# Dreaming of a Freaking Fairy Tale (엄친아)

**Dreaming of a Freaking Fairy Tale** (Korean: 나는 대놓고 신데렐라를 꿈꾼다; also released as *Dreaming of Cinde Fxxxing Rella*) is a South Korean romantic comedy television series that aired on the streaming platform TVING from May 31 to June 28, 2024, in ten episodes.<sup>[1](https://wiki.d-addicts.com/Dreaming_of_Freaking_Fairytale)</sup> It reworks the [Cinderella](https://www.edgepedia.org/cinderella) story as a modern rom-com about a woman who decides to marry rich, the chaebol heir she targets, and the self-respect she finds along the way.<sup>[2](https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/paramount-plus/shows/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale/releases/?view=110244-paramount-reveals-official-trailer-and-key-art-for-original-korean-drama-series-dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale)</sup>

| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Original title | 나는 대놓고 신데렐라를 꿈꾼다 (*Naneun Daenoko Sinderellareul Kkumkkunda*), also known as *I Openly Dream of Cinderella* and *Dreaming of Cinde Fxxxing Rella*<sup>[3](https://www.tvmaze.com/shows/76767/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairytale)</sup> |
| Network and run | TVING, May 31 to June 28, 2024, 10 episodes of about 43 minutes each, airing Fridays<sup>[1](https://wiki.d-addicts.com/Dreaming_of_Freaking_Fairytale)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[4](https://isitback.com/show/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairytale)</sup> |
| Creative team | Created by Baek Mi-kyung, written by Yoo Ja, directed by Kim Min-kyung<sup>[5](https://juksun.com/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairytale/)</sup> |
| Main cast | Pyo Ye-jin as Shin Jae-rim, Lee Jun-young as Moon Cha-min, Kim Hyun-jin as Baek Do-hong, Song Ji-woo as Ban Dan-ah<sup>[2](https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/paramount-plus/shows/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale/releases/?view=110244-paramount-reveals-official-trailer-and-key-art-for-original-korean-drama-series-dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale)</sup> |
| Production | CJ ENM, Story Phoenix, and KEYEAST<sup>[2](https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/paramount-plus/shows/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale/releases/?view=110244-paramount-reveals-official-trailer-and-key-art-for-original-korean-drama-series-dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale)</sup> |
| International release | All 10 episodes premiered on Paramount+ on September 26, 2024, in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, Latin America, Brazil, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria<sup>[2](https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/paramount-plus/shows/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale/releases/?view=110244-paramount-reveals-official-trailer-and-key-art-for-original-korean-drama-series-dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale)</sup> |
| Audience score | 6.8/10 on IMDb from about 1,100 user ratings<sup>[6](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29311377/)</sup> |

## Spoilers

### Premise

Shin Jae-rim, living with her stepmother and stepsisters after her father's death, dreams of becoming the main character of her favorite fairy tale, Cinderella, and trading a boring life for luxury and leisure.<sup>[7](https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale/)</sup> After a disastrous interview at the elite club CHUNGDAM HEAVEN, she takes a job there to find her prince charming.<sup>[7](https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale/)</sup> The club is run by Moon Cha-min, a chaebol heir who does not believe in love and is engaged to another woman, Ban Dan-ah.<sup>[2](https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/paramount-plus/shows/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale/releases/?view=110244-paramount-reveals-official-trailer-and-key-art-for-original-korean-drama-series-dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale)</sup> When Cha-min learns of Jae-rim's plan, he decides to become her fairy godmother, and the two soon realize they are falling for each other.<sup>[8](https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/shows-dramas/20240705/interview-lee-jun-young-widens-his-horizons-with-dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale)</sup>

The series frames its theme explicitly. CJ ENM's trailer copy calls it a story about the Cinderella Complex, in which the heroine matures into becoming [Princess Charming](https://www.edgepedia.org/princess-charming) herself, a production that seems like a children's story at times and a hot adult love story at others.<sup>[9](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl41V23aEdw)</sup> The show opens with a graphic of an old book titled "The Newderalla" and a fairy tale narrator asking what has become of Cinderella in the 21st century.<sup>[10](https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/k-drama/article/3266399/k-drama-dreaming-freaking-fairy-tale-cinderella-gets-grating-update-new-romcom?module=latest&pgtype=homepage)</sup>

