Head Over Heels delivers a rare blend of high school romance and supernatural folklore that earned both praise for its unique premise and criticism for its compressed 12-episode run. The tvN series aired from June 23 to July 29, 2025, centering on Cho Yi-hyun as a student shaman caught between teenage life and spirit-world duties. Despite (or because of) the episode count controversy, the finale sparked weeks of debate — this guide sorts fact from speculation.

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Episodes: 12 · Aired: June 23 to July 29, 2025 · Network: tvN · Lead Actress: Cho Yi-Hyun · Genre: Romance, Fantasy

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Season 2 production status remains unannounced
  • Exact reason for episode reduction from planned run never publicly confirmed
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

The table below consolidates key broadcast details for quick reference.

Label Value
Title Head Over Heels
Episodes 12
Aired June 23 – July 29, 2025
Network tvN
Lead Cho Yi-hyun as Park Seong-ah
Synopsis High school girl shaman and unlucky first love

How many episodes is the kdrama Head Over Heels?

The series aired with exactly 12 episodes, spanning June 23 to July 29, 2025, every Monday and Tuesday at 20:00 on tvN. Early production reports had suggested a longer run, which is why the final 12-episode count sparked discussion among viewers.

Why was it cut to 12 from 16?

No official statement has publicly explained the episode reduction. The series completed its broadcast schedule without explicit justification from tvN or the production team, leaving fans to speculate about scheduling conflicts or creative rewrites.

Total episodes breakdown

Episodes 1–10 built the core narrative around Park Seong-ah’s dual life as a student and shaman, and Gyeon-woo’s cursed existence. Episodes 11–12 served as the concentrated finale, wrapping character arcs in a compressed but emotionally dense conclusion. What this means: viewers got a faster pace than anticipated, trading developmental space for brevity.

Bottom line: Cho Yi-hyun’s shaman delivers enough character growth within 12 episodes, but supporting cast depth suffers from the compressed format.

Does Head Over Heels kdrama have a happy ending?

The finale delivers a bittersweet but ultimately happy ending, according to reviews and episode recaps from Soap Central. Seong-ah performs a ritual at the River of Death in a desperate attempt to save Gyeon-woo from a curse that was supposed to kill him.

Ending explained

The curse on Gyeon-woo originated from a powerful spirit years ago, one who once served alongside Yeom Hwa, who shares the same deity as Seong-ah. Breaking the curse would require Seong-ah to sever her bond with her deity — a choice that would cost her life. In the finale, the deity intervenes and lifts the curse directly, sparing Seong-ah and freeing Gyeon-woo without requiring sacrifice.

Bong-soo confronts the truth of his death and recognizes that his unfinished business was never to take revenge but to keep himself remembered — one of the show’s most powerful scenes — Soap Central recap

The final two episodes twist the narrative by dragging the shaman and her hero through a series of dreams, memories, and imaginations — Dramabeans episode recap

Who dies in the finale

No main characters die. Bong-soo, the spirit who spent the season possessing Gyeon-woo’s body, undergoes exorcism and crosses over peacefully rather than remaining as an evil deity. His arc resolves with a moment of self-forgiveness after Seong-ah helps him recall his true identity. The implication: redemption, not destruction, closes his story.

The trade-off

Supporting characters like Yeom Hwa and Dong Cheon receive less screen time for their emotional beats than the webtoon presumably offered. Viewers wanting full closure on every character thread may feel slighted by the pacing.

Is Head Over Heels K drama good?

Viewer opinions split between appreciation for the unique shaman-meets-high-school premise and frustration with the compressed episode count. The romance builds steadily, culminating in a first kiss scene in episode 11 that audiences cited as a highlight.

Ratings and reviews

The series holds a listing on MyDramaList where viewers discuss its blend of romance and fantasy elements. Critical responses from episode recaps praise the character growth arcs, particularly Seong-ah’s transformation from an awkward shaman trainee into someone who actively helps spirits.

