Jung Ryeo Won and Wi Ha Jun, who have described their upcoming drama The Midnight Romance in Hagwon as their ‘lifetime work’, are gearing up for a small screen hit this weekend with their thrilling romance.
On the afternoon of the 9th, a production presentation for tvN’s new weekend drama The Midnight Romance in Hagwon took place at the Ramada Hotel in Sindorim, Seoul. Director Ahn Pan-suk, along with actors Jung Ryeo Won and Wi Ha Jun, attended the event to introduce the series.
‘Graduation’ revolves around the captivating midnight romance between Seo Hye-jin (portrayed by Jung Ryeo-won), a seasoned instructor at a Daechi-dong academy, and Lee Jun-ho (played by Wi Ha-jun), a cheeky new instructor. The series not only explores the romantic encounters amidst the nighttime backdrop of Daechi-dong but also delves into the untold stories of academy instructors.
The drama has attracted attention as the latest work of Director Ahn, known for his melodramatic masterpieces such as Secret Love Affair, Something in Rain, and One Spring Night.
Director Ahn shared insights into the creative process, stating, “Academies can be interesting. Let’s set the stage at Daechi-dong Academy and focus on the teachers rather than the students.” He elaborated on the organic development of the storyline, emphasizing the captivating characters and evolving narrative from episode to episode.
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Jung Ryeo Won and Wi Ha Jun lead the romantic storyline as the main characters of the Daechi-dong Romance. Jung Ryeo Won portrays Seo Hye-jin, a Korean language instructor with 14 years of experience and hailed for her ‘Daechi-dong miracle’.
Meanwhile, Wi Ha Jun takes on the role of Lee Jun-ho, a new instructor who relinquishes a promising corporate career for a fresh start at the academy. As Lee Jun-ho injects excitement into Hye-jin’s routine, their dynamic relationship unfolds against the backdrop of the academy.
Jung expressed her dedication to the role, stating, “Although it’s a melodrama, I maintain my professionalism as an instructor. I not only experience love but also deliver lectures with fervor. It’s like having two meals at once, receiving different nourishment.”
Describing it as a significant project in her career, she added, “I decided during the filming that ‘Graduation’ would be the defining work of my life. The atmosphere on set was fantastic, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”
Wi Ha Jun shared his perspective on the character, highlighting the multifaceted nature of Lee Jun-ho. He remarked, “He exudes pride and confidence yet possesses a childlike innocence. Through Hye-jin, he experiences growth in love and education, revealing a deeper charm.”
Despite their 10-year age gap, Jung Ryeo Won and Wi Ha Jun expressed satisfaction with their on-screen chemistry, which promises to enhance the melodramatic elements of the series.
As The Midnight Romance in Hagwon follows in the footsteps of Queen of Tears, expectations are high for its success. Wi Ha-jun emphasized the unique qualities of their drama, stating, “Our series offers a distinct resolution and profound emotion, showcasing the authentic performances of Ahn Pan-seok and Jung Ryeo-won.”
Director Ahn Pan-seok shared his dedication to the project, “Each work represents my best effort. I continually strive to improve and deliver the most polished work as a director.”
Jung Ryeo-won commended the departure from typical melodramatic tropes, stating, “We broke away from conventional clichés and approached the genre with fresh eyes.”
With sincerity at its core, The Midnight Romance in Hagwon promises an engaging narrative of personal growth and genuine emotions. Director Ahn Pan-seok encourages viewers to closely observe the series, noting its portrayal of authentic human experiences.
The Midnight Romance in Hagwon is set to premiere on the 11th at 9:20 PM.
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