A scene from “Perfect Crown” / Courtesy of Kakao Entertainment
Kakao Entertainment is betting big on romance this spring, unveiling a lineup of K-dramas designed to deliver “pink-tinted excitement” to global viewers — including one highly anticipated pairing that has already stirred online buzz: IU and Byeon Woo-seok as a newly married royal couple.
The entertainment giant said it will release several romance titles in quick succession, beginning with “Still Shining” and Netflix’s “Boyfriend on Demand,” Friday, followed by the April premiere of “Perfect Crown.”
All three projects involve collaborations between Kakao Entertainment’s production studios, management labels and affiliated creators, highlighting the company’s integrated content strategy.
Scenes from “Still Shining,” “Boyfriend on Demand,” and “Perfect Crown” / Courtesy of Kakao Entertainment, MBC, SLL, and Netflix
JTBC’s new Friday drama “Still Shining” explores the emotional journey of two young people who once shared a private world together and eventually become guiding lights in each other’s lives.
The series stars Park Jin-young and Kim Min-ju, both actors affiliated with Kakao Entertainment management labels.
Park plays Yeon Tae-seo, a subway driver who quietly carries the memory of his first love from age 19. Though he appears cold and reserved on the outside, he hides a warm personality beneath the surface.
Kim portrays Mo Eun-a, a former hotelier who now manages a traditional guesthouse stay in Seoul, bringing a bright and lovable charm to the character.
The story follows the pair after they part ways at age 20 and reunite again at 30, exploring the lingering emotions of first love and the powerful pull of fate when they meet again.
Actor Shin Jae-ha also appears as Bae Sung-chan, a supportive senior figure who helped guide Mo Eun-a into the hotel industry.
“Still Shining” premiered Friday at 8:50 p.m. local time, with the first two episodes airing back-to-back.
Netflix rom-com “Boyfriend on Demand” brings virtual dating twist
Another highlight is Netflix’s romantic comedy “Boyfriend on Demand,” starring BLACKPINK’s Jisoo and actor Seo In-guk.
The series follows Mi-rae, a webtoon producer exhausted by everyday life who turns to a virtual dating simulation that allows users to “subscribe” to romantic experiences.
Jisoo said she wore more than 250 outfits for the role to portray the many fantasy scenarios within the simulation.
Seo plays Gyeong-nam, a mysterious co-worker who disrupts Mi-rae’s routine life. He described their relationship as starting from a “hate relationship,” a popular K-drama trope in which two characters begin by disliking each other before romance develops.
The show also features numerous special appearances by actors including Seo Kang-jun, Lee Soo-hyuk, Ong Seong-wu, Lee Jae-wook, Lee Hyun-wook, Kim Young-dae, Park Jae-beom and Lee Sang-yi, each appearing as different “virtual boyfriends” in the simulation’s various worlds.
“Boyfriend on Demand” was released worldwide Friday.
IU and Byeon Woo-seok spark buzz with royal contract marriage drama
Among the most talked-about upcoming projects is MBC’s “Perfect Crown” set to premiere in April.
The drama imagines a modern South Korea operating under a constitutional monarchy — an alternate-reality setting that blends royal tradition with contemporary society.
IU plays Sung Hee-ju, the second daughter of a wealthy conglomerate family who possesses beauty, intelligence and fierce ambition. Despite her immense wealth, her status as a commoner becomes a source of frustration in a society where royal lineage still matters.
Opposite her is Byeon Woo-seok, who rose to global popularity through the hit series “Lovely Runner.” He plays Prince Ian, the king’s second son — a man with elegance, authority and charisma, yet someone who must suppress his true desires because of royal expectations.
The two characters enter a contract marriage in an attempt to change their destinies, setting up what the show teases as a “marriage first, romance later” storyline.
Fans are already anticipating the couple’s on-screen chemistry, with particular curiosity about the newlywed moments between the fictional royal pair.
The drama will also draw attention for its director Park Joon-hwa, known for visually stylish romance series such as “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” and “Alchemy of souls.”
This article from Xportsnews is adapted by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.koreatimes.co.kr ’
