Battle for Happiness[4] (Korean행복배틀) is a 2023 South Korean television series starring Lee El, Jin Seo-yeon, Cha Ye-ryun, Park Hyo-joo, and Woo Jung-won. Based on screenwriter Joo Young-ha's own novel of the same title, it deals with a murder case among upper class mothers.[1] It aired on ENA from May 31 to July 20, 2023, every Wednesday and Thursday at 21:00 (KST) for 16 episodes.[3] It is also available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video in selected regions.[6]

Battle for Happiness
Promotional poster
Hangul
행복배틀
Hanja
幸福배틀
Literal meaningHappiness Battle
Revised RomanizationHaengbokbaeteul
McCune–ReischauerHaengbokpaet'ŭl
Genre
Based onHappiness Battle
by Joo Young-ha
Developed byKT Studio Genie (planning)[3]
Written byJoo Young-ha[3]
Directed byKim Yoon-cheol[3]
Starring
Music byLee Kyung-sik
Country of originSouth Korea
Original languageKorean
No. of episodes16
Production
Executive producerKim Hyun-jung
Producers
  • Kim Hyun-cheol
  • Lee Hee-won
  • Moon Bo-mi
Running time70 minutes[4]
Production companyHB Entertainment [ko][5]
Original release
NetworkENA
ReleaseMay 31 (2023-05-31) –
July 20, 2023 (2023-07-20)

Synopsis

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The series is about mothers who are engaged in fierce social media competitions to destroy each other's happiness for their own. When one of their group dies mysteriously, a bigger battle thus unfolds as one among them wants to hide the truth, while another wants to reveal it.[7][8]

Cast

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Main

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  • Lee El as Jang Mi-ho: a rational person who is the assistant manager of a bank's marketing team.[9]
  • Jin Seo-yeon as Song Jung-ah: founder and CEO of Inner Spirit, a beauty functional food company.[10]
  • Cha Ye-ryun as Kim Na-young: an influencer who grew up in a wealthy family.[9][10]
  • Park Hyo-joo as Oh Yu-jin: a full-time housewife who displays the life of a perfect mother and wife on social media.[10]
    • Ha Seon-ho as young Oh Yu-jin[11]
  • Woo Jung-won as Hwang Ji-ye: an ordinary working mother.[10]

Supporting

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  • Lee Kyu-han as Kang Do-joon: Yu-jin's husband who is a dentist.[12]
  • Son Woo-hyeon as Lee Jin-seop: assistant manager of the SNS marketing team of a bank's digital division.[13]
  • Kim Young-hoon as Lee Tae-ho: Na-young's husband who is a lawyer.[14]
  • Lee Je-yeon as Jung Soo-bin: Jung-ah's husband who is the president of Inner Spirit.[15]
  • Moon Hee-kyung as Im Kang-suk: Mi-ho's mother.[16]

Extended

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  • Kim Hee-jae as Jo A-ra: a teaching assistant at Herinity English Kindergarten.[17]
  • Cha Hee as Lee So-min: mother of a 7-year-old girl.[18]
  • Park Na-eun as Baek Sung-hee[19]
  • Seo Byeok-jun as Song Jung-sik: Jung-ah's younger brother.[20]
  • Kim Joong-don as Bae Chang-hoon: a detective.[21]
  • Kim Ha-eon as Min-seong: Jung-ah and Soo-bin's son.[22]
  • Han Seo-hee as A-rin: Na-young and Tae-ho's daughter.[22]
  • Noh Ha-yeon as Ji-yul: Yu-jin and Do-joon's daughter.[22]
  • Heo Yul as Ha-yul: Yu-jin and Do-joon's daughter.[22]
  • Kim Seo-ah as So-won: Ji-ye's daughter.[22]
  • Park Jong-moo as Seo Kyung-joon: Mi-ho and Jin-seop's team leader.[23]
  • Nam Myeong-ryeol as Yu-jin's father-in-law[24]
  • Ryu Seung-moo as Gong Chang-hyun: Jung-ah's henchman.[25]
  • Yoo Hyun-jong as Han Joon-kyung: Jung-ah's secretary.[26]

