Can 'Our Golden Days' continue following 'Our Golden Days' on KBS weekend dramas? Expectations are high since everyone from the director to the writer and actors is a 'box office guarantee.'
On the 6th, a production presentation for KBS2's new weekend drama 'Our Golden Days' (written by So Hyun-kyung, directed by Kim Hyung-seok) was held at The Saint in Sindorim-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul. In attendance were director Kim Hyung-seok and actors Jung Il-woo, Jung In-sun, Yoon Hyun-min, Chun Ho-jin, Lee Tae-ran, Shin Soo-hyun, Son Sang-yeon, and Park Jung-yeon.
'Our Golden Days' tells the story of 'every human has their glorious days, whether in the present, past, or future. It is a generationally relatable family melodrama about glorious days that we encounter for different reasons.' Director Kim Hyung-seok, known for works like 'Oh My Venus,' 'My Golden Life,' and 'If You Cheat, You Die,' collaborates once again with writer So Hyun-kyung, following 'My Golden Life.'
Director Kim Hyung-seok said, 'Above all, I respect and trust writer So Hyun-kyung, and when the script came out, I was so pleased. I always approach filming with the mindset of how well I can blend So's delicate script into reality.' He added, 'I hope this work will become the father trilogy for writer So. The key difference from previous works is the generational conflict. It hasn't just been a topic for drama; there have been many discussions, and I hope debates arise through this work. I believe it will be good as a father trilogy.'
He continued, 'My goal is to break my own ratings record, but it would be a lie to say I don't have any ambitions. I hope it turns out to be an entertaining drama. Let's aim for 30%. It might be an empty promise, but I'm determined to work hard with that mindset. The certainty is that this is a good drama, and while there will be regrets, it will definitely be a valuable production.'
Lee Tae-ran mentioned regarding the ratings, 'Shows like 'The Legendary Seven Princesses' and 'Wang Family' had nearly 50% ratings, but things have changed a lot since then. I think 30% is similar to that time. I hope it works out, and as the Avengers team, I believe we will do well.' She expressed excitement, saying it is an opportunity to broaden her spectrum as an actress.
Jung Il-woo, returning to the small screen after about three years since the ENA drama 'Good Job,' greets home viewers with his first appearance in a KBS weekend drama. He plays the character Lee Ji-hyuk, recognized in every aspect of work and love. Though he has a leading and cool demeanor, he is also humorous. He appears glamorous on the outside, but after experiencing the lows of life, he overcomes challenges and seeks the true meaning of life.
Jung Il-woo said, 'Returning to KBS after 16 years put pressure on me, and after a three-year absence, my desire to act has grown. I have a connection with writer So Hyun-kyung through the work '49 Days,' and I'm shooting hard because she offered me a great piece.' He continued, 'As I reviewed the character and script structure that the director and writer had in mind, I feel I have improved my synchronization rate. Right now, I am acting as Lee Ji-hyuk, and I hope the viewers will watch and judge.'
Jung In-sun plays the role of Ji Eun-oh, a bright and cheerful cafe manager and interior designer. Despite difficult circumstances, Eun-oh keeps her passion alive and lives a life without regrets, staying by the side of Lee Ji-hyuk, whom she once liked, even after rejection. Jung In-sun, known for her realistic acting and delicate emotions in dramas like 'DNA Lover,' 'Still Not Thirty,' and 'Firefighters,' is expected to showcase another acting transformation in this piece.
Jung In-sun stated, 'The character Ji Eun-oh might seem like a typical candy character on the surface. Viewers may perceive it that way even after the first broadcast. However, amidst the typical expressions of a candy character, I am worried and discussing how to film, thinking about whether I have effectively portrayed it as Jung In-sun, my friend. I will strive to create a classic candy character that transcends the typical in my life.'
Yoon Hyun-min plays the perfect golden spoon Park Sung-jae, who grew up in a wealthy background, adding weight to the story. Sung-jae appears to lack nothing with ease and manners, but internally, he carries a deep loneliness. He feels a bond with Ji-hyuk and his family and will portray multidimensional emotions as he struggles between love and friendship. Attention is focused on Yoon Hyun-min, known for his strong performances in dramas like 'Deborah!' and 'That's Him.'
Yoon Hyun-min said, 'It was my first time meeting Jung Il-woo, but since we are close friends, I couldn't show any awkwardness. I remember well that during the first scene we shot together, they told us we looked like real friends. While my character might seem perfect, I didn't want to portray an obvious wealthy son. When the time comes for such a story to unfold, I will show it boldly.'
The chemistry of the love triangle among Jung Il-woo, Jung In-sun, and Yoon Hyun-min is a highlight of 'Our Golden Days.' Jung Il-woo shared, 'Having been best friends with Yoon Hyun-min since childhood, I had concerns about our chemistry. However, he was very accommodating and made it flow naturally, which I think reflected well on screen. With Jung In-sun, we are college alumni and have been close since childhood, so she has led well, and we are having fun filming.'
