From web novel to TV drama—KBS unveils a visual dream team
Seo-hyun and Ok Taecyeon have teamed up for a fantasy romance-comedy that's as visually stunning as it is heart-fluttering. The pair take on the roles of a modern-day college student trapped inside a romance novel and a dangerously obsessive male lead, respectively.
🎬 Fantasy Meets Romance in Period Drama
KBS2's new Wed-Thu drama The First Night With the Male Lead (script by Jeon Sun-young, directed by Lee Woong-hee) held its press conference on June 11 at D-Cube City Grand Ballroom in Sindorim, Seoul. Cast members Ok Taecyeon, Seo-hyun, Ji Hye-won, Seo Beom-jun, Kwon Han-sol, and director Lee Woong-hee were in attendance.
📍 Cultural Heritage Scandal Addressed
Director Lee started the event by addressing last year's incident involving damage to Andong's Byeongsan Seowon, a historic site where the crew allegedly drove nails into columns without approval.
"We sincerely apologize," Lee said. "We've scrapped all footage filmed there and KBS has since introduced a new cultural heritage filming guideline."
Seo-hyun also expressed regret:
"As the lead actress, I deeply apologize. There's no excuse. I will make sure incidents like this never happen again."
Ok Taecyeon added,
"It was a wake-up call for all of us. We're taking it seriously and hope people will still enjoy the drama we've poured our efforts into."
📖 From Web Novel to Screen: The Chemistry Is Real
The First Night With the Male Lead is based on a popular web novel. Seo-hyun plays a university student who wakes up as a minor character in a fantasy romance set in a fictional Joseon era. She unexpectedly spends a night with the story's male lead (Ok Taecyeon), altering the plot completely.
Seo-hyun said,
"I was already a fan of the webtoon before getting the offer. It felt like fate."
She was drawn to the genre-bending concept:
"It's Western-style fantasy but reimagined in a Joseon setting. That was super unique. And when I heard Taecyeon was cast, I felt like I absolutely had to do it."
Taecyeon revealed he instantly accepted the role upon hearing Seo-hyun was involved:
"As a fellow 2nd-gen idol, I was thrilled to work with her. She always carried a book around during her Girls' Generation days. Now, she's in one."
💘 Visual Chemistry + Idol Reunion = Fans Excited
The cast's natural chemistry—especially between Seo-hyun and Taecyeon—shines.
"It felt like a reunion of comrades who've grown up in the industry together," said Taecyeon.
"From day one, we were comfortable," Seo-hyun agreed. "It made every scene so natural and easy."
The production team praised them as a "manga couple come to life." Highlight clips revealed flawless comedic timing and romantic tension. Seo-hyun exudes sweetness, while Taecyeon brings a dark charisma.
👀 Watch Points & Fan Expectations
Director Lee highlighted:
"The female lead who initially hates the male lead ends up slowly falling for him. That journey is a lot of fun to watch."
Other cast members shared:
- Ji Hye-won: "Each character has such distinct personality traits. Their interactions are full of twists."
- Seo Beom-jun: "Even just the highlight reel was fun!"
- Kwon Han-sol: "We travel back in time into a book. The costumes and accessories are also worth noting."
Taecyeon appealed to fans of the original web novel:
"You'll enjoy seeing how we reimagined the story."
For newcomers,
"It's a great introduction to how fun fantasy rom-coms can be."
Seo-hyun closed with:
"We hope the drama brings some joy and laughter to your day. We packed it with positive energy, so please enjoy it!"
The First Night With the Male Lead premieres tonight at 9:50 PM (KST) on KBS2.
[Photo Credit: KBS]