Special appearances

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Viewership

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Battle for Happiness : South Korea viewers per episode (thousands)
SeasonEpisode numberAverage
12345678910111213141516
1N/AN/AN/A233305402371377397480445465429589373476N/A
Source: Audience measurement performed nationwide by Nielsen Korea.[29]
Average TV viewership ratings
Ep. Original broadcast date Average audience share
(Nielsen Korea)
Nationwide[29] Seoul[30]
1 May 31, 2023 0.701% (30th) N/A
2 June 1, 2023 0.927% (14th) 1.104% (7th)
3 June 7, 2023 0.821% (18th) N/A
4 June 8, 2023 1.171% (6th) 1.616% (3rd)
5 June 14, 2023 1.356% (7th) 1.599% (5th)
6 June 15, 2023 2.011% (3rd) 2.647% (3rd)
7 June 21, 2023 1.701% (5th) 1.973% (4th)
8 June 22, 2023 1.710% (5th) 1.850% (4th)
9 June 28, 2023 1.979% (3rd) 2.333% (3rd)
10 June 29, 2023 2.254% (4th) 2.734% (3rd)
11 July 5, 2023 1.944% (3rd) 2.437% (3rd)
12 July 6, 2023 2.284% (3rd) 2.622% (3rd)
13 July 12, 2023 1.989% (3rd) 2.218% (3rd)
14 July 13, 2023 2.770% (3rd) 3.304% (3rd)
15 July 19, 2023 2.064% (3rd) 2.512% (3rd)
16 July 20, 2023 2.622% (2nd) 3.342% (2nd)
Average 1.769% [a]
  • In the table above, the blue numbers represent the lowest published ratings and the red numbers represent the highest published ratings.
  • N/A denotes ratings that were not published.
  • This series aired on a cable channel/pay TV which normally has a relatively smaller audience compared to free-to-air TV/public broadcasters (KBS, SBS, MBC and EBS).

Notes

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  1. ^ Due to some unpublished ratings, the exact average rating is unknown.

