The watercolor-like drama 'My girlfriend is a guy' is coming to viewers to help them survive the sweltering summer.
On the 23rd, KBS2 held an online press conference for the new Wednesday-Thursday drama 'My girlfriend is a guy' (written by Lee Hae-na, directed by Yoo Kwan-mo). The attendees included director Yoo Kwan-mo, Yoon San-ha, Arin, Yoo Jeong-hoo, and Chu.
'My girlfriend is a guy' is a piece based on the popular webtoon of the same name, featuring a romantic comedy about girlfriend Kim Ji-eun (Arin), who suddenly becomes a handsome boy overnight, and her boyfriend Park Yoon-jae (Yoon San-ha), who cannot give up on such a girlfriend. The original webtoon has also been published in Chinese and Thai, proving its global popularity beyond Korea.
Director Yoo Kwan-mo, who has proven his vibrant directing skills through works like 'Police Class', 'Woman of 99 Billion', and 'Perfume', collaborates with rookie writer Lee Hae-na, who adds depth to the original. This combination is expected to enhance the fun of the original while providing unique emotion and laughs.
Director Yoo Kwan-mo said, "In short, I want to call it a watercolor. I want to describe it as a watercolor that depicts K-Youth in the summer of 2025. The story is not only about whether the two protagonists can keep their love while in trouble, but also includes diverse episodes that deal with themes of friendship and family. I especially hope for the interest and viewership from overseas audiences, as there will be plenty to see. I hope it will be remembered as a really fun drama this summer vacation."
Director Yoo noted the differences from the original, saying, "There was a first planner to adapt the webtoon into a drama, which I thought was a smart idea. There were concerns about airing it in the Korean drama market, so we planned it smartly from the design stage to be light, fun, and easily accessible for everyone. We utilized Ji-eun. Although she appears as a boy through imagination and flashbacks, I don't think very few people would interpret it as a BL (Boys' Love) story from Yoon-jae's perspective. I believe it will be a fun fantasy romantic comedy."
'My girlfriend is a guy' also draws attention with its star lineup of Yoon San-ha, Arin, Yoo Jeong-hoo, and Chu. Director Yoo said, "After reviewing the script and considering the right images and acting abilities, I looked for actors through auditions, and it turned out they were idols. It wasn't that we were only trying to cast idols. Thanks to that, it became a hot topic, and as you will see in the drama, the synchronization for each role is over 200%. That's how we met the four Avengers."
Director Yoo added, "I felt like idols are superhumans. Even with a lot of schedules and busy times, their stamina doesn't drop, and they are active on set without any NGs in their lines, and they perform their roles in great detail, which was surprising."
Chu said, "Because we have the same profession, I had faith that I could rely on them more, and everyone made me feel supported, allowing me to comfortably take on acting again after a long time. There were interesting ad-libs, and we created fun scenes by discussing things with each other. I think we were able to create chemistry together," while Arin mentioned, "We have often crossed paths at music shows, and Yoon San-ha and I are also debut mates. I shared a stage with Chu at the end of the year, but when we were filming, I could only see Park Yoon-jae and Min-ju. So, we immersed ourselves in our characters to the point that we didn't think about how we looked on stage." Yoon San-ha added, "The breathing was really good. Even from the first meeting, we understood and supported each other without needing to say a word. Since we have spent a lot of time on stage, the concentration and emotional expression we practiced there came out in our acting, creating good chemistry together."
Yoon San-ha plays Park Yoon-jae, a diligent K son studying astronomy at Yeonhee University, whose girlfriend suddenly transforms into a boy due to family genetics. Having debuted as an actor with the web drama 'To Be Continued' during his time with ASTRO in 2015, Yoon San-ha skillfully portrays Park Yoon-jae, experiencing a clash of emotions based on his extensive experience from works like 'Soul Plate', 'Love Formula 11M', 'Your Playlist', 'Crazy Love', and 'TV Cinema Suun-jab-bang', solidifying his position as a next-generation male lead in romantic comedy dramas.
