Lee Sung Kyung has shared deeper insights into her character in the upcoming drama In Your Radiant Season.
The series tells the story of Sunwoo Chan (Chae Jong Hyeop), a man who lives every day as if it were a radiant summer vacation, and Song Ha Ran (Lee Sung Kyung), a woman who has shut herself away as though trapped in a long winter. Their encounter marks the beginning of a gradual emotional thaw and mutual healing.
Lee Sung Kyung portrays Song Ha Ran, the head designer of Korea’s leading luxury fashion house, Nana Atelier. Carrying profound emotional scars from her past, Ha Ran has built firm emotional walls, keeping others at a distance and guarding her inner world closely.
Explaining why she chose the project, Lee Sung Kyung said she was drawn to the story’s layered narrative, which sparked her curiosity about how the plot would unfold and deepened her immersion in the character. She was particularly moved by the way Ha Ran and Chan learn how to love one another in circumstances where loving freely is not easy.
Once bright, pure, and filled with dreams and passion, Song Ha Ran retreats into an emotional winter after a major turning point in her life. Lee Sung Kyung described her as someone who appears lonely and cold, as if living alone behind a self-built shield. However, she emphasized that once Ha Ran steps out of that season, she reveals a warmth and depth of affection greater than anyone might expect. Ha Ran’s genuine love for fashion and her work also brings visual enjoyment through glamorous styling and scenes with the Nana Atelier team.
In portraying Ha Ran, Lee Sung Kyung focused on conveying that the character is not inherently cold or indifferent, but rather someone who built emotional barriers out of fear. Instead of projecting strength, she aimed to show Ha Ran’s fragility and vulnerability, carefully considering every expression and action to understand the emotional motivations behind the character’s choices.
Reflecting on similarities between herself and the role, Lee Sung Kyung noted that everyone carries their own fears and wounds, along with personal ways of self-protection. Despite external differences, she found herself deeply empathizing with Ha Ran’s inner emotions. She also pointed out that Ha Ran’s naturally bright disposition and passion for her work closely resemble her own.
When asked to describe Song Ha Ran in keywords, Lee Sung Kyung chose “glass, sunlight, and love.” She explained that Ha Ran’s emotions are transparent yet fragile, requiring careful handling. Because she loves deeply, her wounds run deep as well, making her ultimately a character who heals through love.
Speaking about her on-screen chemistry with her co-stars, Lee Sung Kyung praised Chae Jong Hyeop for his attentiveness to emotional details and sincere dedication to the project. She also highlighted Lee Mi Sook’s ability to elevate everyday scenes and guide deeper emotional immersion during pivotal moments, noting her remarkable presence and aura.
As for the drama’s key highlights, Lee Sung Kyung pointed to the emotional flow that unfolds as the story gradually reveals itself. She expressed hope that viewers will enjoy the characters’ styling, beautiful locations, the tender romance beyond the central couple, the warmth of family relationships and the Nana Atelier team, as well as the carefully crafted lines of dialogue.
In Your Radiant Season is set to premiere on February 20 at 9:50 p.m. KST.
