Veteran Actress Jung Ae-ri Returns to TV in 'Mari and the Strange Dads'

Veteran actress Jung Ae-ri, known for her two previous marriages, is making a comeback to the small screen after two years.

KBS1's new daily drama 'Mari and the Strange Dads' is set to premiere this October. The series follows Mari's chaotic journey to find her father, depicting the birth of an unusual family bound by ties stronger than blood.

On the 4th, the production team of 'Mari and the Strange Dads' announced the cast, which includes actors Ha Seung-ri, Hyun Woo, Park Eun-hye, Ryu Jin, Hwang Dong-joo, and Gong Jung-hwan. Joining them are seasoned actors Jung Ae-ri, Geum Bo-ra, Kang Shin-il, Park Hyun-jung, Jo Hyang-gi, Yoon Mi-hyang, Kim Young-jae, and Lee Ji-yeon, forming a robust supporting cast.

Jung Ae-ri will play the role of Um Gi-bun, who knows the secret of Kang Mari's (played by Ha Seung-ri) birth. She is the director of a prestigious hospital and harbors ambitions of establishing a sperm bank. Haunted by a past mistake, she finds herself in a precarious situation as the truth threatens to surface.

Geum Bo-ra takes on the role of Mari's adorable grandmother, Yoon Soon-ae. Her sharp tongue is unmatched, but beneath her biting words lies a deep love for her granddaughter Mari and daughter Sira (played by Park Eun-hye). She finds herself entangled in a late-life romance with a man who rents a room in her house.

Kang Shin-il portrays Lee Ok-soon, the father of Kang Se (played by Hyun Woo) and Pung-joo (played by Ryu Jin). He is a typical father who wishes for his family's happiness, with a particular desire for his eldest son Pung-joo to marry. Frustrated by his son's lack of interest in marriage, he decides to leave home, only to become involved with Mari's family.

Park Hyun-jung appears as Moon Sook-hee, Sira's friend who harbors a crush on Pung-joo. As the financial director of Um Hospital, she dreams of rekindling her love when Pung-joo returns to Korea after 15 years. However, her friendship with Sira begins to fracture as they both vie for Pung-joo's affection.

Jo Hyang-gi plays Yoon Eun-kyung, Um Gi-bun's only daughter. Despite being middle-aged, she is immature and envious, yet her love for her family is genuine. As her husband changes and her cousin Sira annoys her, a life-altering event shakes her world.

Yoon Mi-hyang portrays Kim Mi-kyung, Um Gi-bun's loyal secretary. Having worked with Gi-bun for a long time, she handles tasks with a calm demeanor.

Kim Young-jae takes on the role of Pyoh Do-gi, a third-year resident at Um Hospital. Known for his abrasive personality, he is infamous as the hospital's troublemaker. However, his life takes a turn when he meets a formidable rival.

Lee Ji-yeon plays Ahn Soo-sun, Mari's best friend. Self-proclaimed as Mari's guardian angel and a nurse by trade, she also runs a YouTube channel. Her life changes when she meets Do-gi, who constantly challenges her.

With the addition of veteran actors Jung Ae-ri, Geum Bo-ra, Kang Shin-il, Park Hyun-jung, Jo Hyang-gi, and Yoon Mi-hyang, alongside the energetic Kim Young-jae and Lee Ji-yeon, anticipation for 'Mari and the Strange Dads' is growing. The diverse cast promises to enrich the storyline, making the supporting characters' narratives a key point of interest.

'Mari and the Strange Dads' will premiere in October, following the conclusion of 'Grab the Fortune'.

Tae Yuna, TenAsia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr