JTBC is about to drop its new K-drama, Thirty-Nine, in a day. With its stellar cast, led by Song Ye Jin, who is about to tie the knot with Hyun Bin, many wonder what this show has to offer.
Director Kim Sang Ho talked about some behind-the-scenes stories and the casting of Thirty-Nine stars. Aside from Son Ye Jin, it also features the big names of Jeon Mi Do and Kim Ji Hyun.
The Stellar Casting of Thirty-Nine
The new series follows the story of three friends who met in high school, Cha Mi Jo (Son Ye Jin), Jung Chan Young (Jeon Mi Do) and Jang Joo Hee (Kim Ji Hyun).
Time has changed and they’re about to turn 40, but their friendship remains. However, everything will change when these unforeseen circumstances begin.
Mi Jo is the head dermatologist in a clinic in Gangnam. According to Kim Sang Ho, her character is close to perfection. Despite being adopted, she has a wealthy family and grew up in a loving and principled environment.
She, too, possesses incredible beauty both on the outside and the inside.
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“When playing a character who is as perfect as this, it’s important to cast an actor with the right image that the viewers can believe this person is real,” Kim Sang Ho said, via Soompi. “Son Ye Jin was perfect for the role of Mi Jo. She is also the leader of the group of friends, so it was important to have an actor who could give a sense of stability. In all aspects, Son Ye Jin was the perfect fit for Mi Jo.”
He then talked about Chan Young, an acting teacher who dreamt of being an actress, and her unique character.
“If the role doesn’t fit the actor well, then it could have ended detracting from both the character and the actor,” Kim Sang Ho explained. Despite this, Jeon Mi Do is a genius at maximizing the appeal of a character. She delves deep into the character and acts from the heart.”
Lastly, Jang Joo Hee is the manager of a department cosmetics store. Among the three characters, the actor-director worried the most about this character’s casting to the point that he asked Son Ye Jin and Jeon Mi Do if they could suggest anyone.
From there, he learned about Kim Ji Hyun.
“At the time, she was in a musical, and I went to see her perform, and I knew right then that this was it,” Kim Sang Ho revealed. “Her explosive energy has a great synergy with Joo Hee. Thanks to her, Joo Hee became a much more attractive character.”
Thirty-Nine Teasers, Synopsis and More
JTBC has dropped a number of teasers for Thirty-Nine from trailers to stills. The most recent one was a set of photos featuring Mi Jo, Chan Young, and Joo Hee at the police station.
These three seem to have gotten into a fight, judging by their scruffy hair and bleeding wounds. Chan Young and Joo Hee sustain some injuries, while Mi Jo looks incredibly angry.
The image also introduces Mi Jo’s sister, Cha Mi Hyun (Kang Mal Geum), checking on her younger sibling. Though she looks fierce, her hot pink dress tells otherwise.
Meanwhile, the series will change everything when Chan Young is diagnosed with a terminal illness. The girls will then realize there is an end to everything and see the importance of “now.”
“It’s not a drama about death, but a drama that recognizes the importance of living life fully while being aware of death,” Kim Sang Ho continued. “I want it to be a drama about the meaning of a sincere life through three friends who live life to the fullest while facing the death of a friend.”
Thirty-Nine is set to be out on Wednesday, Feb. 16.
For more Thirty-Nine and Son Ye Jin news, stay tuned to EpicStream!