The Penthouse
Drama guideEnded

The Penthouse

펜트하우스

100th Floor Bloody Penthouse.

Air date: 2020-10-26
Episodes: 48 ep
Network: SBS
Rating: 8.3 / 10
Cast entries
21
Episodes
21
Locations
3
Food stops
2
Story

Synopsis

A concise overview of the premise, tone, and dramatic setup.

In "The Penthouse," a woman risks everything to fulfill her ambition of moving into a luxurious penthouse in the prestigious Gangnam District. As she pursues her dream, she becomes increasingly consumed by her desires, transforming into a figure driven by ambition and vengeance.

Set against the backdrop of the opulent Hera Palace, the drama explores the extreme lengths to which people will go for wealth, status, and education. The series intricately weaves themes of betrayal, murder, and the dark side of ambition, leaving a lasting impression as it delves into the complexities of human desire. With its gripping narrative, "The Penthouse" stands out as a landmark drama in Korean television, captivating audiences across its three seasons.

Filming locations

Filming locations

Places connected to scenes, checked against source links before they appear publicly.

  1. 01

    Mureungbong Lavender Festival

    무릉별유천지 라벤더축제
    380 Samhwa-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province강원특별자치도 동해시 삼화로 380

    This location served as a filming site for the drama 'The Penthouse'. It features beautiful lavender gardens and various attractions.

    It's a bit exciting to know that this was the filming location for the SBS drama Penthouse. That's because I enjoyed watching it.
    blog.naver.com
  2. 02

    Mureung Valley

    무릉 별유천지
    380 Samhwa-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province강원특별자치도 동해시 삼화로 380

    Mureung Valley is a filming location for 'The Penthouse' and offers various activities and beautiful scenery.

    Crash Landing on You and Penthouse were dramas that I enjoyed watching so much, and since they were filming locations, I had a great time exploring and having fun there.
    blog.naver.com
  3. 03

    Fairmont Ambassador Seoul

    페어몬트 앰배서드 서울
    108 Yeoui-daero, Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, South Korea

    The filming location for the drama 'The Penthouse' is a set that resembles Hera Palace, which is located at the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul hotel in Yeouido.

    The filming location for Penthouse is a set, but the place that appears as Hera Palace in the show is actually the Fairmont Ambassador Seoul Hotel in Yeouido, which is set to open soon. It is expected to be quite popular, especially since it has gained a reputation as a filming location for Penthouse.
    blog.naver.com
Food guide

Food & places

Restaurants, cafes, markets, and dishes tied to the drama or the reader's visit path.

  1. 01Cafe

    Mureungbong Cafe

    97 Igiro, Donghae-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province강원특별자치도 동해시 이기로 97

    This cafe offers a great view and serves unique ice cream flavors, including lavender ice cream. / The observation cafe offers stunning views and is a great spot to relax after exploring the valley.

    There is a café located on the fourth floor of the ticket office building at the gravel yard. I looked it up because it has a great view and offers cement ice cream or lavender ice cream.
    blog.naver.com
  2. 02Restaurant

    Samsung Wonjo Yang Gopchang

    Gopchang
    7 Hakdong-ro 101-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea서울 강남구 학동로101길 7

    Lee Ji Ah visits a regular gopchang restaurant, which is known for its delicious grilled intestines, located in Cheongdam-dong.

    I also visited my favorite gopchang restaurant and had a meal together, and at that time, my outfit was in the navy color scheme, which is black. For those curious about the restaurant, it is located in Cheongdam-dong and has appeared on the Suyeomi Food Show, known as Samsung Wonjo Yang Gopchang.
    blog.naver.com
Discovery

More to explore

Step beyond this drama — explore filming sites, food spots, and related titles across the catalog.

Details

Production

Broadcast details, runtime, language, and key production credits.

