The anticipation is building for the upcoming dramas featuring pairs of actors born in the same year. Notably, the SBS Friday-Saturday drama 'The Palace' stars 1995-born Yook Sung-jae and Kim Ji-yeon, while 'The 4th Love Revolution' features a romantic pairing of 1999-born Kim Yo-han and Hwang Bo-reum-byeol.
Set to premiere next month, 'The Palace' is a fantasy romantic comedy about a shaman named Yeori (played by Kim Ji-yeon) who rejects her fate as a medium, and Kang Cheol, a dragon spirit trapped in the body of her first love, Yoon Gap (played by Yook Sung-jae). They face off against a vengeful spirit haunting the royal family. Directed by Yoon Sung-sik, known for 'Mr. Queen' and 'You're the Best, Lee Soon-shin,' and written by Yoon Soo-jung of 'The King's Face' and 'Sassy Go Go,' this drama promises a unique storyline.
The casting of Yook Sung-jae and Kim Ji-yeon, both born in 1995, is generating buzz. Both started as idols and were the visual centers of their respective groups. Kim Ji-yeon debuted in 2016 as Bona of WJSN, becoming a central figure in the nine-member group. As an actress, she impressed in 'The Best Hit,' 'Twenty-Five Twenty-One,' and 'Pyramid Game.' In this new project, she returns to historical drama for the first time in two years since 'Joseon Attorney,' showcasing a more mature acting transformation.
Yook Sung-jae debuted in 2012 with BTOB as a sub-vocalist and visual. He has been recognized for his acting in 'Who Are You: School 2015,' 'Guardian: The Lonely and Great God,' 'Mystic Pop-up Bar,' and 'The Golden Spoon.' 'The Palace' marks his first historical drama, heightening expectations for his chemistry with Kim Ji-yeon. Their shared background as idols turned actors is expected to offer viewers a fresh experience.
'The 4th Love Revolution' also raises expectations with the pairing of 1999-born Kim Yo-han and Hwang Bo-reum-byeol. This drama explores a youthful romance that unfolds as the computer science and modeling departments merge, promising a bold and daring narrative.
Kim Yo-han, the center of the group WEi, is actively pursuing his acting career. This year, he is set to star alongside Yoon Kye-sang in the SBS drama 'Try: We Become Miracles,' and will share a romantic storyline with Hwang Bo-reum-byeol in 'The 4th Love Revolution.' He is considered an ideal actor for youth dramas due to his stable acting skills and attractive visuals.
Hwang Bo-reum-byeol, a rookie actress under NPIO Entertainment, shares her agency with rising stars like Shin Ye-eun and Kang Hoon. NPIO, founded by a former JYP Entertainment executive, focuses on nurturing its few female talents, including Hwang Bo-reum-byeol, following Shin Ye-eun's rise to stardom.
Recently, drama fans have been valuing not only the on-screen chemistry of actors but also their real-life friendships. The natural rapport among these young actors is expected to positively influence their performances. The synergy between Yook Sung-jae and Kim Ji-yeon, as well as Kim Yo-han and Hwang Bo-reum-byeol, is highly anticipated.
Lee So-jung, TenAsia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr