"Sexy Tsundere" Kang Hoon vs "Idol" Cha Woo-min: Kim Hye-jun's Secret Fandom Life in "My Favorite Employee" [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

'My Favorite Employee' features Kim Hye-jun caught between 'sexy tsundere' company CEO Kang Hoon and 'idol' Cha Woo-min, facing a happy dilemma.

On the afternoon of the 28th, tvN's Monday-Tuesday drama "My Favorite Employee" (script by Lee Young and Kim Ji-an, directed by Park Ji-hyun and Jung Da-hyeong) held an online production presentation. Director Park Ji-hyun, actors Kang Hoon, Kim Hye-jun, and Cha Woo-min attended.

'My Favorite Employee' is a drama depicting the office growth romance of Nam Da-reum, a new employee who becomes 'My Favorite Employee' while trying to meet her favorite idol. In the drama, Nam Da-reum (played by Kim Hye-jun) has been an enthusiastic fan of Lee Chan (played by Cha Woo-min), the favorite member of idol group D.N.X, for 12 years. To fulfill her dream as a devoted fan, she joins Apello, a company co-founded by Lee Chan and Kang Ha-ki (played by Kang Hoon). Nam Da-reum, who dreamed of working alongside her favorite idol, is set to spend each day filled with excitement between the newly hired CEO Kang Ha-ki and her favorite Lee Chan.

Director Park Ji-hyun introduced "My Favorite Employee" as "the extraordinary daily commute log of Nam Da-reum, who ran toward her favorite idol to become a true 'favorite employee'."

'My Favorite Employee' is based on the popular webtoon of the same name. The original webtoon achieved 660 million cumulative global views, sparking a worldwide phenomenon, so the drama's production announcement immediately drew intense interest.

Director Park highlighted the differences between the original and the drama: "I felt warmth while reading the original work. I tried to implement many of its sincere elements." She added, "Since drama is a complex medium, we added settings that better showcase relationships." She further explained, "We aimed to show characters supporting each other within their relationships. We also sought to balance realistic workplace life with fantasy elements."

When asked about the casting reasons for the three lead actors, she said, "All three had perfect synergy. Actor Kang Hoon actually projected a warm image, like a puppy, which contrasted well with his previous cold characters. I thought he could showcase diverse aspects. After seeing his clumsy charm and quick wit in variety shows, I wondered how fun it would be if these three charms were combined in one work, so I submitted the script."

She continued, "I once saw a behind-the-scenes making of Kim Hye-jun's work where she was covered in blood yet looked incredibly bright. As a real person, she seemed warm, lovable, and full of bright energy. In 'My Favorite Employee,' I thought Da-reum could appear fantastical yet realistic, with the power to convey that, and I also felt her loveliness."

Director Park stated about Cha Woo-min: "He had two sides: the visual of an idol and a character who has been acting for 10 years. When expressionless, he appeared mysterious and cold, but when smiling, he had a lively and pretty idol face. His voice also had a low tone with a bright, cheerful point when laughing."

Kang Hoon explained his character Kang Ha-ki in "My Favorite Employee": "He is the CEO of Apello, meticulous at work, and things start to go awry after Nam Da-reum joins." Regarding Nam Da-reum, he said, "She becomes a fan of Chan oppa, then joins the company where Chan oppa works. There she meets the CEO and faces a happy dilemma between the CEO and Chan oppa." Cha Woo-min described his character Lee Chan: "He was once part of an extremely successful idol group but carries pain from a series of incidents. He is currently at the company as a solo artist and grows after meeting Nam Da-reum."

Regarding points he focused on while acting, Kang Hoon said, "As the CEO of a fashion platform, I researched extensively how such a role works and how they dress to align with the character." He added, "I pondered why someone would gradually approach me when someone approaches me, and why I might avoid people, which informed my performance." He also noted, "My perfectionist nature and strong planning-oriented J personality resemble Kang Ha-ki."

Kim Hye-jun is showcasing her first romantic comedy since debut. She said, "I was both excited and burdened. I thought I needed to prepare well, but thanks to the two actors and the director, I could do my best."

Cha Woo-min reportedly practiced dancing extensively to authentically portray an idol's appearance. He stated, "I began dance practice as soon as I joined the production. The choreography scenes were filmed later in the schedule. Eventually, the movements became so ingrained that any changes confused me. I truly respect idols." Kang Hoon remarked, "Woo-min had a lot to prepare. Seeing him always practicing even on his days off made him look tired." In response, Cha Woo-min said, "When I had stage scenes, (Kang Hoon and Kim Hye-jun) came directly to cheer for me."

Kang Hoon praised the chemistry with his co-stars as a "perfect team." Kim Hye-jun said, "We became each other's favorites," while Cha Woo-min added, "There was consideration." Specifically regarding Kang Hoon's character, Cha Woo-min commented, "He is a sexy tsundere. He acts cool but is warm. Actually, he has a great sense of humor. He is funny both on set and off." Kang Hoon responded, "Woo-min looks different from me but handsome. Also, he approaches elders comfortably without hesitation. I wanted to emulate that. His maturity beyond his age was also appealing."

When asked what makes the best leader, Kang Hoon replied, "The CEO who exchanges cards at company dinners and leaves quickly." Kim Hye-jun was then asked if she had ever been a fan of someone in real life. She said, "I was a K-pop idol fan during my school days. Every lunch break, I watched music videos with friends." She added, "During talent shows, I performed girl group songs. I imitated Girls' Generation and Wonder Girls. Unfortunately, I wasn't the center."

Kim Hye-jun shared, "I initially struggled to find the right tone while acting, but the director and two actors made me laugh before each take." Cha Woo-min also said, "Thanks to Hyo-jun unnie, I was able to find my tone. Kang Hoon hyung is really funny." Kang Hoon joked, "My style is to make people laugh so I can sleep comfortably at home."

Regarding viewing points for "My Favorite Employee," Director Park stated, "It's a fresh drama with the excitement of fandom, fans, and fan love. It also shows workplace life and success stories that viewers can relate to, along with a journey of self-discovery."

'My Favorite Employee' will premiere on August 3 at 8:45 p.m.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.