Actor Chae Jong Hyeop has shared his thoughts on his upcoming drama “In Your Radiant Season,” a romance series centered on the love story between Sunwoo Chan and Song Ha Ran. The drama stars Chae Jong Hyeop as Sunwoo Chan, a man who lives each day with the excitement of a summer vacation, and Lee Sung Kyung as Song Ha Ran, a woman who has closed herself off emotionally, as if trapped in a long winter.
Sunwoo Chan is portrayed as a talented animator who appears bright and cheerful on the outside, while concealing deep emotional wounds within. When he reunites with Song Ha Ran after seven years, his life takes an unexpected turn, setting the story in motion. Chae Jong Hyeop described the character as someone who always seems positive, yet carries pain beneath the surface.
Explaining his decision to join the project, Chae Jong Hyeop revealed that the drama’s opening line left a lasting impression on him. The question, “What season of your life are you in right now?” resonated deeply, along with the narrative’s exploration of how a single event can reshape both past and present, while weaving together themes of love, growth, and humanity.
The actor added that Sunwoo Chan is a kind-hearted character who grows through his experiences and ultimately seeks to help others. While excited to take on the role, he also acknowledged the challenge of portraying the character with sufficient emotional subtlety.
In terms of performance focus, Chae Jong Hyeop shared that he aimed for a realistic depiction rather than separating the character’s cheerfulness and wounds entirely. Instead, he concentrated on moments in everyday life when Sunwoo Chan’s hidden pain unexpectedly surfaces, believing that bridging this contrast naturally was key.
When asked to describe Sunwoo Chan using three keywords, Chae Jong Hyeop chose “summer vacation,” “free-spirited,” and “pine tree.” He explained that while the character lives freely with the energy of summer, he also possesses the steady resilience of a pine tree, remaining unchanged through all four seasons.
Chae Jong Hyeop also expressed confidence in his on-screen chemistry with his co-stars, including Lee Sung Kyung. He noted that once filming begins, Lee Sung Kyung quickly immerses herself in her role, and her energy naturally draws him into each scene.
Concluding his remarks, Chae Jong Hyeop encouraged viewers to watch the drama with the keywords “memory” and “character” in mind, hoping that “In Your Radiant Season” will offer audiences an opportunity to reflect on their own season of life.
“In Your Radiant Season” is scheduled to premiere on February 20 at 9:50 p.m. KST.
