Ji Chang Wook and Mio Imada have opened up about working together for the first time on Merry Berry Love, the first joint drama project between Japan’s Nippon TV and CJ ENM.
In an interview with Vogue Japan, the two stars reflected on filming in Fukuoka, their first impressions of each other and working across language and cultural differences.
Ji, who plays Korean spatial designer Lee Yu Bin, admitted he initially worried about communication.
“At first, I was a little worried about whether we’d be able to communicate smoothly since we come from different countries,” he said. “But we had interpreters with us, so I never really felt any inconvenience.”
He added, “Everything felt fresh. There were so many things I was experiencing for the first time, so I really enjoyed it.”
Imada, who plays strawberry farmer Karin Shirahama, said the filmmaking process was less different than she expected.
“We had fun teaching each other about our cultures and languages,” she said. “I think those moments helped bring a natural feel to the drama too.”
Imada described Ji as “very kind and cheerful” from the moment they met, adding, “Yu Bin became even more lovable because Chang Wook played him.”
Ji, meanwhile, said he initially thought Imada was shy but later discovered “she was actually really funny.” He added that Karin suited her perfectly, describing the character as bright, positive and passionate about pursuing her dreams.
Filming in Fukuoka also led to some lighter moments. Imada recommended chilled fried chicken as a local specialty, prompting Ji to joke, “She’s always talking about fried chicken. At this point, I think she might be its ambassador.”
Ji also had to deliver Japanese dialogue for the series.
“I’m playing a Korean who isn’t very good at Japanese, so I thought it was the perfect role for me,” he joked.
When Imada praised how quickly he adapted to dialogue changes on set, Ji replied, “I’m getting paid, so I have to do my best.”
Asked to compare each other to a fruit, Imada chose a pear for Ji, citing his “elegant sweetness” and gentle charm, while Ji picked a strawberry for Imada.
“It’s refreshing, distinctive and very cute,” he said. “It really matches her.”
Merry Berry Love follows Yu Bin, a successful Korean spatial designer who heads to a Japanese island after losing everything and meets Karin, a young strawberry farmer. The romantic comedy premieres October 7th on Disney Plus and Nippon TV.
>> Ji Chang Wook Says He Has No Regrets About ‘The Scandal’ Despite Harsh Reviews
In the meantime, watch trending K-dramas for free on Amasian TV.
Source (1)
