"Love, Take Two" will spread a thrilling virus in the living rooms this hot summer.
On the afternoon of the 30th, an online production presentation for tvN's new Monday-Tuesday drama "Love, Take Two" was held. The director Yum Jae-won, along with the lead actors Yum Jung-ah, Park Hae-joon, Choi Yoon-ji, and Kim Min-kyu, faced the press ahead of the first broadcast.
With the first broadcast set for August 4th, "Love, Take Two" depicts the story of single mother Lee Ji-an (played by Yum Jung-ah), who unexpectedly enters a new phase of life, and her medical student daughter Lee Hyori (played by Choi Yoon-ji), as they choose to embrace today's happiness rather than waiting for tomorrow, telling a story of first love, not an end. The story is filled with moments that are sometimes lighthearted, sometimes touching, and occasionally heartwarming.
Director Yum Jae-won noted, "While our drama covers themes similar to family love and friendships, we focused more on the mother-daughter relationship. What is the relationship between a mother and daughter? I am also curious about the comma in the title. I wonder if it emphasizes the words 'first' and 'love' by inserting a pause. I think this drama will be about finding the answers to these questions."
Commenting on the character names, which are the same as celebrities like Hyori, Jeong-seok, Ji-an, and Bo-hyeon, he shyly smiled, saying, "That was not my intention. The writer wrote it, so it shows intent. However, it wasn't my doing." He added, "In the case of Lee Hyori, there's a story about the name that will come up later," raising expectations.
Yum Jung-ah plays the role of Lee Ji-an, a single mom who has lived strongly with confidence. She strikingly balances the charisma of a construction supervisor while becoming increasingly soft when it comes to her daughter Lee Hyori (played by Choi Yoon-ji). She is a character who, despite being her everything and pride, faces her daughter's late rebelliousness and unexpectedly falls in love, stepping into a new life.
Yum Jung-ah stated, "The script was very interesting. Everyone wanted to work with the director. When my fellow actors found out I was working with him, they were envious. I'm happy to be part of this wonderful drama at this great opportunity. I related a lot to the mother-daughter relationship. As a mom raising a child, I really empathized when my daughter was being difficult and not listening to me," she said.
Park Hae-joon plays the role of Ryu Jeong-seok, a prickly architectural designer and Lee Ji-an's first love. He is a single dad living alone with his son Ryu Bo-hyeon (played by Kim Min-kyu), and although he is aloof and cold, he is completely disarmed in front of Lee Ji-an. He previously moved audiences to tears and laughter in the Netflix series "When Life Gives You Tangerines," and with the character Ryu Jeong-seok, he solidified his title as a romantic lead in his 50s.
Park Hae-joon remarked, "Both characters fundamentally overflow with care and love for others. However, Yang Gwan-sik was straightforward by nature, while Ryu Jeong-seok is a person who closed his heart. He gradually opens up and starts to feel excitement. They are a bit different from each other, but fundamentally they are both really good people," adding, "I feel shy now, so I'm starting to plan my moves slowly."
About the casting, Director Yum Jae-won said, "I wanted to see both Yum Jung-ah and Park Hae-joon together. Ji-an has many emotional expressions, and the transitions are quick. It can be burdensome, but Yum Jung-ah is comfortable with deep acting and naturally expresses a good rhythm. For Jeong-seok, my hope was for a character who felt rough yet authentic, and Park Hae-joon fits that perfectly. He may seem a bit quirky, but his words leave a mark in the heart. It's a natural charm. I'm fortunate to have actors who fit their roles."
Choi Yoon-ji transformed into the embodiment of Lee Hyori, transitioning from a diligent medical student to a rebellious, free-spirited youth. Her life has been one of resilience, but she suddenly embarks on the greatest adventure of her life, expressing her complex emotions in a vibrant manner. Having previously made a name for herself in works like "Resident Playbook," "Trunk," and "Love Is on a Narrow Bridge," she has now earned her first leading role title.
Choi Yoon-ji said, "I'm very nervous and trembling since I'm taking on my first leading role. I've learned a lot. My seniors have taken great care of me, and I'm happy to be filming. Lee Hyori is cold, but she isn't stoic; she knows a lot and is mature for her age. There's warmth in her. I've talked a lot with my mom in real life. I asked her how she talks when I make her upset and how she thinks I would feel if I acted this way. She said that I was weak," she smiled brightly.
Kim Min-kyu plays Ryu Jeong-seok's son, Ryu Bo-hyeon, who holds the title of a determined young farmer. Ryu Bo-hyeon begins to develop new feelings due to Lee Hyori, who parks her camper in front of his house. Expectations are already rising for the refreshing youth romance with Choi Yoon-ji and the visual chemistry with Park Hae-joon.
Kim Min-kyu mentioned, "I was re-watching 'Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha' multiple times when I had a meeting with the director, so I prepared diligently. I wanted to do something with the director after reviewing all his works. Did I sync with the character? At first, I didn't think I resembled him much, but as time went on, I started to see the resemblance. Choi Yoon-ji is incredibly charming. She always acted sincerely and connected with me. I hope that when we think of a first love couple in summer 2025, it'll be Hyori and Bo-hyeon."
Director Yum Jae-won stated, "Choi Yoon-ji and Kim Min-kyu auditioned but passed because they acted well and fairly. I hope Lee Hyori gets supported, but Choi Yoon-ji does too. She is genuine and has a big heart. If Choi Yoon-ji plays this role, the audience will likely think, 'I hope it goes well.'"
He continued, "Watching Kim Min-kyu, I made a resolution not to be swayed by his looks. With looks like his, I thought he might be lacking in acting skills, but he did so well. It was surprising. His attitude was proper and neat, and he did a great job. He has a very good gaze when looking at people. When Kim Min-kyu smiles, the staff smiles too," he added happily.
The story, which is sometimes lighthearted and sometimes heartwarming or touching, will come to the living rooms on August 4th.
[Photo] tvN
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