Country
South Korea
Original language
Korean
Episode runtime
70 min
Spoken languages
Korean
Production companies
  • Seoul Broadcasting SystemSeoul Broadcasting System
  • Chorokbaem MediaChorokbaem Media
Creators
Kim Soon-ok김순옥
Directors
Kang Sook강숙
Park Soo-jin
Joo Dong-min
Writers
Kim Soon-ok김순옥

Source: TMDB

Characters

Cast & characters

Key roles, performers, and character context for quick scanning.

  • Shim Soo-ryun
    Shim Soo-ryun
    Lee Ji-ah이지아
  • Cheon Seo-jin
    Cheon Seo-jin
    Kim So-yeon김소연

    Cheon Seo-jin is a woman determined to achieve her dream of living in a luxury penthouse in the Gangnam District. As she pursues her goal, she begins to transform into a more ruthless version of herself.

  • Oh Yoon-hee
    Oh Yoon-hee
    Eugene유진

    Oh Yoon-hee is a determined woman who sacrifices everything to achieve her dream of living in a luxurious penthouse in Gangnam. However, as she pursues her goal, she begins to transform into a person she never intended to become.

  • Yoo Dong-pil
    Yoo Dong-pil
    Park Ho-san박호산
  • Joo Dan-tae
    Joo Dan-tae
    Uhm Ki-joon엄기준
  • Kang Ma-ri
    Kang Ma-ri
    Shin Eun-kyung신은경
  • Baek Joon-ki
    Baek Joon-ki
    On Ju-wan온주완
  • Lee Gyu-jin
    Lee Gyu-jin
    Bong Tae-gyu봉태규
  • Ha Yoon-chul
    Ha Yoon-chul
    Yoon Jong-hoon윤종훈
  • Logan Lee
    Logan Lee
    Park Eun-seok박은석
  • Go Sang-ah
    Go Sang-ah
    Yoon Joo-hee윤주희
  • Ma Doo-gi
    Ma Doo-gi
    Ha Do-kwon하도권
  • Jin Boon-hong
    Jin Boon-hong
    Ahn Yeon-hong안연홍
  • Bae Ro-na
    Bae Ro-na
    Kim Hyeon-soo김현수
  • Yoo Je-ni
    Yoo Je-ni
    Jin Ji-hee진지희
  • Joo Seok-hoon
    Joo Seok-hoon
    Kim Young-dae김영대

Source: TMDB

Actors

Lead actors

Lead performer biographies and notable credits.

Lee Ji-ah

Lee Ji-ahas Shim Soo-ryun

이지아
1978-02-02 · Seoul, South Korea

Lee Ji-ah, born Kim Sang-eun on August 6, 1978, is a prominent South Korean actress known for her compelling performances in various television dramas. She gained widespread recognition with her breakout role in the 2007 series The Legend, which marked the beginning of her successful career in the entertainment industry. Following her debut, Lee Ji-ah continued to impress audiences with her roles in several acclaimed dramas, including Beethoven Virus in 2008 and Athena: Goddess of War in 2010. Her talent shone through in Me Too, Flower! (2011) and Thrice Married Woman (2013), further establishing her as a versatile actress. More recently, she captivated viewers with her performances in My Mister (2018) and the hit series The Penthouse: War in Life (2020–2021). With her upcoming role in Queen of Divorce set for 2024, Lee Ji-ah remains a significant figure in Korean drama, consistently showcasing her ability to tackle diverse and challenging characters.

Notable credits on this site
Kim So-yeon

Kim So-yeonas Cheon Seo-jin

김소연
1980-11-02 · Seoul, South Korea

Kim So-yeon is a prominent South Korean actress known for her compelling performances in various television dramas. Born on November 2, 1980, she has established herself as a key figure in the Korean entertainment industry. Her career began in the early 2000s, quickly gaining recognition for her role in the hit drama "All About Eve" (2000), which catapulted her to fame. Throughout her career, Kim has showcased her versatility through a diverse range of characters. She garnered critical acclaim in dramas such as "Iris" (2009), "Prosecutor Princess" (2010), and "Happy Home" (2016). Most recently, she captivated audiences with her role in "The Penthouse: War in Life" (2020–2021), a series that further solidified her status as a leading actress in the industry. With a career spanning over two decades, Kim So-yeon continues to be a beloved figure in Korean drama, admired for her talent and dedication to her craft.

