Actor Choo Young-woo, known for his roles in 'The Tale of Lady Ok' and 'The Trauma Code', reunites with actress Cho Yi-hyun after three years. As he aims for a third consecutive hit, all eyes are on whether he can continue his successful streak.
On the 17th, an online press conference for tvN's new Monday-Tuesday drama 'Head Over Heels' was held. The event was attended by actors Cho Yi-hyun, Choo Young-woo, Cha Kang-yoon, Choo Ja-hyun, and director Kim Yong-wan.
'Gyeonwoo and Seonnyeo' is based on a popular webtoon of the same name. It tells the story of a boy destined to die and an MZ shaman girl who tries to prevent it, exploring the fearless first love of eighteen-year-olds. The production team promises a fresh and exciting romance as high school shaman Park Seong-ah (played by Cho Yi-hyun) defies fate for her first love, and Bae Gyeon-woo (played by Choo Young-woo) finds ordinary happiness through her.
Choo Young-woo described his character, saying, "Gyeonwoo is a boy born with a fate to die. He carries a cloud of misfortune, creating a barrier around himself like a hedgehog to protect others from harm."
Cho Yi-hyun introduced her character as "a high school student by day and a shaman by night," adding, "She falls for Gyeonwoo at first sight and is determined to save him from his misfortune, fighting with all her might for her love."
She further explained, "I was interested in shamanism when this project came to me. Being a believer in fate, I felt it was destiny and started reading the script with interest. Playing a character with a double life seemed like a chance for growth, so I took on the role."
Given her character's connection to shamanism, Cho Yi-hyun prepared thoroughly. She shared, "There are scenes of rituals in the drama. I spent about three months learning the rituals and speech patterns from a real shaman consultant."
Reflecting on reuniting with Cho Yi-hyun after their 2022 KBS2 drama 'School 2021', Choo Young-woo humorously remarked, "It's only been three years, but Yi-hyun has become even more beautiful, while it seems I've just aged."
He added, "We've both grown a lot in terms of acting and appearance. Back then, we didn't have much interaction, but this time we've become closer, and our chemistry improved as the romance elements increased."
Cho Yi-hyun expressed her delight at working with Choo Young-woo again, saying, "I'm thrilled to meet Young-woo through a project after so long. We are the same age, and meeting him again in our late twenties showed me a new side of him, making him even more charming."
She continued, "Being our second project together, there was a sense of stability and comfort. I felt grateful to Young-woo because we already knew each other's tendencies, so there was no need for ice-breaking."
Choo Ja-hyun plays the role of Yeom-hwa, a shaman who becomes a ghost to survive. This marks her return to cable drama as a lead after three years since JTBC's 'Green Mothers' Club'.
She shared, "I had to maintain my focus, but I was influenced by the trendy and fresh energy of my juniors. I learned a lot from them while acting."
She added, "The highlight video was fresh and lovely, but life isn't that easy. Their love doesn't go smoothly, and I play a role in disrupting it. I didn't expect to cause so much trouble, but as the script developed, I found myself doing just that."
Previously, Choo Young-woo gained attention with his roles in JTBC's hit drama 'Lady Ok's Tale', Netflix series 'Trauma Center', and 'Square'. Director Kim Yong-wan praised Choo Young-woo, saying, "Isn't he too hot? From his physique to his voice, he seemed like he stepped out of a comic book. He also has an instinctive sense of acting on set."
He continued, "He's gaining popularity through good projects, and it feels like winning the lottery to have him in our drama as he rises. I believe he could become the nation's first love."
'Gyeonwoo and Seonnyeo' premieres on the 23rd at 8:50 PM.
Reporter Kim Se-a, Ten Asia haesmik@tenasia.co.kr