South Korean network tvN's newest K-drama, The Midnight Romance in Hagwon, starring Wi Ha Joon and Jung Ryeo Won, premieres on May 11! Stepping into the Saturday-Sunday slot previously occupied by Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won starrer Queen of Tears, this upcoming series promises a unique blend of romance, nostalgia, and a glimpse into the high-pressure world of Korean education. Directed by Ahn Pan Seok, the mastermind behind the beloved romance drama Something in the Rain and One Spring Night, The Midnight Romance in Hagwon delves into a captivating story set against the backdrop of Daechi, a district synonymous with South Korea's hyper-competitive private education scene. Here, cram schools, or "hagwons," thrive, shaping the academic destinies of countless students.
THE ALLURING CAST
The series marks a significant milestone for Wi Ha Joon, a rising star known for his intense performances in thrillers like Little Women, Squid Game, and The Worst Of Evil. Having established himself as a powerful actor in his 30s, Wi Ha Joon finally takes the lead role in this drama. Partnering with him is the ever-talented Jung Ryeo Won, whose K-dramas like Wok of Love, Witch at Court, and Medical Top have garnered her a loyal fan base. The age gap between the characters, played by Jung Ryeo Won and Wi Ha Joon, is a key element of the storyline, adding another layer of intrigue to their blossoming romance.
The supporting cast further strengthens the narrative. So Ju Yeon, known for her role in Doctor Romantic, portrays Nam Cheong Mi, a dedicated Korean language instructor. Joining her are Kim Jong Tae as the ambitious Director of the Hagwon, Kim Hyun Tak, and Kim Jung Young as the shrewd Vice President Woo Sung Hee. We can also expect a compelling performance from Kil Hae Yeon, who will portray the Counseling Director, Kim Hyo Im.
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A STORY OF UNLIKELY LOVE
As per the Korean media outlet Soompi, The Midnight Romance in Hagwon unfolds around Seo Hye Jin (played by Jung Ryeo Won), a veteran instructor who has poured her heart and soul into nurturing young minds for the past 14 years. A master of her craft, Seo has achieved undeniable success within the walls of the prestigious hagwon. However, beneath the surface of her professional achievements lies a nagging uncertainty about her own future. Years of relentless pressure and the demands of her profession have taken their toll, leaving her questioning what lies beyond the classroom walls.
Enter Lee Joon Ho (played by Wi Ha Joon), a name that instantly ignites a spark within Seo. Lee was once a student under Seo's wing, a bright but quirky individual who, with her unwavering guidance, managed to secure a coveted spot at a top university. This success not only cemented Seo's reputation as a star instructor but also left a profound mark on Lee.
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In a surprising turn of events, Lee throws his corporate career aside and returns to the very same hagwon. But this time, his motives are far from academic. Ten years may have passed, yet his feelings for Seo Hye Jin, his first love, remain stubbornly alive. Now a confident young man, Lee embarks on a mission to rekindle the flame he believes still flickers within Seo's heart.
However, their path to love is fraught with complications. The student-teacher dynamic that once existed between them is now a forbidden zone, riddled with ethical concerns and potential disapproval from colleagues and superiors. Can their love blossom under the cloak of secrecy, or will societal pressures and the lingering echoes of their past connection force them to bury their feelings once more?
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WHAT TO EXPECT BEYOND ROMANCE
The Midnight Romance in Hagwon is poised to delve deeper than just an unlikely love story. It promises to explore the complexities faced by educators within South Korea's demanding hagwon system. Seo, likely weary from years of pressure to produce high-performing students, might be contemplating a career change. We might see her grapple with the emotional toll of this profession and the sacrifices it demands. Lee, on the other hand, could represent a growing trend of young professionals seeking alternative paths outside the corporate rat race.
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RELEASE DATE
The Midnight Romance in Hagwon promises a captivating blend of romance, nostalgia, and social commentary. Prepare to be swept away by a story that explores the intricacies of love, the sacrifices demanded by different career paths, and the unique realities of South Korea's education system. Will Seo and Lee find solace in each other, or will the pressures of societal expectations and their past connection extinguish the spark before it truly ignites? Mark your calendars for May 11 as the series will be available on VIKI.
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ALSO READ: From Song Kang Ho starrer Uncle Samsik to Jang Ki Young-led Atypical Family, 9 K-dramas to add to your watchlist in May 2024
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