Eugene

Eugeneas Oh Yoon-hee

유진
1981-03-03 · Seoul, South Korea

Eugene, born Kim Yoo-jin, is a prominent South Korean singer and actress best known for her role as a member of the iconic girl group S.E.S. Since her debut in the music industry, she has successfully transitioned into acting, showcasing her versatility and talent across various television dramas and films. In addition to her entertainment career, Eugene is recognized for her personal life, being married to actor Ki Tae-young. Their relationship has garnered attention from fans and media alike, contributing to her popularity both on and off the screen. Throughout her career, Eugene has remained a beloved figure in the South Korean entertainment industry, celebrated for her contributions to music and acting.

Park Ho-san

Park Ho-sanas Yoo Dong-pil

박호산
1972-10-18 · South Korea

Park Ho-san, born Park Jung-hwan on October 18, 1972, is a prominent South Korean actor celebrated for his versatility in both theater and television. He graduated from Chung-Ang University, majoring in Theater and Film, and made his acting debut in 1993 with the theater troupe Yeonwoo Stage. Over the years, Park has gained acclaim for his remarkable performances in various stage productions, including "Suck," "In the Heights," and "Waiting for Heroes." Transitioning into film in 1997, Park has played significant supporting roles in numerous commercial movies, such as "Architectural Infinite Polyhedron" and "Indian Summer." His performance in the 2014 film "The King of Jokgu" received enthusiastic responses, further establishing his reputation. In television, he has appeared in notable series like "Prison Playbook," "My Mister," "Lawless Lawyer," and "The Penthouse: War in Life," showcasing his ability to captivate audiences with compelling characters. As a member of the Man Theater troupe, Park continues to contribute richly to the South Korean performing arts scene.

Uhm Ki-joon

Uhm Ki-joonas Joo Dan-tae

엄기준
1976-03-23 · Seoul, South Korea

Uhm Ki-joon is a prominent South Korean actor celebrated for his versatile performances across musical theater and television. Born on March 23, 1976, he began his artistic journey in 1995 with a debut in the stage play "Richard III," eventually gaining recognition as a leading figure in musical theater. His impressive repertoire includes acclaimed productions such as "Singin' in the Rain," "Grease," and "The Count of Monte Cristo," showcasing his remarkable vocal and acting talents. Transitioning to television, Uhm made his small-screen debut in 2007 with "Kimchi Cheese Smile." He quickly captured audiences with notable roles in dramas including "Scent of a Woman," "I Hear Your Voice," and "Defendant." His popularity soared with standout performances in series like "I'm Not a Robot" and "The Penthouse: War in Life," which solidified his status as a household name in South Korea. In 2022, he further expanded his repertoire with a role in "Little Women," continuing to demonstrate his range and dedication to the craft.

Notable credits on this site
Streaming

Where to watch

Availability is grouped by country and provider type.

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Streaming data via JustWatch through TMDB.

Episode guide

Episodes

Season 1 episodes shown (21). 48 episodes total across all seasons.

  1. Episode 1
    Ep 1Episode 1
    2020-10-26 · 83 min

    Yoon Hee's daughter dreams to be a classical singer. Despite her mom's disapproval, she's a feisty middle school student who pursues singing. One day, she visits the most famous soprano in Korea, Cheon Seo Jin. She wants to take her lessons and pleads her to accept her. Right when Seo Jin was astonished to hear her voice, Yoon Hee barges in, and the two meet unexpectedly.

