The script reading for SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama Shinsegae, which has generated heated anticipation even before airing due to the meeting of Joseon villainess Lim Ji-yeon and ruthless chaebol Heo Nam-jun, has been revealed and is already a hot topic.
SBS's new Friday-Saturday drama Shinsegae, which premieres in May (directed by Han Tae-seop / written by Kang Hyun-joo / produced by StudioS, Gil Pictures), is a romantic comedy drama like a powder keg about unknown actress Shin Seori, who becomes "vicious" after being possessed by the soul of a notorious Joseon villainess, and ruthless chaebol Cha Segye, who is called a monster of capitalism.
Director Han Tae-seop, who directed the dramas Stove League and Cheer Up, teamed up with rising writer Kang Hyun-joo, and reliable actor Lim Ji-yeon (Kang Dan-sim/Shin Seori) and Heo Nam-jun (Cha Segye) promise their first romantic pairing, drawing intense interest.
Meanwhile, the script reading scene for Shinsegae was suddenly revealed and drew attention. Present at the script reading were Lim Ji-yeon (Kang Dan-sim/Shin Seori), Heo Nam-jun (Cha Segye), Jang Seung-jo (Choi Mun-do), Kim Min-seok (Baek Gwang-nam), Lee Se-hee (Yoon Ji-hyo), Chae Seo-an (Mo Tae-hee), Yun Joo-sang (Cha Dal-soo), Yoon Byung-hee (Son Jae-han), Jung Young-ju (Cha Joo-ran), Baek Eun-hye (Cha Joo-mi), Baik Jiwon (Hong Bu-seon), Park Jin-woo (Assistant manager Koo), Oh Min-ae (Geum bosal), and special appearance by Kim Hae-sook (Nam Ok-soon), among others, featuring veteran actors across generations who promise vivid character portrayals and tight chemistry.
Lim Ji-yeon heated up the set from the start with the weighty first line, "What on earth is my sin!," and in the role of Shin Seori, an unknown Korean actress possessed by Joseon's notorious villainess Kang Dan-sim, Lim Ji-yeon perfectly portrayed the lovable survivalist malice of a Joseon villainess who suddenly falls into Korea overnight, breathing life into the character. Curiosity soars over what Lim Ji-yeon's take on the Joseon villainess, which is sure to captivate Korea in 2026, will be like.
Meanwhile, Heo Nam-jun made a strong impression as Cha Segye, the unrivaled heir of the powerful Chail Group. Heo Nam-jun charmingly completed the unexpected side of Cha Segye, the so-called entitled crown prince who is helplessly swayed whenever he stands in front of Shin Seori, increasing the drama's entertainment. Above all, the rapid back-and-forth line delivery between Lim Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun, which was hard to believe was their first time working together, displayed top-notch absorbency as it swung between laughter, thrill and tension, heightening expectations for the vicious synergy of Joseon villainess Lim Ji-yeon and ruthless chaebol Heo Nam-jun.
Jang Seung-jo, who plays Choi Mun-do, Cha Segye's fifth-degree relative, delicately expressed a cold duality that hides ambition beneath a gentle and mild exterior, amplifying the tension. In addition, Kim Min-seok appears as Baek Gwang-nam, a job seeker who becomes connected to Shin Seori by chance, adding humor with his down-to-earth acting. Lee Se-hee plays Yoon Ji-hyo, Shin Seori's rival and a top star, creating an enemy chemistry with Lim Ji-yeon that brings laughs. Chae Seo-an, who plays Mo Tae-hee, the third daughter of the Mochang Group, exudes an aloof yet mysterious aura that piques curiosity about what variable she will introduce to Cha Segye and Shin Seori's romance.
In addition, Yun Joo-sang, Yoon Byung-hee, Jung Young-ju, Baek Eun-hye, Baik Jiwon, Park Jin-woo, Oh Min-ae and special appearance by Kim Hae-sook completed a flawless acting ensemble, solidly building the drama's universe. In particular, the actors' passionate performances that brought out the flavor of the lines shone, and it was reported that laughter didn't stop throughout the script reading.
The Shinsegae production team said, "It was a script reading with such perfect harmony that it's hard to believe it was the first meeting," and added, "Please pay a lot of attention to Shinsegae, which will make hearts pound with the top-tier lineup of actors — Lim Ji-yeon, Heo Nam-jun, Jang Seung-jo, Kim Min-seok, Lee Se-hee, Chae Seo-an, Yun Joo-sang, Yoon Byung-hee, Jung Young-ju, Baek Eun-hye, Baik Jiwon, Park Jin-woo, Oh Min-ae and Kim Hae-sook — for their passionate performances and chemistry," raising expectations for Shinsegae.
Meanwhile, SBS's new drama Shinsegae premieres in May.
[Photo] SBS Shinsegae
[OSEN]