Popular South Korean actors Song Joong-ki and Chun Woo-hee are making their highly anticipated return to the romance genre with JTBC's new Friday drama "My Youth." Both stars described this project as a meaningful opportunity that allows them to showcase their exceptional on-screen chemistry in a refreshing romantic storyline.
At a press conference held on Thursday at The Link Seoul hotel in Guro District, Seoul, director Lee Sang-yeob joined the main cast members including Song Joong-ki, Chun Woo-hee, Lee Joo-myung, and Seo Ji-hoon to discuss their upcoming drama. The event provided insights into the show's concept and the actors' experiences working together on this romantic project.
"My Youth" tells the compelling story of Sunwoo Hae, played by Song Joong-ki, who begins living an ordinary life later than others, and Sung Je-yeon, portrayed by Chun Woo-hee, whose peaceful existence becomes disrupted when she encounters her first love again. The drama is directed by Lee Sang-yeob, who previously helmed successful projects like "Yumi's Cells" and "Familiar Wife," with the script written by Park Si-hyun, known for the acclaimed series "Run On."
Director Lee Sang-yeob explained that the drama focuses on thirty-something individuals who reconnect with important people from their past, ultimately confronting old wounds and experiencing personal growth through shared experiences. He expressed his excitement about Song Joong-ki's participation in the project, stating, "This character requires many different faces, and Song Joong-ki was perfect." The director's confidence in his lead actor's versatility highlights the complex nature of the role.
For Song Joong-ki, "My Youth" marks his first romance drama in nine years since his breakthrough role in KBS2's international hit "Descendants of the Sun." The actor shared his enthusiasm about returning to the romance genre, saying, "I was excited to return to romance. It's a genre actors are always drawn to. I wanted to try a character who could exist in real life rather than a fantasy setting, and this script gave me that chance." His comments suggest a desire to portray more grounded, relatable characters that audiences can connect with on a personal level.
Chun Woo-hee also returns to romance following her critically acclaimed performance in JTBC's 2019 series "Be Melodramatic." Reflecting on her previous work and current project, she said, "That show is still loved, and I'm grateful for it. While filming 'My Youth,' I wondered why I hadn't done more romance roles. I realized I really enjoy exploring subtle emotional lines in relationships." Her observation speaks to the nuanced approach the drama takes toward romantic storytelling.
The chemistry between the two lead actors became a major talking point during the press conference. Song Joong-ki praised Chun Woo-hee as his "best partner" and mentioned receiving compliments from staff members about how well their visuals matched together, which he noted as a high compliment in the context of a romance drama. This visual harmony is often crucial for the success of romantic series, as audiences need to believe in the couple's connection.
Chun Woo-hee reciprocated the praise, emphasizing both their visual and acting compatibility. "Our acting chemistry was as good as our visual match. We were often told we looked like siblings, which shows how similar we can appear. He always listened to my opinions and was very considerate," she explained. This mutual respect and consideration between the leads often translates into more authentic on-screen relationships.
Supporting actors Seo Ji-hoon and Lee Joo-myung also shared positive experiences about working on the project. Both praised the script's wit and appreciated the director's openness to input from the cast. Seo Ji-hoon noted that the drama portrays emotions that anyone might experience at some point in their lives, making it universally relatable. Lee Joo-myung highlighted the show's diverse relationship dynamics, explaining that it combines sweet and spicy romance with elements of both bromance and female friendship, creating a well-rounded narrative.
Director Lee Sang-yeob summarized "My Youth" as "a drama that is delightful, moving and full of love," setting expectations for an emotionally satisfying viewing experience. Song Joong-ki added his own endorsement, stating, "It suits this season well. Please watch, and I'll always try to show my best as an actor." Meanwhile, Chun Woo-hee offered a thoughtful perspective on the show's themes, explaining that it "portrays how people and love come together through youth, even if clumsy and imperfect, in a way that still feels beautiful."
"My Youth" is scheduled to premiere at 8:50 p.m. on September 5th and will air two consecutive episodes every Friday on JTBC. This programming format allows viewers to enjoy extended storytelling each week while maintaining anticipation for the following episodes.
