O'PENing 2025: CJ ENM and Studio Dragon Unveil Exciting New Lineup

'O'PENing 2025' has revealed its lineup.

'O'PENing' is a collaborative project between CJ ENM and Studio Dragon, transforming O'PEN award-winning works into a series of short dramas on tvN. The O'PEN initiative by CJ ENM stands for 'Opportunity Open to Creators (Pen)' and is a comprehensive support project for discovering and nurturing new creators, covering content planning, development, production, scheduling, and business matching.

Last year, five works, including 'Recipient,' 'Scrap Dealer Miran,' 'Our Beautiful Summer,' 'The Fangirl's Daughter,' and 'The Son is Dead,' received Platinum, Gold, and Silver awards at the 58th Houston International Film Festival, establishing itself as a nurturing ground for new talent in the K-drama industry. In 2024, 'O'PENing 2023' works, including 'Summer, Love Machine Blues,' won a total of seven awards at domestic and international ceremonies, including the Special Jury Award at the Houston International Film Festival.

Celebrating its 8th anniversary, 'O'PENing 2025' is generating significant interest and anticipation from viewers. The lineup includes five works by emerging writers: 'Cat Custody War,' 'Hwa-ja's Scarlet,' 'My Daughter's Friend's Mom,' 'The Lake of That Day,' and 'Housekeeper,' promising to deliver deep emotional impact.

Kicking off on August 17th at 9:20 PM, 'Cat Custody War' (directed by Yoo Hak-chan, written by Ji Soo-hee) depicts a humorous battle over cat custody between a couple on the brink of divorce. The reunion of Yoon Doo-joon and Kim Seul-gi after 10 years has already sparked interest, as they portray a couple in a sweet yet fierce romance.

'My Daughter's Friend's Mom' (directed by Kim Na-kyung, written by Shin Yoo-jung) is a human growth drama about Ki-joon, who becomes a single working dad after a sudden divorce, and meets his former subordinate Hee-jin as 'My Daughter's Friend's Mom' at a kindergarten. Jeon Sung-woo and Park Jin-joo, who previously showcased perfect chemistry in the musical 'Ghost Bakery,' will now portray a realistic romance between a single working dad and mom, showcasing a fresh acting transformation.

'Hwa-ja's Scarlet' (directed by Yoo Si-yeon, written by Kang Seul) tells the story of Hwa-ja's daughter, who was adopted to the U.S. at birth and returns as the blonde Scarlet. With veteran actors Oh Na-ra and Seo Young-hee, along with Kim Si-eun, who swept newcomer awards at domestic film festivals for 'Next So-hee,' and Lee Jae-kyun, known for his scene-stealing roles, the drama promises intense immersion.

'The Lake of That Day' (directed by Lee Myung-jin, written by Sung Da-hye) follows a teacher's quest for truth after a student dies during a 10-minute absence from class. Park Yoo-rim, who impressed viewers with roles in 'My Perfect Secretary,' 'Ballerina,' and 'Extraordinary Attorney Woo,' will lead the cast, with filming starting in early August.

Finally, 'Housekeeper' (directed by Jung Woo-sik, written by Han Seol) explores unpredictable relationship changes caused by a mysterious housekeeper entering the lives of two inseparable friends. Rising star Yoon Sang-jung, noted for her strong performances in 'Study Group,' and emerging youth star Kang Na-eon have been cast, with pre-production underway for a September start.

The 'O'PENing 2025' production team expressed excitement about showcasing five innovative works by new writers, stating, "We are thrilled to present these fresh stories to viewers. With the diverse ideas and creative passion of new writers, the directors' sensuous direction, and the actors' outstanding performances, we are doing our best to make these works shine. We hope for continued support and interest in 'O'PENing 2025' this year."

'O'PENing 2025' will premiere with 'Cat Custody War' on August 17th at 9:20 PM, with subsequent releases to follow.

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