Gong Myoung and Kim Min Ha portray a warm and fresh romance that finds its audience.
On the morning of the 1st, a production presentation for the TVING original series "Way Back Love" took place at CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Yongsan, Seoul. Director Kim Hye Young, actors Gong Myoung, Kim Min Ha, Jung Gun Joo, and Oh Woo Ri attended the event to discuss the project.
"Way Back Love," based on the novel of the same name by author Seo Eun Chae, is a fantasy romance about Hee Wan (played by Kim Min Ha), who turns her back on the world and lets her youth slip away, when her first love Ram Woo (played by Gong Myoung) appears as a grim reaper. Director Kim Hye Young noted, "This is a work that showcases not only our four actors but also other performers who will deliver a wide range of emotions. You will find it cute and fresh at the beginning, but as it progresses, prepare for moments filled with deep emotions and heartache."
Gong Myoung plays the role of Ram Woo, who returns as a grim reaper. He shared, "When I first read the script, it was so fresh and the blend of youthful innocence with a poignant, lyrical atmosphere tugged at my heart, making me feel I had to take part in this project."
Kim Min Ha, who plays Hee Wan, shared that her role began through a prank of 'name changing' on April Fool's Day, saying, "This was a story I wanted to tell for a long time. Personally, I had been thinking about themes of longing, the meaning of those left behind, and how someone lives with guilt. When I encountered this script, I was thrilled and felt the urge to solidly bring it to life. Many around me said to wear my school uniform as much as I could until I was able to, so I hesitated initially, but once I wore it and returned to being a high school student, I felt younger throughout the filming period. I received a lot of good energy, and the script gave me plenty of time to think."
Jung Gun Joo plays Hong Seok, Ram Woo's best friend and sole board game partner. He jokingly noted, "I also wanted to wear my school uniform before it was too late," adding, "I participated in the audition for this project, and when I first saw the script, I was deeply attracted by its lyrical charm. I approached the audition with a desire to perform well."
Oh Woo Ri, who plays Tae Kyung, Hee Wan's reliable soulmate, shared, "I also participated through an audition. While reading the script, I felt overwhelmed with the unique freshness and loveliness of school life. I thought that once I engaged in this project, I would be able to happily immerse myself in it. Hee Wan is such a compelling character that I felt the need to cherish her as a friend and love her freely."
This project is particularly special as it marks Gong Myoung's return to drama for the first time in four years after his military service. After being discharged in June 2023, Gong Myoung reflected on meeting viewers through "Way Back Love," saying, "I'm so proud to be in this position. It was surprising to realize it's been four years, and this project means a lot to me. Being here today feels like a significant honor. Returning to drama after four years brings a pleasant anticipation."
Regarding the differences from the grim reaper characters seen in other works featuring actors such as Ha Jung Woo and Lee Dong Wook, he remarked, "I prepared by closely studying characters played by many seniors before me, but in 'Way Back Love,' the grim reaper character differs from the ones that many have seen before, and we researched that aspect within the script with the director, discussing the extent of Ram Woo's abilities as a grim reaper and how far the character should be showcased."
Director Kim Hye Young described the grim reaper as someone who offers opportunities, explaining, "In fantasy stories, grim reapers usually arrive announcing, 'You will die at this time, let's go,' but in our work, it's about memories and love that can never be turned back. While it's hard to predict what the past was like, the grim reaper offers opportunities for the future, with a broad heart." She praised Gong Myoung, saying, "This is our first project together after his military service. He returned as a handsome man. Before, he was cute, and the part capturing him as a grim reaper is filled with wonderful moments portraying him after his service. I believe he grew alongside me, and I frequently reached out to him, commenting, 'You're doing pretty well!'"
Kim Min Ha also expressed about the chemistry between the two leading actors, stating, "We matched really well. It felt very natural. Whether filming past scenes or those four years later, I found myself immersed without needing to force it. So during our school days, I was in the school uniform, fooling around and playing as a student. I only have good memories of fun times. When we were going through the scenes, we hadn't discussed the characters in-depth before, but on set, it all immediately made sense. There were moments when looking into each other's eyes felt like we were having our hearts torn apart, and the more we rehearsed, the more we naturally relied on each other. In terms of that, he was an impeccable co-actor."
Gong Myoung shared, "The focal point of our work is certainly our chemistry, and I am proud of it. The harmony was wonderful. No matter where I go, I always say Kim Min Ha is fantastic. I constantly talk about how adorable and charming she is, and even on set, just by looking, I could immerse myself in the scene, making collaborating with her very emotional. In terms of chemistry, we matched extremely well."
Regarding the possibility of being called the 'first love icon,' Kim Min Ha asserted, "If you watch, the first love icon is Gong Myoung, and I am the unrequited love icon. Hee Wan writes a letter to Ram Woo and loves him," to which Gong Myoung playfully countered, "I have a different opinion. If you watch this work, it's perfectly fine for that descriptor to belong to Min Ha."
Oh Woo Ri shared his thoughts on the focal points of the drama, stating, "I believe each character has their own chemistry, which I found enjoyable," while Jung Gun Joo remarked, "I'm thankful that we can present a work that feels like a beautiful spring day. The story consists of vibrant youths, so I hope everyone can take a lot of good energy from it," and Kim Min Ha added, "I hope it can provide much comfort. I believe a single line of dialogue will resonate strongly. The narration is abundant, and I really love it. Those words will be one of the elements to enjoy."
Kim Min Ha expressed a wish for her character to provide comfort to those who are longing for someone, stating her desire, "I hope it brings a lot of comfort. Everyone experiences different stages of sadness and longing. Ultimately, all those emotions and stages are simply love, and many people share those experiences, which is why I want to convey that we are all together in this. I believe many will feel that way. If there are those who miss someone dearly, I hope they miss them even more and love them wholeheartedly. This was the hope I held while portraying Hee Wan."
Finally, Director Kim Hye Young concluded, "I hope many people will watch our story and enjoy the warm comfort it offers. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Director Noh Deok, who worked with us as a creator, and express my gratitude to all the staff and actors for their hard work, which made it possible to finish the project well. I appreciate your continued interest."
Gong Myoung emphasized, "This is a work with significant meaning for me. It's my first project after being discharged from the military, and it has also provided me with much comfort. I hope many viewers can feel the freshness of youth while also receiving lyrical warmth and poignant comfort from it," while Jung Gun Joo added, "Personally, I found a lot of healing and comfort while filming, and it presented me with numerous opportunities for acting challenges. I hope to show a different side through this project, so I urge everyone to watch it."
[Photo] OSEN's Ji Hyung Joon
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