### Cast and characters

- **Pyo Ye-jin** as Shin Jae-rim, an unemployed woman who decides to pursue becoming a Cinderella in the face of harsh reality<sup>[11](https://www.soompi.com/article/1661393wpp/watch-lee-jun-young-is-pyo-ye-jins-prince-charming-in-teaser-for-dreaming-of-cinde-fxxxing-rella)</sup>
- **Lee Jun-young** as Moon Cha-min, a chaebol heir who does not believe in love<sup>[11](https://www.soompi.com/article/1661393wpp/watch-lee-jun-young-is-pyo-ye-jins-prince-charming-in-teaser-for-dreaming-of-cinde-fxxxing-rella)</sup>
- **Kim Hyun-jin** as Baek Do-hong, a film producer who becomes a second romantic prospect<sup>[2](https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/paramount-plus/shows/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale/releases/?view=110244-paramount-reveals-official-trailer-and-key-art-for-original-korean-drama-series-dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[7](https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale/)</sup>
- **Song Ji-woo** as Ban Dan-ah, Cha-min's fiancée, described in promotional material as a lawless princess who pursues elegance<sup>[5](https://juksun.com/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairytale/)</sup>

Supporting roles include Baek Joo-hee as Hwang So-ra, Kim Chae-eun as Kang Soo-jin, Ryu Seung-soo as Shin Gwang-soo, and Lee Sang-soon as Goo Nam-hoon.<sup>[1](https://wiki.d-addicts.com/Dreaming_of_Freaking_Fairytale)</sup>

Lee Jun-young said in a July 2024 interview that the comedic role was a significant challenge for him, since he was unfamiliar with the comedy genre and many viewers remembered him as a villain from earlier works such as *Class of Lies* (2019) and *[Brave Citizen](https://www.edgepedia.org/brave-citizen)* (2023). He added that the story of a young woman navigating tough times to follow her dream resonated with him.<sup>[8](https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/shows-dramas/20240705/interview-lee-jun-young-widens-his-horizons-with-dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale)</sup>

## Production

The series was created by screenwriter Baek Mi-kyung, whose earlier credits include *Strong Girl Bong-soon* (2017), *[The Lady in Dignity](https://www.edgepedia.org/the-lady-in-dignity)* (2017), and *[Mine](https://www.edgepedia.org/mine-tv-series)* (2021); it was developed under the working title *She Dreams of Cinderella* (그녀는 신데렐라를 꿈꾼다), with Yoo Ja writing the script and Kim Min-kyung, a director of *SNL Korea Season 9*, directing.<sup>[5](https://juksun.com/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairytale/)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[11](https://www.soompi.com/article/1661393wpp/watch-lee-jun-young-is-pyo-ye-jins-prince-charming-in-teaser-for-dreaming-of-cinde-fxxxing-rella)</sup> KeyEast and Story Phoenix signed a production contract and joined CJ ENM to produce the series.<sup>[5](https://juksun.com/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairytale/)</sup>

In interviews at launch, creator Baek Mi-kyung said she wanted to candidly depict the real-life concerns of young women and to interpret the prince on a white horse not as a romantic notion but as an opportunity to change life's course. Scriptwriter Yuja said she wanted the narrative to be about overcoming the Cinderella complex rather than a simple Cinderella story, and drew final inspiration from IU's song "My sea," portraying someone who learns to love even the parts of themselves they dislike.<sup>[12](https://www.soompi.com/article/1661780wpp/dreaming-of-cinde-fxxxing-rella-creators-dish-on-having-pyo-ye-jin-in-mind-from-planning-stages-lee-jun-youngs-stellar-acting-and-more)</sup> Yuja also said she had Pyo Ye-jin in mind for the lead from the planning stages.<sup>[12](https://www.soompi.com/article/1661780wpp/dreaming-of-cinde-fxxxing-rella-creators-dish-on-having-pyo-ye-jin-in-mind-from-planning-stages-lee-jun-youngs-stellar-acting-and-more)</sup>