Yoon Hyun-min conveyed, 'Being with Jung Il-woo and Jung In-sun is fun. I enjoy the friendly atmosphere, and since we support each other, there are times when I don't want to go home even after a cut. We are creating it interestingly, and since we see each other every day, I hope the genuine chemistry shines through.' Then Jung In-sun added, 'I'm having a great time filming with these cool and fun older brothers. They tease me a lot. I have the role of the prickly fish, and they teasing me brings us closer, so I hope this chemistry shines through in the scenes. I'll work hard to play the prickly fish to represent our long-standing relationship.'
Chun Ho-jin plays the role of Lee Sang-cheol, the father of Lee Ji-hyuk (Jung Il-woo). Sang-cheol, a honest and responsible person, has worked silently to provide for his parents and family despite difficult circumstances, even challenging reemployment after retirement. However, when that fails, he feels the harsh realities of life. As the conflict deepens due to differing values with his son Ji-hyuk, he faces another trial in life.
Chun Ho-jin stated, 'I feel fortunate as an actor. My personality isn't great, but my surroundings are too good. When I first met Jung Il-woo, he approached me first without any awkwardness, which made me comfortable. I couldn't treat him to a meal due to lack of funds, but he came up and had meals with me, making filming easier.' Jung Il-woo expressed gratitude, saying, 'While preparing together for our performances, I thought a lot about the relationship between my father and me. Since I am also the eldest son, I wanted to get closer to my father, which he quickly helped me do. I want to express my gratitude for all the advice he has given me during our performances.'
Chun Ho-jin mentioned, 'While not necessarily a sense of mission, there is a responsibility. The reality is harsher than drama, and instead of expressing that harshness, it is the duty of the actors and producers to show 'aren't there such issues?' This becomes a proposal for how to address the current harsh realities. In that aspect, the role of weekend dramas is significant. Every work carries such a message, and I'm focusing on that aspect as we film 'Our Golden Days.'
Lee Tae-ran plays Park Sung-jae's (Yoon Hyun-min) stepmother, Go Sung-hee, showcasing a strong presence. Though she appears kind and elegant as the head of the group, she is a cold and selfish person who will stop at nothing for her own benefit. Her ambitions are likely to serve as a key driving force behind the main conflict of the story.
Lee Tae-ran remarked, 'On the surface, she seems like a warm and kind woman, but she has many secrets. I wonder if I can express the lies and truths well, and while I can't reveal everything, Go Sung-hee has an instinctive ability to appeal to others. When she sets her mind to it, she can turn anyone to her side. The real Lee Tae-ran is very different from Go Sung-hee, so I've puzzled over how to portray her. I prepared with various advice, and while it's a challenging role, I trust the writer and am trying to follow along as best I can.'
Shin Soo-hyun plays Lee Soo-bin, the younger sister of Lee Ji-hyuk and the youngest daughter of Lee Sang-cheol. Soo-bin is cheerful and pretty, possessing a sharp personality that never allows her to be taken advantage of. She aims for social elevation through meeting a man who is well-rounded in looks, personality, and skills while pursuing her career as a YouTuber, but reality proves to be far from easy.
Shin Soo-hyun said, 'Preparing for the Soo-bin role wasn't too difficult. I am currently a YouTuber, and Soo-bin and I are both aspiring stars. Up until now, I have frequently played student roles in various projects. It's my first time portraying a family in a work, which is nice since I have parents in the drama. It's been very easy to prepare.'
Son Sang-yeon plays Lee Ji-wan, the younger brother of Ji-hyuk and the second son of Sang-cheol. Ji-wan has a strong physique with a pure and earnest character. He dreams of marrying his girlfriend of three years but struggles with economic issues, leading to a loss of motivation in life.
Son Sang-yeon noted, 'From the auditioning stage, I found that Ji-wan's character is very similar to my actual self. I saw passionate aspects of him, resembling a fool while always sincere, which struck me during the audition. I passionately emphasized my appeal to the director and worked hard, forgoing service jobs and part-time work. Ji-wan is a professional trainer in the drama, and I've built my body for that role. As a thirty-something actor, this is my first genuine romance, and I am filming diligently.'
Park Jung-yeon plays Park Young-ra, the half-sister of Park Sung-jae (Yoon Hyun-min) and the daughter of Go Sung-hee (Lee Tae-ran) and Park Jin-seok (Park Sung-keun). Young-ra grew up under her mother Sung-hee's strict control with a demure and calm personality. Trapped by the title of 'promising young artist,' she experiences a deviation after meeting Lee Ji-wan (Son Sang-yeon).
Park Jung-yeon shared, 'Young-ra is a character that is hard to find in reality. There are many differences between her and me, which has led to much contemplation. I have talked a lot with the director and writer regarding the character, and I am still doing so. Young-ra has many shifts from her initial image, becoming more surprising and interesting. She's a growth character who, having grown up in a closed environment, experiences several events, revealing intense emotions she wasn't aware of, making her fascinating to observe.'
KBS2's new weekend drama 'Our Golden Days' will premiere on the 9th at 8 p.m.
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