[Sportschosun Park Araem reporter] "Love Returns" has completed its lineup of veteran actors, adding depth and weight to the drama.
The new KBS 2TV weekend drama "Love Returns," set to premiere in July, is a family recipe drama about a man and a woman who gather the fragments of a broken family and serve up the warmest meal of life. It is directed by Hong Seok-gu, written by Lee Kyung-hee, and produced by Monster Union and Contents G.
"Love Returns" had already announced the casting of popular actors whose names alone inspire confidence, including Ha Seok-jin, Ahn Hee-yeon, Park Yoo-na, Bae Jeong-nam, Bae Yun-gyu, Jeong Bo-min, Lee Joo-yeon and Min Jin-woong. Now, Kwon Hae-hyo, Yoon Yoo-sun, Ryu Seung-soo and Jingyeong have joined the cast, raising expectations for the series even higher.
Kwon Hae-hyo plays Jang Hoon-tae, the chairman of a fashion company. Born into privilege, Jang rose steadily through the ranks, but he went through a brief period of wandering after losing his wife. He later regains stability by remarrying Go Yoon-hee, played by Yoon Yoo-sun, who had come to work as a housekeeper. In particular, he is a devoted daughter dad who would do anything for his only daughter, as well as a warm-hearted romantic. Jang's layered character as both a successful chairman and a caring family man is expected to be portrayed in depth through Kwon's proven acting skills.
Yoon Yoo-sun takes on the role of Go Yoon-hee, the biological mother of Han Gyu-rim, played by Ahn Hee-yeon, Han Gyu-young, played by Park Yoo-na, and Han Gyu-o, played by Bae Yun-gyu. Go has a painful past, having been forced to leave her children behind and walk out of the house at the one-sided demand of her former husband, Han Seok-jung, played by Ryu Seung-soo. She later found new happiness by working as Jang Hoon-tae's housekeeper and remarrying him, but she still lives with longing for the three children she left behind. Yoon is expected to delicately portray the character's complex inner world, torn between maternal love and guilt.
Ryu Seung-soo plays Han Seok-jung, the immature father of the Han family. Although he has a likable appearance, he is a reckless man who keeps causing trouble and runs away rather than taking responsibility when problems arise. He abandoned his first wife and started a new family, but even after his remarried wife left home, he was left penniless and still dreams of a big break. Han's easygoing and optimistic personality is expected to bring energy to the drama, blending well with Ryu's signature lively performance.
Jingyeong transforms into Hong Ok-seon, the mother of Kim Moo-jin, played by Ha Seok-jin. Hong is a character who combines the cold composure of a conglomerate leader with deep affection for her only son. She has grown emotionally distant from her son after opposing his relationship with a woman from a different background, but she secretly misses Kim Moo-jin and waits for the day she can embrace him warmly again. Jingyeong is expected to vividly portray the fierce maternal love hidden behind her unmatched charisma, while her commanding screen presence will further heighten the drama's immersion.
The production team said, "The trusted performances of Kwon Hae-hyo, Yoon Yoo-sun, Ryu Seung-soo and Jingyeong will further strengthen the drama," adding, "The veteran actors' nuanced performances will firmly support the center of the story, while the fresh energy of the younger cast will come together to deliver both weight and emotion. We hope viewers will look forward to it."
Meanwhile, KBS 2TV's new weekend drama "Love Returns," which brings together director Hong Seok-gu, known for his delicate direction in "Queen's House," "Beauty and Mr. Romantic" and "My Only One," and writer Lee Kyung-hee, acclaimed for her emotional writing in "Uncontrollably Fond," "The Innocent Man" and "I'm Sorry, I Love You," is scheduled to premiere in July as the follow-up to "Recipe for Love."
tokkig@sportschosun.com
