Promising a fiery reunion between ex-lovers, Dear Hyeri delves into the complexities of a relationship that has been strained by time and unresolved issues.
Set to premiere on September 23rd, the complex and turbulent relationship between ex-lovers Shin Hye Sun and Lee Jin Wook takes center stage. The show introduces viewers to a pair of former partners who, despite their shared history, can’t even make eye contact without tension flaring up.
This “happy regeneration romance” explores the emotional healing of Eun-ho, a long-time announcer who unexpectedly develops a new personality, and her former boyfriend Hyeon-o, a man who remains a significant part of her life despite their breakup. The series promises to deliver a nuanced and heartfelt romance under the expert direction of Jung Ji-hyun, a director renowned for her work on acclaimed dramas like Twenty-Five Twenty-One, You Are My Spring, and Search: WWW. Complementing her direction is writer Han Ga-ram, whose previous work on When the Weather Is Fine has established her as a master of emotional storytelling.
Shin Hye Sun takes on the role of Joo Eun-ho, an announcer who has spent 14 years in the industry but remains largely unnoticed and unappreciated. Her character is a study in quiet resilience, having endured years of professional obscurity.
Opposite her, Lee Jin Wook portrays Jung Hyun-oh, the undisputed star of the announcer department—charismatic, likable, and highly respected. The two characters have a history that spans eight years of dating, but now, they find themselves on opposite sides, seemingly transformed from lovers to adversaries. However, their interactions hint at something more complicated than simple animosity. Despite their outward hostility, their lingering glances and subtle body language suggest unresolved feelings that keep them tethered to each other.
In one of the key scenes released as part of the show’s promotional material, Joo Eun-ho and Jung Hyun-oh cross paths on their way to work at the announcer’s office. The stills capture a moment of quiet tension as Jung Hyun-oh helps Joo Eun-ho by stamping her employee ID card at the office entrance, a small but telling act that speaks volumes about their relationship. Joo Eun-ho, whose own ID card is conspicuously absent, watches him intently, her expression a mix of surprise and reluctance.
Jung Hyun-oh’s subtle smile as he completes the task exudes a sense of victory, leaving viewers to wonder about the dynamics at play between the two. The following still shows Joo Eun-ho pushing up his glasses with a finger, his eyes brimming with disdain as he glares at Jung Hyun-oh. The intensity of his gaze, almost comical in its exaggerated disdain, adds a layer of intrigue to their backstory, sparking curiosity about the events that led them to this point.
The production team behind Dear Hyeri has teased that the drama will be filled with sharp, witty exchanges between the ex-lovers, brought to life by the chemistry between Shin Hye Sun and Lee Jin Wook. They encouraged viewers to look forward to dynamic chemistry—an exchange of quick, back-and-forth dialogue—that these two will deliver, promising that the tension between love and hate will be palpable. The team also hinted that the evolving relationship between Eun-ho and Hyun-oh will keep audiences guessing about whether their interactions are fueled by lingering affection or deep-seated resentment.
Dear Hyeri is set to captivate viewers with its blend of romance, humor, and emotional depth when it premieres on Monday, September 23rd, at 10 PM. The series will be available on Genie TV, Genie TV Mobile, and ENA.