## Release and distribution

The series premiered on TVING on May 31, 2024, with new episodes each Friday at noon through the finale on June 28.<sup>[1](https://wiki.d-addicts.com/Dreaming_of_Freaking_Fairytale)</sup> It was the next project presented by [Paramount+](https://www.edgepedia.org/paramount) and TVING after *[Bargain](https://www.edgepedia.org/bargain)*, *A Bloody Lucky Day*, and *Pyramid Game*, and Paramount Global Content Distribution licensed it in select international markets.<sup>[2](https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/paramount-plus/shows/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale/releases/?view=110244-paramount-reveals-official-trailer-and-key-art-for-original-korean-drama-series-dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale)</sup> Paramount+ debuted the official trailer and key art on September 6, 2024, and released all 10 episodes on September 26, 2024, in ten territories including the United States, where it carried a TV-14 rating.<sup>[2](https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/paramount-plus/shows/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale/releases/?view=110244-paramount-reveals-official-trailer-and-key-art-for-original-korean-drama-series-dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[7](https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale/)</sup> The series also streamed on Viu, where a screenshot dated July 9, 2024 shows it listed with 10 episodes.<sup>[13](https://www.kbook-eng.or.kr/admin/data/webzine/2024_08_2408020457562_round_pdf.pdf)</sup>

## Reception

Viewer and critical responses were divided. The *South China Morning Post* review by Pierce Conran called the update grating, criticizing crudely drawn characters and a needlessly obscured story.<sup>[10](https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/k-drama/article/3266399/k-drama-dreaming-freaking-fairy-tale-cinderella-gets-grating-update-new-romcom?module=latest&pgtype=homepage)</sup> A first-impressions review on JazmineMedia called the premiere shockingly unfunny and dull, ranking it among the reviewer's least favorite 2024 K-drama premieres.<sup>[14](https://jazminemedia.com/kdrama-review/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairytale-episodes-1-and-2/)</sup> The Fangirl Verdict found the ride uneven but described the show as ironic, tongue-in-cheek, and cheekily self-aware, noting that viewers appeared deeply divided between those who loved it and those who felt indifferent.<sup>[15](https://thefangirlverdict.com/2024/07/14/review-dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairytale/)</sup> A Bollywood Hungama mid-season review described it as a light-hearted Cinderella-inspired romantic comedy carried by its leads.<sup>[16](https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/international/dreaming-freaking-fairytale-mid-season-review-pyo-ye-jin-lee-jun-young-deliver-light-hearted-cinderella-inspired-romantic-comedy/)</sup>

On aggregate platforms, IMDb users gave the series 6.8 out of 10 from about 1,100 ratings,<sup>[6](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29311377/)</sup> while the Japanese review site Filmarks recorded a 3.4 average from 959 reviews.<sup>[17](https://filmarks.com/dramas/15364/20816)</sup>

The finale, aired June 28, 2024, has Jae-rim realize she does not need a prince because she can be her own Princess Cha-min, and the two leads finally confess their love; Jae-rim also rejects Baek Do-hong's offer to go to Berlin and pursues her own career as an artist.<sup>[18](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/dreaming_of_a_freaking_fairy_tale/s01)</sup><sup> • </sup><sup>[19](https://www.comingsoon.net/guides/news/1785266-dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairytale-ending-explained-spoilers)</sup> No second season has been announced.<sup>[4](https://isitback.com/show/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairytale)</sup>

