'First, for love' has confirmed the casting of Yum Jung-ah, Park Hae-jun, Choi Yoon-ji, and Kim Min-kyu and has begun filming.
Set to air in the second half of 2025, the tvN new drama 'First, for love' (directed by Yoo Je-won, written by SUNGWOO, produced by Studio Dragon and Showrunners) depicts the story of a single mom and her medical student daughter facing unexpected challenges in life and choosing to live for happiness today rather than tomorrow. Sometimes delightful and sometimes heartwarming, their gift-like story is expected to offer deep empathy and enjoyment. Director Yoo Je-won, known for his warm romances like 'Mom's Friend's Son,' 'One Hit Scandal,' and 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha,' takes the helm, with the talented writer SUNGWOO raising expectations.
Above all, attention is drawn to the meeting of Yum Jung-ah and Park Hae-jun, along with rising stars Choi Yoon-ji and Kim Min-kyu, who will richly explore themes from midlife romance to late-summer youthful excitement, and even family love.
Yum Jung-ah plays the role of 'Lee Ji-an,' a single mom who has lived strongly with confidence. A character who has faced a hard life full of challenges with a simple nature and resolute will, she is a construction site manager and a devoted mother to her daughter Lee Hyo-ri (played by Choi Yoon-ji), who becomes increasingly vulnerable. When her daughter, who is her pride and joy, starts to rebel, she begins to falter. At a moment when she thought life was in decline, an unexpected first love comes into play, leading to a new life.
Yum Jung-ah remarked, "I feel excited and thrilled as it seems like it will be a happy collaboration with good people," and added, "I will do my best to embody 'Lee Ji-an' during the time given," sharing heartfelt sentiments. Expectations are high for the transformation of Yum Jung-ah, known as an 'all-time legend' as she spans across films, dramas, and variety shows.
The role of 'Ryu Jung-seok,' Ji-an's first love and a prickly architectural designer, is played by Park Hae-jun. A single dad living with his son Bo-hyun (played by Kim Min-kyu), his peaceful life faces a shift when Ji-an and her daughter unexpectedly enter. While seeming cold and aloof, he becomes unexpectedly disarmed in front of Ji-an, as the forgotten innocence of his youth surfaces. Park Hae-jun, who has portrayed many iconic characters in works like 'When Life Gives You Tangerines,' 'The World of the Married,' and 'My Mister,' is anticipated to reveal a new side of himself as he returns as the first love lead.
Park Hae-jun expressed, "It's a warm story where the characters gradually open up to each other and heal their wounds," adding, "I am very much looking forward to working with Yum Jung-ah. I believe it will be a very enjoyable filming experience. I will work hard so that viewers can share a great experience with us."
The chemistry between rookie actors Choi Yoon-ji and Kim Min-kyu also adds to the anticipation. Choi Yoon-ji will play 'Lee Hyo-ri,' a rebellious youth who has transitioned from a proper medical student to a wandering free spirit. Despite having lived a tough life, she suddenly embarks on her biggest escapade and meets unexpected connections in a quiet seaside town. Choi Yoon-ji, who gained attention for her fresh image and solid acting in 'Love is a One-Way Bridge' and 'Trunk,' will showcase a special mother-daughter chemistry with Yum Jung-ah in 'First, for love.'
Choi Yoon-ji stated, "I am truly grateful to the director and writer for giving me this meaningful opportunity in a wonderful work. It is an honor and exciting to be able to work with respected Yum Jung-ah and Park Hae-jun," and continued, "I was deeply impressed when I first read the script. I will do my utmost to express the atmosphere of the work well and prepare thoroughly," sharing her ambitious commitment.
Kim Min-kyu plays 'Ryu Bo-hyun,' a center in the young farmer team and a radiant presence in the village. He is Ryu Jung-seok's son, who has found his passion and has been running a floral farm for six years. An experienced veteran in flower farming, he finds himself blooming new emotions when the 'Hyo-ri' character parks her camper in front of Bo-hyun's house. With his warm visuals, Kim Min-kyu is expected to capture the audience with his youthful charm. His fresh take on youthful romance is also sure to elevate excitement. Additionally, the synergy between the father-son duo Park Hae-jun and Kim Min-kyu is highly anticipated. Kim Min-kyu shared, "I am happy to act in a genre that I have always wanted to try. I feel very fortunate to work with wonderful directors, writers, and seniors."
Meanwhile, the new tvN drama 'First, for love' is set to air in the second half of 2025.
[Photo] Artist Company, Pleio Entertainment, PEACE, Kang Entertainment
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