"The familiar taste is more frightening."
As most OTT content leans towards genre pieces, the demand for traditional romantic comedies has grown. Netflix's new series 'This Awful Love' aims to quench the thirst of K-drama fans by showcasing the essence of Korean romantic comedy.
On August 5, a production presentation for 'This Awful Love' was held at the Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery in Mapo-gu, Seoul. The event featured director Kim Jang-han and actors Jung Hae-in, Ha Young, and Heo Sung-tae.
'This Awful Love' follows the cohabitation of a memory-impaired prosecutor, Go Eun-sae (played by Ha Young), and a boxing coach, Jang Tae-ha (played by Jung Hae-in), who insists he is her boyfriend. Director Kim Jang-han, known for his delicate direction in works like 'Do You Like Brahms?' and 'My Demon,' helms the project, with the script penned by writer Mo Ji-hye, reuniting with Kim after four years since 'You Raise Me Up.'
Jung Hae-in remarked, "When I first heard the title, I thought it was bold. I felt it captured a sticky love, like traditional taffy, and I became so engrossed that I eagerly awaited the next episode. It starts as a romantic comedy, evolves into a melodrama, and then transitions through thriller, noir, and action before returning to romantic comedy, showcasing its diverse charms."
Ha Young shared, "I was so captivated that I read the entire script in one sitting. It felt as if the characters and dialogues were alive, and I deeply resonated with them. Following the expression of 'taffy' in this way, I naturally adopted Eun-sae's feelings on the day I received the script."
Jung Hae-in's character, Jang Tae-ha, is a self-proclaimed boyfriend and somewhat suspicious boxing coach. He expressed confidence in portraying the most 'pure-hearted' character of his career, stating, "Among the characters I've played, this one embodies the essence of a pure-hearted man. His determination to protect the one he loves in any situation is admirable, and his awkwardness in front of someone he likes is also charming."
He also noted his attention to action scenes, saying, "I discussed various actions with the director and action director to ensure they were non-harmful, and I focused on how Tae-ha changes when he meets Eun-sae, which I conveyed through his clothing and hairstyle."
Ha Young alternates between the roles of the elite prosecutor Go Eun-sae and Go Ji-won. She explained, "Ji-won is ambitious and career-driven, but after losing her memory during an investigation, she returns to her innocent self, which is Eun-sae."
This marks Ha Young's first foray into romantic comedy. A fan of the genre, she admitted, "I was both excited and nervous, but thanks to a great script and the director and fellow actors, I learned a lot during filming."
Regarding their on-screen chemistry, Ha Young described it as a "relationship between an anxious girlfriend and a stable boyfriend," adding, "Eun-sae, who is understandably anxious, feels love from Tae-ha, who continuously provides her with stability."
Heo Sung-tae plays Baek Sang-gil, the boss of an organization pursuing Go Ji-won's whereabouts. He described his character as "the most malicious, petty, and grotesque character I've played so far," noting that he is more than just a simple villain but a compelling character holding the key to the story's twists.
Director Kim Jang-han noted that the real personalities of the three actors align well with their characters. He stated, "No director would question casting Jung Hae-in. His upright and righteous nature fits perfectly with Jang Tae-ha, blending his masculine traits with his endearing awkwardness. Ha Young's bright and emotional personality aligns well with Eun-sae's growth as a character."
He also commented on Heo Sung-tae, saying, "He may look intimidating, but he has a shy and pure side. He is a tremendous villain but can portray a character with significant twists effectively."
The title 'taffy' evokes a traditional Korean image, and there is anticipation for the classic charm and essence of K-romantic comedy that this work embodies.
Director Kim Jang-han expressed his hopes, saying, "They say 'the familiar taste is frightening,' and I hope this drama turns out to be truly frightening." He added, "Thanks to the fast-paced storytelling unique to Netflix series, we could focus on essential scenes without any dragging. The chemistry between the two actors is beautifully captured, so please look forward to it."
The actors also emphasized the authentic romance of the piece. Ha Young stated, "It's a work closer to classic than cliché. It's been a while since a piece has captured a deep love story while transitioning between romantic comedy and melodrama. I felt a sense of relief while acting, and I believe viewers will feel that emotion as well."
Jung Hae-in echoed this sentiment, saying, "This work is filled with a desire for romance in the world. That is the romance our drama possesses. We ask for your great expectations."
'This Awful Love' consists of 12 episodes and will be available to global audiences on Netflix starting August 7.