Taking on his first leading role, Yoon San-ha said, "When I first saw the script, the title itself made me wonder if a girlfriend could have a guy's personality, but there was a twist. I was also curious about the situation that Yoon-jae finds himself in. I felt a strong desire to act, which led me to take on the challenge. It was so fresh that I was able to read the script smoothly right then," he added, "After finishing filming around last Christmas, I was curious about the airing schedule, and I was happy yet worried when I heard about KBS's broadcasting news. This being my first leading role, I felt that there were some scenes I regretted, so I want to become a deeper and better actor."
Arin, who previously showcased steady acting in dramas like 'Alchemy of Souls', 'Alchemy of Souls: Light and Shadow', and 'Opening 2023-Summer, Love Machine Blues', rises as the top-tier female lead in the romantic comedy realm through 'My girlfriend is a guy'. Kim Ji-eun, played by Arin, is Park Yoon-jae's girlfriend, who suddenly transforms into a handsome boy due to family genetics, and Arin presents a character that richly portrays love, spontaneity, and confusion.
Arin said, "I really wanted to do a rom-com, and reading the fun and refreshing script excited me. I wondered, 'Do I have to play a male role?' as I watched the scene where I transform into a boy, so I was uncertain about how to approach it, but Yoo Jeong-hoo did an amazing job, making it fun." As Arin, who is also active as an actor in 'S-Line', noted, "Many works are coming out around the same time, and since the genres are different, it will be interesting to see the differences. If 'S-Line' leans more towards dark and provocative, then 'My girlfriend is a guy' offers a fresh and bright story that fits the current weather, so I hope viewers will enjoy that aspect."
Yoo Jeong-hoo undergoes a dramatic transformation as Kim Ji-eun's 'biological alternate character', Kim Ji-hoon. Kim Ji-hoon, who becomes a boy due to Kim Ji-eun's family genetics, faces significant crises in his love with Park Yoon-jae and in his relationships with those around him. Yoo Jeong-hoo, who has actively showcased his talents across genres from web dramas like 'Bad Girl Friend', 'New Romance Playlist', and 'Cheongdam International High School' to the drama 'Ashi Durian', is garnering attention for how he will express the handsome boy Kim Ji-hoon who embodies Kim Ji-eun's inner self.
Yoo Jeong-hoo said, "When I first read the script, the concept of a girl transforming into a boy was fresh. I worried about whether I could perform this role, but I thought I would grow by taking on a challenging character. The script was so interesting that it flowed smoothly. I believe the visuals will also be enjoyable. Beyond being a light rom-com, it is a healing drama that encapsulates complex elements like family love and friendships, allowing people of all ages to enjoy it."
Although Yoo Jeong-hoo is male, he had to act out feminine aspects, explaining, "As I am still a rookie, I don't have much experience with roles. Kim Ji-hoon, being a rare character with a female inner self, made it difficult to capture emotions given that the other character is male; it was challenging due to having to portray a female inner self. The way a male and female express emotions in the same situation differs, so I spoke often with Arin when I felt confused about embodying Kim Ji-eun's inner self."
Arin said, "I tried to match the subtle details. I'm left-handed, but Yoo Jeong-hoo is right-handed, so I attempted to adjust that aspect as well. Yoo Jeong-hoo was very considerate, and I think by watching the footage I shot, we matched well, leading to good quality." To this, Yoo Jeong-hoo responded, "Since the essence is Kim Ji-eun, I believed it was right for me to adjust to her character. So rather than thinking 'what if it were me?', I approached it as 'what if it were Kim Ji-eun?', and I even visited a nail shop for the first time, as I wanted to manage my appearance externally as well."
Chu appears as Kang Min-joo, a hot girl at Yeonhee University who has unrequited feelings for Park Yoon-jae. Following her role as a lead in tvN D's 'Necessary Dating Education', Chu organically blends into the character of Kang Min-joo, intensifying the tension of the drama through her intertwined relationships with Park Yoon-jae (Yoon San-ha), Kim Ji-eun (Arin), and Kim Ji-hoon (Yoo Jeong-hoo).
Chu stated, "The story was so fresh and engaging that I read the script with interest. I was nervous about the challenge of acting after such a long time, but since my peers were of a similar age, I could act more comfortably. Reading the script and imagining how I would approach the unrequited love process made me feel like the character I love. So, I took on the challenge with confidence, and I hope viewers will find it appealing."
