Han Ji-min Wasn’t Originally “Heavenly Ever After” Cast: “I’d Work as Staff If There Was No Role”

On April 18, the production presentation for JTBC’s upcoming weekend drama “Heavenly Ever After” was streamed online. Director Kim Seok-yoon and cast members Kim Hye-ja, Son Suk-ku, Han Ji-min, Lee Jung-eun, Chun Ho-jin, and Ryu Deok-hwan were in attendance.

“Heavenly Ever After” is a fantasy romance drama about Lee Hae-sook (played by Kim Hye-ja), who arrives in heaven at the age of 80 and reunites with her husband Go Nak-joon (Son Suk-ku), who appears in his 30s. The project reunites director Kim Seok-yoon with writers Lee Nam-gyu and Kim Su-jin of The Light in Your Eyes.

Han Ji-min plays Som-i, a mysterious woman who suddenly appears in heaven. “She doesn’t remember anything except one name Go Nak-joon,” Han Ji-min explained. “She goes searching for him, and everyone in heaven starts wondering who she really is. Some even joke that she might have escaped from hell. Others guessed she was a dog in disguise. It’ll be fun for viewers to unravel her identity along the way.”

This marks Han Ji-min’s third drama with director Kim Seok-yoon. She shared, “If it’s a project by Director Kim, I’ll do anything. When I heard Kim Hye-ja was involved, I even said I’d work behind the scenes if there was no role for me.”

Director Kim revealed, “Han Ji-min wasn’t originally part of the cast. But when she expressed her desire to participate, we created a role just for her. Her involvement really enriched the script and story.”

Reflecting on her past role in The Light in Your Eyes, Han Ji-min said, “Back then, I played the younger version of Kim Hye-ja’s character, so we didn’t get to share scenes. This time, I play a character who comes between her and Son Suk-ku it’s a love triangle. When the director asked if I could handle it, I hesitated. But acting alongside her was truly an honor.”

“Heavenly Ever After” premieres on April 19 at 10:30 PM (KST), following “The Art of Negotiation.”