As most OTT content leans towards genre pieces, the demand for traditional romantic comedies has grown. Netflix's new series 'This Awful Love' aims to quench the thirst of K-drama fans by showcasing the essence of Korean romantic comedy.
On August 5, a production presentation for 'This Awful Love' was held at the Hotel Naru Seoul MGallery in Mapo-gu, Seoul. The event featured director Kim Jang-han and actors Jung Hae-in, Ha Young, and Heo Sung-tae.
'This Awful Love' follows the cohabitation of a memory-impaired prosecutor, Go Eun-sae (played by Ha Young), and a boxing coach, Jang Tae-ha (played by Jung Hae-in), who insists he is her boyfriend. Director Kim Jang-han, known for his delicate direction in works like 'Do You Like Brahms?' and 'My Demon,' helms the project, with the script penned by writer Mo Ji-hye, reuniting with Kim after four years since 'You Raise Me Up.'
Jung Hae-in remarked, "When I first heard the title, I thought it was bold. I felt it captured a sticky love, like traditional taffy, and I became so engrossed that I eagerly awaited the next episode. It starts as a romantic comedy, evolves into a melodrama, and then transitions through thriller, noir, and action before returning to romantic comedy, showcasing its diverse charms."
Ha Young shared, "I was so captivated that I read the entire script in one sitting. It felt as if the characters and dialogues were alive, and I deeply resonated with them. Following the expression of 'taffy' in this way, I naturally adopted Eun-sae's feelings on the day I received the script."
Jung Hae-in's character, Jang Tae-ha, is a self-proclaimed boyfriend and somewhat suspicious boxing coach. He expressed confidence in portraying the most 'pure-hearted' character of his career, stating, "Among the characters I've played, this one embodies the essence of a pure-hearted man. His determination to protect the one he loves in any situation is admirable, and his awkwardness in front of someone he likes is also charming."
He also noted his attention to action scenes, saying, "I discussed various actions with the director and action director to ensure they were non-harmful, and I focused on how Tae-ha changes when he meets Eun-sae, which I conveyed through his clothing and hairstyle."
Ha Young alternates between the roles of the elite prosecutor Go Eun-sae and Go Ji-won. She explained, "Ji-won is ambitious and career-driven, but after losing her memory during an investigation, she returns to her innocent self, which is Eun-sae."
This marks Ha Young's first foray into romantic comedy. A fan of the genre, she admitted, "I was both excited and nervous, but thanks to a great script and the director and fellow actors, I learned a lot during filming."
Regarding their on-screen chemistry, Ha Young described it as a "relationship between an anxious girlfriend and a stable boyfriend," adding, "Eun-sae, who is understandably anxious, feels love from Tae-ha, who continuously provides her with stability."
Heo Sung-tae plays Baek Sang-gil, the boss of an organization pursuing Go Ji-won's whereabouts. He described his character as "the most malicious, petty, and grotesque character I've played so far," noting that he is more than just a simple villain but a compelling character holding the key to the story's twists.
Director Kim Jang-han noted that the real personalities of the three actors align well with their characters. He stated, "No director would question casting Jung Hae-in. His upright and righteous nature fits perfectly with Jang Tae-ha, blending his masculine traits with his endearing awkwardness. Ha Young's bright and emotional personality aligns well with Eun-sae's growth as a character."
He also commented on Heo Sung-tae, saying, "He may look intimidating, but he has a shy and pure side. He is a tremendous villain but can portray a character with significant twists effectively."
The title 'taffy' evokes a traditional Korean image, and there is anticipation for the classic charm and essence of K-romantic comedy that this work embodies.
Director Kim Jang-han expressed his hopes, saying, "They say 'the familiar taste is frightening,' and I hope this drama turns out to be truly frightening." He added, "Thanks to the fast-paced storytelling unique to Netflix series, we could focus on essential scenes without any dragging. The chemistry between the two actors is beautifully captured, so please look forward to it."
The actors also emphasized the authentic romance of the piece. Ha Young stated, "It's a work closer to classic than cliché. It's been a while since a piece has captured a deep love story while transitioning between romantic comedy and melodrama. I felt a sense of relief while acting, and I believe viewers will feel that emotion as well."
Jung Hae-in echoed this sentiment, saying, "This work is filled with a desire for romance in the world. That is the romance our drama possesses. We ask for your great expectations."
'This Awful Love' consists of 12 episodes and will be available to global audiences on Netflix starting August 7.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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