## References

1. [Dreaming of Freaking Fairytale, DramaWiki](https://wiki.d-addicts.com/Dreaming_of_Freaking_Fairytale)
2. [Paramount+ Reveals Official Trailer and Key Art for Original Korean Drama Series Dreaming of a Freaking Fairy Tale, Paramount Press Express (September 6, 2024)](https://www.paramountpressexpress.com/paramount-plus/shows/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale/releases/?view=110244-paramount-reveals-official-trailer-and-key-art-for-original-korean-drama-series-dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale)
3. [Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale, TVmaze](https://www.tvmaze.com/shows/76767/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairytale)
4. [Is Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale coming back?, isitback](https://isitback.com/show/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairytale)
5. [Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale TV Series (2024), Juksun](https://juksun.com/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairytale/)
6. [Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale (2024), IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29311377/)
7. [Dreaming of a Freaking Fairy Tale, Paramount+](https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale/)
8. [Lee Jun-young widens his horizons with 'Dreaming of a Freaking Fairy Tale', The Korea Times (July 5, 2024)](https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/shows-dramas/20240705/interview-lee-jun-young-widens-his-horizons-with-dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairy-tale)
9. [Dreaming of a Freaking Fairy Tale | Official Trailer | CJ ENM, YouTube (July 8, 2024)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl41V23aEdw)
10. [K-drama Dreaming of a Freaking Fairy Tale: Cinderella gets a grating update in new romcom, South China Morning Post (June 13, 2024)](https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/k-pop/k-drama/article/3266399/k-drama-dreaming-freaking-fairy-tale-cinderella-gets-grating-update-new-romcom?module=latest&pgtype=homepage)
11. [Watch: Lee Jun Young Is Pyo Ye Jin's Prince Charming In Teaser For "Dreaming Of Cinde Fxxxing Rella", Soompi (May 14, 2024)](https://www.soompi.com/article/1661393wpp/watch-lee-jun-young-is-pyo-ye-jins-prince-charming-in-teaser-for-dreaming-of-cinde-fxxxing-rella)
12. ["Dreaming Of A Freaking Fairy Tale" Creators Dish On Having Pyo Ye Jin In Mind From Planning Stages, Soompi (May 16, 2024)](https://www.soompi.com/article/1661780wpp/dreaming-of-cinde-fxxxing-rella-creators-dish-on-having-pyo-ye-jin-in-mind-from-planning-stages-lee-jun-youngs-stellar-acting-and-more)
13. [K-Book Trends webzine, August 2024](https://www.kbook-eng.or.kr/admin/data/webzine/2024_08_2408020457562_round_pdf.pdf)
14. ["Dreaming Of A Freaking Fairytale" Episodes 1 And 2 Review, JazmineMedia (May 31, 2024)](https://jazminemedia.com/kdrama-review/dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairytale-episodes-1-and-2/)
15. [Review: Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale, The Fangirl Verdict (July 14, 2024)](https://thefangirlverdict.com/2024/07/14/review-dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairytale/)
16. [Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale Mid-Season Review, Bollywood Hungama (June 15, 2024)](https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/international/dreaming-freaking-fairytale-mid-season-review-pyo-ye-jin-lee-jun-young-deliver-light-hearted-cinderella-inspired-romantic-comedy/)
17. [私は堂々とシンデレラを夢見る, Filmarksドラマ](https://filmarks.com/dramas/15364/20816)
18. [Dreaming of a Freaking Fairy Tale: Season 1, Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/dreaming_of_a_freaking_fairy_tale/s01)
19. [Dreaming of a Freaking Fairytale Ending Explained & Spoilers, ComingSoon.net (June 28, 2024)](https://www.comingsoon.net/guides/news/1785266-dreaming-of-a-freaking-fairytale-ending-explained-spoilers)

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*Topic: Encyclopedia › Arts and culture › Screen and stage › Film and television › Series and fictional screen worlds › International serial drama and telenovelas › East Asian drama series › Korean contemporary drama › Romance and melodrama series › Romance melodrama miniseries › Romantic comedy series › Workplace romance series*

*Initially written Sep 17, 2026 · Reviewed: Sep 18, 2026; Sep 30, 2026; Oct 3, 2026; Oct 25, 2026 · Edited: Sep 18, 2026; Sep 30, 2026; Oct 3, 2026; Oct 25, 2026; Nov 1, 2026 · Last review: Oct 25, 2026*

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