
Delving into the World of ‘How To Be Thirty’
Korean dramas, often abbreviated as K-dramas, have captivated audiences worldwide with their compelling storylines, charismatic actors, and high production values. Among the many gems in the K-drama universe, ‘How To Be Thirty,’ also known as ‘Not Yet Thirty’ or ‘Born in 85,’ stands out as a relatable and heartwarming series that explores the lives and loves of three women navigating the complexities of their thirties. If you’re curious about this drama and wondering about the number of episodes it contains, you’ve come to the right place.
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s set the stage. ‘How To Be Thirty’ is a romantic comedy that revolves around Seo Ji-won, a successful webtoon artist, and her two best friends, Lee Ran-joo, a news anchor, and Hong Ah-young, a cafe owner. As they juggle their careers, friendships, and romantic relationships, they grapple with the challenges and joys of being thirty years old. The drama offers a realistic and often humorous portrayal of the ups and downs of adulting, making it highly relatable to viewers who are in or approaching their thirties.
The series touches on several relatable themes such as career aspirations, the pressure to settle down, the complexities of friendship, and the rediscovery of past loves. Each character brings a unique perspective to these themes, creating a rich and engaging narrative that keeps viewers hooked from beginning to end. The drama also explores the evolving dynamics of relationships as the characters navigate the delicate balance between personal and professional lives.</p
The Episode Count: Unveiling the Answer
So, how many episodes does ‘How To Be Thirty’ actually have? The answer is 15 episodes. This concise episode count is a hallmark of many web dramas, which tend to be shorter and more focused than traditional television series. Each episode typically runs for about 20 minutes, making it a perfect binge-watching option for those with busy schedules. The compact nature of the series allows for a tightly paced narrative, ensuring that every scene contributes to the overall story.</p
The decision to structure ‘How To Be Thirty’ as a web drama with a limited number of episodes was a strategic choice that aligned with the target audience. Web dramas are often designed to be easily accessible on digital platforms, catering to viewers who prefer to consume content on their smartphones or tablets. The shorter episode lengths also make it easier for viewers to fit the drama into their daily routines.</p
The 15-episode format also allows the writers to maintain a consistent level of quality throughout the series. By focusing on a specific set of themes and character arcs, they are able to deliver a satisfying and cohesive narrative without unnecessary filler. This approach ensures that viewers remain engaged and invested in the story from the first episode to the last.</p
Why This Episode Count Works
The 15-episode count is not just a random number; it’s a deliberate choice that contributes to the overall success of ‘How To Be Thirty.’ Here’s why:
1. Pacing and Engagement
With only 15 episodes, the drama maintains a brisk pace, keeping viewers engaged without dragging out the plot. Each episode is carefully crafted to advance the storyline, develop the characters, and explore the central themes. The absence of filler episodes ensures that every scene is meaningful and contributes to the overall narrative arc.
2. Focused Storytelling
The limited episode count forces the writers to focus on the core elements of the story, resulting in a more cohesive and impactful narrative. By streamlining the plot and eliminating unnecessary subplots, they are able to deliver a more satisfying and emotionally resonant experience for the viewers.
3. Binge-Watching Appeal
The shorter episode length and overall episode count make ‘How To Be Thirty’ an ideal candidate for binge-watching. Viewers can easily consume the entire series in a single weekend or over a few evenings, making it a convenient and enjoyable viewing experience. The series is easily accessible on various streaming platforms, further enhancing its binge-watching appeal.
4. Accessibility and Convenience
As a web drama, ‘How To Be Thirty’ is designed to be easily accessible on digital platforms. Viewers can watch it on their smartphones, tablets, or computers, making it a convenient option for those who prefer to consume content on the go. The shorter episode lengths also make it easier for viewers to fit the drama into their busy schedules.
Where to Watch ‘How To Be Thirty’
Now that you know how many episodes ‘How To Be Thirty’ has, you’re probably wondering where you can watch it. The drama is available on several streaming platforms, making it accessible to viewers around the world. Some popular options include:
- Viki: A popular streaming platform specializing in Asian dramas and movies. Viki often provides subtitles in multiple languages, making it accessible to a global audience.
- WeTV: Another streaming platform that offers a wide range of Asian dramas, including ‘How To Be Thirty.’ WeTV is known for its high-quality streaming and user-friendly interface.
- YouTube: In some regions, ‘How To Be Thirty’ may be available on YouTube through official channels or fan uploads. However, be sure to check the legality and quality of the content before watching.
Meet the Main Characters
To fully appreciate ‘How To Be Thirty,’ it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the main characters. Here’s a brief overview:
Seo Ji-won (played by Jung In-sun)
A talented and successful webtoon artist who is passionate about her work. Ji-won is independent, driven, and often puts her career before her personal life. She is also kind-hearted and fiercely loyal to her friends. As she navigates her thirties, she grapples with the challenges of balancing her career aspirations with her desire for love and companionship.
