Director Oh Hwan-min and writer Sung So-hyun, who teamed up for "Heo's Diner," revealed the charm of the work.
The new drama "Heo's Diner" (written by Sung So-hyun, directed by Oh Hwan-min and Kim Kyung-eun), which will be released on the 24th, is a fantasy comedy romance drama in which the problematic historical figure Heo Gyun from the Joseon Dynasty unexpectedly opens a diner after traveling 400 years into the future. This drama is based on the web novel of the same name by Jeon Sun-young.
First, director Oh Hwan-min, who took charge of the production, noted, "I was attracted to the fun elements of time slip in 'Heo's Diner' and the story of characters clashing and growing. I think the most appealing aspect is the humanistic Heo Gyun (the character) who is just and considerate of those around him, rather than viewing the historical figure in a close-up perspective."
Writer Sung So-hyun remarked, "The character Heo Gyun, who had a sharp brain and excellent writing skills, as recorded by 'Once seen, not forgotten,' along with his artistic appreciation in drawing, music, and food, was a decisive reason for wanting to write 'Heo's Diner.' " She added, "There are very few cases where a historical figure we know becomes the protagonist of a time slip story, but the character itself gained significant strength."
Director Oh also mentioned the charm of the cast members. He said, "Actor Siwoo Min has shining bright eyes. From the beginning of planning the drama, I have never thought of the character Heo Gyun as another artist. I saw the charm the actor has through his previous works, and I was deeply impressed by his sincere attitude. I would be grateful if you could see actor Kim Min-seok through this work."
He praised actor Choo So-jung, saying, "In one word, she was a perfect fit for the Eun-sil character. She maintained a good balance among the actors and expressed the character's emotional fluctuations with delicate acting." He continued, "I love and cherish actor Lee Se-on very much. He read the script until it was tattered, reflecting on the character, and even while waiting on set, he fully existed as the character. I hope 'Heo's Diner' becomes a stepping stone for actor Lee Se-on."
Moreover, he stated, "Actor Lee Su-min has accumulated diverse experiences starting from a child actor to 'Bonihani,' and she has a charm that lightens the atmosphere on set with her unique quick wit. Other seasoned actors like Kim Hee-jung, Woo Hyun, and Oh Ji-ho played the role of pillars supporting the drama. I am just grateful to all the actors."
Regarding the directing points of "Heo's Diner," director Oh Hwan-min explained, "I focused on the story of Heo Gyun, who falls into a completely different place and finds himself while interacting with those around him. Please pay close attention to the humorous interactions that arise in this camaraderie, as it is not just the story of one person." He added, "Like Cheonggukjang, it will have a subtle flavor that deepens over time. I ask for your interest and love."
Writer Sung chose the chemistry and harmony between Heo Gyun and Eun-sil as a viewing point that would make the work more enjoyable. He said, "'Heo's Diner' is a story of the romantic and optimistic Heo Gyun from Joseon and the realistic Eun-sil struggling together to revive a diner. The two protagonists with completely opposite personalities laugh, cry, fight, and reconcile while growing together and building their emotions." He expressed his hope that, like discovering a new restaurant without high expectations, it would be a work that, while familiar, is not stale and makes one want to visit again. He encouraged everyone to watch and see what kind of ending it will have.
'Heo's Diner' is co-planned by Hakuhodo DY Music & Pictures and Corpus Japan, and will be released on the 24th.
[OSEN = Reporter Jang Woo-young]