KBS2's upcoming weekend drama 'Love On The Menu' has unveiled its first teaser ahead of its premiere, offering viewers a glimpse into the tangled family conflicts, emotional wounds, and complicated relationships at the heart of the series.
Set to premiere on July 25 at 8 PM KST, 'Love On The Menu,' directed by Hong Seok Goo and written by Lee Kyung Hee, follows a family burdened by deep emotional scars as they struggle to overcome misunderstandings, repair broken relationships, and rediscover the meaning of family. The project has already generated anticipation thanks to the collaboration between director Hong, known for his polished storytelling, and screenwriter Lee, acclaimed for her emotionally nuanced character writing.
Ha Seok Jin stars as Kim Moo Jin, the owner and head chef of a successful Italian restaurant. Blessed with wealth, talent, and good looks, Moo Jin appears to have the perfect life until he falls deeply in love with Han Gyu Rim, changing the course of his future.
Despite repeated rejection, Moo Jin never gives up on pursuing Gyu Rim, and the pair eventually become lovers. However, she suddenly disappears without explanation, leaving him emotionally devastated. After moving to Italy to devote himself to cooking, he returns eight years later and unexpectedly reunites with Gyu Rim, setting fate in motion once again.
The female lead, Han Gyu Rim, is played by Ahn Hee Yeon, also known as Hani. Gyu Rim works at a side-dish shop while single-handedly supporting her struggling family after their once-comfortable life falls apart. Forced to juggle countless part-time jobs and household responsibilities, she sacrifices her dreams for those around her.
She once shared the happiest year of her life with Moo Jin, but ultimately ended their relationship after being overwhelmed by the harsh reality. Eight years later, as she continues working tirelessly at the shop, Moo Jin suddenly reappears, forcing both of them to confront the past.
The drama also features a colorful supporting cast.
Park Yoo Na plays Han Gyu Young, Gyu Rim's younger sister, whose personality and values stand in complete contrast to her older sibling. A pragmatic realist, Gyu Young refuses to sacrifice herself for others and carefully plans her own future.
Bae Jung Nam portrays Jo Heung Sik, Gyu Rim's longtime male best friend. While helping care for his mother and assisting at Gyu Rim's side-dish shop, his cheerful personality and dependable nature are expected to bring warmth and comic relief to the emotionally heavy story.
The newly released one-minute teaser teases years of unresolved resentment and hidden family secrets.
It opens with younger brother Han Gyu Oh angrily telling Gyu Young that Gyu Rim gave up college and abandoned her own dreams so her sister could attend medical school.
Scenes of Gyu Rim leaving for physically demanding work before sunrise are contrasted with Gyu Young's comparatively comfortable life, immediately establishing the emotional divide between the sisters.
Gyu Young coldly responds, "Gyu Rim never had a dream," heightening the tension before Jo Heung Sik playfully flicks her forehead, briefly lightening the mood.
The teaser also hints at a mysterious storyline involving Han Gyu Oh's troubled past. Younger sibling Han Gyu Seo desperately pleads with their father, Han Seok Joong, saying, "Don't accept that money. Do you know what my brother had to do to earn it?" Flashbacks of Gyu Oh's troubled youth and visits to the police station raise further questions about his history.
Family frustrations continue to surface throughout the preview. Gyu Young bitterly asks, "Why couldn't the chairman be our father?" revealing her long-held dissatisfaction with their family's social status.
Meanwhile, their father warns Gyu Rim, "Haven't you learned anything after watching your mother's life fall apart because she chose the wrong man?" Gyu Rim firmly replies, "Mr. Moo Jin is different," demonstrating her unwavering trust in him.
The teaser also suggests that Moo Jin and Gyu Rim's romance will face significant challenges.
Jo Heung Sik is shown spending time closely with Gyu Rim, while Park Jung Woo drops a bombshell by saying, "I found out Gyu Rim lied. She deceived Moo Jin."
The revelation leaves Moo Jin visibly shocked as Gyu Rim breaks down in tears, foreshadowing a painful turning point in their relationship.
The teaser concludes with Gyu Rim finally reaching her emotional breaking point.
"I can't keep putting up with your unreasonable demands," she declares. "Stop interfering in other people's lives."
A final narration—"Let's just live life unfolds. We'll see what happens."—suggests the drama will explore not only romance but also the difficult choices, responsibilities, and sacrifices that define family.
The drama is also drawing attention as Ahn Hee Yeon's first television drama in more than three years.
After debuting as Hani of EXID, Ahn gradually established herself as an actress. However, she temporarily stepped away from broadcasting following personal controversies.
She had originally planned to marry psychiatrist Yang Jae Woong in September 2024. The wedding was postponed after a patient died at a hospital operated by Yang, sparking widespread public controversy. At the time, his agency, Mystic Story, officially announced that the couple had decided to delay the wedding.
'Love On The Menu' marks Ahn's first television drama since "Call It Love" and her first leading role in a KBS weekend drama, making it a significant comeback project.
Opposite Ahn is veteran actor Ha Seok Jin, who has earned praise throughout his career for portraying emotionally layered characters.
He previously gained acclaim for his performances in 'Drinking Solo' (2016) and 'Radiant Office' (2017), where he convincingly balanced cold, aloof personalities with gradual emotional growth.
His ability to portray guarded characters who slowly reveal warmth has become one of his signature strengths, making his pairing with Ahn one of the drama's biggest points of interest.
Whether their emotional chemistry can carry the series may ultimately determine the success of KBS's newest weekend drama.
'Love On The Menu' premieres on KBS2 on July 25 at 8 PM KST.
SEE ALSO: KBS2 drama 'Love Is Coming' to select OST singers through fan vote
SEE ALSO: EXID's Hani shares heartfelt thoughts on returning to acting
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