A History of Losers

“A History of Losers” (native title: “찌질의 역사”) is a coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama that premiered on Wavve (and Watcha) from February 26 to March 19, 2025 . Adapted from a popular Naver webtoon by Kim Poong and illustrated by Shim Yoon‑soo, the show features 8 hour-long episodes directed by Kim Sung‑hoon.

Plot Synopsis

Set in the year 2000, the series follows Seo Min‑ki (Jo Byeong‑kyu), a hesitant and introspective freshman majoring in Korean literature, whose clumsy and earnest nature leads him through a flurry of awkward college-firsts – from crushes to confessions.

Alongside Min‑ki, his three close friends – No Jun‑seok (Ryeoun), Kwon Ki‑hyuk (Jung Jae‑kwang), and Lee Kwang‑jae (Jung Yong‑ju) – navigate the joys and pain of young love, tiny failures, and personal growth.

Central female characters include Bang Min‑ah as Kwon Seol‑ha and Song Ha‑yoon as Yoon Seol‑ha, both of whom spark Min‑ki’s first real feelings.

The drama’s core message? Even losers have histories worth telling. With a nostalgic early‑2000s setting, it immerses viewers in vivid campus life framed by lo-fi soundscapes and realistic ambient noise, transforming small failures into relatable emotional beats .

Cast & Characters

Main Cast

• Jo Byeong‑kyu as Seo Min‑ki: A hesitant, thoughtful freshman literature major—clumsy in love but deeply introspective.
• Ryeoun as Noh Jun‑seok: One of Min‑ki’s college buddies. Cool yet guarded, managing emotional complexity beneath popularity 
• Jung Jae‑kwang as Kwon Ki‑hyuk: Part of the friend circle. He's earnest, juggling part-time work and family issues.
• Jung Yong‑ju as Lee Kwang‑jae: The comic relief friend who pretends to be a romance guru.
• Bang Min‑ah as Kwon Seol‑ha: The charismatic first‑love archetype, a refreshing and free‑spirited freshman literature major.

Supporting Cast

• Hwang Bo‑reum‑byeol, Jo Yun‑seo, Jung Shin‑hye, Lee Min‑ji, and Song Ha‑yoon (whose scenes were largely excluded from promotions due to her own past bullying allegations).

Reception

The show debuted at #1 on Watcha and within the top‑10 on Wavve, especially after its first two episodes.

Liked for its realism: Critics praised its authentic portrayal of young romance, nostalgic direction, and well‑placed soundtrack (notably “The Silent Rain Falls”).

Fun Facts & Highlights

Bang Min‑ah’s performance as the campus sweetheart drew attention, earning her praise as a “first love icon”.

Behind the scenes, the series faced delays due to bullying allegations involving Jo Byeong‑kyu and Song Ha‑yoon, though both agencies denied the accusations. The controversy generated lasting discussion.

Where to Watch

Streaming Access

It premiered exclusively on Wavve in South Korea on February 26, 2025, with new episodes every Wednesday at 11:00.

It’s also available on Watcha, BFLIX.

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