Jung Il-woo Returns to KBS with 'Splendid Days' After 3-Year Hiatus
Jung Il-woo Returns to KBS with 'Splendid Days' After 3-Year Hiatus
Jung Il-woo Returns to KBS with 'Splendid Days' After 3-Year Hiatus
Jung Il-woo Returns to KBS with 'Splendid Days' After 3-Year Hiatus
《Kim Se-ah's Insight》
Reporter Kim Se-ah from TenAsia delves deeply into entertainment issues.

Actor Jung Il-woo is set to make his return to the small screen with KBS's new weekend drama 'Splendid Days' after a three-year hiatus. This marks his comeback since the 2022 ENA drama 'Good Job' and his return to KBS after 16 years.

KBS 2TV's new weekend drama 'Splendid Days' (directed by Kim Hyung-seok, written by So Hyun-kyung, produced by Studio Coming Soon, Studio Bom, Monster Union) is a family melodrama that resonates across generations, exploring the 'splendid days' that people encounter in the past, present, and future. Jung Il-woo will be starring alongside Jung In-sun.

The drama features a diverse cast spanning various generations, including Yoon Hyun-min, Lee Tae-ran, and Chun Ho-jin. With the previous drama 'Please Take Care of the Eagle Brothers' surpassing the 20% viewership mark, expectations are high for 'Splendid Days'.
Jung Il-woo Returns to KBS with 'Splendid Days' After 3-Year Hiatus
Jung Il-woo Returns to KBS with 'Splendid Days' After 3-Year Hiatus
Jung Il-woo previously revealed that he was diagnosed with a cerebral aneurysm following a car accident during a trip 10 years ago at the age of 27. After pausing his activities in 2022, he continues to undergo follow-up checks every six months. Reflecting on his past, he shared, "It's a ticking time bomb of a disease, and the fear of not knowing when I might die was terrifying."

Despite the significant risk, Jung Il-woo has continued his acting career, losing 5kg in a month in preparation for this role. Known for his work in romantic comedies like 'Moon Embracing the Sun', 'My Fair Lady', and 'Cinderella and the Four Knights', this new project presents a fresh challenge for him.

KBS weekend dramas typically target an older audience, with a broad range of episodes requiring actors to showcase a wide spectrum of acting skills, from everyday life to deep emotional connections. This represents a new challenge for Jung Il-woo, who has excelled in shorter, lighter genres.
Jung Il-woo Returns to KBS with 'Splendid Days' After 3-Year Hiatus
Jung Il-woo Returns to KBS with 'Splendid Days' After 3-Year Hiatus
A broadcasting insider noted, "Jung Il-woo is one of the few male actors in their 30s with recognition across all age groups from teens to 50s. His choice to take on a weekend drama is strategically significant as he seeks to transform his romantic comedy image."

Another production company representative commented, "The industry is currently facing a shortage of male actors in their 30s and 40s. Having an actor like Jung Il-woo, who possesses both recognition and talent, return to weekend dramas is a strategic move for KBS and could positively impact viewership."

Jung Il-woo, who has consistently appeared as a lead since his debut, is drawing attention from the industry as he takes on the challenge of a weekend drama despite the difficult circumstances of his cerebral aneurysm.

Kim Se-ah, TenAsia Reporter haesmik@tenasia.co.kr
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