Kim Hye Ja and Lee Jung Eun confront their past sins in a tense judgment scene in hell, while Son Suk Ku and Han Ji Min venture into the world of the living in the latest episode of JTBC’s Heavenly Ever After, aired on May 4, 2025, stirring emotions and curiosity among viewers.
A Unique Love Story in the Afterlife
Heavenly Ever After, a romantic fantasy drama, premiered on JTBC on April 19, 2025, airing every Saturday and Sunday at 22:30 KST. The series is also available on Netflix in select regions. Directed by Kim Suk Yoon and written by Lee Nam Kyu and Kim Su Jin, the 12-episode show stars Kim Hye Ja as Lee Hae Sook, an 80-year-old woman who dies and reunites with her husband, Go Nak Joon, played by Son Suk Ku, in heaven. Unlike others who choose youthful appearances, Lee Hae Sook keeps her elderly look, inspired by her husband’s words that she was most beautiful at 80. Son Suk Ku appears as the 30-something version of Go Nak Joon, a postman in heaven delivering wishes from Earth.
The drama explores timeless love and emotional connections, blending comedy, romance, and fantasy. It follows Lee Hae Sook’s journey in heaven, where she faces new emotions and relationships. The cast includes Han Ji Min as Som Yi, Lee Jung Eun as Lee Young Ae, Chun Ho Jin as the Heaven Support Center director, and Ryu Deok Hwan as a pastor, adding depth to the story.
Tense Judgment in Hell
In the latest episode aired on May 4, 2025, Lee Hae Sook faces a critical moment in hell after collecting six purple grapes, a symbol of her sins. Sent to the judgment counter, her sins are weighed to determine her fate—heaven or hell. Lee Hae Sook is labeled “unclassified,” creating suspense about her outcome. She reunites with Lee Young Ae, played by Lee Jung Eun, who also faces judgment. Their scales teeter, with Lee Hae Sook’s barely at the cutoff mark, while Lee Young Ae’s remains unmoved, hinting at a possible separation.
“Like heaven, hell is not the end but a process. Please stay tuned to see what fate awaits those who ended up in hell for different reasons,” the production team shared.
Chun Ho Jin, as Yeom Ra, the director overseeing the judgment, delivers a stern response, heightening the tension. Lee Hae Sook’s resigned expression reflects the weight of her situation, while Lee Young Ae’s unwavering scale adds mystery to her fate.
Bonds Forged in Life and Afterlife
Lee Young Ae shares a deep bond with Lee Hae Sook, having been like a daughter to her on Earth. Lee Hae Sook ran a moneylending business, and Lee Young Ae learned the trade from her, becoming her partner and successor. Their relationship, marked by loyalty, continues in the afterlife, making their judgment scene emotionally charged. Lee Jung Eun’s portrayal of Lee Young Ae brings warmth, contrasting with the grim setting of hell.
Meanwhile, Go Nak Joon risks everything to save his wife, venturing into hell to rescue Lee Hae Sook. His devotion underscores their enduring love, a central theme of the drama. Son Suk Ku’s performance as Go Nak Joon is refreshing, shifting from his usual intense roles to a lighthearted, romantic character.
A Journey to the Living World
In a surprising twist, Go Nak Joon and Som Yi appear in the world of the living. Som Yi, a mysterious figure with lost memories, follows Go Nak Joon, raising questions about their connection. One scene shows Som Yi frozen in the middle of a road, hinting at her struggle to reclaim her past. Han Ji Min’s warm yet enigmatic portrayal of Som Yi adds intrigue, as viewers wonder if she will uncover her identity.
“Som Yi will also start to put in effort to regain her memories, so please look forward to that,” the production team teased.
Earlier episodes revealed tensions around Som Yi. Lee Hae Sook initially believed Som Yi was Lee Young Ae, while Go Nak Joon suspected she was a runaway from hell. The real Lee Young Ae’s appearance in hell clarified Som Yi’s distinct role, deepening the mystery of her past and her link to Go Nak Joon.
Emotional and Quirky Storytelling
The drama’s first two episodes, aired on April 19 and 20, 2025, set a quirky and emotional tone. Lee Hae Sook’s arrival in heaven via a subway train and her choice to remain 80 years old surprised Go Nak Joon, who had built a home for her in heaven. Their bickering and affection brought humor, while Lee Hae Sook’s encounters with her younger mother and pets like Sonya the cat and dogs Jjajang, Jjamppong, and Mandu added heartfelt moments.
Kim Hye Ja’s performance as Lee Hae Sook is compelling, drawing on her five-decade career seen in dramas like Our Blues and The Light in Your Eyes. Son Suk Ku, known for A Killer Paradox and My Liberation Notes, brings charm to Go Nak Joon. Han Ji Min and Lee Jung Eun, both from Our Blues, enhance the emotional depth, while Chun Ho Jin and Ryu Deok Hwan add gravitas.
Viewer Reactions and Anticipation
Fans have shared emotional responses to the drama’s unique premise and strong performances.
“If there’s Kim Hye Ja, Han Ji Min, and Lee Jung Eun in the same drama, it’s surely gonna be sad and great <3,” wrote a fan on April 22, 2025.
“I cried on Benji and his hooman’s scene T_T,” shared another on April 21, 2025.
“I really enjoy this drama. Waiting for the next episode,” posted a viewer on April 21, 2025.
The drama’s ratings have climbed, building on the success of Kim Suk Yoon’s previous work, The Light in Your Eyes, which rose from 3% to 9.7% viewership. Heavenly Ever After is praised for its poignant lines and emotional resonance, making it a must-watch in 2025.
Production and Cast Insights
Filming began in May 2024 after Kim Hye Ja confirmed her role in January 2024. Han Ji Min, Lee Jung Eun, Son Suk Ku, and Ryu Deok Hwan joined by May 2024, with JTBC announcing the drama in December 2024. The series was crafted for Kim Hye Ja, nicknamed the “Kim Hye Ja Project.”
Kim Hye Ja shared her connection to the role:
“Hae Sook is a woman who deeply loves her husband, who passed away in an accident. She goes to heaven expecting to be young again, but arrives just as he liked her, in her 80s. This is all I know. Acting makes me happy.”
Son Suk Ku spoke about working with Kim Hye Ja:
“It was never awkward. From the start, she made it easy. Nak Joon is a man who only has eyes for Hae Sook, he’s the definition of a romantic.”
Recent Updates
As of May 4, 2025, the drama’s fifth episode revealed Lee Hae Sook and Lee Young Ae at the judgment counter, with Go Nak Joon and Som Yi in the living world. The production team promises a vivid depiction of hell, exploring sins and punishments. Som Yi’s memory quest and the fate of Lee Hae Sook and Lee Young Ae keep viewers hooked, with the next episode airing on May 10, 2025, at 10:30 p.m. KST.
CREDITS: JTBC