  2. Episode 2
    Ep 2Episode 2
    2020-10-27 · 85 min

    All of Hera Club's middle schoolers aim to top the entrance audition to Cheong Ah Arts High School. Everyone busily takes their lessons and works hard and so does Ro Na, Yoon Hee's daughter. The big day arrives and everyone patiently waits for the results. A surprising name tops the list of successful applicants. It's an unheard girl named Min Seol A.

  3. Episode 3
    Ep 3Episode 3
    2020-11-02 · 80 min

    Seo Jin urges Seol A to sign a paper saying that she’ll give up her acceptance to Cheong Ah Arts High. Seol A doesn’t back down and firmly states how she’ll attend the school no matter what. On top of that, Seol A also mentions how she knows about Seo Jin and Dan Tae’s secret illicit love affair.

  4. Episode 4
    Ep 4Episode 4
    2020-11-03 · 80 min

    Due to Seol A’s death, Ro Na, the first on the waiting list of Cheong Ah Arts High automatically gets accepted. Unlike Ro Na’s jovial heart, Yoon Hee is confused and nonplussed at the news. She can’t remember what happened the day she went to Hera Palace.

  5. Episode 5
    Ep 5Episode 5
    2020-11-09 · 80 min

    Files of Hera Club kids harassing Seol A is spread online and the Hera Club parents find ways to circumvent the situation. They decide to shift the attention to Yoon Hee and make sure Ro Na is suspended from school. However, an unexpected man stands up for her at the emergency parent meeting.

  6. Episode 6
    Ep 6Episode 6
    2020-11-10 · 75 min

    Su Ryeon visits Congressman Cho to reveal the truth behind the countless orphans who were adopted but deported back. The two get in a fight as the discussion heats up and Mr. Yoon accidentally kills Congressman Cho by trying to protect Su Ryeon. Right then, the doorbell rings and Yoon Hee appears.

  7. Episode 7
    Ep 7Episode 7
    2020-11-16 · 79 min

    Yoon Hee decides to sell the Bosuk Village home she bought for her daughter’s sake. However, on the day Yoon Hee was supposed to sell the house, she sees the news of the city’s new redevelopment plan. Bosuk Village will be the main redeveloped area and she and Ro Na be rich now.

  8. Episode 8
    Ep 8Episode 8
    2020-11-23 · 78 min

    Su Ryeon intentionally allows Yoon Hee to see her husband having an affair with Seo Jin. Using Yoon Hee’s sympathy toward her, Su Ryeon moves on with her plans in bringing down Joo Dan Tae. The first step is by purchasing the building in the center of Myeongdong’s new shopping center site.

  9. Episode 9
    Ep 9Episode 9
    2020-11-24 · 78 min

    Because Yoon Hee won the auction bid for the Myeongdong house, Joo Dan Tae tries to win her over by offering a deal. However, Yoon Hee remains rigid and clearly states that she will not sell the building to Joo Dan Tae. The Hera Club men are infuriated and this time, Attorney Lee steps in to convince Yoon Hee in selling the Myeongdong house.

  10. Episode 10
    Ep 10Episode 10
    2020-11-30 · 79 min

    Yoon Hee moves into Hera Palace and the whole Hera Club is astonished. More surprisingly, it was Joo Dan Tae who wrote a recommendation letter, allowing her move-in. Ro Na and Yoon Hee enjoy their first day at Hera Palace while the others scheme to get her out.

  11. Episode 11
    Ep 11Episode 11
    2020-12-01 · 76 min

    Yoon Chul spots Seo Jin enjoying an intimate time with Joo Dan Tae. He's devastated inside and decides to get a divorce. Meanwhile, Cheong A’s audition to select the school’s ambassador is held and all of the Hera Club kids participate. As they audition, Seok Hoon hints a warm support to Ro Na, and Eun Byeol burns with jealousy.

