Who could have guessed that Shin Min-a's husband is so kind! Kim Woo-bin's true character level: "Voluntarily has one-on-one meals with 20 new actors every day" [Star Issue]

*This content was translated by AI.

Actor Kim Woo-bin, known as a "generator of heartwarming stories," warmly supported his juniors and raised interest in his new work "Gift."

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 at CJ ENM's Platform Business Division; Jang Shin-ae, CP of the new drama "100 Days of Lies"; Ham Seung-hoon, co-director of "Gift"; Kim Ho-jun, CP of "My Guilty Human"; Hong Jin-ju, PD of the variety show "Undercover Chef"; and Bang Geul-i, PD of the "Iron Girl Squad" series.

"Gift" is Kim Woo-bin's first TV drama in four years since the 2022 tvN well-made work "Our Blues," making it a highly anticipated project. Based on the webtoon of the same name by author Jeong Iri-iri, which was serialized with great popularity on Kakao Webtoon, the story follows former professional baseball pitcher and coach Jung Min-yong (played by Kim Woo-bin), who gains special abilities after an unexpected accident and becomes the coach of a high school baseball team ranked last nationwide.

As a sports drama infused with fantasy elements, Kim Woo-bin is expected to showcase a unique transformation in his acting. In the series, he plays Jung Min-yong, a coach who gains the special ability to instantly recognize people's baseball talents.

Director Ham Seung-hoon stated, "If I had to pinpoint the core of 'Gift,' it would be its fantasy elements." He added, "The story unfolds within the temperature difference between the world-building where Coach Jung Min-yong gains the special ability to identify others' baseball talents and the harsh reality of our everyday lives. The emotional growth stories of the characters, filled with laughter and tears, are key viewing points."

He further remarked, "Ultimately, 'Gift' is a work that asks how far a coach who recognizes the limits and talents of high school baseball players can challenge themselves alongside these athletes, what they can achieve, and what meaning this holds in our lives."

In particular, Director Ham spared no praise for lead actor Kim Woo-bin. He said, "Kim Woo-bin embodies Coach Jung Min-yong himself on set," adding, "The synchronization is incredibly high. When conversing with Kim Woo-bin, one might even feel as though they are speaking with a real baseball coach, so completely immersed is he in the work and character."

Continuing, Director Ham said, "You don't need me to tell you how amazing an actor Kim Woo-bin is. Personally, I was also his fan, and I believe this work has reached the 'peak' of his unique masculinity, style, and fashion sense—perhaps even surpassing his younger self from the past. You can expect the stylish charm of this mature actor playing a coach."

Director Ham also highlighted Kim Woo-bin's heartwarming deeds. He explained, "About 20 actors appearing as Deokcheon High School players are all newcomers. They were selected after undergoing multiple auditions and practical tests over an extended period. The chemistry between Kim Woo-bin and these young actors is exceptional. Throughout the filming, Kim Woo-bin took turns having one-on-one meals with each of them individually. He didn't just act as a senior actor but truly fulfilled the role of a coach, caring for the new actors. Watching him actively support the growth of his juniors made me feel overwhelmed with emotion as a director. That aspect was truly admirable."

Director Ham also noted, "The new actors underwent months of training and worked hard to surpass what they could express athletically. With the growing popularity of professional baseball and rising viewer expectations, there was pressure that failing to meet these standards could lead to rejection by millions of baseball fans. Everyone worked diligently in their respective roles, and as a director, I felt immense pride seeing this come together on set."

Finally, Director Ham said, "We put in significant effort and dedication, both visually and narratively, to deliver unique entertainment over approximately seven months of filming. However, 'Gift' is not exclusively a baseball drama. When asked whether it's worth watching even for those uninterested in baseball, the answer is yes. Using baseball as a medium, the series conveys universal messages about talent and effort, ultimately speaking about people. At its core, it is a youth growth drama that anyone who has faced limitations through hard work can relate to, making it enjoyable across borders."

The first episode of Kim Woo-bin's baseball drama "Gift" is scheduled to air on December 5.

Meanwhile, Kim Woo-bin married actor Shin Min-a, who is five years his senior, after dating publicly for over 11 years, holding their wedding ceremony on December 20 last year. Notably, on the day of their wedding, they donated a total of 300 million won to various institutional investors, earning them the title of "charitable angel couple."

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*This content was translated by AI.