Ghost9's Lee Jin-woo Takes Lead Role in New KBS Drama 'Simu-myeon Yeonliri'

Lee Jin-woo, a member of the group Ghost9 that debuted in 2019, has landed his first lead role in a terrestrial drama, sharing a romantic storyline with Choi Gyu-ri. He gained attention in 2024 for his role as Go Hyun-jung's son in the ENA drama 'Namib'.

The new KBS 2TV mini-series 'Simu-myeon Yeonliri', set to air on Thursday, March 26 at 9:50 PM, is a heartwarming family reboot drama. It follows the urban family of Seong Tae-hoon as they struggle to return to Seoul from the remote and quirky area of 'Yeonliri'.

In the drama, Lee Jin-woo plays Seong Ji-cheon, the son of Seong Tae-hoon (played by Park Sung-woong). Ji-cheon is the eldest son and the pillar of his family. Despite scoring perfectly on his college entrance exams and entering medical school, he realizes it's not his path and secretly decides to drop out. He moves to Yeonliri, where he embarks on a journey of self-discovery in an unfamiliar environment.

Choi Gyu-ri plays Im Bo-mi, the only daughter of the village head couple Im Joo-hyung (played by Lee Seo-hwan) and Nam Hye-sun (played by Nam Kwon-ah). Bo-mi is a spirited character who has cared for the village since childhood and works as a nutritionist, ensuring the students' meals. Her sunny energy lights up the village, and the arrival of 'new face' Seong Ji-cheon sparks a budding romance.

On the 27th, the first stills of Lee Jin-woo and Choi Gyu-ri were released, capturing attention. The stills show Im Bo-mi with a bright smile, while Seong Ji-cheon gazes at her in a daze, seemingly smitten at first sight. A subtle tension arises as Bo-mi becomes aware of Ji-cheon's presence.

Another still captures the two characters growing closer in the village's orchard, with their proximity and exchanged glances heightening the romantic tension. This builds anticipation for the romance that will unfold in Yeonliri.

Meanwhile, Seong Tae-hoon must succeed in cabbage farming to return to Seoul, while Im Joo-hyung, the village head, maintains a tense rivalry with Tae-hoon's company 'Matstory'. This animosity adds tension to the story. Seong Ji-cheon and Im Bo-mi are drawn to each other despite their families' enmity, cautiously nurturing a secret romance. Viewers are eager to see if they can overcome their parents' conflicts and continue their tender romance. Lee Jin-woo and Choi Gyu-ri are expected to bring youthful energy and excitement to the drama.

'Simu-myeon Yeonliri', set to captivate Thursday night audiences, is directed by Choi Yeon-soo, known for co-directing '24-Hour Fitness Club', 'Crazy Love', and 'The Ballot'. The script is penned by Song Jung-rim, known for 'Let's Get Married, Frog!' and 'Bride of the Typhoon', and Wang Hye-ji, known for 'Romance Without Love'. The drama also stars Park Sung-woong and Lee Soo-kyung as a couple, adding to the anticipation.

'Simu-myeon Yeonliri' premieres on March 26 at 9:50 PM.

Lee So-jung, Ten Asia Reporter forusojung@tenasia.co.kr