Han Ji-Min revealed she was so eager to work with director Kim Seok-yoon and actress Kim Hye-ja that she offered to join Heavenly Ever After as staff if no acting role was available. The upcoming JTBC fantasy romance drama marks her fourth collaboration with the director and features an unconventional love story set in the afterlife.
During the online production presentation on April 18, Han Ji-Min shared her unwavering commitment to the project.
“When I heard that the director would be working with Kim Hye-ja again, I wanted to be part of it no matter what role it was,” she said. “I even said I’d work behind the scenes if there was no role for me.”
Director Kim Seok-yoon confirmed her dedication, explaining that her character Som-i was created specifically for her after she expressed interest. “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.”
A Mysterious Role That Sparks Tension
Han Ji-Min plays Som-i, a woman who appears in heaven with no memories except the name Go Nak-joon (played by Son Suk-ku). Her sudden presence causes jealousy for Lee Hae-sook (Kim Hye-ja), who reunites with her husband in heaven—only to find him in his 30s while she remains 80.
“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.”
The dynamic between the three leads adds a unique twist to the drama’s premise. While Hae-sook and Nak-joon navigate their unconventional reunion, Som-i’s arrival introduces unexpected tension.
Reuniting with Director Kim Seok-yoon and Kim Hye-ja
This drama marks Han Ji-Min’s third project with director Kim Seok-yoon, following The Light in Your Eyes and Behind Your Touch. She also previously worked with Kim Hye-ja in Radiant, though they didn’t share scenes.
“Back then, I played the younger version of Kim Hye-ja’s character, so we didn’t get to share scenes,” Han Ji-Min recalled. “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.”
A Unique Take on Love and the Afterlife
Heavenly Ever After follows Lee Hae-sook, who chooses to keep her 80-year-old appearance in heaven after remembering her husband’s words: “You were pretty in your twenties and thirties, and now you are the most beautiful at eighty!” However, she is shocked to find Nak-joon in his youthful form, while she remains as she was at death.
The drama blends romance, fantasy, and humor, exploring themes of love beyond age and time. It premiered on JTBC on April 19, 2025, and is also available for streaming on Netflix in select regions.
SOURCE: Naver, Instagram/@jtbcdrama
