Fans of Hwang In Youp and Lee Hyeri have reason to celebrate, as the highly anticipated Genie TV original drama Dream to You gears up for a 2026 release.
The romantic comedy brings together two of the industry’s most beloved actors in a story that blends heartfelt romance with the realities of chasing one’s dreams.
Set against the backdrop of unfinished ambitions and past connections, the drama follows Woo Soo-bin (Hwang In Youp), a genius film director who returns to Korea after achieving his dreams abroad, and Joo Yi-jae (Lee Hyeri), a reporter struggling to balance the demands of her career while reconnecting with dreams she had long forgotten. The narrative explores their shared history: a dream of making films together that was interrupted when Woo Soo-bin departed at the age of nineteen. Now, years later, they reunite to rewrite that story, navigating both professional and personal challenges, and exploring a love that has never truly faded.
The reunion of Hwang In Youp and Lee Hyeri has already generated significant buzz both domestically and internationally. Hwang In-yeop, known for his charismatic screen presence and versatility, takes on the role of Woo Soo-bin—a character described as a comet-like figure, brilliant yet grounded in his pursuit of passion. His journey showcases a young man breaking free from the life meticulously planned by his parents, taking bold steps to chase his dreams, and eventually making a spectacular debut at international film festivals. In the drama, Woo Soo-bin’s return to Korea sets the stage for a reconnection with Joo Yi-jae, a woman who represents not only his past but also the emotional center of his true aspirations.
Hwang expressed his excitement about the role, saying, “I’m thrilled to show a new side of myself through Woo Soo-bin. Director Yoo Seon-dong, writer Jung Eun-bi, and the entire cast are working hard to create a fantastic project, and I hope viewers will enjoy the synergy and chemistry between me and Lee Hye-ri.”
Lee Hye-ri, meanwhile, portrays Joo Yi-jae, a talented reporter whose twenties are marked by hard work, reality checks, and the quiet struggle of unfulfilled dreams. Despite her professional success, traveling the country to cover stories, mastering local dialects, and maintaining a strong presence in her field, Joo Yi-jae carries an internal emptiness stemming from her youth and the dreams she abandoned. Her connection to Woo Soo-bin, forged during their adolescence, resurfaces when he reappears in her life, reigniting memories of shared ambitions and emotions she had long suppressed.
Lee Hye-ri commented, “Through Joo Yi-jae, I hope to show various sides of myself. Preparing for this role has been exciting, and I can’t wait for viewers to see the character’s growth and depth.” Her return to romantic comedy is highly anticipated, promising to highlight her expansive acting range and ability to convey both vulnerability and strength.
Adding to the anticipation is the creative team behind Dream to You. The drama is directed by Yoo Seon-dong, celebrated for his work on Trigger, The Uncanny Counter 1 & 2, and Bad and Crazy, and scripted by Jung Eun-bi, whose previous works include Destruction Came to Our Doorstep, Mr. Sunshine, and Goblin. Their collaboration promises a balance of engaging storytelling, emotional depth, and cinematic flair that will complement the compelling performances of Hwang In-yeop and Lee Hye-ri.
With its release scheduled for 2026, Dream to You will premiere on Channel ENA and will be made available as a free VOD on KT Genie TV, ensuring fans can easily access the series. Given the star-studded cast, experienced creative team, and a story that blends romance, ambition, and relatable life struggles, expectations for the drama are sky-high. Fans can look forward to a fresh romantic comedy experience that explores the complexity of chasing dreams, reconciling the past, and rediscovering love in unexpected places.
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