“Park Ji-hoon, telling a story with just a fleeting glance”

Director Lee Jeong-seop, who directed KBS2's new Monday-Tuesday drama 'Fantasy Sonata', introduced the work and revealed the secret behind the casting of the lead actor.

'Fantasy Sonata' is a fantasy historical drama romance between a man with two conflicting personalities and a woman who loves him, between fresh love and fierce obsession. It is based on the webtoon of the same name. Previously, the performances of Park Ji-hoon (played by Sajo Hyeon and Akhee) and Hong Ye-ji (played by Yeonwol and Gye-ra), who will create a loving relationship between revenge and love, and Hwang Hee (played by Sajo Yung) and Ji-woo (played by Geumhwa), who will become intricately entangled around them. It was introduced as a highlight of the drama.

Director Lee Jeong-seop, who directed ‘Fantasy Sonata,’ personally revealed the differences and behind-the-scenes stories of the work. Director Lee Jeong-seop began by saying, "I decided to direct 'Fantasy Sonata' because of the dual personality theme and the interest of the fantasy historical drama genre. The worries and growth of the characters in the work evoke empathy in us who live in the present." He said, “I felt like I could show unique and new visuals, such as the space in the heart where Sajo Hyun and Akhee meet, or the fictional national disaster, and I had confidence in the solid original webtoon and writer Kyung-ah Yoon’s writing skills.”

Director Lee also mentioned the chemistry between the young actors that created a bright atmosphere on set. He said, "Despite the busy schedule, the atmosphere on set was friendly. In particular, actors Park Ji-hoon and Hong Ye-ji showed their sense of responsibility and passion by coming to the site even on days when they were not filming. Not only young actors, but also actors Woo-hyun, who plays Neungnae-gwan, and Hwang Seok-jeong, who plays Chung-ta, He gave a thumbs up, saying, “The harmony between the seniors and juniors, including the actors, was good.”

Regarding Park Ji-hoon, who played two roles for the first time since his debut and predicted an all-time passionate performance, director Lee Jeong-seop said, "He was an actor I had been keeping an eye on for a long time, including his performance in the drama 'Weak Hero'. I believe he will play two two-faced characters well." “I thought he was a great actor who could tell a lot of stories with just a fleeting look in his eyes,” he said, expressing his affection. He went on to explain, “I met actress Hong Ye-ji through an audition, and I was impressed by her sincerity in taking on the role and her solid acting ability, which is unusual for a rookie.”

Lastly, director Lee Jeong-seop said, "I think 'Fantasy Sonata' is a work that combines not only the romance and fantasy expected from the title, but also various genres, including politics, action, and sometimes comedy, into a unique worldview." “I hope we can watch and support together. Please show a lot of love to ‘Fantasy Sonata.’”

‘Fantasy Sonata’ will premiere on January 2, 2024, following ‘Wedding Battle’.

Kang Min-kyung, Ten Asia reporter kkk39@tenasia.co.kr