Actors Lee Mi-Sook and Kang Sukwoo present deep emotions shaped by the years and an adult romance through In Your Radiant Season.
MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama In Your Radiant Season, scheduled to premiere at 9:50 p.m. on the 20th (planning Namgung Seongwoo, script Cho Seonghee, directed by Jeong Sanghee, Kim Youngjae, produced by Pan Entertainment) tells an unpredictable "radiant" romance about Chan, a man who lives every day like an exciting summer vacation, and Ran, a woman who has locked herself in winter, who meet as if by fate and awaken frozen time.
Lee Mi-Sook plays Kim Nana, a first-generation fashion designer representing Korea and the head of "Nana Atelier." Firm in her principles and a perfectionist who has built her own world, Kim Nana is a character whose presence alone changes the atmosphere of a space. A leader who guides the organization with cold judgment and sharp insight and who has been responsible for her three granddaughters, she meets her first love again through an unexpected turn and faces a turning point in her life.
Kang Sukwoo plays Park Manjae, a barista who runs the cafe "Shwim" in a quiet alley. Retired and living a life with a slow rhythm, Manjae quietly listens to people's stories and is an adult who, by his very presence, provides comfort. With a constant warmth and composure, he experiences a second spring of life with long-time acquaintance Kim Nana through regular customer Song Haran.
Lee Mi-Sook said she chose the project because "the analog sensibility, which is rare these days, resonated with me," and added, "The narrative that calmly follows people's emotions and time felt more profound than a rapidly flowing story." She continued, "Kim Nana is a character whose time reflects a life lived faithfully, so as an actress I was naturally drawn to her." Kang Sukwoo also expressed his affection for the project, saying, "From my first meeting with the production team I had the impression that director Jeong Sanghee had prepared extensively for the work, and I naturally felt trust. The moment I read the script I could smell coffee from the character, and I was confident I could well express the unique sensibility of 'Chan-neogye.'"
Lee Mi-Sook cited "a sensibility that spans generations," "the present that preserves the portrait of youth," and "the responsibility of the head of the household" as keywords to describe the Kim Nana character. She explained, "Even as she ages, the fact that the emotions of her youth still live in her heart is Kim Nana's greatest charm," and added, "I felt that the sensibility of a grandmother who has protected her family beyond being a parent connects with today's reality."
Kang Sukwoo chose "coffee," "music," and "humanity" as keywords to describe Park Manjae, saying, "These three things show the character of Manjae best without special explanation. He is someone who quietly listens to others' stories."
Both actors commonly cited "empathy" as the point of interest for this work. Lee Mi-Sook said, "It is significant in that it is a drama families can watch together," and added, "There are clearly points in the work that each generation can relate to." Kang Sukwoo also said, "Not only the younger generation but the middle-aged and older can project their own love and lives onto the story," and added, "They will be able to feel vicarious satisfaction and warm comfort."
Notably, Lee Mi-Sook and Kang Sukwoo reunite on screen about 40 years after the film "Winter Traveler," drawing attention as they foreshadow a twilight romance. Lee Mi-Sook said, "I was so glad and there was a chemistry that communicated without words," and added, "On set I felt that as the years pass an actor's passion deepens." Kang Sukwoo said, "Meeting again as co-stars for the first time since the 1986 film "Winter Traveler" made my heart flutter," and expressed anticipation, saying, "This work will show deep love in middle and old age who have lived life well, not youthful infatuation."
Finally, Lee Mi-Sook said, "I met a drama that can embrace viewers after a long time," and asked, "I hope people watch it comfortably with their family or while reflecting on their own time." Kang Sukwoo requested much interest and anticipation, saying, "For viewers who have memories of 'Winter Traveler,' I hope it becomes a warm time to recall the past and reflect on their own lives."
Meanwhile, MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama In Your Radiant Season, which captures the emotions shaped by the years and the rekindled excitement of Lee Mi-Sook and Kang Sukwoo, will premiere at 9:50 p.m. on the 20th.
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