interaction is fueled by sarcasm, irritation, and emotional exhaustion. Their marriage has deteriorated to the point where they’ve filed for divorce, with only 30 days left before it becomes legally final.
Their families are already deeply involved in the conflict, each side convinced the other spouse is the root of all evil. This setup immediately establishes the film’s comedic tone while grounding it in relatable marital frustration.
The Accident That Changes Everything
On their way back from court proceedings, Jung-yeol and Na-ra are involved in a serious car accident. They survive—but wake up in the hospital with complete amnesia. Neither remembers their marriage, their fights, or even why they despised each other.
This is the movie’s central narrative hook: two people who once loved each other, then grew to hate each other, now meeting again as strangers.
Families with an Agenda
Rather than telling them the truth immediately, both families manipulate the situation for their own benefit. Each side tries to make the other spouse look terrible so that, even without memories, the divorce will still happen.
Ironically, the more the families interfere, the more Jung-yeol and Na-ra start noticing each other’s good sides instead of the bad.
Falling in Love… Again
As they spend time together, Jung-yeol and Na-ra develop a fresh attraction, free from past resentment. Their chemistry resurfaces naturally, leading to awkward flirting, misunderstandings, and emotionally sincere moments.
This portion of the film plays with the idea that love isn’t just memory-based—it’s behavioral and emotional. Even without remembering their history, they gravitate toward each other.
Truth Comes Crashing In
Eventually, the truth about their marriage and impending divorce comes out. This revelation creates emotional whiplash. Both characters feel betrayed—by their families and by the realization that their “new love” was actually a reboot of an old one that failed.
This is where the film briefly shifts from pure comedy into emotional reflection.
Movie Ending
In the final act, both Jung-yeol and Na-ra regain their memories. However, this doesn’t magically fix everything. Instead, it forces them to confront the entirety of their relationship:
- the love
- the bitterness
- the mistakes
- the emotional neglect
They now remember why they wanted a divorce in the first place.
Here’s the crucial twist: they no longer see each other only through the lens of resentment. The amnesia period allowed them to reconnect without ego, pride, or accumulated anger.
At the divorce hearing, they are expected to finalize their separation. Instead, after a long pause and visible emotional hesitation, they choose not to divorce. This decision isn’t framed as a fairy-tale ending but as a conscious choice to try again—this time with self-awareness.
The final scenes show them navigating their relationship with more patience, clearer communication, and mutual accountability, implying that love doesn’t reset magically—but it can be rebuilt deliberately.
The film ends on a hopeful but grounded note: love survives not because memories disappear, but because people choose to change.
Are There Post-Credits Scenes?
No. There are no mid-credits or post-credits scenes in Love Reset. Once the film ends, the story is complete.
Type of Movie
Love Reset is a romantic comedy that blends slapstick humor with emotional realism, using amnesia as a narrative device to explore marriage, emotional fatigue, and second chances.
Cast
- Kang Ha-neul as Jung-yeol
- Jung So-min as Na-ra
- Kim Sun-young
- Hwang Se-in
- Yoon Kyung-ho
The chemistry between Kang Ha-neul and Jung So-min is one of the film’s strongest assets, carrying both comedic timing and emotional depth.
Film Music and Composer
The soundtrack consists mainly of light instrumental themes and romantic cues designed to support comedic beats rather than overpower them. While not heavily marketed around a famous composer, the score effectively complements the emotional transitions of the story.
Filming Locations
The film was shot primarily in South Korea, using:
- Urban residential neighborhoods
- Court buildings
- Hospitals and everyday domestic spaces
These ordinary locations are intentionally chosen to emphasize that this is a very human, very relatable story, despite its exaggerated premise.
Awards and Nominations
While not a major awards-season contender, Love Reset performed strongly at the Korean box office and received praise for:
- Audience reception
- Romantic comedy performances
- Chemistry between leads
It has since gained popularity as a word-of-mouth hit.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- The director encouraged improvisation during comedic scenes.
- Kang Ha-neul reportedly adjusted his performance style to appear emotionally softer after the amnesia.
- Jung So-min studied real divorce interviews to understand emotional detachment.
- Many arguments were filmed in long takes to preserve natural rhythm.
Inspirations and References
- Classic Korean romantic comedies with high-concept premises
- Films like Overboard (1987) and 50 First Dates (2004)
- Real-life marital counseling stories involving emotional burnout
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
No officially released alternate ending exists. However, interviews revealed that:
- An early draft had a more ambiguous ending, where the couple separated but remained emotionally connected.
- Several extended family argument scenes were cut to maintain pacing.
Book Adaptations and Differences
Love Reset is not based on a book or webtoon. It is an original screenplay.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- The hospital wake-up scene where they meet as strangers
- Their awkward first “date” after amnesia
- The moment they discover they’re actually married
- The divorce court scene in the final act
Iconic Quotes
- “Maybe love isn’t about remembering everything… but choosing again.”
- “If we fell in love once, why couldn’t we do it twice?”
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- Early scenes subtly show their emotional compatibility before amnesia.
- Their apartment decor changes reflect emotional distance and reconnection.
- The 30-day countdown appears visually in multiple background elements.
- Certain repeated arguments mirror earlier affectionate conversations.
Trivia
- The Korean title literally translates to “30 Days”.
- Kang Ha-neul and Jung So-min had never worked together before.
- Several scenes were rewritten after test screenings to increase comedic pacing.
- The film exceeded box office expectations within its first two weeks.
Why Watch?
You should watch Love Reset if you enjoy:
- Second-chance romances
- Smart, character-driven rom-coms
- Stories about marriage rather than first love
- Films that balance humor with emotional honesty
It’s funny, warm, and surprisingly thoughtful without being heavy-handed.
Director’s Other Works (Movies)
- Homme Fatale (2019)
- The Accidental Detective 2 (2018) – as part of the creative team
Recommended Films for Fans
- Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
- Marriage Story (2019)
- Overboard (1987)
- 50 First Dates (2004)
- Love and Leashes (2022)
