Seoul: Actress Kim Min-ha felt an instant connection to the love story at the heart of Tving's upcoming romantic fantasy "Way Back Love." "It was exactly the kind of story I had wanted to tell for so long," the "Pachinko" star said at a press event in Seoul on Tuesday. "I've always been interested in exploring themes of longing, the people left behind and how they carry on with life, often weighed down by guilt," she said.
According to Yonhap News Agency, in this six-episode coming-of-age series, Kim plays Hee-wan, a young woman who loses her will to live after the death of her first love, Ram-woo (Gong Myoung). However, their story takes an unexpected turn when Ram-woo returns as a grim reaper, rekindling their connection beyond the boundaries of life and death. "Everyone experiences sorrow and longing in their own way, but at their core, these emotions are all connected to love," Kim said.
Kim expressed her hope that through this series, viewers would find comfort and be reminded that even in difficult moments, they are not alone. Gong Myoung echoed her sentiment, describing the drama as "a lyrical and heartbreaking tale" of youthful innocence and first love. He expressed his hope that the drama would bring "warm comfort" to its audience.
The series, adapted from Seo Eun-chae's novel "A Week Before I Die," is directed by Kim Hye-young, who is known for her profound touch in romantic storytelling. Her previous works include "Be Melodramatic" and "It's Okay!" At the press event, Kim Hye-young remarked that the show explores the struggles of youth as they navigate love, loss, and farewell, describing it as a journey of growth.
The director expressed gratitude to the cast for their efforts and mutual support. She acknowledged feeling fortunate to work with such a talented group of actors, who consistently praised one another's performances. In October of last year, the series was officially invited to the On Screen section of the Busan International Film Festival, which highlights anticipated drama series from online streaming platforms.
"Way Back Love" is set to premiere this Thursday, with two episodes being released weekly at 12 p.m.