New drama The World They Live In

The anticipated new drama The World They Live In is set to take over the Monday-Tuesday prime-time slot for KBS. On October 20, the series starring Song Hye-gyo and Hyun Bin in their drama comebacks held its production press conference.

Not only does this drama boast Song’s return to television after four years (Full House was her last) and Hyun Bin’s after two (since Snow Queen), it has also attracted much notice for the teaming of its director, Pyo Min-su (Full House), with much-lauded scriptwriter Noh Hee-kyung (Goodbye Solo, More Beautiful Than a Flower).

The 16-episode drama takes the time slot vacated by Love & Marriage, which ends today. That means it’ll soon be doing its best to challenge the current ratings leader, East of Eden (and the slightly less-watched Tazza).

In the drama, which is set at a broadcast station, both Song Hye-gyo and Hyun Bin play drama PDs who work together and fall in love. Song recently cut off her long hair to play the role of a professional whose appeal is described as more “asexual” (their word) than overt.

Song said of taking on the role, “When I first received the synopsis, I thought it was so interesting. Also, there was no reason for me not to do this with a director and writer I respect so much.” As for starring opposite Hyun Bin, she said, “I almost worked with him in the past, but that didn’t happen and now I finally get be paired with him in this project. Because I work well with Hyun Bin, who’s a mature and warm person, I’m receiving a lot of help from him.”

Hyun Bin also explained that while he appreciated being able to take on new experiences, “I felt a little embarrassed to be acting as a PD in front of a real PD.”

The World They Live In premieres next Monday, on October 27, but there will be a “special” broadcast tomorrow, on the 21st. The program shows brief interviews from the cast’s overseas shoots in Singapore.