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Just a few days before its premiere, « The Practical Guide To Love » reveals both its secondary characters and the vision of its creative team. Starring Han Ji-min, the drama explores the love quest of a 30-year-old woman who chooses to enter the world of blind dates to find love.
Lee Ui-yeong, a member of the purchasing team at a luxury hotel, finds herself torn between two men with opposing charms. But beyond the love triangle, the series also focuses on her professional and family environment, which plays a key role in her evolution.
A gallery of characters to enrich the story
Among the key figures, Kim Jung-young plays Park Jung-im, Ui-yeong's mother, a demanding and disciplined insurance planner. Having raised her daughter to be independent, she's now challenging her vision of love.
Lee Mi-do plays Jung Na-ri, Ui-yeong's superior at the hotel. Behind her seemingly perfect marriage, she maintains a subtle tension at work, keeping a close eye on Ui-yeong's performance.
Park Jung-pyo plays Oh Myung-woon, a manager with more talent for business relations than for hands-on management. Kim Won-hae lends her features to Eun Jung-seok, general manager of the hotel and a respected figure, whose warm relationship with Ui-yeong promises some touching moments.
Jo Bok-rae plays Lee Eun-ho, co-CEO of HOME, an advocate of peaceful solutions and a source of humor, while Oh Min-ae plays Lee Soon-joo, Song Tae-seop's mother and her son's unwavering emotional support.
Director Lee Jae-hoon emphasizes the importance of this ensemble: «Many talented actors appear as family members and colleagues, adding both fun and depth to the story.» He adds, «I felt deeply moved several times thinking about how lucky we were with this cast.»
A realistic romance centered on blind dates
The director explains that his initial interest stemmed from the heroine's profession: «The fact that Lee Ui-yeong works in the purchasing team of a hotel seemed unique to me.» He adds, «Rather than the luxurious lobby, we wanted to highlight those who work in the kitchens, storerooms and corridors.»
Writer Lee Yi-jin comments on the originality of the concept: «The original work was so charming that I didn't hesitate for long. She adds: »I found it interesting that the story deals seriously with blind dates. From the very first episode, it departs from typical romances by showing that natural encounters are difficult and that conditions are carefully weighed.«
In her view, this more thoughtful approach suits an adult audience: «It may sound a bit dry, but I thought it would tell a love story that thirty-somethings, with their responsibilities, could relate to.»
Finally, she concludes, «I think viewers will appreciate it more if they ask themselves, “What kind of love have I experienced?” and “What choice would I have made in this situation?” I hope no one will give up on love too easily.»
The series will air on February 28 at 10:40pm (KST) on JTBC and is also available on Viki.