References

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  1. ^ a b Kim Min-ji (November 18, 2022). "ENA, 김태호·남규홍·장혁재 예능→'우영우' 이을 드라마 라인업 공개" (in Korean). News1 Korea. Archived from the original on April 22, 2023. Retrieved April 21, 2023 – via Naver.
  2. ^ Pierce Conran (June 6, 2023). "Amazon Prime K-drama Battle for Happiness: mothers battle social media addictions in mystery drama, starring Lee El". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on June 6, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d Choi Yun-na (April 24, 2023). "'행복배틀', 5월 31일 공개…궁금증 유발 티저포스터 공개" (in Korean). Sports Dong-a. Archived from the original on April 30, 2023. Retrieved April 24, 2023 – via Naver.
  4. ^ a b "Battle for Happiness". KT Studio Genie. Archived from the original on August 11, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  5. ^ Lim Jong-myeong (June 16, 2020). "강남 엄마들의 SNS대결 '행복배틀', TV드라마로 제작" (in Korean). Newsis. Archived from the original on May 30, 2023. Retrieved April 21, 2023 – via Naver News.
  6. ^ Prime Video Singapore [@primevideosg] (May 23, 2023). "The mothers are fighting. Battle for Happiness stars Lee El, Jin Seo-yeon, Cha Ye-ryun, Park Hyo-joo and Woo Jung-won. Premieres 31 May" (Tweet). Retrieved May 26, 2023 – via Twitter.
  7. ^ Hwang So-young (September 5, 2022). "[단독] '해방일지' 이엘, 차기작 ENA채널 '행복배틀' 주인공" (in Korean). JTBC. Archived from the original on April 22, 2023. Retrieved April 21, 2023 – via Naver.
  8. ^ Park Seo-hyun (May 1, 2023). "'행복배틀' 1차 티저..이엘, 충격 표정 포착 "누가 그녀를 죽였을까"" (in Korean). Herald Pop. Archived from the original on May 2, 2023. Retrieved May 2, 2023 – via Naver.
  9. ^ a b Hwang Su-yeon (May 8, 2023). "'행복배틀' 이엘부터 진서연까지, 5人5色 캐릭터 포스터 공개" (in Korean). Xports News. Archived from the original on May 9, 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2023 – via Naver.
  10. ^ a b c d Lee Min-ji (May 4, 2023). "'행복배틀' 진서연→차예련, 엄마들의 전쟁터 영어 유치원 현장" (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on May 5, 2023. Retrieved May 5, 2023 – via Naver.
  11. ^ Baek Seung-hoon (May 26, 2023). "하선호, ENA '행복배틀' 출연 …박효주 학창시절 연기" (in Korean). MBC Entertainment. Archived from the original on May 26, 2023. Retrieved May 26, 2023 – via Naver.
  12. ^ Son Jin-ah (April 26, 2023). "이규한, '행복배틀' 출연 확정…박효주와 호흡(공식)" (in Korean). MK Sports. Archived from the original on April 26, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2023 – via Naver.
  13. ^ Jang Woo-young (April 26, 2023). "손우현, SNS 마케팅팀 대리 된다…'행복배틀' 이엘과 호흡 [공식]" (in Korean). OSEN [ko]. Archived from the original on April 26, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2023 – via Naver.
  14. ^ Lee Seung-rok (May 23, 2023). "김영훈, 차예련 남편役 맡았다…'행복배틀' 캐스팅" (in Korean). May Daily. Archived from the original on May 24, 2023. Retrieved May 24, 2023 – via Naver.
  15. ^ Cha Hye-young (May 2, 2023). "이제연, '행복배틀'로 브라운관 출격…진서연과 호흡" (in Korean). Ten Asia. Archived from the original on May 2, 2023. Retrieved May 2, 2023 – via Naver.
  16. ^ Ha Ji-won (June 16, 2023). "하선호 10대 박효주로 변신, 날카로운 눈빛 연기 (행복배틀)" (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on June 29, 2023. Retrieved June 29, 2023 – via Naver.
  17. ^ Lee Seul-gi (May 3, 2023). "신예 김희재, '행복배틀' 출연…욕망녀로 극의 긴장감 자극" (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on May 3, 2023. Retrieved May 3, 2023 – via Naver.
  18. ^ Kim Ga-young (May 9, 2023). "배우 차희, ENA 새 드라마 '행복배틀' 캐스팅" (in Korean). Edaily [ko]. Archived from the original on May 9, 2023. Retrieved May 9, 2023 – via Naver.
  19. ^ Jung Ga-young (April 26, 2023). "이엘·진서연→우정원, '행복배틀'서 펼쳐질 '연기 배틀'" (in Korean). Sports World. Archived from the original on April 26, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2023 – via Naver.
  20. ^ Yoo Byung-cheol (May 22, 2023). "서벽준, '행복배틀' 캐스팅…진서연과 남매 호흡[공식]" (in Korean). Korea Economy TV. Archived from the original on May 22, 2023. Retrieved May 22, 2023 – via Naver.
  21. ^ Son Bong-seok (May 24, 2023). "배우 김중돈, '행복배틀' 배창훈 형사 役 출연···이엘과 호흡" (in Korean). Sports Kyunghyang. Archived from the original on May 25, 2023. Retrieved May 25, 2023 – via Naver.
  22. ^ a b c d e Park Soo-in (May 17, 2023). "'행복배틀' 진서연→차예련, 최고급 아파트 입성한 엄마들 정체는" (in Korean). Newsen. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2023 – via Naver.
  23. ^ Ahn Byung-gil (June 2, 2023). "'행복배틀' 손우현, 미소를 부르는 남자" (in Korean). Sports Kyunghyang. Archived from the original on June 6, 2023. Retrieved June 6, 2023 – via Naver.
  24. ^ Choi Yun-na (June 8, 2023). "이엘, 죽은 박효주 살던 세계 입성→엄마들 수상한 행동(행복배틀)[TV종합]" (in Korean). Sports Dong-a. Archived from the original on June 16, 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2023 – via Naver.
  25. ^ Jeon Hyo-jin (June 23, 2023). "이엘, 이규한 살인 교사 누명…진서연에 판정승 (행복배틀)[TV종합]" (in Korean). Sports Dong-a. Archived from the original on June 29, 2023. Retrieved June 29, 2023 – via Naver.
  26. ^ Hwang Su-yeon (June 30, 2023). "'행복배틀' 진서연, 비서 배신으로 몰락…헤리니티 여왕의 오열 [종합]" (in Korean). Xports News. Archived from the original on June 30, 2023. Retrieved June 30, 2023 – via Naver.
  27. ^ Hwang So-young (June 16, 2023). "엄효섭, '행복배틀' 박효주 父로 특별출연 눈길" (in Korean). JTBC. Archived from the original on June 16, 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2023 – via Naver.
