tvN’s new Monday-Tuesday drama Serendipity’s Embrace is set to premiere on the 22nd.
Directed by Song Hyun-wook and Jung Kwang-sik, written by Park Gro, and produced by Studio Dragon, IOK Company, and Base Story, this series is based on the popular Naver webtoon Is It a Coincidence? by Nam Ji-eun and illustrated by Kim In-ho.
The drama tells the heartwarming story of a couple who, after awkwardly parting ways 10 years ago, find themselves falling in love once again through a series of serendipitous events.
The story follows a 19-year-old boy and girl who reunite as a 29-year-old man and woman, discovering their fate through numerous coincidences in a thrilling and cheerful manner. With the involvement of Song Hyun-wook, known for his exceptional romantic comedies Beauty Inside and Another Miss Oh, and rookie writer Park Gro, the drama promises to bring a fresh and detailed perspective to this timeless theme.
Director Song, reflecting on his first read of the script, described it as “a familiar first love story with a hazy yet ticklish excitement.” He elaborated, “The countless coincidences that bring two people back together after 10 years weave into a story that questions, ‘Was it really just a coincidence?'”
Writer Park highlighted the relatability of the narrative, stating, “This is a story that could happen around us. First love is a memory everyone holds, and coincidences are miracles that occur in our everyday lives. Viewers will feel their hearts flutter and get excited.“
Expectations are high for Director Song’s meticulous direction, which will juxtapose the past and present to evoke memories of first love. “I worked hard to realistically portray the characters from 10 years ago and 10 years later, focusing on their appearance, gaze, speech, and emotions,” he explained. He also noted the visual distinction between the warm, innocent colors of the school days and the cold, flashy colors of the present.
Writer Park emphasized the importance of capturing the emotional evolution of Lee Hong-joo and Kang Hu-young, who reunite as adults after being teenagers. “It was crucial to convey the delicate emotions of the characters as they experience coincidences, fall in love, and become aware of their feelings,” he said.
The chemistry between Kim So-hyun and Chae Jong-hyeop is a major highlight. Director Song expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I was looking for actors who could express both the innocence of their late teens and the vibrancy of their late twenties. The dynamic between Kim So Hyun and Chae Jong Hyeop, which shifts with their past and present relationships, is truly remarkable.” Writer Park echoed this sentiment, noting, “Their character synchronization exceeded my expectations, making it an exciting experience.”
Finally, Director Song suggested focusing on the fated connection between Hong-joo and Hu-young and the unspeakable secret from their past. “It will be interesting to watch while guessing what Hong-joo and Hu-young meant to each other and how their relationship will evolve,” he added.
Writer Park concluded by encouraging viewers to watch how Hu-young, after returning to Korea and reuniting with his first love, navigates repeated coincidences. “It will be uniquely enjoyable to piece together their puzzle of first love memories across different ages,” he said.
Serendipity’s Embrace premieres at 8:40 PM on July 22.
