Im Ji-yeon ♥ Heo Nam-jun: An 'older woman-younger man' couple?.. Gong Hyo-jin ♥ Jung Jun-won → Kim Hye-soo ♥ Kim Ji-hoon, 'Husband and Wife' Chemistry [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

In the second half of the year, the dominant trend in prime-time television will also be 'older woman-younger man' couples. All leading actresses in highly anticipated dramas—Gong Hyo-jin (46), Kim Hye-soo (56), Park Min-young (40)—will team up with younger male actors to reach viewers.

Looking at the hit productions of the first half of 2026, 'older woman-younger man' couples consistently dominated prime-time television. KBS 2TV's 'Dear My Robber' featured Nam Ji-hyun (31) and Moon Sang-min (26); TVING and tvN's 'Yumi's Cells 3' starred Kim Go-eun (35) and Kim Jae-won (25); tvN's 'Secret Appreciation' paired Shin Hye-sun (37) with Gong Myung (32); and most recently, SBS's phenomenon-level hit 'Beautiful World' brought together Im Ji-yeon (36) and Heo Nam-jun (33). Their combinations, marked by freshness and excitement, captivated audiences.

The rush of 'older woman-younger man' couples is expected to continue into the second half of the year, drawing attention to which new hit couple will emerge next.

First, Gong Hyo-jin is set to make her debut in MBC's new Friday-Saturday drama 'Married Woman Killer' on the 31st, teaming up with her 8-year-younger junior Jung Jun-won (38). Based on the webtoon of the same name by Kakao, 'Married Woman Killer' tells the story of Yu Bo-na (played by Gong Hyo-jin), a working mother with the world's most ruthless profession, as she struggles to maintain her work-life balance. This project holds special significance for both actors. For Gong Hyo-jin, it marks her first MBC drama in 15 years since her career-defining role in 'Best Love' (2011). For Jung Jun-won, it is his return after one year following tvN's 'Resident Playbook', which established him as a rising star last year.

Both actors have sharpened their skills and are returning with renewed vigor. In the drama, Gong Hyo-jin plays Yu Bo-na, a killer who delivers 'one shot, one kill,' while Jung Jun-won portrays Kwon Tae-sung, a passionate investigative reporter and Yu Bo-na's devoted husband, promising a remarkable transformation in acting. The two are expected to captivate audiences with their sweet-yet-dangerous 'reversed couple' chemistry, as well as the realistic conflicts they face in balancing work and family life. The first episode of 'Married Woman Killer' will air at 9:50 p.m. on the 31st.

Kim Hye-soo also shares husband-and-wife chemistry with Kim Ji-hoon, who is 11 years her junior. They reunite in Coupang Play's new series 'It's Not a Problem to Have an Affair Now' (hereinafter referred to as 'Affair Now'). The show is a fast-paced black comedy about two couples: a popular influencer couple who have built their lives on selling happiness, and a neighboring doctor couple embroiled in a messy divorce lawsuit. Their worlds collide over an unbearable secret that makes even infidelity seem trivial.

In the drama, Kim Hye-soo plays Kyung-hee, a self-made influencer. Kim Ji-hoon portrays Jae-hong, a younger husband who charms Kyung-hee with his good-natured and sexy appeal. Joining them as the neighboring doctor couple are Jo Yeo-jung as Dr. Soo-jung, a refined dermatologist, and Kim Jae-cheol as Bo-seong, her husband currently in divorce proceedings with her.

Notably, 'Affair Now' is produced by First Man Studio, led by director Hwang Dong-hyuk and producer Kim Ji-yeon, the creative team behind Netflix's global hit 'Squid Game'. Additionally, Lee Chang-hee, known for directing Netflix's 'Kill It' and the drama 'Stranger', will helm the series, promising a reliable and engaging viewing experience. 'Affair Now' will be released exclusively on Coupang Play at 8 p.m. on the 31st.

Park Min-young also showcases an 'older woman-younger man' chemistry in her new project with Yuk Sung-jae (31), a member of the group BTOB and actor, who is nine years her junior. The two will star together in SBS's upcoming drama 'Nine to Six', portraying a realistic office romance filled with relatable moments.

In the drama, Park Min-young plays Kang Ji-ji, a cold-blooded workaholic vice manager. Her return to SBS marks her first appearance on the network in nearly 11 years since 'Remember: War of the Son' in 2015, adding to the excitement. Yuk Sung-jae, who demonstrated his acting prowess in last year's SBS drama 'Return', will play Han Seon-woo, an ideal younger male intern who uses kindness as his weapon in 'Nine to Six', presenting a fresh side of himself. He also joins the cast alongside actor Ko Su-ga (Head) Park Hyun-tae, marking his return to romance dramas after 15 years. Additionally, rising stars such as Joo Hyun-young and Choi Ji-soo are set to join the cast, expected to deliver top-tier synergy effects.

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*This content was translated by AI.