The Last Gift Left by the Late An Pan-seok: 'Yeon Ae (Dr.)'… "If Ratings Exceed 10%, We Will Perform a Congratulatory Song" [Comprehensive]

*This content was translated by AI.

The final work of the late director An Pan-seok, 'Yeon Ae (Dr.)', is set to reach viewers' living rooms.

On the afternoon of the 2nd, the production press conference for ENA's new Monday-Tuesday drama 'Yeon Ae (Dr.)' was held at Seoul CGV Yongsan iPark Mall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Choo Young-woo, Kim So-hyun, Kim Min-seok, Lee Chang-hoon, Im Jin-hyo, and Executive Producer (EP) Kim Hyun-jung attended the event.

'Yeon Ae (Dr.)' tells the story of Park Min-jae (played by Choo Young-woo), a doctoral student who was a swimmer in high school but lost one leg due to illness, and Im Yu-jin (played by Kim So-hyun), a master's student who wandered after losing her direction in life before embarking on a new path.

EP Kim stated, "Director An Pan-seok and screenwriter Min Hyo-jeong reunited for the first time in 25 years. In an era where sensational materials are rampant and stories are consumed quickly, this is a rare drama that slowly follows the characters' emotions rather than focusing on events." She added, "Each episode has a climax, providing significant immersion. It is a drama with the power to make viewers curious about the next episode."

Director An Pan-seok, who directed acclaimed melodramas such as 'Graduation', 'My Beautiful Bride', 'Spring Night', and 'Affair', took charge of directing, while screenwriter Min Hyo-jeong, who wrote 'Goyang in the Attic' and 'Full House', handled the script. Attention is also drawn to the fact that this is the final work of Director An, who passed away last August after battling a cerebral hemorrhage.

Accordingly, the actors took time to recall their work with the late director. Im Jin-hyo said, "This is my third project with the director. My first acting role was also in one of his works. He trusts the actors and allows us to perform freely." She shared her feelings, adding, "It was a set where I could feel how incredibly precious it is to be trusted by people."

Lee Chang-hoon also said, "I learned from the director what it means to do something in front of the camera. The director always shoots quickly. Because he is certain about what needs to be shot, the visual composition is clear, but he allows the actors to complete the performance."

Following this, Kim Min-seok recalled, "I was very nervous even before meeting him. It felt like meeting the Pope of dramas. I thought I had been in this industry for a long time, but tearing things apart and rebuilding them became an opportunity to find the essence."

Choo Young-woo plays Park Min-jae, who lost his right leg and gave up his dream of becoming a swimmer. Regarding his chemistry with Kim So-hyun, he said, "Although we are the same age, she is a senior in terms of experience, so I learned a lot from her. She showed me many more mature aspects than I do. I used formal speech until the middle of the drama. I followed the timeline of the drama closely. I think that helped my acting more. Now, we have become close friends."

He continued, "I believe our chemistry and tone matched well. Without anyone standing out too much, our comedic codes and acting back-and-forth went well together. I also think our faces suit each other quite well."

Kim So-hyun, who plays Im Yu-jin, a student facing confusion about her future as she approaches graduation from the Department of Fashion Design, also said, "It was my first time meeting a friend of the same age. I thought it would be comfortable, but because I used formal speech, a sense of distance was always maintained." She added, "On set, I relied on each other and tried to build good chemistry."

She stated, "If I said I had no burden because all of the director's previous works were so loved, that would be a lie. However, since it is a story taking place on campus, we thought a lot about what only we could show." She hinted, "The development will not be easy to predict. Even while acting, I always felt something new. Viewers will be able to encounter new emotions."

In addition to Choo Young-woo and Kim So-hyun, Kim Min-seok, Lee Chang-hoon, Im Jin-hyo, and others are expected to show unique chemistry in the drama.

Regarding the differentiating factor of 'Yeon Ae (Dr.)', Choo Young-woo said, "There are many interesting things these days, right? The director said that when people go home from work and choose our drama, we must be responsible for that time." He added, "I believe it provides a great resonance when the protagonist's feelings and situation feel similar to one's own. There are many realistic aspects with which viewers can empathize and identify."

Kim So-hyun said, "Life is connected to us, but seeing one's true self can be difficult, isn't it? I think this drama blends those elements well." She expressed her hope, adding, "I hope it becomes an opportunity for viewers to project their own lives onto the story. It was meaningful for me, and I hope it will be such a work for the audience as well."

They also revealed a pledge regarding ratings. Choo Young-woo said, "If the rating exceeds 10%, we plan to pick one viewer and perform a congratulatory song together for them."

Finally, EP Kim emphasized, "The director mentioned at the wrap party that he strongly felt 'this is my prime time.' Many people may have sat down in fear, but I think the encouragement and gift from the director will be meaningful. It would be good if the ratings come out well, but I hope it remains in people's memories for a long time."

'Yeon Ae (Dr.)' will air its first episode at 10 p.m. on the 5th.

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*This content was translated by AI.