Lee Ran-joo (played by Hani)
A charismatic and ambitious news anchor who is always striving for success. Ran-joo is confident, outspoken, and not afraid to speak her mind. She is also fiercely independent and determined to make a name for herself in the competitive world of journalism. Despite her tough exterior, she has a soft spot for her friends and is always there to support them.
Hong Ah-young (played by Cha Min-jee)
A warm and compassionate cafe owner who is always putting others first. Ah-young is kind, gentle, and has a knack for making people feel comfortable. She is also a talented baker and takes pride in her cafe. As she navigates her thirties, she struggles with the pressure to settle down and find a partner, but ultimately realizes that happiness comes from within.
Lee Seung-yoo (played by Kang Min-hyuk)
A film director and Ji-won’s first love. Seung-yoo is charming, talented, and has a deep understanding of Ji-won. He reappears in her life after many years, stirring up old feelings and creating new possibilities. As they reconnect, they must confront the unresolved issues from their past and decide whether they are ready to give their love another chance.
Cha Do-hoon (played by Song Jae-rim)
The director of Ji-won’s webtoon company and a supportive figure in her life. Do-hoon is kind, understanding, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He is also secretly in love with Ji-won and provides her with unwavering support and encouragement. As Ji-won navigates her romantic relationships, she must decide whether to pursue her feelings for Seung-yoo or explore the possibility of a relationship with Do-hoon.
Themes Explored in ‘How To Be Thirty’
‘How To Be Thirty’ delves into a variety of themes that resonate with viewers of all ages. Here are some of the key themes explored in the series:
Friendship
The drama highlights the importance of female friendships and the bonds that women share. Ji-won, Ran-joo, and Ah-young support each other through thick and thin, offering advice, encouragement, and a shoulder to cry on. Their friendship is a source of strength and stability in their lives, helping them navigate the challenges of their thirties.
Career Aspirations
The drama explores the career aspirations of the main characters and the challenges they face in achieving their goals. Ji-won is a successful webtoon artist, but she still strives to improve her skills and create even more impactful work. Ran-joo is an ambitious news anchor who is determined to make a name for herself in the competitive world of journalism. Ah-young is a passionate cafe owner who takes pride in her business and strives to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for her customers.
Romantic Relationships
The drama explores the complexities of romantic relationships and the challenges of finding love in your thirties. Ji-won is torn between her first love, Seung-yoo, and her supportive colleague, Do-hoon. Ran-joo struggles to balance her career aspirations with her desire for a romantic relationship. Ah-young grapples with the pressure to settle down and find a partner, but ultimately realizes that happiness comes from within.
Personal Growth
The drama showcases the personal growth of the main characters as they navigate the challenges of their thirties. Ji-won learns to be more open to love and to trust her instincts. Ran-joo learns to be more vulnerable and to prioritize her personal happiness. Ah-young learns to be more confident and to embrace her individuality. Through their experiences, they all grow as individuals and become stronger, more resilient women.
Why ‘How To Be Thirty’ Resonates with Viewers
‘How To Be Thirty’ has resonated with viewers for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the drama offers a realistic and relatable portrayal of the challenges and joys of being thirty years old. The characters are flawed, complex, and relatable, making it easy for viewers to connect with their struggles and triumphs. The drama also explores universal themes such as friendship, career aspirations, romantic relationships, and personal growth, which resonate with viewers of all ages.
In addition to its relatable characters and themes, ‘How To Be Thirty’ is also praised for its high production values, engaging storyline, and talented cast. The drama is visually appealing, with stunning cinematography and stylish costumes. The storyline is well-paced and keeps viewers hooked from beginning to end. The cast delivers strong performances, bringing the characters to life and making them believable and relatable.
Furthermore, the drama’s focus on female friendships and the bonds that women share has resonated with many female viewers. The drama celebrates the power of female friendships and showcases the importance of supporting each other through thick and thin. The characters are not afraid to be vulnerable with each other, and they offer each other unwavering support and encouragement. This portrayal of female friendships is refreshing and empowering, and it has resonated with many viewers who have experienced the power of female friendships in their own lives.
Conclusion: A Perfect Blend of Romance, Friendship, and Self-Discovery
In conclusion, ‘How To Be Thirty’ consists of 15 episodes, each offering a glimpse into the lives of three women navigating the complexities of their thirties. The drama is a perfect blend of romance, friendship, and self-discovery, making it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys relatable and heartwarming stories. Whether you’re in your thirties or not, you’re sure to find something to appreciate in this charming K-drama. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be captivated by the lives and loves of Seo Ji-won, Lee Ran-joo, and Hong Ah-young.
The drama’s concise episode count, engaging storyline, and relatable characters make it an ideal binge-watching option for those with busy schedules. So, if you’re looking for a K-drama that will make you laugh, cry, and reflect on your own life, be sure to check out ‘How To Be Thirty.’ You won’t be disappointed!

