It's being called the Kim Hye-ja Project—a drama made for, and entirely about, the legendary actress herself. At 84, Kim Hye-ja is ready to bring laughter and tears in a story set in heaven.

🌟 62 Years of Acting, and Still Evolving

Despite a 62-year career, Kim shows no signs of slowing down. Her co-star Han Ji-min teased,

"From episode 1, you'll witness a whole new side of her acting."

On April 18, JTBC held the press conference for its new weekend drama More Beautiful Than Heaven, written by Lee Nam-gyu and Kim Soo-jin and directed by Kim Seok-yoon. The event featured stars Kim Hye-ja, Son Suk-ku, Han Ji-min, Lee Jung-eun, Chun Ho-jin, and Ryu Deok-hwan.

🌈 A Romantic Afterlife

Set in a version of heaven that closely resembles real life, the drama follows Lee Hae-sook (played by Kim Hye-ja), who arrives in the afterlife at 80 years old, and reunites with her husband Go Nak-joon (Son Suk-ku), who has returned to his 30s.

In this world, people choose the age they wish to live at. While most revert to their youth, Hae-sook remains 80—because that's the age her husband once called most beautiful.

💖 A Pure Love, Reborn in Heaven

The romance is both tender and heart-wrenching. Kim describes Hae-sook as

"a character everyone will be able to relate to."

The role was crafted with her in mind. Director Kim Seok-yoon, who reunites with Kim for the first time since The Light in Your Eyes, said,

"From the very start, we envisioned her for this project. I wanted to create something where she could pour in everything she had."

Kim shared,

"The synopsis was so touching—I just knew I had to do it."

🎭 Casting Chemistry and Age-Defying Romance

The central love story between Kim Hye-ja and Son Suk-ku is expected to be a major draw. Kim confessed,

"After watching My Liberation Notes, I thought Son Suk-ku was a wonderful actor. I personally asked the director if we could work together."

There was no awkwardness despite the age gap. Director Kim recalled,

"When we all sat down to eat, it felt like a first date gone right—the chemistry was that good."

Son added,

"I never once felt intimidated by her," and Kim praised him for taking the lead with grace.

💫 A Drama Fueled by Friendship

Actors Han Ji-min and Lee Jung-eun's characters weren't originally in the script.

"We begged to be included just so we could work with Kim Hye-ja," they admitted.

Han plays Som-i, a former frenemy turned best friend to Hae-sook. Lee Jung-eun plays Lee Young-ae, Hae-sook's right-hand woman, promising a heartwarming bond on screen.

⛪ The Healing Touch of Humor and Faith

Kim also shares standout scenes with Ryu Deok-hwan, who plays a priest. Their love-hate bickering adds a healing, humorous dynamic.

Ryu joked,

"It was like filming in 'Hae-sook's Forest.' She was so good at being annoying that it made it easy to act angry. I respect her even more now."

🔥 A Legacy of Passion and Gratitude

Kim reflected on the love from her colleagues and the possibility that this role could be her last:

"Knowing that, everything felt even more precious. I'm truly happy."

Still as passionate as ever, she declared,

"Acting is all I want to do. It's what makes me happiest."

And with full confidence, she ended with:

"Please watch every episode. I guarantee you won't regret it."

📺 More Beautiful Than Heaven premieres April 19, airing Saturdays at 10:40 PM and Sundays at 10:30 PM on JTBC.

[Photo Credit: JTBC]