Jeong Geon Joo and Choi Hee Jin are set to captivate audiences once again in the gentle romance The Road in Between.
On December 3, the online press conference for KBS 2TV’s Drama Special 2024 presented its fourth one-act play, The Road in Between (directed by Lee Hae Woo, and written by Seok Yeon Hwa). The event featured appearances by director Lee Hae Woo and lead actors Jeong Geon Joo and Choi Hee Jin, who shared their thoughts on the production.
The Road in Between tells the story of a man who works for a street-view photography team and a woman searching for her estranged father captured in one of those images. Jeong Geon Joo portrays Won Seo Hoo, while Choi Hee Jin takes on the role of Seong Eun Ha. Together, they navigate the emotional landscapes of loss, longing, and unexpected companionship.
Director Lee described the drama as “a tender and heartwarming tale that unfolds as Seo Hoo, who hasn’t moved on from a past heartbreak, and Eun Ha, who discovers her missing father in a street-view photo, cross paths.”
For his directorial debut, Lee Hae Woo said he chose The Road in Between after being drawn to the characters Seo Hoo and Eun Ha. “Both are meticulous and deliberate in how they start and end relationships, which felt compelling to me. I thought it would be intriguing to craft a drama solely centered on such characters.”
When asked about his approach to directing, Lee emphasized subtlety: “The changes in the characters’ emotions and relationships are delicate. It was a challenge to maintain this tone without exaggerating or forcing emotions during filming and post-production.”
Jeong Geon Joo and Choi Hee Jin were Lee's top choices for the lead roles. Lee envisioned Seo Hoo as a diligent and upright man, a perfect match for Jeong’s image. “This role is quieter and more introspective than Jeong’s previous characters, offering a fresh perspective for the audience,” he noted.
On casting Choi Hee Jin as Eun Ha, Lee said, “Eun Ha is a mix of honesty, resilience, and charm. With her unique backstory of searching for her father while dealing with her directional challenges, I needed someone who embodied both the character's quirks and depth. Choi Hee Jin was a natural fit.”
Having previously worked together in Best Ending, Jeong and Choi brought their established chemistry to The Road in Between. Jeong shared, “I wasn’t worried about our chemistry. Since we’re close, the challenge was to adapt our dynamic to this entirely different story.”
Choi echoed this sentiment, recalling, “Our debut project together was nerve-wracking, but reconnecting for this was thrilling. We shared many silent, emotional scenes, and our connection felt even stronger this time.”
The actors and director reflected on the challenges of delivering a subtle yet impactful narrative. Jeong Geon Joo described his process of embodying Seo Hoo: “The poetic dialogue required a lot of effort to make it feel natural. Director Lee even visited me at home to discuss the character in depth.”
Choi Hee Jin, known for her intense roles, said this project offered her a chance to grow as an actor. “Stripping away intensity to embrace simplicity was difficult but rewarding. This drama taught me the beauty of restraint.”
The team hopes viewers find comfort and warmth in The Road in Between. Jeong highlighted its charm: “The drama features Korea’s cozy alleyways and streets, making it visually delightful. It’s a heartwarming story perfect for the winter season.” Choi concluded, “This drama is like a gentle growth journey. Each moment adds up to create a sense of healing and empathy. I hope viewers feel comforted and uplifted.”
Director Lee added, “It’s a refreshing, feel-good story that will leave you smiling. I hope you enjoy it.” The Road in Between premieres on December 3 on KBS 2TV.
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