Pros and cons

Upsides

  • Strong lead performance from Cho Yi-hyun as Park Seong-ah
  • Unique shaman romance premise with webtoon roots
  • Emotional finale with a dozen small kisses between the leads
  • Bong-soo’s redemption arc offers genuine emotional weight
  • Concise 12-episode format suits binge-watching

Downsides

  • Episode cut from 16 to 12 leaves less room for character depth
  • Supporting cast arcs feel rushed in the finale
  • No official Season 2 announcement yet
  • Original webtoon comparison may dissatisfy adaptation purists

What this means: fans of focused storytelling will find reward; those craving sprawling mythology may feel shortchanged.

Is there a kiss scene in Head Over Heels kdrama?

The first kiss between Seong-ah and Gyeon-woo arrives in episode 11, a moment viewers had anticipated since the series premiere. The finale compounds this with approximately a dozen small kisses between the couple in the closing scenes.

Episode 11 first kiss

Episode 11 marks the romantic climax before the narrative shifts into full finale territory. The tvN official channel on YouTube highlights the scene as a key moment in the series’ emotional arc.

Romance highlights

Beyond the kiss scenes, the relationship development between Seong-ah and Gyeon-woo centers on her protecting him from supernatural threats while he copes with being able to see ghosts — a burden that initially makes him recoil from her world. Their eventual acceptance of each other’s realities forms the emotional backbone of the series.

What to watch

For romance-first viewers, the payoff lands in episode 11 and peaks through episode 12’s closing moments. The series front-loads tension and delivers relief gradually rather than all at once.

Does Head Over Heels kdrama have season 2?

No official renewal announcement exists as of this writing. The series concluded its broadcast run on tvN with no indication from the network or production company about plans.

Season 2 availability

Prime Video carries the complete first season for international viewers, according to MyDramaList listings. No teaser or renewal teaser has surfaced in production news.

Prime Video listing

The Prime Video platform offers the full series for streaming, typically with subtitles. International audiences can access the complete run without regional broadcast delays.

The catch

K-drama renewal patterns vary widely — some series get announced within weeks of finale, while others wait months or never return. Without production news, viewers should manage expectations about Season 2 likelihood.

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Additional sources

youtube.com, soompi.com

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Frequently asked questions

What is the plot of Head Over Heels kdrama?

Park Seong-ah is a high school student who leads a double life as a shaman by night, working to help spirits while protecting those she loves. She reconnects with Bae Gyeon-woo, her first love who is plagued by bad luck and was born under a predestined death curse. The series follows her attempts to break his curse while navigating teenage life and supernatural responsibilities.

Who is the main cast in Head Over Heels kdrama?

Cho Yi-hyun plays Park Seong-ah, and Choo Young-woo plays Bae Gyeon-woo as the leads. Supporting cast includes Cha Kang Yoon as Pyo Ji Ho and Choo Ja Hyun among the main ensemble.

Where can I watch Head Over Heels kdrama?

The series aired on tvN in South Korea and is available on Prime Video for international streaming with subtitles.

Is Head Over Heels kdrama on Netflix?

Current listings show Prime Video as the primary international streaming platform. Netflix’s K-drama library changes regularly, so checking the platform directly is recommended for the most current availability.

What is the rating of Head Over Heels kdrama?

The series is listed on IMDb and MyDramaList where viewer ratings and reviews are available. Specific numerical ratings fluctuate based on viewer participation.

Does Head Over Heels have Hindi dubbed episodes?

Hindi dubbing availability varies by streaming platform and region. Prime Video sometimes carries dubbed versions, but checking regional listings directly is recommended.

When is Head Over Heels kdrama episode 1?

Episode 1 premiered on June 23, 2025, on tvN, airing every Monday and Tuesday at 20:00 through the series conclusion on July 29, 2025.

Related reading

For viewers who want a romance-fantasy K-drama with a unique premise and are willing to accept a shorter run, Head Over Heels delivers emotional beats and character growth within its 12-episode window. Cho Yi-hyun’s transformation anchors the series even as the compressed finale sacrifices some supporting storylines. The choice is straightforward: if you prefer longer series with sprawling plots, wait for news of Season 2. If you want a compact, focused story with strong lead performances and a satisfying finale, start watching now on Prime Video.