Heo Nam-jun·Im Ji-yeon. Provided by SBS.
Actors Im Ji-yeon and Heo Nam-jun are setting out to target the small screen with a “villain-versus-villain hate-relationship romance.” In addition, Jang Seung-jo, Kim Min-seok, and Lee Se-hee have joined, heralding a parade of intense characters.
On the afternoon of the 7th, a production presentation for the new SBS FridaySaturday drama ‘Brave New World’ (written by Kang Hyeon-ju, directed by Han Tae-seop·Kim Hyun-woo) was held at SBS headquarters on Mokdongseoro in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul. Director Han Tae-seop and actors Im Ji-yeon, Heo Nam-jun, Jang Seung-jo, Kim Min-seok, and Lee Se-hee attended the event to talk about the work.
‘Brave New World’ tells the story that unfolds when the soul of Kang Dan-sim, the most notorious villainess of the Joseon era who died by poison, inhabits the body of Shin Seori, an unknown actress living in 21st-century Seoul. Entangled with the cold-blooded chaebol Cha Segye, she is set to embark on an unpredictable antagonistic romance. Rookie writer Kang Hyeon-ju penned the script, and director Han Tae-seop, recognized for his stylish touch through ‘Stove League’ and ‘Cheer Up’, takes the megaphone, heightening expectations.
Director Han Tae-seop said, “Im Ji-yeon is the greatest competitive edge of this project,” adding, “There is a saying, ‘Good girls go to heaven when they die, but bad girls go anywhere.’ I believe the character Kang Dan-sim herself is a genre and a plot.”
Im Ji-yeon. Provided by SBS.
Im Ji-yeon, who plays both Kang Dan-sim and Shin Seori in the drama, introduced the role by saying, “It may look like a dual role, but it is a character with a single soul.” Regarding her first foray into comedy, she said, “I had done many dark genre pieces, and at a time when I was thinking I wanted to do a bright project, I came across this script,” adding, “I tried my best to deliver comedic acting well.”
Heo Nam-jun. Provided by SBS.
Heo Nam-jun plays Cha Segye, a “capitalist monster” who regards even marriage as a merger and acquisition. He explained, “He is a wicked figure, but now and then his human side and clumsy charm also appear. I think that is the unique appeal of Cha Segye.”
Jang Seung-jo. Provided by SBS.
Jang Seung-jo, as Choi Mun-do, an ambitious man aiming for the successor seat at the Cha-il Group, follows his role as Noh Jin-pyo in the Netflix series ‘You Killed’ with another intense villain performance. He said, “Choi Mun-do is a character whose actions, expressions, and even smile are restrained. You can see it as the birth of another evil.”
Actor Kim Min-seok. Provided by SBS.
Kim Min-seok plays Baek Gwang-nam, who had been preparing for employment but becomes Shin Seori’s road manager after getting entangled with her. He said, “To capture an ordinary sense of realism, I did not even use hair spray and dressed as little as possible.” To build a realistic manager character, he added, “I carried the on-site bag every day,” and “After Im Ji-yeon actually changed managers, the staff were coming to me to ask about the next schedule,” drawing laughter.
Kim Min-seok·Heo Nam-jun·Director Han Tae-seop·Im Ji-yeon·Jang Seung-jo·Lee Se-hee. Provided by SBS.
The actors also revealed ratings pledges, expressing confidence in the project. Im Ji-yeon said, “If the ratings surpass 20%, I will hold an event at Gyeongbokgung wearing Kang Dan-sim’s hanbok costume.” In response, Heo Nam-jun said, “I will also join wearing Cha Segye’s outfit from the official poster,” and Jang Seung-jo added, “I will wear hanbok too. I will promote it to foreign tourists at Gyeongbokgung as well.”
Director Han Tae-seop also quipped, “I will send a coffee truck after reaching an agreement with the company and the production company. It is not out of my own pocket,” turning the venue into a sea of laughter.
Meanwhile, the SBS FridaySaturday drama ‘Brave New World’ will premiere at 9 p.m. on the 8th.
