The press conference for JTBC’s new weekend drama Heavenly Ever After was held online on April 18th. Director Kim Seok Yoon and cast members Kim Hye Ja, Son Suk Ku, Han Ji Min, Lee Jung Eun, Chun Ho Jin and Ryu Deok Hwan attended the event and shared insights about the drama.
Heavenly Ever After follows Lee Hae Sook (Kim Hye Ja), who arrives in heaven in her 80-year-old body and reunites with her husband, Go Nak Joon (Son Suk Ku), appearing as he did in his 30s. The drama explores Hae Sook’s vibrant new chapter in the afterlife, tracing her dynamic journey after death.
In the drama, Kim Hye Ja and Son Suk Ku portray a married couple whose love story bridges a 42-year age gap. Reflecting on casting them together, director Kim shared, “After both of them agreed to the roles, we arranged a meeting—kind of like a formal introduction—over a meal. The three of us met at a restaurant, and it almost felt like a blind date. After seeing the atmosphere then, I thought, ‘This will work.’ Even during rehearsals, their chemistry felt completely natural, and the age difference didn’t show at all.”
He continued, “At times, Son Suk Ku’s respect for Kim Hye Ja came through a bit too much. It was clear he had a deep admiration for her as a veteran actress, but I hoped that wouldn’t interfere with his portrayal of a loving husband. Whenever that happened, we discussed it and made adjustments. Eventually, he fully embraced the role and adapted perfectly.”
Son Suk Ku also shared his thoughts, saying, “I didn’t find her intimidating at all when we first met. I’ve never played a married character before, so I felt a bit of pressure, but having Kim Hye Ja as my counterpart made it feel less awkward.”
Kim Hye Ja added, “After watching My Liberation Notes, I thought Son Suk Ku was a really good actor, and I personally recommended him for the role of my husband.” In response, Son Suk Ku said, “The director contacted me and said that Kim Hye Ja herself picked me. I immediately said yes.”
Kim Hye Ja also expressed her affection for the drama, saying, “It’s a story about the beauty of human relationships, and I really loved that. Thinking about this drama made the past year so enjoyable.” She added, “After watching the final cut, I just felt grateful. This could be my last project, and I feel like it ended beautifully.”
Heavenly Ever After premieres this Saturday at 10:40 PM on JTBC.
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