After about six years, Chu faces acting again, saying, "I'm nervous and excited to be back in acting, especially for a serious role. I was worried about whether I could take on this character, which was fascinating because it represents what I wanted to be during my school years—a queen that everyone wants to experience at least once. I could showcase the aspects I imagined in a queen, which was intriguing. Expressing myself freely was great and enjoyable due to the similarities I found with the character. I hope that Min-joo will come across as an appealing and vibrant hot girl to viewers."
Moreover, Chu added, "Kang Min-joo and I share similarities in that even if she has worries, she doesn't outwardly show it, but inside she is confused, with a clear emotional line. Going a bit deeper, she is proactive and earnestly pursues what she desires, which I wanted to emulate. The differences come from the fact that while Min-joo is a character who seems chic on the outside but is soft inside, I, on the other hand, am cool on both the outside and inside."
The production team reportedly expressed reactions like, 'Did Chu act this well?' Chu noted, "I saw that interview, and I think they commented on us so affectionately. The atmosphere on set was good, and the synergy was great, allowing us to participate joyfully. I think that sincerity came through well."
How would one respond if a real-life partner suddenly changed genders? Yoon San-ha said, "I think I would be taken aback, and if they were a close friend, I don't think my feelings would change. I think I would act like Yoon-jae." Arin added, "There would be many surprising and confusing elements, but just because the gender has changed, it doesn't mean that person has changed. I would try my best to love them while remembering their original self." Yoo Jeong-hoo commented, "The first reaction would probably be like Yoon-jae's, but if they prove themselves, I think there would be confusion. I don't think I would know until I experienced it myself," he laughed. Chu remarked, "I believe it would depend on how much one cares for the person. Since it's not only a change in gender but also an inner shift, if the heart is important, I would try as Yoon-jae does. Otherwise, I think no matter how much effort is put in, a breakup might happen."
Audience ratings are also a concerning aspect. Director Yoo Kwan-mo stated, "I believe that public interest is more important than audience ratings. If it does well, I would like to create a season 2 and make a different version with the current cast." Yoon San-ha responded, "We have never discussed ratings among the actors, but I hope it sparks a lot of interest. I hope it becomes a work that provides good energy to both the broadcast station and the actors. I wish for a miracle that brings over 10%. If that happens, I would like to create opportunities to meet with our viewers."
Arin shared, "If we get to go on a reward trip, it means we have done well, and I hope the whole team can heal in a good place, given how much effort we put in. If we achieve the figures necessary for that reward trip, I will treat everyone to a good meal." Yoo Jeong-hoo added, "I believe viewers watch our work through OTT platforms, so I don't think viewership and quality are directly related. However, I hope our drama holds strong ratings and if it reaches 10%, I would like to conduct a fan meeting in Korea since KBS is a public broadcaster."
Chu expressed, "I want to aim for a 12% rating. If we reach that, I wish to create drama merchandise to gift to our viewers. Each character has cute symbolic items, and I really want to make those as gifts."
'My girlfriend is a guy', which is set to be a refreshing and exciting romantic comedy for the hot summer, raises expectations. Chu said, "The unique and vibrant story seems to completely erase the heat. Please look forward to how the characters navigate situations and showcase their chemistry." Yoo Jeong-hoo mentioned, "Since there are various elements, I hope when you come home after work and watch, you can find healing." Arin commented, "For those who enjoy fantasy, I think they will find it fun. If you are looking for a refreshing, fun, and exciting genre this summer, please check out 'My girlfriend is a guy.'" Yoon San-ha concluded, "Since each character is in different situations, it would be interesting to ponder 'What would I have done?'."
Director Yoo Kwan-mo described it as "a kind and warm drama that is rarely seen these days, and while all viewers might have concerns, it is a drama that everyone can watch comfortably, being a gentle drama suited for the whole family, so I hope you all watch it."
KBS2's new Wednesday-Thursday drama 'My girlfriend is a guy' premieres on the 23rd at 9:50 p.m.
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