Politics is often called the art of compromise, but in MBN’s bold new miniseries First Lady, compromise may be impossible when ambition, love, and betrayal collide.
Premiered on September 24, the 12-episode drama dives into the tumultuous lives of South Korea’s newest presidential couple—a president-elect who owes his rise to his wife, and a First Lady whose dreams of power may outshine her husband’s own.
The setup is unprecedented and daring: what happens when the man about to take the highest office in the nation demands a divorce from the very woman who built him up to that point?
A Story Rooted in Resonance, Not Politics
At the production presentation held in Seoul, PD Lee Ho-hyun addressed the drama’s premise and its inevitable parallels to Korea’s recent political turbulence. “This drama doesn’t show any political color,” he emphasized. “I don’t even know much about politics myself. But if you watch it, some current issues may naturally come to mind. That wasn’t intentional—it’s simply how the story resonates with reality.”
When Lee first received the script, he confessed to feeling unsure: “I asked the writer, ‘I don’t know politics—can I even do a political drama?’ But the writer told me, ‘This isn’t politics. This is a melodrama.’ That’s when I realized it could be fun. The idea of exploring the relationship between a president-elect and his wife, both professionals in their own right, was especially engaging.”
Eugene’s Bold Transformation
Marking her first drama role since the sensational Penthouse, Eugene returns to the small screen as Cha Soo-yeon—the so-called kingmaker who transforms her husband, Min-cheol, from a little-known activist into the nation’s leader. Far from the graceful archetype of a First Lady, Soo-yeon is portrayed as cold, glamorous, and unflinching in her pursuit of ambition.
“Contrary to the director’s view of this as a melodrama, I approached Soo-yeon like a fighter,” Eugene explained. “She’s a woman who runs headlong into her desires and dreams. She can be frightening because she doesn’t hesitate, doesn’t consider the consequences, and refuses to stop.”
To emphasize Soo-yeon’s striking presence, Eugene embraced bold, unconventional styling: “Unlike the image of the ideal First Lady, I used vibrant colors and daring costumes to make Soo-yeon appear glamorous, cold, and even harsh.” Admitting she feels nervous about her comeback, she added, “This is the first time I’ve been this nervous before a broadcast, but that’s how much I’ve invested in this role.”
Ji Hyun Woo as the “Earnest President”
Opposite her is Ji Hyun Woo, stepping into the shoes of Hyun Min-cheol, the president-elect. Raised in an orphanage and later working in a factory, Min-cheol’s rise to power is the stuff of political legend: an activist-turned-lawmaker who fought against the odds and eventually captured the hearts of the people.
Ji described his character with admiration: “If Soo-yeon charges toward her dreams without regard for methods, Min-cheol is the complete opposite. He’s slow, honest, and earnest to a fault. He doesn’t bend, even when Soo-yeon urges him to take shortcuts. That stubbornness may frustrate those around him, but it’s also what makes him the kind of president the people truly want.”
The actor revealed his meticulous preparation for the role: “I even visited the National Assembly to rehearse my lines. Each scene is long, the dialogue heavy, but I wanted to deliver every word with sincerity. During my first day of filming, I gave a seven-minute speech in character, and it set the tone for how seriously I wanted to embody Min-cheol.”
A Third Force: Lee Min Young’s Enigmatic Ally
Adding another layer to the political and emotional battlefield is Lee Min Young, who plays Shin Hae-rin, Min-cheol’s campaign chair and trusted confidante. While outwardly his closest ally, Hae-rin’s mysterious charm hints at deeper, more complicated motivations. Her presence not only stirs tension within the presidential circle but also promises to upend the already fragile bond between Min-cheol and Soo-yeon.
The PD described his casting choices with a poetic flair: “To me, Eugene is a fairy, Ji Hyun-woo is a fantasy, and Lee Min-young is a crush.” Together, he believes, the trio will create a chemistry that is both explosive and irresistible to watch.
RELATED STORIES
- Turbulent Love and Ruthless Politics Collide in “First Lady”
- Ji Hyun Woo Reinvents Himself as a President with Working-Class Roots in “First Lady”
Beyond Politics: A Human Drama
Though its premise is steeped in the trappings of politics, First Lady aims for something deeper: a human drama about relationships tested by power, desire, and betrayal. The political backdrop merely magnifies the stakes. Every decision Min-cheol and Soo-yeon make—whether personal or public—has the potential to reshape not only their marriage but the future of the country.
In this way, the drama asks universal questions: What happens when ambition outpaces love? Can honesty survive in the face of ruthless desire? And is it possible to hold onto personal integrity when the weight of an entire nation rests on your shoulders?
With its star-studded cast, sharp writing by Kim Hyung-wan, and direction from Lee Ho-hyun, First Lady promises a gripping blend of romance, betrayal, and the intoxicating lure of power. As Eugene summed up, “This isn’t just a melodrama. It’s the story of people who fight, sacrifice, and transform in pursuit of dreams—no matter what it costs them.”
Leave a Reply