Girls' Generation's Seohyun and 2PM's Ok Taecyeon have come together for the fantasy historical drama 'The Male Lead's First Night.'
On the afternoon of the 11th, a production presentation for KBS2's Wednesday-Thursday drama 'The Male Lead's First Night' was held in Sindorim, Seoul. Director Lee Woong-hee and actors Seohyun, Ok Taecyeon, Kwon Han-sol, Seo Beom-jun, and Ji Hye-won attended.
Based on the web novel of the same name, 'The Male Lead's First Night' is a 'no-brake' romance fantasy drama that unfolds as the soul of an ordinary female college student inhabits a minor character in a romance novel and spends a night with the novel's most obsessive male lead.
Previously, the filming team of 'The Male Lead's First Night' faced criticism for damaging the cultural property by hammering nails into the pillars for prop installation while shooting at Andong Byeongsan Seowon, a designated cultural heritage site and UNESCO World Heritage site. In response, KBS issued two apologies and discarded all related footage.
Director Lee Woong-hee stated, "We filmed in the cold and endured hardships. I’m glad that our efforts have borne fruit," and added, "On a personal note, I want to apologize to everyone for the cultural heritage damage incident during our drama's production. We were definitely in the wrong. After the apology, we discarded the related footage."
He continued, "KBS has reorganized existing guidelines. We are not trying to show off that we did something great; we are under investigation by the Cultural Heritage Administration and related agencies, so we took the minimum necessary measures first. Experts have advised that we should conduct monitoring first rather than immediate restoration."
The director also expressed, "We should be a medium that brings joy, and I sincerely apologize for bringing bad news during the production process. The actors and staff worked very hard, and I feel honored to participate in this fantasy historical drama."
Seohyun also said, "As the lead actress, I want to express my apologies. There is no excuse," and added, "We need to be careful to ensure that such incidents do not happen on any filming set again. I sincerely apologize once again."
Ok Taecyeon remarked, "The actors have also become very cautious, and we must do our best to prevent such incidents from happening. We brought bad news before the drama's release. We worked hard on it, so please judge the drama after it airs."
In 'The Male Lead's First Night,' Seohyun plays the role of Cha Seon-taek, a minor character in the novel inhabited by college student K, while Ok Taecyeon plays the male lead and royal family member. Kwon Han-sol plays the female lead Jo Eun-ae in the romance novel, Seo Beom-jun plays the sub-male lead Jeong Soo-gyeom, who is involved in a love triangle, and Ji Hye-won plays the antagonist Do Hwa-seon.
Ok Taecyeon said, "I agreed to do it because Seohyun was doing it. I trust her. It feels exciting and enjoyable to work with a second-generation idol. The fact that Seohyun is doing it was the biggest positive point."
Ok Taecyeon was active in the group 2PM, while Seohyun was part of Girls' Generation. The fact that these two second-generation idols are collaborating is also a point of interest.
Ok Taecyeon shared about his chemistry with Seohyun, saying, "I felt camaraderie. We met often but weren't close, so I was happy to meet her this time. We quickly became close and relied on each other during filming. I hope it turns out well with good energy."
Seohyun mentioned, "I read the webtoon and liked it. So it felt like fate. I read the script, and the romance fantasy set in a fictional Joseon era was attractive," adding, "As I immersed myself in it, I thought I had to do it. I felt it would be a big deal if I didn't do it because Ok Taecyeon was involved."
She also expressed her feelings about Ok Taecyeon, saying, "We didn't have a close relationship, but there was a strong sense of familiarity. We have shared many experiences, so there was a sense of camaraderie. From the first reading, I felt very comfortable, and we could share a lot about the project, creating synergy."
When asked if she received any advice from Yoona, who worked with 2PM's Lee Junho in 'King the Land,' Seohyun replied, "He said he was a really good oppa, so I didn't have to worry. His energy is great, and he is a really good person and actor, so I was grateful and felt secure throughout the filming."
Seo Beom-jun stated, "2PM and Girls' Generation are legends. They are not just legends because they have been around for a long time; I genuinely liked 2PM and Girls' Generation," adding, "Of course, my favorite from Girls' Generation is Seohyun sunbaenim."
He continued, "I didn't feel the age difference while filming. From our first meeting, she treated me comfortably. We get along closely in the project, so it was easy to film. I remember dancing to 2PM and Girls' Generation songs during talent shows in school. It was an honor to grow up in the same era, and I enjoyed filming."
Ji Hye-won also shyly confessed, "When I heard that Seohyun unnie and Ok Taecyeon oppa were participating, I thought there wasn't much age difference, but they are top stars. When I was in the dance club during school, I practiced 'Run Devil Run' with my friends. I even practiced Seohyun sunbaenim's part, but I was too shy to mention it on set. I prepared songs from Girls' Generation for girls and 2PM for boys, so I had a lot of fan feelings. I was so shy during the reading that I couldn't speak, but I was really happy to be able to work with them."
Kwon Han-sol also expressed, "I feel overwhelmed. It was an honor," to which Seohyun replied, "This is the first time I'm hearing this," expressing her gratitude.
Finally, Seohyun shared her thoughts on viewership ratings, saying, "The atmosphere on set was good. I was happy to be part of a process with a good script, good director, and staff. If the process and results are good, that would be a bonus. However, we do not pursue results alone. If even one person watches our drama and feels happy, that is happiness and gratitude for us. I hope it goes well, but I am approaching it with that mindset."
Ok Taecyeon added, "I would be grateful if many people watch, love, and remember this work."
'The Male Lead's First Night' will premiere today at 9:50 PM.
