Han Ga-ram, the writer of the upcoming Genie TV original drama Dear Hyeri has expressed her enthusiasm about the dynamic chemistry between the lead actors, Shin Hye Sun and Lee Jin Wook.
The highly anticipated series, set to premiere on the 23rd, presents a touching romance centered on announcer Eun-ho, who has undergone a personality change, and her ex-boyfriend Hyeon-oh, who helps mend the deep-seated emotional wounds they both carry.
The show, directed by Jung Ji-hyun, who has earned acclaim for her work on Lies Hidden in my Garden, Twenty Five, Twenty One, and Search: WWW, and written by Han Ga-ram, known for When the Weather Is Fine, promises to deliver a compelling and heartfelt narrative.
Han Ga-ram has noted that the essence of the romance lies in the detailed portrayal of excitement and happiness, reflecting her own views on happiness and fulfillment.
She revealed that the character of Hye-ri shares a lot in common with her own personality. Hye-ri is depicted as someone who, despite not having much, finds joy easily. She admitted that while she once believed happiness should come easily, she recognizes that many people with abundant resources still struggle to find joy. This realization inspired her to write Dear Hyeri to convey that true happiness often comes from being with a loved one, rather than from material possessions or outward success.
The drama also delves into the theme of dissociative identity disorder through Shin Hye Sun’s dual role as Joo Eun-ho, who grapples with this condition, and Joo Hye-ri, a parking lot management office employee. Han Ga-ram explained that by contrasting Eun-ho’s struggles with Hye-ri’s contentment despite having less, she aims to communicate that happiness is not solely dependent on external circumstances but on one’s perspective. The storyline challenges the notion that a life perceived as perfect is inherently happy, and vice versa.
Shin Hye Sun and Lee Jin Wook’s collaboration, particularly their long-standing professional relationship, has generated significant interest. Han Ga-ram praised their on-screen synergy, emphasizing, “What can I say? They are perfect together.” She highlighted that the drama will explore two distinct types of love: the enduring and mature romance between Joo Eun-ho and Jung Hyun-oh, and the exciting, first-love experience between Joo Hye-ri and Kang Joo-yeon. The writer hopes that the portrayal of these contrasting relationships will resonate with viewers, evoking a sense of familiarity and empathy.
In addition to the romance, Han Ga-ram described Dear Hyeri as a story that goes beyond the typical sweetness of romance dramas. She noted that it delves into deeper emotional themes of pain and healing, offering a bittersweet and richly textured narrative. According to her, the show is not just about the joy of romance but also about the complexities and struggles that accompany it, ultimately presenting a story that becomes more rewarding as it progresses.
Han Ga-ram also conveyed her deep trust in director Jung Ji-hyun’s vision and ability to enhance the script. She praised Jung Ji-hyun for her talent in filling the gaps in the script and making each scene more engaging and visually appealing. She compared the director’s contribution to transforming a basic dish into something more delectable, reflecting her appreciation for Jung’s skillful direction.
Among the many memorable scenes, Han Ga-ram highlighted the breakup scene between Eun-ho and Hyeon-oh as particularly impactful. She expressed her hope that Dear Hyeri will serve as a source of comfort and excitement for viewers, making their daily lives a bit more vibrant and hopeful.
The drama is set to debut on Genie TV, Genie TV Mobile, and ENA on the 23rd at 10 p.m.
