"Would I have been able to play this role if I hadn't married?" Kim Hee Sun asked with a smile. The actress channels her own story of motherhood and rediscovery in TV Chosun's new Monday–Tuesday drama No Next Life.

A Story of Second Chances

Kim Hee Sun stars as Jo Na Jung, a former top home-shopping host who left her career behind to raise two sons. Now in her 40s, she returns to work as an intern host, determined to shed the label of a "career-break mom."

"I took a six-year break after marriage," Kim shared at the press conference held at Stanford Hotel in Seoul's Mapo District on November 10. "Every time I watched TV, I missed acting so much. Because I've experienced stepping away for childcare, I felt more confident portraying this role."

She revealed she read all 12 episodes in one day, saying, "Every episode was entertaining, and I related deeply to Na Jung's story."

Reflecting Real Life on Screen

Kim infused her own experiences into the character. "When I started working again, I realized how precious my job was. I think Na Jung would feel the same after returning to work," she explained.

She also made deliberate styling choices. "Mothers of two are strong but have no time to dress up," she said. "I wore clothes similar to what I actually wear at home to make her look more real."

The Ensemble Cast and Realistic Chemistry

Kim stars alongside Yoon Park, who plays her husband and former colleague Won Bin. The couple, who once shared office romance, now struggle to rediscover their bond while raising children. "They forget each other's value while parenting but reconnect when Na Jung resumes her career," Kim said.

The drama also follows two other couples: Han Hye Jin and Heo Jun Seok as a pair struggling with fertility, and Jin Seo Yeon and Jang In Seop as lovers preparing for a late marriage. Yoon Park described his and Kim's on-screen relationship as "a love like comradeship."

Kim added, "These are stories that everyone can see around them. It's almost like a drama to 'preview marriage.'"

The Power of Friendship On and Off Screen

The chemistry between Kim Hee Sun, Han Hye Jin, and Jin Seo Yeon was a highlight. "Seo Yeon named our group chat 'The Three Beauties' and invited us all in," Kim recalled, laughing. "We became close right away and talked non-stop on set."

Jin Seo Yeon joked, "There was no jealousy because we all know we're beautiful," while Han Hye Jin added, "Hee Sun changes outfits faster than anyone! Thanks to her, we always finished shooting early."

A Confident Return for TV Chosun

No Next Life marks TV Chosun's first Monday–Tuesday mini-series in 13 years. "They chose this as their comeback drama — that says how fun it is," Kim said. "I hope this show helps the network revive the weekday drama slot."

She also made a lighthearted ratings promise: "If we exceed 5%, I'll do a free hug and coffee truck event!"

Han Hye Jin concluded, "This series will offer empathy for viewers in their 40s and hope for those in their 20s and 30s. The emotions we shared while filming will definitely reach the audience."

No Next Life premieres tonight at 10 p.m. KST and is also available on Netflix.