Han Ji-min Returns to Romance with 'Efficient Meeting of Singles' After a Year

Actress Han Ji-min (43) makes her return to the romance genre a year after 'My Perfect Secretary.' She highlights the realistic concerns portrayed in 'Efficient Meeting of Singles' as a key differentiator.

On the 26th, a press conference for JTBC's new weekend drama 'Efficient Meeting of Singles' was held at The Link Hotel Seoul in Guro-gu, Seoul. Director Lee Jae-hoon and actors Han Ji-min, Park Sung-hoon, and Lee Ki-taek attended the event.

'Efficient Meeting of Singles' tells the story of a woman who decides to find love, goes on a blind date, meets two men with different charms, and eventually discovers the true meaning of love.

Director Lee Jae-hoon stated, "This drama puts blind dating at the forefront. It's not a grand story about saving the world or clearing one's name, but blind dates can be quite dramatic moments. It's everyday life, but look forward to the romance that unfolds."

Regarding the casting, Director Lee said, "When casting, I look at whether they fit well and act well. Often, even if I decide, it doesn't work out. Ultimately, I become a fatalist. All three actors fit well with the roles I envisioned when reading the script. It was a joyful filming process, and I felt I met precious connections."

Han Ji-min plays Lee Yi-young, a character who excels at work but struggles in love. Han described her character as "a trusted figure at work but experiencing a stagnation in love, who decides to efficiently find love."

On why she chose this role, Han Ji-min said, "Even though I did romance in 'My Perfect Secretary,' Yi-young's situations felt relatable to stories from my friends. Unlike previous romances, it seemed to contain a lot of realistic concerns, which is why I chose it." Han Ji-min received much love last year for 'My Perfect Secretary' with Lee Jun-hyuk.

Park Sung-hoon plays Song Tae-seop, the head of a woodworking studio, who is gentle on the outside but strong on the inside. He described his character as "a stable person equipped with respect and consideration."

Returning after a controversy, Park Sung-hoon said, "It's been a while since I've been in the public eye, so I'm nervous. I'm approaching the work and life with caution and seriousness." On choosing 'Efficient Meeting of Singles' as his comeback, he said, "Hearing that Han Ji-min was starring, I wanted to work with her as a fan. It's a life-oriented drama that many can relate to. I thought I could show a new side of myself."

When asked if he felt pressured returning to the romance genre, Park Sung-hoon said, "I had a thirst and longing for rom-coms. I approached filming with anticipation. The director guided us well, allowing for smooth filming."

Han Ji-min and Park Sung-hoon also spoke about the benefits of being in the same agency. Han Ji-min said, "It was nice that it didn't take long to get comfortable since we weren't complete strangers. His previous roles were intense, and he's a good actor, so I was curious about meeting in a melodrama. We could film comfortably from the start."

Park Sung-hoon added, "We saved time on ice-breaking early in the project. The managers communicated well, so we could quickly exchange updates."

Lee Ki-taek plays Shin Ji-soo, a free-spirited younger man who is both a theater actor and a professional part-timer. He described his character as "a friend who lives romantically without knowing where he'll go next, but changes upon meeting Yi-young." When asked about his blind date experience, Lee Ki-taek said, "I've tried it. Ji-soo is different from me. He's straightforward, while I'm not the type to make requests."

When asked about their preference between natural meetings and arranged ones, Park Sung-hoon said, "I prefer natural meetings, but filming this drama made me realize the advantages of blind dates. They can create new opportunities." Han Ji-min added, "Meeting naturally is great, but life gets busy, and options become limited. Knowing the advantages of blind dates, it saves time and allows you to summarize what's important. The culture seems different now. I know someone who got married through a dating app."

Currently in a public relationship with Jannabi's Choi Jung-hoon, who is 10 years younger, Han Ji-min was asked about her preference between a stable or free-spirited man. She said, "I think someone can be both free-spirited and stable. Yi-young's dilemma is similar. She likes the excitement with Ji-soo and the stability Tae-seop provides. I'd say both." If she had to choose, she added, "I think a stable heart is better."

When asked about her favorite dating shows, Han Ji-min said, "I watched 'I Am Solo' diligently when it was a hot topic. I even cried watching 'Transit Love.'" Park Sung-hoon shared, "I'm watching 'Single's Inferno' diligently. I haven't missed an episode of 'I Am Solo.' I'm also keeping up with 'My Child's Love.'"

'Efficient Meeting of Singles' premieres on the 28th at 10:40 PM.

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