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| ▲ This photo, provided by tvN, shows Korean actor Chae Jong-hyeop posing for photos at the media conference for his new romantic series "Serendipity's Embrace" held in Seoul on July 16, 2024. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
SEOUL, July 16 (Yonhap) -- "I've often played characters who express their affection warmly and tenderly, but this time it's different." (Chae Jong-hyeop)
Having gained the nickname "Hyop-sama" after his well-loved role in the Japanese drama "Eye Love You" earlier this year, Chae Jong-hyeop returns to domestic television with a romantic comedy. On the 16th, during an online press conference for tvN's new Monday-Tuesday drama "Serendipity's Embrace", Chae expressed his excitement about the upcoming show.
"I've been eagerly awaiting this project since we finished filming," he said. "The script was very engaging, which is why I chose this role. I was curious about how I could portray such a unique character."
Set to premiere on the 22nd, "Serendipity's Embrace" tells the story of two people who meet again at 29 years old after an awkward teenage romance at 19.
Chae Jong-hyeop plays Kang Hu-young, a man with both good looks and a sharp mind who has always had an easy life. After suddenly emigrating to the United States, he returns to Korea after 10 years and unexpectedly reunites with his first love, Lee Hong-joo, shaking up his stable and monotonous life.
"The only thing Hu-young lacks is the ability to express his feelings," Chae explained. "This makes him seem aloof and cynical. However, 29-year-old Hu-young has grown enough to address the things he couldn't say or do in the past, showing his feelings more boldly and directly."
Kim So-hyun plays his first love, Lee Hong-joo, a character who appears completely ordinary but has quirky traits. Kim emphasized her effort to portray Hong-joo differently as a high school student and as an adult. "The 19-year-old Hong-joo was bold and impulsive, acting on her feelings without hesitation. She had a naive and somewhat reckless side," she said.
"However, the adult Hong-joo has lost much of her boldness, feeling weary from giving her all in past relationships."
"'Serendipity's Embrace' might remind viewers of 'Lovely Runner', but it has its own unique charm," she added. "The show evokes a warm, everyday thrill."
Directed by Song Hyun-wook, known for "Another Miss Oh" and "The King's Affection", he shared his enthusiasm for the project. "This is probably the longest I've spent editing a project," he laughed.
"While editing, I realized that even at my age, I can still feel excitement. The drama captures the innocence of the teenage years, the intensity of the twenties, and the nostalgic longing when looking back at the past."
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