Korean dramas are still kne of the top countries when it comes to capability to produce well thought out, and filler-less dramas that can keep you immersed into the story without being overdone.

I started the Story Park's Marriage Contract on a whim - it had history, reincarnation with time travel as an added bonus. Also, I had seen both Lee Se Young and Bae In Hyuk's performances in previous dramas.
The only ‘12 episodes’ format was another relief.

Park Yeon Woo, a sprightly daughter of a Minister evades marriage and does what she loves the most: designing and selling garments that where too modern to handle. When news of this breaks out and chaos ensues, her parents marry her off to Kang Tae Ha, a rumoured old bachelor whom no one wanted. Yeon Woo was no stranger to Tae Ha as they had met before. But, at the night of their wedding, he reveals that his weak heart might leave her a widow and proposes divorce. He dies the very night.
Yeon Woo accepts her fate, but things take a mysterious turn when she is kidnapped and thrown into a well at her home… and re- emerges 200 years into the future.

What confuses her is that her deceased husband was very much alive, albeit being styled weirdly. The modern Kang Tae Ha decides to contractually marry the ‘lunatic woman’ in a split second decision after his plans go awry in order to appease his grandfather.
Yeon Woo soon runs into many modern versions of the people of her past and gets embroiled in the power play of the SH Company.


SOPMC is half makjang and half historical with romance as an integral aspect. The story itself becomes ‘fill-in-the-blanks’ in the last historical bit, but the entire set up and background was well established since the beginning, so I did not mind this much.

I'm not as familiar with KDrama actors as I'm one of those picky watchers, but Lee Se Young is definitely on my watch list. She manages to pull off both comedy and tragedy with ease. Bae In Hyuk was no exception, particularly in the latter half. One scene in episode 11 was particularly striking. And he was highly convincing in portraying the past and present versions that at times they appeared to be two different characters.
Sa Wol, Yoon Woo’s companion/maid and the secretary Mr. Hong were another hilarious duo who lightened the overall darkness surrounding the leading couple.

I even liked Tae Min, Tae Ha's stepbrother.
Ms. Min, though meant to be portrayed as villain, made me curious about where her grudges stem from. I was glad that this was not brushed up easily and all the puzzle pieces actually fell into place without appearing as a deux ex machina or plot armoured.

The romance was neat and natural without being overly dramatic and mushy. I must say, did an excellent job portraying both the historical as well as modern versions of Tae Ha.

I don't think I'll rewatch this anytime soon. But, it's definitely good for a quick and enjoyable watch.