  12. Episode 12
    Ep 12Episode 12
    2020-12-07 · 74 min

    Everyone practices hard to perform well at the Cheong A Ambassador Audition. Eun Byeol is on the verge to ruin herself as she grows agitated about competing against Ro Na and Seok Kyung. Seeing her daughter in panic, Seo Jin buys the audition script and hands it over to Eun Byeol to practice.

  13. Episode 13
    Ep 13Episode 13
    2020-12-08 · 75 min

    Yoon Hee finds out how badly Joo Dan Tae needs to meet Logan Lee to sell the Myeongdong plot of land. She and Su Ryeon plan to get back at Joo Dan Tae by arranging Logan and Dan Tae’s meeting at all costs. Will Logan buy Yoon Hee’s story and help her out?

  14. Episode 14
    Ep 14Episode 14
    2020-12-14 · 76 min

    At the lighting ceremony hosted to impress Logan Lee, Joo Dan Tae faces an unexpected surprise. Another hideous warning calling out Min Seol A’s death takes place and all Hera Club members are taken aback. Right then, Seo Jin steps up to confront Su Ryeon and exposes Su Ryeon’s relationship with Min Seol A.

  15. Episode 15
    Ep 15Episode 15
    2020-12-15 · 67 min

    Yoon Hee finds out how Ro Na has been misunderstanding her relationship with Yoon Chul. She decides to get back at Seo Jin for deliberately using her daughter to instigate Eun Byeol. Seo Jin and Yoon Hee meet, with another surprise guest Seo Jin would’ve never thought of in her dreams.

  16. Episode 16
    Ep 16Episode 16
    2020-12-21 · 67 min

    Seo Jin covers up her father’s death as an acute heart attack and acts as if she had nothing to do with it. After the funeral, she secures her position as the new director of the Cheong A Arts Foundation. Meanwhile, Logan Lee offers a co-investment plan to Joo Dan Tae.

  17. Episode 17
    Ep 17Episode 17
    2020-12-22 · 67 min

    Yoon Hee scans her memory to the night when Min Seol A died. She remembers that she was the one who pushed Seol A off the balcony of the 47th floor. Before she could even handle the truth, Su Ryeon confesses how she’s been using Yoon Hee to reveal the truth behind Seol A’s wrongful death.

  18. Episode 18
    Ep 18Episode 18
    2020-12-28 · 67 min

    Yoon Hee sees Dan Tae as a chance to elevate her daughter, Ro Na’s school life. Despite feeling some guilt about slowly growing distant from Su Ryeon, she partners with Dan Tae to also hide the fact that she’s the killer of Min Seol A. Meanwhile, Eun Byeol feels disgusted toward her mom after finding out about her affair with Mr. Joo.

  19. Episode 19
    Ep 19Episode 19
    2020-12-29 · 67 min

    On the day of Seo Jin's inauguration ceremony as the new director of Cheong A Foundation, a surprise text spread across the school. She's accused of forging Eun Byeol's admissions to Cheong A Arts High and captured. Dan Tae is also sued for embezzlement and finds out it was Logan Lee who reported him.

  20. Episode 20
    Ep 20Episode 20
    2021-01-04 · 70 min

    Seo Jin and Yoon Hee both beg Su Ryeon to stop now. They can’t bear seeing their daughters suffer from their wrongdoings, now being exposed. Su Ryeon tells them to turn themselves in and pay for what they did to Min Seol A.

  21. Episode 21
    Ep 21Episode 21
    2021-01-05 · 70 min

    Yoon Hee admits to killing Su Ryeon at the police station, but there’s actually a real culprit behind Su Ryeon’s murder. Joo Dan Tae planned to frame Yoon Hee and kill Su Ryeon together with Cheon Seo Jin. The two happily enjoy their freedom as Yoon Hee gets arrested.

Source: TMDB

Media

Videos

Trailers, OST, interviews, making clips, reviews, and recommendations.

Trailers & teasers

OST

Interviews & making-of

Reviews & recommendations

Source: YouTube