  28. ^ Yoo Jun-ha (June 12, 2023). "배슬기, '행복배틀' 특별 출연… 헤리니티 엄마들 파장 예고" (in Korean). Edaily [ko]. Archived from the original on June 16, 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2023 – via Naver.
  29. ^ a b Nationwide ratings:
    • "Ep. 1–3" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. Archived from the original on June 1, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2023 – via Daum.
    • "Ep. 4" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. June 8, 2023. Archived from the original on June 9, 2023. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
    • "Ep. 5" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. June 14, 2023. Archived from the original on June 27, 2023. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
    • "Ep. 6" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. June 15, 2023. Archived from the original on June 16, 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
    • "Ep. 7" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. June 21, 2023. Archived from the original on June 22, 2023. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
    • "Ep. 8" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. June 22, 2023. Archived from the original on June 23, 2023. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
    • "Ep. 9" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. June 28, 2023. Archived from the original on June 29, 2023. Retrieved June 29, 2023.
    • "Ep. 10" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. June 29, 2023. Archived from the original on June 30, 2023. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
    • "Ep. 11" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. July 5, 2023. Archived from the original on July 6, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
    • "Ep. 12" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. July 6, 2023. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
    • "Ep. 13" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. July 12, 2023. Archived from the original on July 13, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
    • "Ep. 14" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. July 13, 2023. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
    • "Ep. 15" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. July 19, 2023. Archived from the original on July 20, 2023. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
    • "Ep. 16" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. July 20, 2023. Archived from the original on July 21, 2023. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
  30. ^ Seoul Capital Area ratings:
    • "Ep. 2" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. June 1, 2023. Archived from the original on June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
    • "Ep. 4" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. June 8, 2023. Archived from the original on June 9, 2023. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
    • "Ep. 5" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. June 14, 2023. Archived from the original on June 27, 2023. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
    • "Ep. 6" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. June 15, 2023. Archived from the original on June 16, 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2023.
    • "Ep. 7" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. June 21, 2023. Archived from the original on June 22, 2023. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
    • "Ep. 8" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. June 22, 2023. Archived from the original on June 23, 2023. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
    • "Ep. 9" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. June 28, 2023. Archived from the original on June 29, 2023. Retrieved June 29, 2023.
    • "Ep. 10" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. June 29, 2023. Archived from the original on June 30, 2023. Retrieved June 30, 2023.
    • "Ep. 11" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. July 5, 2023. Archived from the original on July 6, 2023. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
    • "Ep. 12" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. July 6, 2023. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved July 7, 2023.
    • "Ep. 13" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. July 12, 2023. Archived from the original on July 13, 2023. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
    • "Ep. 14" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. July 13, 2023. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
    • "Ep. 15" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. July 19, 2023. Archived from the original on July 20, 2023. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
    • "Ep. 16" (in Korean). Nielsen Korea. July 20, 2023. Archived from the original on July 21, 2023. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
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