Kakao Entertainment Unveils a Spring Lineup of Romantic Dramas for Global Audiences

Kakao Entertainment, known for last year's hits like SBS's 'Samagwi' and Netflix's 'Eunjung and Sangyeon', is set to captivate global audiences this spring with a diverse array of romantic dramas.

Starting with the premiere of 'Shining' and 'Monthly Boyfriend' on March 6, followed by '21st Century Grand Duchess' in April, each series promises a unique romantic allure. These projects are a collaboration between Kakao Entertainment's studio and management labels, generating significant interest in the synergy they will create.

JTBC's new Friday series 'Shining' (written by Lee Sook-yeon, directed by Kim Yoon-jin, produced by SLL and Kakao Entertainment) explores the journey of youth who become each other's guiding light, filled with the essence of first love. Produced by Kakao Entertainment, the series features Park Jin-young (BH Entertainment) and Kim Min-ju (Management Soop) in a well-crafted emotional romance. Park Jin-young plays Yeon Tae-seo, a subway conductor who holds onto his first love at nineteen, transforming into everyone's first love with warmth beneath his cool exterior.

Kim Min-ju stars as Mo Eun-ah, a former hotelier turned manager of a traditional Seoul guesthouse, captivating viewers with her pure and lovely charm. The story of their reunion at thirty, after parting ways at twenty, will convey the nostalgia of first love and the intense pull of reunion, delivering a heartwarming and exciting spring romance. Shin Jae-ha (J-Wide Company) adds intrigue as Bae Sung-chan, the senior who guided Mo Eun-ah into the hotelier path. 'Shining' premieres on March 6 at 8:50 PM with back-to-back episodes.

Netflix's 'Monthly Boyfriend' (directed by Kim Jung-sik, written by Nam Goong-do-young, produced by Why Not Media, Baram Pictures, and Kakao Entertainment) is a romantic comedy where webtoon PD Mi-rae (played by Ji-soo) experiences romance through a virtual dating simulation. Ji-soo and Seo In-guk promise exceptional chemistry, with Kakao Entertainment collaborating with Baram Pictures, known for global hits like 'Psycho But It's Okay' and 'The Call'. Ji-soo, portraying a character navigating both ordinary work life and thrilling virtual dates, revealed, "I wore 250 outfits in the series, offering a variety of themes and looks for viewers to enjoy."

Seo In-guk plays Kyung-nam, an unpredictable colleague who introduces variables into Mi-rae's life, describing their relationship as "a classic love-hate dynamic," heightening anticipation for this 'fail-proof rom-com duo'. Special appearances by actors like Seo Kang-joon, Lee Soo-hyuk, Ong Seong-wu, Lee Jae-wook, Lee Hyun-wook, Kim Young-dae, Park Jae-bum, and Lee Sang-yi as 'virtual lovers' in various scenarios and worlds add to the excitement. 'Monthly Boyfriend' premieres globally on March 6.

MBC's new weekend drama '21st Century Grand Duchess' (written by Yoo Ji-won, directed by Park Joon-hwa and Bae Hee-young, planned by Kang Dae-sun, produced by MBC and Kakao Entertainment) is set to premiere in April. Set in a 21st-century constitutional monarchy in Korea, it tells the story of a wealthy woman frustrated by her commoner status and a prince who, despite his royal lineage, cannot possess anything. IU (EDAM Entertainment) reunites with Kakao Entertainment, raising expectations for another global hit. IU plays Seong Hee-joo, the second daughter of a chaebol family, showcasing her glamorous and confident charm. Bae Woo-seok, known for his role in 'Record of Youth', plays Prince Ian, a royal with charisma and dignity who must remain unseen and unheard, raising the excitement level.

The drama follows Seong Hee-joo and Prince Ian as they enter a contract marriage to change their destinies, with IU and Bae Woo-seok portraying the newlywed moments of the grand duchess couple. The series explores whether they will blossom into a 'marriage first, love later' romance. Directed by Park Joon-hwa, known for his work on 'What's Wrong with Secretary Kim' and 'Alchemy of Souls', the series promises a new world of constitutional monarchy with stunning visuals and delicate emotional storytelling.

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