'New Groom' Kim Woo-bin, Major Transformation as 'Baseball Coach' Shares Recent Updates... "So Immersed It Felt Like a Delusion" — Director of 'Gift' Praises Him Highly

*This content was translated by AI.

Director Ham Seung-hoon of "Gift" expressed confidence in lead actor Kim Woo-bin's transformation into his life character.

On the afternoon of the 16th, a press conference for tvN's "Creator Talk 2026" was held at CJ ENM Center in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul. Attendees included Park Sang-hyuk, Head of Media BU under CJ ENM's Platform Business Division; Jang Sin-ae, CP of the new drama "100 Days of Lies"; Director Ham Seung-hoon, co-director of "Gift"; Kim Ho-jun, EP of "My Guilty Human"; Hong Jin-ju, PD of variety show "Undercover Chef"; and Bang Geul-i, PD of "Iron Girl Squad."

On the day, Director Ham Seung-hoon said about "Gift," "If I had to pick out its core, it would be fantasy elements. The story unfolds within a world where Director Jeong Min-yong gains a special ability to recognize talent, set against the reality of our daily lives and the harshness and temperature differences of the real world. A coming-of-age tale filled with tears and laughter is at the heart of 'Gift'."

He added, "Ultimately, the story asks how far a coach who recognizes the limits and talents of high school baseball players can go in challenging themselves and what they can achieve — and what meaning this holds in our own lives."

Notably, Director Ham stated, "Kim Woo-bin is essentially Director Jeong Min-yong on set. The synchronization is incredibly high. When I speak with Kim Woo-bin, it feels as if I'm truly conversing with a real baseball coach — he immerses himself so perfectly that it almost feels like a delusion. You don't need me to say how amazing an actor Kim Woo-bin is. Personally, I was also his fan, and in this work, his unique masculinity, charm, and fashion sense have reached their peak. Compared to the younger Kim Woo-bin of the past, I believe the refined coolness of this seasoned actor playing a director has reached its zenith in 'Gift,' raising expectations."

"Gift" tells the story of a former professional baseball pitching coach who, after an unexpected accident, gains special abilities and is appointed as the coach of a high school baseball team ranked last nationwide. In the drama, Kim Woo-bin portrays Director Jeong Min-yong, a character who acquires the unique ability to instantly recognize people's baseball talents. The series is scheduled to premiere in the second half of this year.

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*This content was translated by AI.