Xiumin Stars in Thrilling Time-Travel Drama 'Heo's Restaurant'

Xiumin's adventurous adaptation to modern life has begun.

On October 24th and 25th, the first two episodes of the Why Not Media drama 'Heo's Restaurant' (directed by Oh Hwan-min and Kim Kyung-eun, written by Sung So-hyun) were released, introducing viewers to the intriguing time-slip story of Heo Gyun, played by Xiumin, who travels 400 years from the Joseon era to the present day.

Heo Gyun, a character with a free spirit ahead of his time, makes a striking entrance. Known as a transcendent genius who never forgets what he sees, Heo Gyun has lived an awakened life, cooking for hungry people and playing with children regardless of social status.

In the midst of this, Heo Gyun extends a helping hand to an outcast elder, No Ong (played by Woo Hyun), by providing him meals. However, No Ong leaves Heo Gyun with a cryptic remark, "Who pities whom without knowing their own situation? You should be grateful for saving your life at a low price," capturing the audience's attention.

Heo Gyun's friend and colleague, Lee Ichum (played by Lee Seon), intentionally exiles him for not following orders. Meanwhile, during his exile, Heo Gyun learns of Lee Ichum's chilling plot from his beloved entertainer, Mae Chang (played by Lee Soo-min). Upon discovering that his friends are being framed for treason, Heo Gyun escapes exile but is captured by an assassin (played by Oh Ji-ho) sent by Lee Ichum. Just before his death, Heo Gyun vanishes without a trace through a time slip.

Unaware of his time travel, Heo Gyun arrives in front of a nameless diner and encounters Bong Eun-sil (played by Choo So-jung). Eun-sil, who first discovers the lost Heo Gyun, feels a sense of camaraderie with him. However, she mistakes him for a homeless person loitering around the diner, leading to an intriguing start to their relationship.

Heo Gyun quickly realizes that he is no longer in Joseon. Confused by the starkly different reality, he is surprised to meet Lee Hyuk (played by Lee Seon), who resembles Joseon's Lee Ichum. However, Lee Hyuk is uncomfortable with Heo Gyun's behavior.

Despite Eun-sil's initial reluctance, she continues to encounter Heo Gyun, who starts working at the diner at her mother's suggestion. As he interacts with customers, Heo Gyun learns that modern society has no class distinctions. His amusing reactions to modern inventions like refrigerators add humor to the story.

Towards the end of the episode, Heo Gyun is shocked to confirm that he is not in Joseon. As he heads back to the diner, he witnesses Eun-sil's mother in a bloody accident, desperately seeking help. The suspenseful scene leaves viewers eager to see what unpredictable events will unfold in the next episode.

'Heo's Restaurant' will release its third episode on October 31st at 5 PM on Netflix and Wavve, 7 PM on Watcha and TVING, and 9 PM on MBN Plus.

Reported by Kim Ji-won, TenAsia bella@tenasia.co.kr